tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279439735054296422024-03-05T21:57:35.631-08:00Samuel's Line - Saul's CircleProviding a forum for the express purpose of encouraging a return of the church of Christ to a clear, unambiguous and linear understanding of the Holy Scriptures facilitating an expanding opportunity to go, make disciples, to baptize and to teach "all things whatsoever" Jesus has commanded us in the Gospels, the Acts, the Epistles and the Revelation.Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-43556187730476975652017-07-27T20:19:00.000-07:002017-07-28T09:55:50.344-07:00A Post-Faithful Report from Lipscomb University - #2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i>Report & Analysis</i></b></div>
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28 July 2017 - <b><i>Gospel Call Media</i></b> - (Charlotte, NC) - Last month in Nashville, TN on the campus of Lipscomb University there was a pro-denominational gathering known as <b><i>InterGenerate 2017 (TM)</i></b>. It was a purposeful, proactive, and plotted yoking of the universities<i style="font-weight: bold;"> "Institute for Christian Spirituality" </i>with the radically pro-sectarian organization known as <i style="font-weight: bold;">GenOn Ministries (TM). </i>The director of this conference herself, Dr. Holly Allen of Lipscomb University, disclosed in my hearing that the entire conference was made possible by a $5,000.00 grant from the president of Lipscomb University, Dr. L. Randolph Lowry.<b><i>(1)</i></b><br />
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This reporter was there. I was determined to hear with my own ears any evidence of movement away from the "faith once for all delivered to the saints" at Lipscomb University. What I heard was far worse than my greatest fears. Though there are many faithful faculty, staff, and students remaining at Lipscomb, the leadership of the Bible Department has gone "retro." What I heard has more in common with 2nd century Gnosticism than it does the the "pattern of sound words." <br />
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The conference essentially is attempting to replace, not only the essence of the gospel,<b><i> (2) </i></b>it seeks to aggressively change how that gospel is conveyed. Paul asserts in Romans 10.17 that "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." The eunuch in Acts 8, when asked if he understood what he was reading, replied; "How can I, except some man should guide me?" The spoken and heard Word of God is the chosen conveyance of God. It has not changed. Sadly, this conference is interested in every form of communication EXCEPT biblical preaching for "ears that hear." Among a number of un-biblical portals, I heard conference presenters advocate uber interactivity, the use of children in worship services, and drawing out of prayers with crayons for adults. It was like being at a "magical mystery tour" of extreme spiritual experimentation.<br />
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Sadly, Origen, Augustine, and Aquinas would have been far more comfortable at this conference than would have Peter, Paul, and John. In the 2nd century the Gnostic's claimed both an exclusive and higher knowledge than that which was common to ordinary Christians. Now, as then, those who see themselves as the "best and the brightest of all time," have a "buzz word" language to confuse traditional and understood meanings so as to "sound" faithful as they attempt to force the "car over the cliff." Here is a list of<i> </i><b><i>novis-Gnostic</i> </b>words and terms I heard (along with definitions) <b><i>(3)</i></b> while at the conference. (I'm sure there were others, these are the ones I caught.)<br />
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<li><b><i>"Cross-denominational"</i></b> - The transference of truth across conflicting denominational lines without objection.</li>
<li><b><i>"Spiritual"</i></b> - Feelings of religion in lieu of trust, obedience, and faithfulness.</li>
<li><b><i>"Intra-denominational"</i></b> - Conflicting doctrines within a singular denomination.</li>
<li><b><i>"Multi-denominational" </i></b>- All denominations are equally viable, one is good as another, truth is in multiples and not in singularity.</li>
<li><b><i>"Traditions"</i></b> - In lieu of the Bible, this is where conflicting denominations justify their existence. All "traditions" are all equally worthy.</li>
<li><b><i>"Faith Formation / Spiritual Formation" </i></b>- Takes the place of obedience to the gospel, an evolution and not an event. As you may have heard; "Faith is a journey, not a destination."<b><i> (4)</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>"Historical Roots" </i></b>- The foundation of conflicting denominations is rooted in history and not upon the Bible. The<b><i> novis-Gnostic's</i></b> reject the existence of singular, revealed, inerrant, and inspired truth.</li>
<li><b><i>"Explosive Free Range Worship"</i></b> - The 21st century version of the "silence of the Scriptures" is a license for never ending progression away from revelation. ("We can do anything we want as long as the Bible doesn't expressly forbid it.")</li>
<li><b><i>"Accommodation"</i></b> - The act of dumbing down worship, preaching, and teaching to the lowest common denominator, i.e.don't put anything over a 4th grade level. This is also known as "Changing forms to suit the capacity."</li>
<li><b><i>"Paradigm" </i></b>- That which comes from the past and must be discarded at all costs. All things from the past are counter-evolutionary and therefore must be considered useless.</li>
<li><b><i>"Story" </i></b>- A term that is associated with fiction that is applied to all the historical accounts found in the Bible.</li>
<li><b><i>"Testimony" </i></b>- "My story" trumps revealed Scripture. What I feel is more important than what I can learn from the Scriptures.</li>
<li><b><i>"Practical Theology" </i></b>- The pragmatic tail that wags the theological dog. What works is more important that what is revealed.</li>
<li><b><i>"Pragmatic Academic"</i></b> - Outcome based educator who practices "practical theology."</li>
<li><b><i>"Narrative of Scripture"</i></b> - The Bible is a story from Genesis to Revelation devoid of interpretation of the Holy Spirit, devoid of dispensation, and testament. It overtly rejects the concept of II Timothy 3.16 - 17.</li>
<li><b><i>"Re-clothing Communion"</i></b> - The radical change of the Lord's Supper to include, integrate and accommodate the mindset of very young children. </li>
<li><b><i>"Collaborative Theology" </i></b>- In lieu of studying the Scriptures, this is the blending of many conflicting doctrines so as to render them all devoid of conviction. For years this has been also known as the "unity in diversity movement." It is based upon human wisdom and ignores the Scripture entirely.</li>
<li><b><i>"Tribe"</i></b> - A term used for referring to people of conviction as being somehow backward for the faithfulness to revelation. When one admits to belonging to a "tribe" one can then "admit" that there are "Christians" in all "churches." </li>
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These are "smooth words" and we must be wary of them!<br />
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Remember Isaiah 30.10b: <b><i>"Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:"</i></b><br />
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[Lord willing, this will be an on-going series. The next report will deal with the theological assumptions of Dr. Leonard Allen who is the head of the Bible Department at Lipscomb University and is married to the conference chairman, Dr. Holly Allen.] - RM<br />
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NOTES:<br />
(1) These facts were all verified in detail in our first report 13 July 2017 and available on this same blog.<br />
(2) There were many denominations in attendance, all advocating "different gospels." There were Presbyterians, Lutherans, Catholics, Disciples of Christ, Anglicans, Episcopalians, et. al. The theme, stated numerous times and numerous ways was, "truth is relative, it is multiple, ever changing, evolving, emerging, and is individually defined." The only truth I did not hear was that "truth is revealed, unchanging, singular, and is not individually defined."<br />
(3) The definitions are mine based upon how these words / terms / phrases were used at the conference in my hearing. As there is no such thing as a "New-Gnostic" dictionary, I WELCOME your better definitions that I can use to update any mis-definition on my part!<br />
(4) The radically emergent ETHOS CHURCH in Nashville, where Dr.'s Leonard & Holly Allen attend brags about having an atheist leading a mission team to Kenya a couple of years ago! You see, he's on a "journey" to faith and his "journey" is just beginning. (Verifiable on the 3rd session of Leonard Allen at the 2016 Pepperdine Lectures, if you care to look it up. It's on YouTube.)</div>
Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-53242087349587451682017-07-13T12:33:00.000-07:002017-07-13T19:59:08.393-07:00A Post-Faithful Report from Lipscomb University #1 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
13 July 2017 - <b><i>Gospel Call Media</i></b> - (Charlotte, NC) - I heard it with my own ears in person. The <b><i>InterGenerate 2017 (TM) </i></b>conference was held on the campus of Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN and I was there June 25 - 27, 2017. Not wanting to print "hear-say," I was there in person with reporters pencil in hand. The purpose for going? To verify one way or the other whether the university which claims to be "affiliated with the churches of Christ,"(1) continues to adhere to the "apostles doctrine" or not. This is why I was there. To claim "affiliation" without "faithfulness to the apostles doctrine" is simply existential, chaotic, and contradictory nonsense. Sadly, from what I heard from the very opening of the conference, the answer is "no," Lipscomb is no longer faithful to what she once was.<br />
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From the very moment I arrived, I was perplexed. I found not a single confessing member of the church of Christ on the program. Other than brother and sister Ireland from my home congregation (present with me the first night of the conference), I did not meet even a single confessing member of the Lord's church among the 150 attending. Most disturbing of all, we were the only ones present with Bibles. The last two days of the conference, as far as I could comprehend, I alone came with a copy of God's Word.<br />
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The conference was a collaborative effort between the universities<b><i> "Institute for Christian Spirituality"</i></b> (2) and the openly pro-denominational <b><i>GenOn Ministries (TM)</i></b> organization. (3) The purpose of this first ever <b><i>InterGenerate Conference (TM)</i></b> was to promote the bridging of generational gaps as a primary tool for more effective church growth, regardless of denominational affiliation. <br />
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This pro-denominational / inter-denominational conference being at Lipscomb University was no accident nor was it incidental. In fact the conference was orchestrated by Lipscomb faculty member Dr. Holly Allen (4) and overtly funded by a $5,000.00 grant from the institutions president, Dr. L. Randolph Lowry. (5) (6) Despite the inspired apostle Paul's clear warning against "unequal yoking" in II Corinthians 6.11 - 7.1, Lipscomb University, Dr. Allen, Dr. Lowry, et al have unequally yoked themselves with the non-Christians (7) of <b><i>GenOn Ministries (TM).</i></b> to openly endorse and promote sectarian division.<br />
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Even more disturbing than the open acceptance of religious division, Dr. Allen on at least 3 occasions that I heard during the introduction focused, reiterated, and insisted upon the "multi denominational" and "inter-denominational" emphasis of the conference in a most overt way. (8) Most upsetting of all, though, was the comments made by Dr. Holly's husband, Dr. Leonard Allen. (9) He welcomed the approximately 150 participants on behalf of the university. As the head of the Bible Department at Lipscomb he told the assembled denominationalists that the university was "affiliated with churches of Christ" which is one of three "denominations" that came out of the 19th century so-called "Stone-Campbell" movement. In my hearing Dr. Leonard Allen purposely and overtly asserted that the Lord's Church was nothing more and nothing less than just another denomination. (10) By so doing he surrendered ground to error and declined to share the one true gospel with those who are lost. Of course, had both the Allen's stood up for the truth, the conference would not have been possible or even conceived of.<br />
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There are individuals at Lipscomb University that remain faithful but they are not in the Bible department. We must pray for their continued faithfulness. We must also pray that faithful Christians, especially in Nashville, will warn others of this departure lest they come through many a "Jude's side door." (Jude 1.4) This reporter will follow with more reports from Lipscomb University detailing their collective departure from the faith "once for all delivered to the saints." <br />
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NOTES:<br />
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(1) <a href="http://www.lipscomb.edu/about/fast-facts"><span style="color: #992211;">http://www.lipscomb.edu/about/fast-facts</span></a><br />
(2) <a href="http://www.lipscomb.edu/ics"><span style="color: #992211;">http://www.lipscomb.edu/ics</span></a><br />
(3) <a href="https://www.genonministries.org/blogs/blog/intergenerate-reflections"><span style="color: #992211;">https://www.genonministries.org/blogs/blog/intergenerate-reflections</span></a> (This links to a blushing pro denominational blog post about the conference)<br />
(4) <a href="http://www.lipscomb.edu/news/filter/item/0/31716"><span style="color: #992211;">http://www.lipscomb.edu/news/filter/item/0/31716</span></a> (The very pro-denominational nature of this conference is admitted here on Lipscomb's own website. Biographical info on Dr. Allen is included in the post)<br />
(5) Per comments made by Dr. Holly Allen as she introduced the conference on the evening of 25 June 2017<br />
(6) Bio on Pres. Lowry: <a href="https://www.lipscomb.edu/president/biography"><span style="color: #992211;">https://www.lipscomb.edu/president/biography</span></a><br />
(7) [In the New Testament sense of the word - no participating denominations present preach and teach that one must "repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins"]<br />
(8) Per comments made by Dr. Holly Allen as she introduced the conference on the evening of 25 June 2017. Interestingly, even though that both she and her husband both having backgrounds in the church of Christ, neither her or her husband acknowledged this fact at any time during the conference in my hearing. All the other participants affiliation with sectarian denominations were clearly noted. According to comments made at the 2016 Pepperdine Lectures, Dr. Leonard Allen, Dr. Holly Allen's husband, openly admitted to their attending the radically emergent <b><i>ETHOS CHURCH</i></b> (<a href="http://www.ethoschurch.org/"><span style="color: #992211;">http://www.ethoschurch.org/</span></a>) in downtown Nashville, TN.<br />
(9) Bio on Dr. Leonard Allen: <a href="http://www.lipscomb.edu/www/bio/detail/1248"><span style="color: #992211;">http://www.lipscomb.edu/www/bio/detail/1248</span></a><br />
(10) Per comments made by Dr. Leonard Allen as he welcomed the conference participants to Lipscomb University on the evening of 25 June 2017.<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-30774898766930067052013-11-04T08:39:00.000-08:002013-11-04T08:39:38.825-08:00Press Release from Russ McCullough<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoTitle" style="margin: 24pt 41.75pt 0.25in;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Courier New;">Carolina Author Announces “Emerging Church” Book Release<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><span class="Lead-inEmphasis">Charlotte,
NC, November 4, 2013</span>: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ground
breaking theological/investigative work, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">EMERGING TOWARDS APOSTASY, </i></b>is now
published through <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trafford Publishing </i></b>® and is available at:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 23.75pt 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://bookstore.trafford.com/Products/SKU-000665451/Emerging-Towards-Apostasy.aspx"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New;">http://bookstore.trafford.com/Products/SKU-000665451/Emerging-Towards-Apostasy.aspx</span></a><span style="font-family: Courier New;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 23.75pt 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 23.75pt 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Additional outlets will soon follow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 23.75pt 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">This work serves
as a first of its kind handbook on changes driving the massive theological
departures within surrendering churches of Christ regarding salvation, worship
& leadership. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 23.75pt 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ETA </i></b>explores
how the allegories of Origen, the imagination of Thomas Aquinas and the “evolutionary
truth” of Brian McLaren are driving deconstructive change within the Lord’s
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These “deconstructions” have
come about primarily by an embrace of post-modern/existential philosophy,
so-called “evangelicalism” and an elevation of patristical writings to near
Scripture status by those obsessed by change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Classes, lectures and presentations are available from the author. -END-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-70021741432271726522013-10-03T15:42:00.000-07:002013-10-03T16:07:18.424-07:00The Glorious Land!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg01s4FwYkj9uv9kYF2pdw_ZH-ZdXMnhBl-bOev-94j_v0xNbhlNjpW86WbJxaMgDjxxMlNkXC6F0u-QggiYu3NkQSsK8EZ3CN31UfKivSq-9rDNBXR7-PFP5JCACzbc0MH5PqRwMrP3gj/s1600/foundingfathers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg01s4FwYkj9uv9kYF2pdw_ZH-ZdXMnhBl-bOev-94j_v0xNbhlNjpW86WbJxaMgDjxxMlNkXC6F0u-QggiYu3NkQSsK8EZ3CN31UfKivSq-9rDNBXR7-PFP5JCACzbc0MH5PqRwMrP3gj/s320/foundingfathers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
America is the most unique nation on earth, being the only nation ever formed on biblical principles. The framers asserted that the rights to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (what they understood as property)" descended, not from government (other men), but from God Himself...rights that cannot be denied, biblically, by any man. Peter speaks of "honoring the king as supreme" in I Peter 2.13 - 17. Who is our king? In America the king is not a man, it is America's collective political assertion...the Constitution. We are a nation, "not of men but of laws." Our oaths promise loyalty to the Constitution, not to the President and not to the Congress. <br />
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The Founders were collectively the most biblically astute political body ever assembled. They knew their Bibles far better than most preachers of today. They knew how God had founded the nation state of Israel. They knew that in God's political framework life was precious as it was created by God "in His image." They knew God founded Israel upon "the one true religion" which gave man that which he yearns for the most...liberty. Finally, they knew that God made ownership of property the central pillar of the economy of "the glorious land." Every family was given a parcel of land to have, hold and to retain in one's family all the generations. Even if by mismanagement or neglect, every 50 years the land would revert back to it's original owners in what the Bible calls the "year of jubilee." Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness are central God given rights in the Declaration as they were to "the glorious land!"<br />
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380835038807_4430">The Declaration declared to the world our God given right to self government. The Declaration acknowledges the separation from England by England. Yes, there was "revolution" and "rebellion" in 1776. It was the king and his ministers who rebelled and revolted against the English Constitution, not the colonials. America's un-heeded plea was that the king and his government return to the covenant. The break between us was acknowledged by us but caused by and confirmed by the English covenant breakers in London.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380835038807_4669">The American Constitution was the implementation of our rights to self-government under God and none other. </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380835038807_4672">Unfortunately our current troubles regarding immorality, violence, bigotry, religion and un-belief are in direct correlation to our abandonment to the God of Heavens directives. The more evil we become, the further from God...and the Constitution...we drift. Unless we repent, the "glorious land" [Daniel's phrase for Israel] will fall to a "Babylon" raised up by God to discipline us, and perhaps, destroy us. </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380835038807_4689">What to do? "Preach the gospel in season and out of season." Who, friend, can do this? Only one entity is given the "ministry of reconciliation," the church of Christ! It is up to the church of Christ, and she alone, to "stand in the gap" for the Glorious Land we call America. Should "the Bride of Christ" become unfaithful, the wrath of God will surely come down upon our land. Why did the God of Heaven raise up this "glorious land" in the New World? Why did He providentially work through the Founding Fathers? The answer is breathtaking!</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380835038807_4689">It is fundamental to note that the NT word "liberty" used by the Founders in the Declaration is taken from Jesus Himself in describing His mission on earth. We read in Luke 4.17 - 21: </span></div>
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<dir><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380835038807_4689">
<span style="font-size: small;">And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent ne to heal the brokenhearted, to preach <strong><em>deliverance </em></strong>to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at <strong><em>liberty </em></strong>them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. (1)</span> </span></dir><br />
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<dir>The words "deliverance" and "liberty" are both translated from the same Greek word <strong><em>aphesis, </em></strong>meaning, according to <u id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380835038807_4690">Strong's,</u> "...pardon, deliverance, forgiveness, remission.." </dir><div>
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<strong><em>Was America founded as a vehicle for the preaching of remission of sins? The case is strong!</em></strong> </div>
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The Founders knew that political freedom depended totally upon spiritual freedom. Adam's said it best, "...ours is a system of government suited for a moral and religious people...and no other." </div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380835038807_4686">Our survival as a people depends solely upon the faithfulness of the church of Christ to the Great Commission, loving God with all our hearts, minds and souls and loving our neighbors as ourselves. God bless America, the Glorious Land! </span></div>
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(1) KJV via <a href="http://e-sword.com/">http://e-sword.com</a> <br />
Photo Credit: <a href="http://gardenwalkgardentalk.com/">http://gardenwalkgardentalk.com</a>. The Founding Fathers sculpture at the National Constitutional Hall in Philadelphia via Yahoo! Pictures</div>
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Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-67999610900984775482013-06-16T23:44:00.002-07:002013-06-16T23:50:24.778-07:00The Salvation of the Gentiles!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Does Acts 15 teach the addition of instrumental music in New Testament worship by default?<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/h4W3VtI-aNo">http://youtu.be/h4W3VtI-aNo</a></div>
Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-71774263627887016442013-04-09T15:14:00.000-07:002013-04-09T15:20:37.063-07:0012 Polemicists of the New and Old Testaments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Those who stand for
nothing will fall for anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">– Alexander Hamilton<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A debate is an examination
of the perceived benefits of one opinion as opposed to another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of a debate there is often a
common ground established between the opposing parties forming a framework for
a final consensus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good illustration
of a debate is a legislative process known as reconciliation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Senate has a bill as well as the
House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reconciliation finds common
ground that becomes the final bill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone “wins” and everyone “loses.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think of a debate as “verbal negotiation”
where both parties surrender some ground to the other party in order to achieve
a common goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two winners, no losers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On the other hand, a
polemic is a verbal contest of one conviction versus another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no compromises, winner takes all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wikipedia</i></b> defines “polemic” thusly;
“…a polemic is intended only to establish the truth of a point of view while
refuting the opposing point of view.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think
of a polemic as “verbal combat” that “takes no prisoners.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Victor and vanquished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
the word “polemic” comes from the Greek word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">polemos </i>meaning “war.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>According to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Merriam Webster </i></b>on line dictionary the first known use of the
word “polemic” is traced to 1638.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wikipedia
</i></b>asserts that “polemic” did not come into common usage until 1815 –
1820.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s use was not common early on
as it is not listed in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Webster’s 1828. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In our day and time, the clear
difference between debate and polemics is blurred nearly to extinction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our post-modern existential culture, not
recognizing truth of any kind, asserts that there is no such thing as a
“conviction,” there is only the ever changing opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Increasingly those holding true convictions,
the polemics among us if you please, are seen as “narrow minded,” “judgmental,”
“bigoted” and “hateful.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To espouse any
kind of “absolute” assaults the primary “virtue” of our culture…”tolerance.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Spiritually speaking, even
a casual examination of the Bible reveals a multitude of polemic episodes from
Genesis to Revelation!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first polemic
contest in the Bible takes place while Adam and Eve are still in the garden,
though not for long.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God: “...thou shalt surely
die!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Satan: “…thou shalt NOT
surely die!”<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=727943973505429642#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></b></span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God took no prisoners, as
the polemic promise of Christ striking Satan’s head took place on Resurrection
Morning!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nearly every page of the Bible
is polemic in nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good vs. evil,
light vs. darkness, bitter vs. sweet, truth vs. falsehood, obedience vs.
rebellion, faith vs. unbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
scriptures set the Christians polemic paradigm but two are prominent, II
Corinthians 6.14 – 18 and I Peter 3.13 – 16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the II Corinthians passage Paul sets the polemic stage in the most stark
contrast possible in the rhetorical question format. Peter pulls out his
“metaphorical sword” and challenges us all to be ready for the polemic
contest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those inclined to
“tolerance,” “coexistence,” “opinion” and “accommodation,” the Bible will prove
unsettling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If one finds polemics
uncomfortable, one will certainly find the Bible even more disturbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Polemicists abound in God’s Word! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s
examine 12 of the Bibles most prominent polemicists:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">CHRIST
– Our Lord and Savior uttered the most polemic statement of all time: “I am THE
way, THE truth and THE life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NO MAN
comes to the Father EXCEPT by me!” – John 14.6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">PAUL
– Paul had polemic encounters nearly everywhere he went: “The times of
ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent…”
– Acts 17.30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">JOHN
THE BAPTIST – The tenacity of John was admired by Christ as he truly was a
polemicist “faithful unto death.” – “…Herod had seized John and bound him and
put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because
John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” – Matthew
14.3 – 4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">PETER
& JOHN – After being threatened by the Sanhedrin for speaking in Jesus’
Name, Peter and John offer up a polemic remembered by many even today: “There
is salvation in no one else, for there is no name under heaven given among men
by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4.12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">STEPHEN
– Having been arrested for speaking in the Forbidden Name, Stephen issues a
polemic challenge to the Sanhedrin: “You men who are stiff-necked and
uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are
doing just as your fathers did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which
one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They killed those who previously announced
the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now
become; you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep
it.” – Acts 7.51 – 53<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">JEREMIAH
– The “Weeping Prophet” never converted anyone but his polemics are still
honored by God’s people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up to
the king and his entire nation issuing one polemic challenge after
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Thus says the Lord, “Behold, I
am giving this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will burn it
with fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will not escape from his
hand, for you will surely be captured and delivered into his hand; and you will
see the king of Babylon eye to eye, and he will speak to you face to face, and
you will go to Babylon.’” - Jeremiah 34.2b – 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">MOSES
– The polemic war between Moses and Pharaoh is iconic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who could ever forget; “The Lord, the God of
the Hebrews, sent me to you, saying, “Let my people go, that they may serve me
in the wilderness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But behold, you have
not listened until now.” - Exodus 7.16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">ELIJAH
– As polemics go, no confrontation between good and evil is more poignant than
the face off on top of Mt. Carmel between Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal! –
Observe<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>his polemic public prayer
shouted out loud for all to hear; “O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and
Israel, today let it be known that You are God in Israel and that I am Your
servant and I have done all these things at Your word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this
people may know that You, O Lord, are God , and that You have turned their
heart back again.” - I Kings 18.36 – 40<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">SHADRACH,
MESHACH & ABEDNEGO – It was like a spiritual “shoot out at the O.K.
Coral.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a backdrop of the “Fiery
Furnace,” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego drew a line in the sand for King Nebuchadnezzar,
the most powerful man in the world: “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give
you an answer concerning this matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of
blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even if He does not, let it be known to
you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden
image that you have set up.” – Daniel 3.16b - 18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">JOSHUA & CALEB – Jesus enjoins us all
to remain “faithful unto death.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
Joshua and Caleb were faced with death by stoning they continued to lay down
their polemic challenge to the rebellious Israelis; “The land which we passed
through to spy out is an exceedingly good land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and
give it to us – a land which flows with milk and honey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only do not rebel against the Lord; and do
not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their protection has been removed from them,
and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.” Numbers 14.1 - 10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">SAMUEL – One man of God transitioned Israel
from foreign subjection to the dawn of power and prosperity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first king of Israel, Saul, turned out to
be a rebellious apostate requiring Samuel to polemically challenge him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is it not true, though you were little in
your own eyes, you were made the head of the tribes of Israel?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Lord anointed you king over Israel,
and the Lord sent you on a mission and said, ‘Go and utterly destroy the
sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are exterminated.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why then did you not obey the voice of the
Lord, but rushed upon the spoil and did what was evil in the sight of the
Lord?” - I Samuel 15.17 – 19<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">NATHAN – One can imagine just how difficult
a polemic is when<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the opposition is a
good friend and brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such was the
case with Nathan the prophet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was the
personal prophet and confidant of his good friend, King David.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite his personal feelings towards the
king, Nathan does not shirk from his polemic responsibilities. </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"You
are the man! Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'I anointed you king over
Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I gave you your master's house and your
master's wives into your arms and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah.
And if this were too little, I would add to you as much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why have you despised the word of the LORD,
to do what is evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with
the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the
sword of the Ammonites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now therefore
the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and
have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up
evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your
eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the
sight of this sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For you did it
secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.'"</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- </span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I Samuel 12.1 – 14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank God He speaks to us through His word polemically,
candidly, forthrightly and clearly!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are challenged by Him to speak the same way to those who are outside of Gods
will for “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May
those hearers have “ears to hear” the polemics of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Russ
McCullough / 9 April 2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
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<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=727943973505429642#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
All Scripture references are from either the King James, English Standard or
New American Standard versions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
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Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-54468946159066881922013-03-21T09:28:00.000-07:002013-03-21T09:41:10.283-07:00Worshipping the King - NOT a "Do It Yourself Project!"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%;">In our study of NT worship
reflecting on the TRUTH side of our Lord’s admonition to “worship God in spirit
and in truth,” we concern ourselves, not only with what is true worship, but
with that which is not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible calls
this kind of false worship “will worship.” </span><span style="font-family: "Old English Text MT"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">During the last several
weeks we have focused on congregant prayer, the reading of God’s word in
public, the proclamation of God’s Word and “laying by in store” of our
prosperity every Lord’s Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord
willing we will examine congregational singing and the observance of the Lord’s
Supper the next<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>two Lord’s Days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should emulate the apostle John in Rev.
1.9 – 11 and “be in the spirit on the Lord’s Day.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Please, please be aware
that the things spoken here are spoken in a spirit of love and caring for the
souls of those that hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our goal is
not to condemn but to “speak as the oracles of God, neither adding to nor
taking away” from the revelation that is the New Testament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul speaks about these matters extensively
in Colossians 2.16 – 23.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The pattern of sound
doctrine was threatened at the church of Christ in Colossae.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colossae was one of 3 cities in proximity in
central Asia, close to both Hierapolis and Laodicea in the Lycus River Valley
about 100 miles east of Ephesus. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Colossae was an older city
already in decline at the time of Paul’s writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its founding date is unknown but it dates
back until at least the time of Xerxes, the king who married Esther.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colossae would disappear from history in
another 2 centuries or so after Paul’s writing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">As far as we know, Paul
never visited Colossae but he took great interest in the congregation there for
he knew and admired a man of the Colossae church of Christ – Epaphras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is likely that he was taught the gospel
during Paul’s 2 year stay in Ephesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Epaphras raised serious concerns about how the worship of the congregation
was emerging into at least 6 distinct heresies, the worship of angels, asceticism,
the reliance upon “visions” over revelation, the embrace of philosophy over
truth, rejection of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Headship of
Christ and the reliance upon Jewish traditions, especially feast days and the
practice of circumcision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These 6
heresies prototyped 2<sup>nd</sup> century Gnostic heresy and 4<sup>th</sup>
century (and on) Roman Catholic heresy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As the Colossae congregation was a mixture of both pagan and Jewish
backgrounds, the Colossian heresy emerges with components from each camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gnosticism had characteristics of both in the
2<sup>nd</sup> century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Roman Catholic
apostasy came to the forefront it, too, was a mixture of both pagan and Jewish
influences.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Colossae
Heresy:<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Roman Heresy:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Worship of angels<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>*Worship of
“saints”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Asceticism<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>*Denial of the flesh in regards<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to marriage and eating of <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>meats.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Visions over revelation<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>*Allegorical
interpretation of <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Scriptures as dictated by<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the church<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Philosophy over Truth<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>*The Magisterium<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Rejection of the Headship
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>*The elevation of the Bishop<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of Rome as the so-called <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Vicar of Christ”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Embrace of Jewish
tradition<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> *Embrace of church tradition<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>over revelation<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>over
revelation<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The simultaneous emergence
of these 6 heresies all spring from a mindset that Paul calls “will worship”
translated from the compound Greek word, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ethleo - threskeia</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Lit. “To will – religion.”)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a word not used in the New Testament
anywhere else and may have been used for the first time ever by Paul to
describe the magnitude of the potential problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Here’s how Thayer and
Robinson define <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ethleothreskeia:<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Thayer
– </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">“…worship which one prescribes and devises for himself,
contrary to (revelation) …arbitrary (random) worship.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Robinson
– </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">“..worship in which one goes beyond what God requires
without…command.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the religion of
self-will, the establish(ment) of (man’s) own ceremonial rites.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Paul makes quite the point
in I Corinthians 10.1 – 12 that the Old Testament, though not written TO us,
was very much written FOR us for example, instruction and warning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are, then, some OT examples of “will
worship” that were written for our example, instruction and warning?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The first example we have
of “will worship” in the OT is the account of Cain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cain presumed that he could substitute his preferred
sacrifice for the sacrifice of command and that this substitute sacrifice would
still be pleasing to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wrong!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cain’s sacrifice…his “will worship” if you
please…was rejected totally by God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Secondly, we have the
account of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10.1 – 3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Scripture says that these two were
destroyed by fire because they presumed to offer “strange” fire before
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The word translated “strange” in
the KJV is from the Hebrew word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“zur.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Definitions </i></b>says
that this word means, among other things,
“another…foreign…enemy…loathsome…alien…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Essentially, these two men offered “another fire,” “a foreign fire,” “an
enemy fire,” “a loathsome fire,” and an “alien fire.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ESV renders <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">zur </i>accurately as “unauthorized fire.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will worship” is any worship un-authorized
by God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our third example of “will
worship” in the OT is found in I Samuel 13.8 – 14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we find King Saul operating, again, in a
presumptive direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He co-opted the
rightful role of both priest and prophet to offer a burnt offering to God in an
appeal to the Almighty for blessing the army of Israel in an upcoming battle
with the Philistines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As before, Saul’s
actions were un-authorized and outside of God’s will.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%;">We could cite many other
examples but for our last one today is one found in II Chronicles 26.16 –
21.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here King Uzziah, it is said, that "...when he was strong, he grew proud to his own destruction..." (ESV) The king presumed to "will worship" by offering incense in the Temple of God though he was not a Levite. As a result, the king was a leper the rest of his life. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The explosive use of “will
worship” among denominations is everywhere around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The recent coronation of the so-called “pope”
of Rome is “will worship” from beginning to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One denominational church on Sardis Road in
Charlotte often advertises their so-called “Taize” services that include
“candles, chants and silence.”</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=727943973505429642#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A “Taize” service is 100% “will worship” for
it is un-authorized in the NT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Will
worship” is not found just in sectarian worship but sadly in the Lord’s church
as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Examples of “will worship”
among churches of Christ today:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Unauthorized
use of the instrument<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Unauthorized
vocal mocking of instruments <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Unauthorized
drama as part of public worship<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Unauthorized
Saturday night communion services<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Unauthorized
use of women leading in various acts of public worship<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Unauthorized
special Christmas, Lent and Easter services<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
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</span>The NASB accurately renders “will worship” as “self made religion.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enough said!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=727943973505429642#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
A “Taize” service is part of the so-called “Taize Community” founded in 1940 in
Burgundy, France by a Protestant cleric by the name of Roger Schultz. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The communities guidelines were written in
1954 by Schultz and called <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Rule of Taize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b>The Taize Community is an ecumenical
Protestant / Catholic / Other Traditions effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adherents are directed to live their lives
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</span>Source: Wikipedia / Taize Community.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-62818940033455612762012-09-01T20:23:00.000-07:002012-09-01T20:23:06.616-07:00REVIVAL!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.2em; outline: none;">Should time continue, our gospel meeting at the Archdale church of Christ in Charlotte begins tomorrow night, 2 September, 2012, at 6 p.m. It is entitled; "That Ye May Be Healed." We are making no political statement whatsoever. Our goal is to publicly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to a city in the world spotlight this week as the DNC is holding its national convention here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; outline: none;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em;">We do not call our gospel meetings "revivals." "Revivals" in the American tradition are public, contrived and staged events. They are dominated by various forms of religious entertainment and wild emotion. "Revivals" are events that attempt to manipulate a "reviving" of the collective heart and soul. Biblical revival, on the other hand, is a private, humiliating and mournful experience between an individual Christian and his / her God. The church is revived only when the individuals within Her bring their broken and contrite souls back to the Father begging Him to restore their spiritual lives. Biblical </span></span><span style="line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">revival</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.2em;"> is a gift of restoration from the Heavenly Father to His ailing child.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.2em; outline: none;">Why is revival so urgently needed? Peter puts it very simply in I Peter 4.17 - 19:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.2em; outline: none;">1. Judgement begins at the House of God</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.2em; outline: none;">2. The righteous will scarcely be saved</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.2em; outline: none;">3. The ungodly and the sinner have no standing at the Judgement</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.2em; outline: none;">I need reviving and you need reviving so that we, first as individuals and then as a congregation, will speak of God's amazing grace to the vast ocean of sinners around us every day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.2em; outline: none;">Tomorrow morning we will study the revival of just one man, King Josiah, who by asking for and </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.2em; outline: none;">receiving</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.2em; outline: none;"> God's revival kept an entire nation from destruction for 31 years! What will YOUR revival do? Or will you have one? The choice is yours. BE THERE! Our texts are from I Peter 4, Psalms 85 and II Chronicles 34. Read them ahead of time.</span></div>
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Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-45432577327285807072012-05-13T22:21:00.000-07:002012-05-14T21:11:02.083-07:00A Case For Engagement<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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During the War Between the States there was a cavalry engagement at Thompson's Station, TN near Nashville. The Southern force was being pressed from both their front and rear. When asked for orders the Southern commander replied; "Charge in both directions!" They won the day.</div>
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I am reminded of that line in the great hymn, <b><i>Just As I Am. </i></b></div>
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Fightings within and fears without, oh Lamb of God, I come, I come!</div>
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The church of Christ today continues to face the foes of sin and strife from outside the body of Christ as she has since the beginning. She is also facing today those within who are attempting her destruction. Jude refers to these as those "who have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation..." - Jude 4 (ESV) In a way of speaking, they "came in through the side door unnoticed." </div>
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None of us can judge anyone else among us, that is up to God and only God. However, there are those who insist upon the division of the Body of Christ in order to possess the instrument. It truly is an "instrument of division." They must be confronted, engaged and stopped! Paul clearly teaches in Romans 14.23 that if any Christian holds a divisive opinion he "should keep it between (him)self and God." (ESV) Regardless of all the biblical reasons to reject the instrument, it should NEVER be adopted for it divides the Body of Christ. Not only does it divide the Body as a whole, it often divides congregations. Many "double minded" elderships purposely divide their flocks between so-called "traditional" and "contemporary" worship hours. Two worships, two assemblies and two interpretations of the Bible. Which is right? Which is wrong? Who is right? Who is wrong? James tells us that "a double minded man is unstable in all his ways." - James 1.8. Elijah the great prophet asked the Baal worshiping Israelites of his day; "How long will you go limping between two different opinions?" - I King 18.21b (ESV) There is no such thing as a "multiple truth" where both parties can be right before God simultaneously while advocating two different things.</div>
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The instrument cannot be both right and wrong!</div>
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"IF" we assert that the instrument is wrong we must say so! If we no longer believe it we must adopt it's use and begin teaching that those who fail to use it are in error before God. Compromise is not an option for compromise is just another word for surrender and lukewarmness. It is time we engaged the dividers of the Body with the truth proclaimed in love. </div>
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In times past brethren who disagreed would hold a public, logical, reasonable and monitored debate so that ideas and facts could be presented in a non-emotional setting. Today, debates in the true sense of the word are nearly extinct. Taking their place today are un-monitored, emotional and opinionated rantings in the most prominent media vehicle among churches of Christ, <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Christian Chronicle. </i>In the current on-line edition of the paper (today being 14 May 2012) there appears an article examining the question as to whether or not the instrument faction is seeing a rise in attendance because of the devise. As I am writing this article there have been 36 responses. Of those responses, only 4 quote or refer to any Scripture! That makes only 11.1% of those responses, at least partly, based on Scripture. This writer attempted on several occasions over the last two days to post Scripture based responses but, for whatever reason, they are no longer there.</div>
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Why assert engagement? James makes it simple; "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." - James 5.19-20 (ESV)</div>
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Won't YOU engage? Just go to this link, scroll to the bottom and write your Scripture based comments for all our erring brethren to see. Perhaps some will repent!<br />
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<a href="http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/2012/05/are-the-instrumental-christian-churches-really-experiencing-phenomenal-growth/">http://www.christianchronicle.org/blog/2012/05/are-the-instrumental-christian-churches-really-experiencing-phenomenal-growth/</a>
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The general flavor of the comments posted rest upon the assumption that to use or not to use the instrument is just an "opinion." God does not really care if we do or not use it - so appears the typical sentiment. In fact, there is a certain syncretistic overtone to all of this, a sort of "we can have it both ways" if you please. This reminds me of the syncretism of the State of Israel from the time of Jeroboam until the Babylonian exile. <i style="font-weight: bold;">Websters On Line Dictionary </i>defines the term as: "the combination of different forms of belief and practice." ["We will take the instrument while you do not but your'e o.k. and I'm o.k. We both can be right though our faith and practice is 180 degrees apart."] THEY wanted it both ways; "We can serve Yahweh AND Baal!" "Not only that we can change the priesthood, we can alter the focus of our worship and we can change the place of worship. God won't care..." Well, He DID care. He sent prophet after prophet, not to those outside of the covenant, but to those "wandering sinners" inside the covenant. These prophets were not so-called "defenders of the faith," they were proclaimers of a message of repentance. That, my friends, is OUR role as we seek to lovingly engage the advocates of the "instrument of division." Our engagement is one of repentance, renewal and restoration while God's mercy tarries. The need is eternally urgent for we can see, as it were, the dust of the approaching Babylonians just over the next hill. </div>
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<br /></div>Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-85578314347545018712012-04-10T01:19:00.014-07:002012-05-14T20:39:38.912-07:00Growing Papal Influence Within Emerging churches of Christ – Apostasy Redux?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Benedictine Papal Coat of Arms rendering courtesy of Wikepedia.com</span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All over our fair city one is finding advertisements for many “holy week” observances. Here, and elsewhere, congregations claiming to be churches of Christ are advertising “holy week” observances such as “Good Friday” and / or “Easter” worship services. We must, therefore, ask the question; “Are these celebrations biblical?” Did Jesus and His Apostles command such celebrations? Did the Apostles celebrate these things themselves? Did they even infer that such celebrations were allowed? The answer is a resounding, NO! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">From Matthew to Revelation we find nary a trace of anything called “Holy Week.” To add such celebrations to the Holy Scripture would be presumptuous, arrogant and wrong. How, then, did the several observances of “Holy Week” come into being? The so-called “Holy Week” has six components:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What do all of these celebrations have in common? They are all Roman Catholic in origin and have “meanings” that are allegorically assigned. Allegorical interpretive methods were adopted by the apostate church beginning in the 2<sup>nd</sup> century based most notably upon the teachings of the so-called “church father,” Origen. Origen taught that all Scripture has multiple meanings and each individual can interpret the Scripture based upon their own individual experiences, understandings and stories. The RCC then began to assign “meanings” to Scripture erroneously (in error.) Strangely, even the <b><i>Catholic Encyclopedia </i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">admits that these celebrations were unknown in the first century:</span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">…there seems much to suggest that the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03744a.htm"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: darkblue; text-decoration: none;">Church</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01626c.htm"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: darkblue; text-decoration: none;">Apostolic</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Age designed to commemorate the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12789a.htm"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: darkblue; text-decoration: none;">Resurrection of Christ</span></a><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">, not by an annual, but by a weekly celebration.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Papal%20Influence%20Upon%20Extant%20churches%20of%20Christ.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title="">[1]</a></span></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-size: 12pt;">Before you take umbrage at your writer, the claim that Origen’s Platonic philosophy<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Papal%20Influence%20Upon%20Extant%20churches%20of%20Christ.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></a> is the foundation of “tradition over revelation,” please note that such is not my claim but the claim of Pope Benedict XVI himself! Here is what the self-proclaimed “vicar of Christ” said about Origen just five years ago this month:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">In our meditations on the great figures of the ancient Church, today we will get to know one of the most outstanding. Origen of Alexandria is one of the key people for the development of Christian thought. <strong><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">He draws on the teachings he inherited from Clement of Alexandria</span></i></strong>, whom we reflected upon last Wednesday, and brings them forward in a totally innovative way, <strong><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">creating an irreversible turn in Christian thought.</span></i></strong> He was a true teacher; this is how his students nostalgically remembered him: not only as a brilliant theologian, but as an exemplary witness of the doctrine he taught. In substance, he grounded theology in the explanations of the Scriptures; or we could also say that his theology is the perfect symbiosis between theology and exegesis. In truth, the characterizing mark of Origen's doctrine seems to reside in his incessant invitation to pass from the letter to the spirit of the Scriptures, to progress in the knowledge of God. And this "allegoristic" approach, wrote von Balthasar, coincides precisely "with the development of Christian dogma carried out by the teachings of the doctors of the Church," who -- in one way or another -- accepted the "lesson" of Origen. In this way, Tradition and the magisterium, foundation and guarantee of theological research, reach the point of being "Scripture in act."<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Papal%20Influence%20Upon%20Extant%20churches%20of%20Christ.doc#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Just what does the pope mean when he uses the phrase “Scripture in act?” He means that, based upon Origen, church tradition in practice…over time…becomes “revelation.” In other words, church tradition practiced over time TRUMPS Scripture! Thus, even though NONE of these “holy week” observances are commanded, exampled or inferred in the Word of God…they are “Scripture in act” due to their centuries old practice by papal directive…according to the pope. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-size: 12pt;">Here is a short history of these allegorical additions to God’s complete Will…“</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” - Jude 3 (KJV):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">1)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1) ASH WEDNESDAY – Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the 40 days of Lent. The name comes from the practice of taking the ashes from the previous years burnt palm leaves form “Palm Sunday” and spreading them on the foreheads of parishioners in the form of a cross. This is said to be representative of “mourning and repentance.” This supposedly prepares the adherents for the 40 days of Lent following. Historically, Ash Wednesday was first celebrated annually beginning around the year 960. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">2)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2) LENT – The word “Lent” is from the old English word <b><i>lencten </i></b>which means to “lengthen” and was used to describe the longer days of the spring season. The time span of “Lent” was totally allegorical and imaginative. It was based upon the fact that Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness as He prepared for His temptation. Other allegorical assignments were also made:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The duration of the season of Lent is based on the ancient church custom of requiring catechumens to undergo a forty-day period of doctrinal instruction and fasting before being baptized on the evening before<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/easter.htm">Easter</a>. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>This probationary period was called<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the <b><i>quarantine</i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(from the Latin word for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>forty). <span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Papal%20Influence%20Upon%20Extant%20churches%20of%20Christ.doc#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title="">[4]</a></span></span></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The annual celebration of Lent dates to the mid 5<sup>th</sup> century and is noted by several church historians of that time; Leo, Socrates and Jerome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3)<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">PALM SUNDAY – Palm Sunday was never celebrated in the apostolic era and apparently not annually celebrated until the 6<sup>th</sup> century at the very earliest.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Papal%20Influence%20Upon%20Extant%20churches%20of%20Christ.doc#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">4)<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">MAUNDY THURSDAY – Thursday is the traditional day of the Lord’s Supper. “Maunday” comes from the Latin term <b><i>mandatum novum, </i></b>meaning new commandment. It is also known as “Holy Thursday” or “Green Thursday.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<em><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Zelený čtvrtek</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(Green Thursday) is how the Czechs and Moravians refer to Maundy Thursday. One explanation is that in many places, before the thirteenth century, green vestments were used for the Mass that day. Another is that this is a reference to "the Green Ones," the penitents who, being re-admitted to the Church, wore sprigs of green herbs to express their joy.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Papal%20Influence%20Upon%20Extant%20churches%20of%20Christ.doc#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">5)<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">GOOD FRIDAY – The annual celebration of both Good Friday and Easter date to, at the earliest, the 2<sup>nd</sup> century A.D. Though unknown in the 1<sup>st</sup> century, these two festivals were the earliest of practiced “Holy Week” observances from a historical standpoint.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">6)<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">EASTER – The word “Easter” comes from the old Anglo-Saxon word, <b><i>eostre. </i></b>The word generally came to refer to the “spring season.” It has clear pagan overtones since the word was the name for the so-called goddess of spring:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222220; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This mythical figure is said to have been the goddess of the sunrise and the spring. She is the Teutonic goddess of the dawn. The direction of the sunrise, East, is named for her. In Norse mythology, the name is spelled<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Eostare. </i>Another considered the Norse/Saxon goddess of spring is<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Ostara. Eastre</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>is believed to be an ancient word for spring.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222220; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Papal%20Influence%20Upon%20Extant%20churches%20of%20Christ.doc#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title="">[7]</a></span></span></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222220; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Any and all “Holy Week” celebrations are at best extra-biblical and at worst un-biblical. They are all allegorical, presumptuous and self centered. They were created by men for men and do not glorify God in any way, shape, matter or form. We were called, not to “Holy Week” but to holy living! We celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ EVERY Lord’s Day during the Lord’s Supper and not during an annual celebration of so-called “Holy Week.” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With all due love and respect for our erring brethren, the embrace of Roman Catholic “holy week” (or significant parts thereof) tradition constitutes a theological un-equal yoking with un-believers. Sadly, a large number of churches of Christ are now heeding the words of Pope Benedict XVI more than the words of God’s Holy Word by accepting, instead, the magisterium. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222220; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For a biblical perspective on how God wants us to remember the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, read I Corinthians 11. 23 – 34. Let us go back to the Bible and avoid an apostasy <i>redux.</i><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222220; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">– Russ McCullough – 8 April 2012 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">NOTE: An "Emerging church of Christ" is a congregation focusing on it's own "theological evolution" rather than eternal and static truth. For more information on the "emerging church," read Brian McLaren's </span></span></span><br />
<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>A Generous Orthodoxy.</i></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Papal%20Influence%20Upon%20Extant%20churches%20of%20Christ.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title="">[1]</a></span></span></span> <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09152a.htm">http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09152a.htm</a></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Papal%20Influence%20Upon%20Extant%20churches%20of%20Christ.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Plato understood Homer allegorically and so Origen taught that God’s Word could be understood allegorically as well. An allegory is a fictional illustration of a point of fiction. Such allegories have multiple meanings and multiple interpretations – after all, it’s only fiction!</div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Papal%20Influence%20Upon%20Extant%20churches%20of%20Christ.doc#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Origene: il mondo, Cristo e la Chiesa," tr. it., Milano 1972, p. 43. (Benedict XVI. Homily On Origen of <st1:city w:st="on">Alexandria</st1:city>. <st1:state w:st="on">Vatican City</st1:state>. Zenit - <st1:date day="25" month="4" w:st="on" year="2007">April 25, 2007</st1:date>). [RM NOTE: According to the <u>Catholic Encyclopedia On Line</u>, <i>Magesterium & Tradition </i>is defined thusly: <i>“The word refers sometimes to the thing (doctrine, account, or custom) transmitted from one generation to another sometimes to the organ or mode of the transmission.”</i>]</div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Papal%20Influence%20Upon%20Extant%20churches%20of%20Christ.doc#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></a> <a href="http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/lent.htm#WHAT DOES THE WORD">http://www.stpaulskingsville.org/lent.htm#WHAT DOES THE WORD "LENT" MEAN?</a></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Papal%20Influence%20Upon%20Extant%20churches%20of%20Christ.doc#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></a> <a href="http://www.orlutheran.com/html/holyweek.html">http://www.orlutheran.com/html/holyweek.html</a></div>
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</div>Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-56798607549389574662012-03-15T22:06:00.002-07:002012-03-15T22:12:47.788-07:00Un or Non Denominational?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The current issue (April 2012) of the <b><i>Christian Chronicle</i></b> leads with this headline:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Copperplate Gothic Bold', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Declining Numbers, but Signs of Hope?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Copperplate Gothic Bold', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">NEW DIRECTORY for Churches of Christ in the U.S. shows a loss of members and congregations. At the same time, interest in <b><u>non-denominational</u></b> Christianity soars.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">What does reporter Erik Tryggestad find as “signs of hope?” Here are some quotations from the story:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They (young Christians) just don’t see why it (the Lord’s church) must have the words “Church of Christ” on its building…<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Our generation wants more Jesus and not more tradition.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We’re all about relationship…<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">…many Lipscomb students attend <b>ETHOS CHURCH, </b>a congregation started by a former campus minister for the university. The church meets in the <b>Cannery Ballroom</b></span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">, <i>a downtown Nashville bar and music venue and has multiple worship services, all with instruments. The <b>Harpeth Hills church of Christ </b>in Brentwood, TN. helped fund the church as it began.<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Young Christians don’t look for the name “Church of Christ” when choosing a place to worship…And we’re not looking for instrumental music…We’re looking for how we can connect with God.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">We used to say, “We are Christians only but not the only Christians.” What happened to that?<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Un%20or%20Non%20Denominational.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title="">[1]</a></span></b></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Two things are disturbing here. First of all, with one exception, specific Scripture citations are missing.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Un%20or%20Non%20Denominational.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></a> In addition, history has been rewritten to suit the present day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">First and foremost, the church of Christ is not a denomination nor is it "non-denominational." <o:p></o:p></span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The blood bought Body of Christ is UN - denominational.</span></i></b></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus promised to build His church (singular) in Matthew 16.18 - 20. In Acts 2.41, 47 we read that His promised singular church was established on the Day of Pentecost and "God added to that church (singular) daily those who were being saved." Words mean things. The word “denomination” is a mathematical term meaning “division.” The bottom number of a fraction is known as the “denominator.” A denomination, by definition, is a division from the original. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The phrase "non-denominational" is bandied about by those denominationalists (in current semantical usage) who advocate religious pluralism. In reality, “non-denominationalism” is the mixing together of many denominations together into a singular setting. It is not the rejection of denominationalism, it is the acceptance of multiple denominations! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This view is marketed by some among us with the phrase; "We are Christians only, but not the only Christians." In real history, this phrase was used to describe the fact that un-denominational Christianity was springing up all over the American frontier and those finding the truth of the gospel did so without any knowledge or contact with other New Testament Christians in other locations. Today this quotation has been co-opted by many departing churches of Christ who embrace the so-called "emerging church" theories of non-Christian theologians. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">To those who celebrate these "other Christians," please consider these questions: 1) Who are these "other Christians?" 2) How did these "other Christians" become such? 3) When did God begin adding Christians (those who have repented of their sins and have been baptized for the remission of those sins in the Name of Jesus) to churches other than the church of Christ? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The purpose and mission of the singular church of Christ was clearly articulated by our Lord in Matthew 28.18 -20. We, too, should “be about our Father’s business.” We are to make disciples, baptize and to teach all things taught by Christ in the gospels, the Acts, the epistles and the Revelation for “all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.” Our mission is to preach and teach the saving gospel of Jesus Christ, the very same gospel proclaimed by Peter and the rest of the apostles on the Day of Pentecost. It is NOT for us to become just another “non-denominational” denomination. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div><br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Un%20or%20Non%20Denominational.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></a> All quotations are from: Erik Tryggestad in <i>“Declining Numbers, but signs of hope?”</i> <b><u>The Christian Chronicle</u></b>, Vol. 69, No. 4, April 2012. From page 1 continued on page 10</div></div><div id="ftn2"><div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Owner/Documents/My%20Documents/Un%20or%20Non%20Denominational.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></a> The only Scripture citation is a generic reference to the Pentecostian congregation in Jerusalem. (Acts 2) The text is used as a “proof text” that this congregation was prototypical for all congregations which would follow. Such Is not the case.</div></div></div></div>Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-89038174030226533932011-09-28T09:55:00.000-07:002012-09-01T20:32:53.070-07:00God's Pattern For Congregational Growth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB3gU4AQuoNROQb4LVgJbio0PnQaXQ-WSKQxhyx0ErGEApALkfF3BTLUWBtk86AszEPYF0Tx41Z2Lr_ixOBXhBooOeh-eHXmcnSROVwFA4frsRgNF7bnWVPKXtW4n5YSVlJmSuW5GGkLd/s1600/Hampton+Christian+Church%252C+Hampton%252C+VA+circa+1898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB3gU4AQuoNROQb4LVgJbio0PnQaXQ-WSKQxhyx0ErGEApALkfF3BTLUWBtk86AszEPYF0Tx41Z2Lr_ixOBXhBooOeh-eHXmcnSROVwFA4frsRgNF7bnWVPKXtW4n5YSVlJmSuW5GGkLd/s1600/Hampton+Christian+Church%252C+Hampton%252C+VA+circa+1898.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">What does dynamic church
growth look like in the New Testament?
Were there “mega churches” with highly organized programs, super
committees, and dynamic public relations?
It might surprise us to see for there are today precious few congregations
following the New Testament example, let alone even being aware of one!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">By far, the most successful,
influential and long lasting congregation we know of in the New Testament was
the church of Christ in Antioch, Syria. Their
evangelistic thrusts took place continually for literally hundreds of
years! Antioch was one of the last
congregations to fall into apostasy. This congregation was spontaneously
planted and became aggressively evangelistic without any push from the outside
to be so. The news of what was happening
in Antioch spread as far as Jerusalem to the point where they had to “check it
out!”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">What does, then, dynamic
congregational growth look like in the New Testament? The church of Christ in Antioch is a powerful
case study, one to which we should pay heed.
Here are some characteristics of dynamic congregation growth, both then
and now:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">God first takes people out of their “comfort
zones” and scatters them – Acts 11:9.
When Christian people become fewer in number, weaker in resources,
driven out of jobs and moved out of their traditional surroundings, God is
ready to grow that congregation.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Symbol;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Among the “scattered,” God raises up a few
people to spontaneously reach out to previously “unseen” seekers of God’s
truth, shares the gospel and baptizes them.
In Acts 11:20, scattered people form Cyprus and Cyrene began to teach
Gentiles the gospel in Antioch, a group previously ignored by earlier efforts. When God is ready to grow a congregation, a
few people begin to reach out and teach those they previously ignored for one
reason or the other.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">God blesses individual spiritual initiative
to share the gospel with others. The
more it happens, the more God blesses the efforts. This is what Luke tells us what happened in Acts
11:21.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">When congregations begin to show individual
spiritual imitative, taking the Great Commission seriously, God raises up help
from outside the congregation who just begin to “show up!” God did this for Antioch in Acts 11:22. They
sent Barnabas as emissary.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Such strong individual spiritual initiative
will do a number of things according to Acts 11:23:</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Make
God’s grace very visible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Bring
gladness to others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Bring
exhortation to even more faithfulness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">4.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Bring
a “steadfast hope” to the congregation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">All these things working together will cause
“many to come to the Lord.” Acts 11:24</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">When many come to the Lord, these faithful
individuals will actively seek out even more help from outside the
congregation. They will literally go to
people in other congregations to say, as it were, “Come over to Macedonia and
help us!” This is illustrated in Acts
11:25 when Barnabas left Antioch to go to Tarsus to look for Saul.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Not only will others be sought, they will be
BROUGHT in to help! Barnabas did not go
to Saul for a “consultation” or attend a “seminar,” he physically brought him
to Antioch as we see in Acts 11:26.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">God uses all these things working together to
drive the congregation “into the Word of God” for a period of intensive Bible
study as He did in Antioch in Acts 11:26.
Saul and Barnabas studied with the Antiochene brethren for about a year!</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">When the faithful spread the gospel, teach
others who had been previously ignored, bring outside help in to assist in the
work and engage in serious Bible study, God will cause the outsiders to take
notice – even if it may be in derision!
“…they were called Christians first in Antioch.” – Acts 11:26</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">When God causes a congregation to grow, there
will arise preachers and teachers capable to deliver powerful messages and teach
others the details of the Christian faith as was evidenced in Acts 13:1.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">All of these things coming together will
motivate a congregation both worship and fast as they did in Antioch in Acts
13:2.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Worship and fasting will garner even more
blessings of God as evidenced in Acts 13:2 which will then, in turn, cause more
fasting, along with prayer as the church Christ in Antioch did in Acts 13:3.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Finally, what is the result of this all? The congregation, now strong in numbers,
faith, knowledge, and commitment to the Great commission will reach out and
establish other congregations, thus completing the “unbroken circle!”</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are saved so as to be
used by God to save others.
Congregations grow so they can then establish other congregations. This is a pattern that worked then and it
still works today! Every congregation
should strive to continually plan to grow in these ways, not to build a larger
and richer “super congregation,” but to have the faith, resources and the
passion to continually plant new works.
THIS is how the church of Christ “turned the world upside down” in the 1<sup>st</sup>
century, all for the Glory of God!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">NOTE: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Picture courtesy of: <a href="http://hamptonchristianchurch.com/AboutUs/History/tabid/33947/Default.aspx">http://hamptonchristianchurch.com/AboutUs/History/tabid/33947/Default.aspx</a> This is a picture of the Hampton Christian
Church, Hampton, VA circa 1885. Our
parents were members of this denomination until they were taught the truth in
1963 by my grandparents, bro. and sis. Clyde and Georgie Taylor. The church moved to a new location in
1974. The building is now used as a
women’s shelter and is missing the steeple, having fallen into disrepair. -
Russ</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-54119280482533015562011-06-16T08:52:00.000-07:002011-06-16T08:58:35.262-07:00Red Flags for Evangelism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5G0lUJTOpX63OVut4yG_o8kz3S2C08Dza7z5qrhIpatXNxJF6gP-azQ1DKhN6GlD4coHM2bXvanuO7wPdyuAgOCL1zNhIM72uWE1k90N_1OD8N2vYu2BPFMy0mcNSqDbydsSpFZiaU29/s1600/Evangelism+Conversation.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="99" width="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5G0lUJTOpX63OVut4yG_o8kz3S2C08Dza7z5qrhIpatXNxJF6gP-azQ1DKhN6GlD4coHM2bXvanuO7wPdyuAgOCL1zNhIM72uWE1k90N_1OD8N2vYu2BPFMy0mcNSqDbydsSpFZiaU29/s200/Evangelism+Conversation.png" /></a></div><br />
The other day I ran across a blog posting on http://prdaily.com, written by Michael Sebastian. Though not having anything to do with evangelism <i>per se</i>, Michaels thoughts are very instructive for our evangelistic efforts. We must never give the wrong impression to anyone, especially in regards to our integrity. We must never come across as anything "less than honest."<br />
<br />
Sebastian says that there are four "catch phrases" that people often use to "underline" a point that actually do far more damage than good. These "catch phrases" actually send the signal that the person saying them is not to be be trusted.<br />
<br />
When sharing the gospel our words must be "seasoned with salt" so as to focus totally on Christ and His Word alone. Let's avoid using these four "catch phrases" when we share the gospel:<br />
<br />
1) "Let's be clear."<br />
2) "To be perfectly honest."<br />
3) "Frankly."<br />
4. "Just between you and me."<br />
<br />
When people use these phrases, this is what people HEAR:<br />
<br />
1) "Often times, I am NOT clear!"<br />
2) "Often times, I'm NOT perfectly honest."<br />
3) "Often times when I speak I am NOT frank."<br />
4) "Often I say different things to different people based upon the circumstances."<br />
<br />
Sharing the gospel is literally a LIFE AND DEATH message! Let's not jepordize a soul by being careless in our conversation for "...knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade men!" (II Corinthians 5:11)<br />
- Russ McCullough - Distrubuted Through <i>JTC Media</i>Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-60762359416943849082011-05-09T11:25:00.000-07:002011-05-09T11:29:59.954-07:00The Instrument of Division - Part III<b>THE ANTI-DISCRIMINATION ARGUMENT<br />
<i></i></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21vK-qn6OD4kI7CzSYiawr3TpwLye5c69onCJER4LuMyhT8Qy7lEatjHgcTEHpmElqKl_s1s8wj5PNsjV27UGoV7y1VoJjQkvPiFcBp0zXFqoFNiFSEGtloKNHWuBJntcUAVUokwr7WNU/s1600/Happy+People.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="74" width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21vK-qn6OD4kI7CzSYiawr3TpwLye5c69onCJER4LuMyhT8Qy7lEatjHgcTEHpmElqKl_s1s8wj5PNsjV27UGoV7y1VoJjQkvPiFcBp0zXFqoFNiFSEGtloKNHWuBJntcUAVUokwr7WNU/s200/Happy+People.jpg" /></a></div><br />
One of the strangest and most bizarre “arguments” set forth by the instrument of division is what we will call (the faction has no formal name for it) “the anti-discrimination” argument. On one hand this argument is downright silly, yet, on the other hand, it clearly illustrates just how far that evolutionary and circular thinking has permeated those among us who want any kind of change at any kind of price so we can have “progress.” Rick Atchley articulates this foolish notion:<br />
<blockquote>Please do not say that you can only praise God from the heart with the voice and not the instrument. This is an unkind and an untrue insult to all believing musicians. Playing an instrument to the glory of God is not just an aid to worship, it is an act of worship… Now many a-cappella churches allow people with gifts in acting or in painting to bless the body. Why would we deny that same sweet privilege to our gifted musicians? (1) <br />
</blockquote>This is a very old and very Catholic argument. It is pure “Thomism” (the imagination is truth theory of Thomas Aquinas). As we have observed, Aquinas believed that, like Aristotle, men come to “truth” primarily through their senses, one of which – according to Aquinas – is imagination. If one can “imagine truth,” it becomes truth to that person. Aquinas “imagined” all kinds of biblical personages, including Jesus Christ, speaking to him on a regular basis in person and in real time! More importantly, he also taught that truth is better communicated visually than orally. That is why popery adopted all kinds of visual stimulations into their “worship.” When one experiences art, sculpture, drama, stained glass, pomp and circumstance…one is experiencing pure Thomism. <br />
<br />
It is to this Thomistic theory that Atchley goes to assert that it is “discrimination” to disallow the “gifted musicians” among us from “giving glory to God” with an instrument for other such “gifts” are allowed in worship in some congregations. Sadly, THOSE practices are also additions that presumptively corrupt the pattern of revealed New Testament Christianity. “Performances” of any kind in worship are not to be found in the pages of the New Testament revelation! Paul did not paint pictures and Peter did not put on plays during worship… and neither should we!<br />
<br />
Not only that, the argument would open a “Pandora’s box” of insane “worship” experiences. For example “IF” we should – to use Atchley’s word – “insult” gifted musicians by denying them the ability to use their gift in worship…what then will we then say to the “gifted” plumber, electrician, bricklayer and sales person? Will they too be invited to “share” their gift in public worship?<br />
<br />
Most importantly, the Holy Spirit NEVER intended to use sensual stimulation to communicate the gospel! Paul clearly articulates God’s will in this manner in Romans 10:17 – “For faith comes by HEARING, and hearing by the Word of Christ.” Jesus, from Matthew to Revelation, continually pleads for us to “have ears to hear what the Spirit says!” Thomas Aquinas and Rick Atchley are VERY wrong in their assertions. The performing arts have no part in biblical New Testament worship for they glorify only man!<br />
<br />
(1) Rick Atchley, December, 2006, Richland Hills church of Christ – “Both / And” sermon<br />
<br />
To Be Continued…Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-84449734064417172312011-05-09T10:59:00.000-07:002011-05-09T11:17:12.015-07:00The Instrument of Division - Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bs4hOrMikT4CRGeBZ9jRXziXDZviidgDY9dkayo-oJWREoohDXUZjDh4KjT9-EhtoDHUACXNTexhJmUH0AHKXJt5qx9GgSSMyUx-3pn-uejQevzRbHRhP04KLhTcoHqkt3iog6C0OAVS/s1600/Emergent+Worship+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="92" width="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bs4hOrMikT4CRGeBZ9jRXziXDZviidgDY9dkayo-oJWREoohDXUZjDh4KjT9-EhtoDHUACXNTexhJmUH0AHKXJt5qx9GgSSMyUx-3pn-uejQevzRbHRhP04KLhTcoHqkt3iog6C0OAVS/s200/Emergent+Worship+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
By adopting the subjective and evolutionary so-called “allegorical method,” the instrument of division is able (so it thinks) to put forth “arguments” in support of it’s demonic purpose – the deconstruction and destruction of the Lord’s Body as described in the New Testament. To the faithful and Berean Christian these assertions are specious, shallow and superficial. Unfortunately, to those who have “itching ears,” they are appealing, innovative and pragmatic. There are many such “arguments.” Generally speaking, however, there are five main assertions – the new revelation argument, the anti discrimination argument, the less narrow door argument, the silence of the scriptures argument and specific passage arguments.<br />
<br />
<b>THE NEW REVELATION ARGUMENT<br />
<i></i></b><br />
Since Satan tempted Eve in the garden, people have injected heresy into God’s will by claiming new and special revelation from God himself. When rebellious and self serving humans want change and cannot find support for such in the Bible, claims of “special revelation” are made. Until 2006 we never experienced such apostate thinking in the church of Christ. However, all that changed in December of that year when our erring brother Rick Atchley preached three sermons to the Richland Hills church of Christ in Ft. Worth, Texas. In true existential form, he entitled these lessons “Both / And.” The existentialist sees “truth” and “progress” in contradiction and chaos. Among other “arguments” for the instrument of division he attempts to assert that God’s will embraces both vocal and “instrumental” praise though our God is “not a God of confusion but of peace.” Atchley’s centerpiece salvo was the “new revelation argument.” Here is the exact quote: <blockquote>Right there in that spot about 1994 in the middle of my sermon, the Holy Spirit said to me; “and that’s what you and all the preachers like you are doing who haven’t for years believed that the worship to God with instruments is wrong but you continue by your silence to let people think it’s wrong to all the body to be disrupted and you do so under the plea, “Well, we’re maintaining peace, but that’s not peace, that’s cowardice." I knew then the day would come I’d have to teach this lesson.(1) <br />
</blockquote>We should shudder at the thought of adding to God’s revelation! The wise man of Proverbs tells us clearly in 30:5 -6 that adding to God’s Word will find us to be liars by God Himself! The Scripture plainly states that “God IS (present tense meaning “now and forevermore”) “no respecter of persons,” (Acts 10:34) that “The faith was once deliver-ED (past tense) to the saints (Jude 3) and that “His divine power has giv-EN (past tense) to us ALL things pertaining to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him that has call-ED (past tense) to us glory and virtue.” (II Peter 1:3)<br />
“IF” Rick Atchley is right, “IF” the Holy Spirit really spoke to him and “IF” what Atchley “says” the Holy Spirit said was really spoken by Him, then:<br />
• God now allows man to add to divine revelation<br />
• God now IS a respecter of persons – in fact Rick Atchley now possesses “greater truth” than ALL the inspired New Testament writers who somehow “missed” the will of the Holy Spirit in regards to the instrument!<br />
• The faith actually was NOT completely delivered to the saints in the long ago.<br />
• God has actually NOT delivered to us “all things pertaining to life and godliness.<br />
Words mean things. “IF” we are to take Atchley at his word then we MUST embrace his assertion that he (Atchley) is a modern day prophet with more insight, revelation and inspiration than Peter and Jude! <br />
<br />
(1) Rick Atchley, “Both / And” #2, approx. 5 minutes 30 seconds into the sermon as transcribed by the author.<br />
<br />
To Be Continued:Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-16976046474209558562011-04-21T23:10:00.000-07:002011-04-21T23:14:38.896-07:00The Instrument of Division - Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJn4R_HYMGmI3NBniIlUgkbfFYN3k1p9pAvQZbxcbCw0npS2j2GsI3RyXcgmxnz-xGsjUCzlBygVLdb4vfE2CPYv1-bXQMsdNKFTAPHK8i1kAJgFibqyWkbRTg2yJniOG40AlndejrCkwv/s1600/Organ+being+played.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="68" width="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJn4R_HYMGmI3NBniIlUgkbfFYN3k1p9pAvQZbxcbCw0npS2j2GsI3RyXcgmxnz-xGsjUCzlBygVLdb4vfE2CPYv1-bXQMsdNKFTAPHK8i1kAJgFibqyWkbRTg2yJniOG40AlndejrCkwv/s200/Organ+being+played.png" /></a></div><br />
By adopting the subjective and evolutionary so-called “allegorical method,” the instrument of division is able (so it thinks) to put forth “arguments” in support of it’s demonic purpose – the deconstruction and destruction of the Lord’s Body as described in the New Testament. To the faithful and Berean Christian these assertions are specious, shallow and superficial. Unfortunately, to those who have “itching ears,” they are appealing, innovative and pragmatic. There are many such “arguments.” Generally speaking, however, there are five main assertions – the new revelation argument, the anti discrimination argument, the less narrow door argument, the silence of the scriptures argument and specific passage arguments.<br />
<br />
<b>THE NEW REVELATION ARGUMENT<br />
<i><blockquote></blockquote></i></b>Since Satan tempted Eve in the garden, people have injected heresy into God’s will by claiming new and special revelation from God himself. When rebellious and self serving humans want change and cannot find support for such in the Bible, claims of “special revelation” are made. Until 2006 we never experienced such apostate thinking in the church of Christ. However, all that changed in December of that year when our erring brother Rick Atchley preached three sermons to the Richland Hills church of Christ in Ft. Worth, Texas. In true existential form, he entitled these lessons “Both / And.” The existentialist sees “truth” and “progress” in contradiction and chaos. Among other “arguments” for the instrument of division he attempts to assert that God’s will embraces both vocal and “instrumental” praise though our God is “not a God of confusion but of peace.” Atchley’s centerpiece salvo was the “new revelation argument.” Here is the exact quote:<br />
<br />
<b>Right there in that spot about 1994 in the middle of my sermon, the Holy Spirit said to me; “and that’s what you and all the preachers like you are doing who haven’t for years believed that the worship to God with instruments is wrong but you continue by your silence to let people think it’s wrong to all the body to be disrupted and you do so under the plea, “Well, we’re maintaining peace, but that’s not peace, that’s cowardice.” I knew then the day would come I’d have to teach this lesson.<br />
<i><blockquote><br />
</blockquote></i></b>We should shudder at the thought of adding to God’s revelation! The wise man of Proverbs tells us clearly in 30:5 -6 that adding to God’s Word will find us to be liars by God Himself! The Scripture plainly states that “God IS (present tense meaning “now and forevermore”) “no respecter of persons,” (Acts 10:34) that “The faith was once deliver-ED (past tense) to the saints (Jude 3) and that “His divine power has giv-EN (past tense) to us ALL things pertaining to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him that has call-ED (past tense) to us glory and virtue.” (II Peter 1:3)<br />
“IF” Rick Atchley is right, “IF” the Holy Spirit really spoke to him and “IF” what Atchley “says” the Holy Spirit said was really spoken by Him, then:<br />
• God now allows man to add to divine revelation<br />
• God now IS a respecter of persons – in fact Rick Atchley now possesses “greater truth” than ALL the inspired New Testament writers who somehow “missed” the will of the Holy Spirit in regards to the instrument!<br />
• The faith actually was NOT completely delivered to the saints in the long ago.<br />
• God has actually NOT delivered to us “all things pertaining to life and godliness.<br />
Words mean things. “IF” we are to take Atchley at his word then we MUST embrace his assertion that he (Atchley) is a modern day prophet with more insight, revelation and inspiration than Peter and Jude! <br />
To Be Continued:Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-49022847139732500682011-03-31T18:11:00.000-07:002011-04-14T23:31:42.958-07:00The Instrument of Division<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaQyJpxuzo6_nntkaGjt5ew5zFWCPwj_xmvhN6428d-fVW_HSgOZXA70yO5ECScpyq4uJ-briGXpVKK6zxW1NxI8bMIduknA2-dtAm-KdAgV8D6f9JMlgxL3he3FCPECM5RXXnGimO9sp/s1600/Emergent+Worship.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 126px; height: 84px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaQyJpxuzo6_nntkaGjt5ew5zFWCPwj_xmvhN6428d-fVW_HSgOZXA70yO5ECScpyq4uJ-briGXpVKK6zxW1NxI8bMIduknA2-dtAm-KdAgV8D6f9JMlgxL3he3FCPECM5RXXnGimO9sp/s200/Emergent+Worship.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590422621917379122" /></a><br />Satan has a weapon of mass destruction. No, it is not nuclear, tactical or strategic. It appears innocent yet it is lethal. It is not expensive and therefore very available to armies of apostates. It fits easily into the "side door" of many a congregation. The weapon is stealth and may be invisible in plain sight. It claims to contribute to growth while designed only to destroy. Its proponents speak of peace, harmony and tolerance while practicing war, discord and intolerance towards any opposition. Just what is this weapon of mass destruction? To the wise and faithful it is a poisonous leaven that will murder souls. To its proponents, it is cynically called "instrumental praise."(1) "Miss Bertha plays on"(2) and millions march off into apostasy.<br /><blockquote><em><strong>The "Instrument of Division" is the instrument! </strong></em></blockquote>Many congregations in the church of Christ are "emerging towards apostasy" with the embrace of a deadly instrument of division. They are grasping at the "clanging cymbals" of instrumental music in "worship." The fact that drums, guitars and saxophones divide the body of Christ, injure love and kill fellowship means absolutely nothing to those who insist upon their addition. There are many "reasons" for these departures from "the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." However, when these "reasons" are all boiled down to their core essence, they parallel Saul's "reasons" to ignore God's clear, direct and linear commands regarding the wicked Amalekites. We read about Saul's apostasy in I Samuel 15. What motivated Saul in the long ago, now motivates the instrument of division.(3) <br /><blockquote><em><strong>1) Popular opinion. 2) Presumptive biblical interpretation. 3) Partial obedience. 4) Self promotion. 5) Pragmatic motives. </strong></em></blockquote>How can this be? How can people claiming to be Christians divide the Body of Christ and still sleep at night? How can people cause division and blame others for what they themselves have done?! <br /><blockquote><em><strong>The instrument of division must embrace a different biblical interpretive method in order to do Satan's bidding. </strong></em></blockquote>The instrument of division must reject biblical and linear interpretation, the kind that Samuel followed in I Samuel 15 and Saul...did not. Instead, the apostate must embrace the allegorical interpretive method, a method that goes in continual circles always asking questions and never finding the truth. (4)<br /><br />The so-called "allegorical method" has been around since the 2nd century A.D. The Alexandrian (Egypt) Jewish teacher, Philo, embraced Plato's allegorical interpretive method used by the Greeks in the study of Homer and applied it to the interpretation of what we now call the Old Testament. Homer, of course, wrote pure fiction. Plato taught that one could understand Homer best by filtering his work through the filter of ones own "stories" and personal "experiences." The resulting interpretive chaos had every Greek with a different Homerial interpretation! Applied to fiction, it meant nothing...BUT...when applied to Scripture, the pre-Messianic Jews soon theologically digressed back to the days of the Judges where "every man did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 21:25)<br /><br />Philo was a strong influence on the famous patristic, Clement of Alexandria. Clement had a protégé as well, his name was Origen.(5) It was Origen that piped the allegorical fantasies of Philo and Clement into the mainstream thinking of the rapidly apostatizing 2nd century church of Christ. Origen convinced many Christians of his time that the Scriptures held multiple meanings and these multiple meanings came from the individually personalized stories and experiences of each individual Christian. As a result, the emerging Roman Catholic Church used Origen to justify every digressive doctrine, every change in biblical leadership and every fantasy regarding the Lord's Supper that would soon evolve into the Mass. Today the current pope in Rome credits Origen for the creation and evolution of the ever changing "Magesterium" of Roman Catholicism. <br /><br />As convoluted as Origen was, a man would come along several hundred years later that would "poison the well" even more. That man was the delusional Thomas Aquinas, a man that imagined biblical characters speaking to him "in person," "revealing" understandings of various Scriptures. His delusion was fueled by a life long obsession with the pagan philosopher, Aristotle. Aristotle taught that man learned truth primarily through his senses. Aquinas adopted this falsehood even though the Scripture clearly teaches that "...faith comes by hearing and hearing through the Word of God..." (Romans 10:17) Making his delusion chronic, Aquinas taught that one of man's senses was his imagination. So as if multiple meanings and individual private interpretation were not enough, Aquinas asserted that if one could "imagine" a "truth," it then became "truth" to you! (6)<br /><br />Fast forwarding to today, one can adopt the instrument of division when one embraces the "multiple meanings of Scripture," filtered through one's own "stories" (Origen) fueled by the over active "imagination" (Aquinas) that renders "truth" to the adherent of such nonsense. <br /><blockquote><em><strong>Origen + Aquinas = Apostasy</strong></em></blockquote>The sad thing is that nearly every person advocating the instrument of division has likely never even studied Origen or Aquinas, let alone the New Testament in any great detail. Any teaching they may have experienced is likely to be superficial at best. More likely than not, such teaching was presented with the smooth words of emergent teachers steeped in the teachings of Brian McLaren (7) rather than in the teachings of Christ and the apostles!<br /><br />(1) See bro. Alan Highers skillful refutation of bro. Rick Atchley's pro-instrument assertions at: http://www.seektheoldpaths.com/stop707.htm#RTAD<br />(2) See an earlier post on the history of "Miss Bertha" here at:http://samuelslinesaulscircle.blogspot.com/2009/09/miss-berthas-revival.html<br />(3) See the foundational post for this entire weblog at: http://samuelslinesaulscircle.blogspot.com/2008/04/samuels-line-and-sauls-circle.html<br />(4) I have written a soon to be published book on biblical (mis)interpretaion entitled <em><strong>Emerging Towards Apostasy</strong></em><br />(5) I have written extensively about Origen and Aquinas <em>et. al.</em> For more on this, go to: http://samuelslinesaulscircle.blogspot.com/2008/04/time-traveling-error-from-fallto.html<br />(6) Ibid.<br />(7) For a synopsis of Brian McLaren, see: http://samuelslinesaulscircle.blogspot.com/2008/09/who-is-brian-mclaren-why-do-you-need-to.html<br /><br />To Be Continued...Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-42285484285227119372011-01-10T13:50:00.000-08:002011-04-14T23:39:06.991-07:00Ezra Chapter 7 - A Man Prepared for Change!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rgqoIfrhIKpwbd6I3yHa0MC3QJ7DHEI6xKxQiT3Cakl6k5J4ee5jGLCFzsgOk8HsAVVHMek5SyfwhXocfFUJc9MWk_2sQh8XH5dUdyK8GLZW7Yfj4yJEhOCCS6VjgqQRu9BTkIOzhXp3/s1600/Ezra+reads+the+law.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rgqoIfrhIKpwbd6I3yHa0MC3QJ7DHEI6xKxQiT3Cakl6k5J4ee5jGLCFzsgOk8HsAVVHMek5SyfwhXocfFUJc9MWk_2sQh8XH5dUdyK8GLZW7Yfj4yJEhOCCS6VjgqQRu9BTkIOzhXp3/s200/Ezra+reads+the+law.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560685169056941570" /></a><br /><blockquote>Change hurts. It makes people insecure, confused, and angry. People want things to be the same as they've always been, because that makes life easier. But, if you're a leader, you can't let your people hang on to the past.(1) - Richard Marcinko</blockquote><br /><br />We all experienced radical change in 2010. If nothing else, should the Lord's coming be delayed, we will certainally experience more radical change in 2011. As Richard Marcinko observed, change does hurt. As we begin this new year of change we can learn a lot from a man who epitomized change - Ezra the priest of God.<br /><br />Few men experience more change than did Ezra, finding himself transferred from the palacial halls of Cyrus the King of the Medo - Persian empire to the broken down rubble of long abandoned Jerusalem. Ezra was not intimidated by such change, he was inspired by it! Inspiration is preceded by preparation.<br /><br />Ezra Chapter 7 details Ezra's preparation and we can learn from it. Ezra knew who he was, he knew the Word of God, he was willing to leave the familiar, he did God's will, he took direction from others, he was thankful and he took courage for the Hand of God was upon him!<br /><br /><em><strong>Ezra 7:1 - 5 - Ezra Prepared for Change By Knowing Who He Was - A Son of Aaron</strong></em><br /><br />Here we see Ezra's family tree, he was a direct decendant of Aaorn the High Priest of God. Though we might define Aaron by his temporary lapse into sin regarding the "golden calf," God did not. In fact God's view of Aaron is revealed in Hebrews 5:1 - 4, Aaron was a man "called by God.!" Everyone has an "Aaron" in their family tree, even if it is you! Thank God He doesnt define our worth by our worst deed! We can prepare for change in 2011 by knowing who we are and being proud of it like Ezra.<br /><br /><em><strong>Ezra 7:6 - Ezra Prepared for Change by Knowing God's Word</strong></em><br /><br />Preparation requires knowledge, especially when it comes to the work of God. Ezra, perhaps more than anyone in the Old Testament is equated with theological excellence. In fact, Ezra focused on "rightly dividing the Word of Truth" with Pauline dedication. He "set his heart" to "study the Law of the LORD," to "do it" and to "teach his statutes and rules in Israel." We can prepare for change in 2011 by knowing God's Word like Ezra did by studying, doing and teaching it.<br /> <br /> To Be Continued...<br /><br />(1) Source: http://famousquotes.com<br />Picture Courtesy of: http://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/Picture.htmUlster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-15463798336806884612010-12-22T20:50:00.000-08:002011-04-14T23:40:01.925-07:00Simeon's Celebration<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYWZvNBLrey4fb5FQp9sWfLKzBn5Sn8PGXKvXyOv_vciatAL29p6GZt5HTy-2-VvknNfdHQMlhdAX1PXGBI_PxXXK5o753ocwripwLIeajZGze92uVL7FrYAZp6rhTYud-iyqKeJEIYdH/s1600/Simeon.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYWZvNBLrey4fb5FQp9sWfLKzBn5Sn8PGXKvXyOv_vciatAL29p6GZt5HTy-2-VvknNfdHQMlhdAX1PXGBI_PxXXK5o753ocwripwLIeajZGze92uVL7FrYAZp6rhTYud-iyqKeJEIYdH/s200/Simeon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553739506738925106" /></a><br /><br />A Biblical Perspective on the Incarnation<br /><br />This coming Saturday, billions of people will mark the birth of Christ in “Christ-Mass” celebrations. While we rejoice that perhaps still on one day…despite the tyranny of tolerance that we call “political correctness”…people remember Christ at least in some way. It gives Christians an opportunity to share the REAL gospel, the fact that Christ died for our sins on the cross, was buried for three days, rose from the dead on the third day and appeared to over 500 witnesses over the next 40 days as an undeniable witness for all time and eternity. (I Corinthians 15) It gives Christians the opportunity to share the fact that salvation comes only through Christ and that said salvation comes only through repentance and baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins from the Day of Pentecost until the end of time. Finally, it gives Christians the opportunity to share the fact that Christ died for and established but one church thus rendering all other “gospels” false. (Galatians 1)<br /><br />Though the inspired apostle Paul gives individual Christians the right to recognize certain days in private, he also states emphatically in Romans 14:14 that when such opinions cause division in the Body of Christ, they should be kept “between (that person) and God.” When we impose human opinions, harmless when “kept between me and God,” upon entire congregations we then turn opinion into an addition to the Word of God. The celebration of the birth of Christ is never commanded, never mentioned and never celebrated for the New Testament church of Christ. It is indeed then ironic that the most “holy” celebration in catholic, protestant, evangelical and pentecostal divisions from the New Testament pattern is a celebration unknown in the pages of Scripture!<br /><br />Understanding all of this, what was one man’s reaction to meeting the Christ child in person? (Very likely the middle of the summer of 4 b.c.) In Luke 2:22 – 35, righteous Simeon celebrates 7 things regarding the coming of Christ: 1) The coming of Christ will bring “peace,” the removal of the wrath of God upon those who will believe, 2) The coming of Christ will bring “salvation” from sins, something Moses could never do, 3) The coming of Christ will bring “revelation,” specifically the fact that Gentiles will be saved, 4) The coming of Christ will bring “glory” to God,” 5) The coming of Christ will cause “many in Israel to rise and to fall,” 6) The coming of Christ will bring “sorrow” to his dear mother in the flesh and, 7) The coming of Christ will bring “judgment,” for “the thoughts of many will be revealed.” What was important…and worth celebrating to Simeon…should be important and worth celebrating to EVERY Christian on December 25 and EVERY OTHER DAY of the year as well!<br /><br />As an American family tradition, Christmas is truly the “most wonderful time of the year.” It is a time for family, hearth, giving and fun. It is not, however, a biblical and religious commandment for the church. When we do think of the birth of Christ – be it in December or July – let’s think about celebrating what Simeon celebrated: Peace, Salvation, Revelation, Glory, The Rising and Falling of Many, Sorrow and Judgment to Come!Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-7468762505846630712010-12-08T20:31:00.000-08:002011-04-14T23:40:40.117-07:00Shall We Have "The Bread of Life," or "The Life of Bread?"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QzzEI9jke7Yl-5llpm4ytRcuBzMWMRjvH1AELoy9O1qW6YD7gldy9hwUK4d4umCeU-lh4dgSePyu6UsKExfA2WlsTPWCxfi1FJQANqLetefOdllM_2k0oLmG-ZC-aM91WwbuS-Bwk1Lb/s1600/Bread.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 106px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QzzEI9jke7Yl-5llpm4ytRcuBzMWMRjvH1AELoy9O1qW6YD7gldy9hwUK4d4umCeU-lh4dgSePyu6UsKExfA2WlsTPWCxfi1FJQANqLetefOdllM_2k0oLmG-ZC-aM91WwbuS-Bwk1Lb/s200/Bread.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548542360380684466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIfa-uEd3e2pXVsoTNV4UHX1N4WNK-VY23yfkpydnvDxQWBjC1codOMDOInOGQF9WKvI5g2CcH5LRkBy8ICRxVE_cGOBfW1N3cehbZWAHlq1Q931jhIHQ2YlIydySHo_owPiz6ggaMvW_/s1600/Resurrection+Morning.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 85px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIfa-uEd3e2pXVsoTNV4UHX1N4WNK-VY23yfkpydnvDxQWBjC1codOMDOInOGQF9WKvI5g2CcH5LRkBy8ICRxVE_cGOBfW1N3cehbZWAHlq1Q931jhIHQ2YlIydySHo_owPiz6ggaMvW_/s200/Resurrection+Morning.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548540120982609970" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wll6n4jko-bIidMDnn-GsYs5dUys0vtZNP2yv1w4ODA-EEKmt6aGOT2WhDaFRSADdiwh4fpqsFTIy4QGXr7IF5OzSKaM6UL1WF_MrUOc4gDjYT_2HTCImxmTjEsKPUOcE6WAfElkEFKL/s1600/Jim+Wallis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wll6n4jko-bIidMDnn-GsYs5dUys0vtZNP2yv1w4ODA-EEKmt6aGOT2WhDaFRSADdiwh4fpqsFTIy4QGXr7IF5OzSKaM6UL1WF_MrUOc4gDjYT_2HTCImxmTjEsKPUOcE6WAfElkEFKL/s200/Jim+Wallis.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548539994753902226" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZkgv2FexybV5_HtI6DkQqma_WCtJoWGKTD-JaWEZKUtDqorBD5pRAdmvCHPyhXNRhorWaYY7dJocVBKoK2wsgHbT1z1zItREFJ6x_X3XFy9WMxS7s-O_xD0dpV23ZOsyz6_zPNE8BB9-/s1600/Brian+McLaren.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 110px; height: 83px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZkgv2FexybV5_HtI6DkQqma_WCtJoWGKTD-JaWEZKUtDqorBD5pRAdmvCHPyhXNRhorWaYY7dJocVBKoK2wsgHbT1z1zItREFJ6x_X3XFy9WMxS7s-O_xD0dpV23ZOsyz6_zPNE8BB9-/s200/Brian+McLaren.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548539830165199234" /></a><br /><br /><blockquote>Semantics, Social Justice and the Gospel in the 21st Century – Part 1</blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote>"I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.“ <br /> John 6:35b (ESV)</blockquote><br /><br />While in college, way back in the last century, I took a class on semantics. No class before or since has had a more positive bearing on my desire to properly communicate the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I must be up to the semantical challenges on a daily basis. Allow me to illustrate: I have a dog. I tell three people I am taking “my dog” to the vet. When I say “dog,” Mary thinks “poodle.” When I say “dog,” Mark thinks “blood hound.” When I say “dog,” Larry thinks German Shepherd. I own a beagle. When I say “dog,” I mean beagle. Four people, one word, four “meanings.” In order for me to be semantically correct and an effective communicator, I should say; “I’m taking my beagle to the vet.” Precise words with precise meanings, commonly understood, are the key to effective communication. And…no communication is more urgent than that of the gospel message. This point is soberly important for it is God Himself who has chosen the spoken word as the primary vehicle of the gospel! (Romans 10:8 – 18)<br /><br />In the spirit of semantical precision, just what is the gospel? There is no need to wring our hands, circularly converse towards consensus or speculate with our imaginations! God has revealed the singular and everlastingly true definition of the gospel in I Corinthians 10:1 – 6;<br /><blockquote>Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. (ESV) </blockquote>The gospel consists therefore, without addition or subtraction, these four components; 1) Christ died for our sins, 2) Christ was buried, 3) Christ arose on the third day, and 4) Christ established the fact of his raising by appearing to over 500 witnesses before returning to heaven. THAT is the gospel!<br /><br />In times past, effective communication was the goal of nearly everyone. Not so in our world! In our day and time, more and more people communicate with un-clear words and phrases…on purpose…in order to perpetuate one agenda or another. We call this practice “spin.” Spin is defined by the Miriam Webster On-Line Dictionary as, “…to evolve, express, or fabricate by processes of mind or imagination.”(1) “Spin” is the cumulative term. “Spin” is made up of what we call “buzz words.” A “buzz word” is defined as, “an important-sounding usually technical word or phrase often of little meaning used chiefly to impress laymen.”(2) The term “social justice” is a buzz-word. It takes noble sounding words to promote an agenda that is anything but noble. The term is not found in the Bible, neither Old or New Testaments. In fact, the term “social justice” is a mid 19th century concept coming out of the radicalism of the 1840’s that culminated in the revolutions of 1848(3). As Michael Novak observes;<br /><blockquote>The term "social justice" was first used in 1840 by a Sicilian priest, Luigi Taparelli d'Azeglio, and given prominence by Antonio Rosmini-Serbati in La Costitutione Civile Secondo la Giustizia Sociale in 1848.(4) </blockquote>What caused the revolutions of 1848, societal upheaval and the advent of “social justice?” Novak further observes;<br /><blockquote>The birth of the concept of social justice coincided with two other shifts in human consciousness: the "death of God" and the rise of the ideal of the command economy. When God "died," people began to trust a conceit of reason and its inflated ambition to do what even God had not deigned to do: construct a just social order. The divinization of reason found its extension in the command economy; reason (that is, science) would command and humankind would collectively follow. The death of God, the rise of science, and the command economy yielded "scientific socialism." Where reason would rule, the intellectuals would rule. (Or so some thought. Actually, the lovers of power would rule.)(5) </blockquote>Nature abhors a vacuum. When God was “shown the door,” the satanic surrogates came in. Those surrogates were Charles Darwin and Karl Marx. Society was no longer governed by “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It was now “from each according to his ability to each according to his need.” True justice was supplanted by “social justice.” [To Be Continued]<br /><br />END NOTES:<br /><br />(1)http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spin<br />(2)http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buzz+word?show=0&t=1291827233<br />(3)For more information on the Revolutions of 1848: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolutions_of_1848#cite_note-3<br />(4)http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/civilization/cc0081.html<br />(5)Ibid.Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-89961831499505995802010-11-18T09:49:00.000-08:002011-04-14T23:41:23.707-07:00Christendom, Islam and Christianity<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1vRs-ccz05l5D_nhCNefDCPfCPg1VidCBAefc6Hg-lTlQKZjR2njelUvYmNvSUmsme5E8Qn8WAIhNKN5HmEf5dQU8y3edlnWOqbPNrAIMiMWmR8gPPIBETHbHlOFL_ucgCOef6XdOn8b/s1600/Holy+Bible.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 110px; height: 83px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1vRs-ccz05l5D_nhCNefDCPfCPg1VidCBAefc6Hg-lTlQKZjR2njelUvYmNvSUmsme5E8Qn8WAIhNKN5HmEf5dQU8y3edlnWOqbPNrAIMiMWmR8gPPIBETHbHlOFL_ucgCOef6XdOn8b/s200/Holy+Bible.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540949773075550850" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgom2aRFrJRUljzY67Jo71bnOjywz1vi9p_fC0eDLu49Xbc6b8I9M2RerLrG5Ab__EICzgJPk9T0yh_9SIkIwhDz8YCj7j_EiZ31DssqBBs9PsRg8mUyLvTti8P5ej3yljfovZumPOOMiwZ/s1600/Moon+and+Star.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 94px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgom2aRFrJRUljzY67Jo71bnOjywz1vi9p_fC0eDLu49Xbc6b8I9M2RerLrG5Ab__EICzgJPk9T0yh_9SIkIwhDz8YCj7j_EiZ31DssqBBs9PsRg8mUyLvTti8P5ej3yljfovZumPOOMiwZ/s200/Moon+and+Star.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540949561926292834" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghE3kizCP_WsGlQKR6_HQhLIv2kdPU6_lmcKztnGTTD633BHmUm1ephaO6HGR8eFvn7JkVmsgerGZnhpfiCi-V0yPAztTvdSAA9C3t9zjIRw-GeDBDVMhyphenhyphenSAonivmmk3mmCdSv5gHFIErn/s1600/Chi-Rho.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghE3kizCP_WsGlQKR6_HQhLIv2kdPU6_lmcKztnGTTD633BHmUm1ephaO6HGR8eFvn7JkVmsgerGZnhpfiCi-V0yPAztTvdSAA9C3t9zjIRw-GeDBDVMhyphenhyphenSAonivmmk3mmCdSv5gHFIErn/s200/Chi-Rho.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540949336261105010" /></a><br /><em><strong>New Testament Christianity Stands in Stark Contrast with Both Christendom & Islam</strong></em><br /><br />The year was 312 a.d. Civil war raged across the Roman Empire. In a history changing conflict, Constantine defeated his enemies at the battle of Milvian Bridge, winning the crown of the western empire. Though “exposed” to Christianity as a child by his mother, Helena, he was a pagan for most of his life. By biblical standards his “conversion” remains to this day as suspect.<br />According to legend the day before the battle Constantine looked towards the sun and saw written above these words; in hoc signo vinces – “in this sign, win!” The legend says that the symbol he saw was what is now called the labarum. The labarum is a combination of the first two letters in the name of Christ in Greek, chi (X) and rho (P). Constantine, for whatever reason, had his soldiers paint the labarum on their shields they then carried into battle. Historically, of course, we know that Constantine prevailed in the next days conflict. His imagined vision changed history. <br />The following year, Constantine and his co-emperor, Licinius, issued the Edict of Milan which made the empire officially neutral religiously. Neither Christianity nor paganism was recognized as the state religion. Each person was free to worship whomever he/she wished. For the very first time, the empire no longer legally embraced paganism. These changes led to the return of confiscated Christian property and laid the foundation of what we now know as Christendom, the total union of church and state in full totalitarian mode. “Christianity” (i.e. Nicene Catholicism) became the state religion on 27 February 380 with the issue of the Edict of Thessalonica. Though Jesus Christ Himself clearly stated that “my kingdom is not of this world otherwise my servants would fight,” Christendom ushered in nothing but armed conflict, bloodshed and mayhem for over a thousand years. Wars sponsored by “Christian” nation states began with Charlemagne and lasted until Napoleon! Everywhere the labarum went, death and destruction followed. Slaughter in the name of the pope would take place from Europe to Asia Minor to Asia to the South China Seas to the Americas and back again before the power of the pope was finally neutralized during the Napoleonic Wars by the rise of Great Britain as the first modern age super power. <br />By the time of Pope Urban II in 1095 “Christendom” was solidified to the point of being a singular and monolithic church-state dictatorship. Rome possessed absolute power over the lives, fortunes and minds of the various European nation-states and their inhabitants. There was no middle class, only a few very wealthy land lords with the rest of the population held in virtual slavery. The economy was what we would best characterize today as fascist - church owned, taxed and controlled. Any opposition was quickly suppressed with extreme violence to the poor and the threat of excommunication by the pope to the rich. So called “canon law” reined supreme over local, state and national laws. Even kings and queens served at the pope’s pleasure. Anyone who opposed Rome either theologically or politically was immediately branded as a heretic bringing death, destruction and confiscation of property upon both themselves and their families. Urban decided that the time was ripe for murder, rape and pillage under the banner of the Constantinian labarum against the Islamic armies pouring in from the east. The bottom line: Christendom is NOT a religion per se, it is a military, political and economic weapon for power and domination of other peoples cloaked with a thin skin of religion.<br />Two hundred and thirty years after Edict of Thessalonica, a man in Arabia by the name of Muhammad, like Constantine, began to imagine visions from God. The year was 610. By the time of his death in 632, Muhammad had amassed a massive following and controlled all of the Arabian peninsula. Islam means “submission to Allah” and a Muslim is “one who submits or surrenders” to the teachings of Muhammad. It is very likely that Muhammad could neither read nor write for his “visions” were written down in the Islamic holy book, the Qur’an, not by him but by his “companions” via memory after his relatively early death at age 62. A “companion” was someone who saw Muhammad while he still lived, believed his teachings and remained a Muslim until death. It is generally agreed that the number of “companions” that wrote the Qur’an number between 50 and 60 persons. Islamic theology is not based solely upon the Qur’an. Like the writings of the so-called “church fathers” in Christendom, the traditions of Islam are taught and supported by the Hadith. The Hadith was written long after the demise of Muhammad, some two hundred years plus in fact. The Hadith is the passed down generation to generation of the “companions” recollections of the thoughts, practices and interpretations of Muhammad. Should one study Islam by studying ONLY the Qur’an, one will miss much of what drives the Muslim to believe the way he or she does. Thirty or so years after the death of Muhammad a power struggle split Islam into two bitterly opposed denominations; the minority Shia and the majority Sunni’s. As Islam rose to battle Christendom, a pope like figure called the Caliph arose to exert total power and authority. The Caliph imposed strict observance of so-called Sharia Law, a medieval and barbarous set of ruthless laws that enslaved the masses just like the so-called Canon Law of Rome. The Caliph’s imposed a brutal dictatorship supported by war, piracy, extortion, plunder and the slave trade. Before retreating in the fifteenth century, Islam would threaten Rome from the French border in the west to eastern Austria in the east. In 1095, however, the two world powers were poised for a death struggle that would take four hundred years to come to an end. Not until the Islamic Moors were forced out of Spain in 1492 would the religious wars between Christendom and Islam begin to subside. The bottom line: Islam is NOT a religion per se, it is a military, political and economic weapon for power and domination of other peoples cloaked with a thin skin of religion.<br />It is the thesis of this paper that “Christendom” and “Islam” are two side of the same coin. They came to blows, not because of their differences but because of their similarities! It is also our thesis that New Testament Christianity stands in stark contrast to both “Christendom” and “Islam.” In fact biblical Christianity is 180 degrees opposite to both. The greatest challenge of our age is for New Testament Christians to reach out to both Roman Catholics and Muslims with the good news of the gospel, a message of peace, love, joy, faith, hope, forgiveness and salvation – a message NEVER shared by the Pope’s crusaders or the Caliph’s soldiers! They never shared it for they never had it to share.<br />The chart below validates our thesis – Christendom and Islam are IDENTICAL except for their theologies. Keep in mind however theology is but a thin skinned covering to mask the real thing in both cases. Underneath their two different theological skins, Christendom and Islam are twin brothers, as it were.<br /> Islam Christendom<br />Caliph Pope<br />Mosque & State Are One Church & State Are One<br />Imams Priests<br />Jihad Crusade<br />Feast of Ramadan Feast of Christ-Mass<br />Hadith Tradition Patrisic Tradition<br />Sharia Law Canon Law<br />Execution for Internal Opposition Execution for Internal Opposition<br />Free Salvation for Dying in Battle Free Salvation for Dying in Battle<br />Holy City of Mecca Holy City of Rome<br />Ends Justify the Means Ends Justify the Means<br />No Salvation for Outsiders No Salvation for Outsiders<br />Submit or Die Convert or Die<br />At the end of the day, both Islam and Christendom gave up any and all pretense to being “people of the book” and paid any price for power, glory, wealth, domination and total destruction of their mortal enemies. What they once abhorred in their enemies they both embraced for themselves.<br />Political reality shows that Christendom is no more. Western nations no longer embrace faith in the God of Heaven and for the most part have become secular if not agnostic, even atheist. In fact, since the demise of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, western nations no longer act monolithically, they have fought each other in two world wars, neither of which had a single religious component. Most significantly, the pope no longer has any political and military sway. In that sense, Islam triumphed over Christendom. For some reason, though, the message of this defeat has yet to reach the Islamic world! To them, nothing has changed. Most importantly to this very hour in time, they see Christianity as “Christendom!” No notion could be more false.<br />New Testament Christianity is found in the heart not on the tip of the sword. New Testament Christianity has absolutely nothing in common with either Islam or Christendom! The Kingdom of God is one of spirit not of flesh. It is the Body of Christ not the bodies of slain enemies. The church of Christ is not a building, it is not a government, it is not an army, it is not a city or stronghold to be taken by force of arms and is not temporal. Her headquarters are not in Rome or Mecca but in Heaven above! The Christian loves his enemies, renders good for evil and prays for those who abuse him or her. Our warfare is not with Islam (or Christendom for that matter!) but with the “power of the prince of the air,” Satan and his wiles. Islam and Christendom persuaded men with violence and the sword, Christians persuade men by the proclamation of the gospel for “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Should men reject the message, so be it. No force, be it physical, be it psychological or be it otherwise will be employed by the Christian against any man or woman who turns away. Our example is Christ who, while being murdered, prayed for God’s forgiveness of those who were literally killing him. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do!” was His plea. The Father answered that prayer 50 days later on the Day of Pentecost when those same murderers cried out, “Men and brethren, what must we do!?” Peter, along with the eleven, rose up and said; “Repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit!” Christians, towards one another, “turn their swords into plowshares” and “learn the ways of war no more!”<br />For more information on the church of the New Testament, the singular and eternal church of Christ, go to: http://gospelcall.blogspot.com/2010/11/reasoning-together-introduction-to.html. May God bless all those, both the current adherents of both Christendom and Islam, as they turn to God through Jesus Christ, “THE way, THE truth and THE life” through whom all who would seek after God must come!Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-46627174201735659782010-07-02T09:04:00.000-07:002011-04-14T23:42:01.621-07:00Imagination, Revelation and the Emerging Church Movement<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUyMwo0NOwaQtLFbhg9inr_dYLuSKrWuGfIKe_ijb3LLLl25PqK63c-HZJkrvsewYlMmga2ciLFtBNyWTU3aOfCdhDIT0mEtW5G49x-0L9IYypOB_H6bC3Ux0FgaPZiaJ18WLhSFYuEs4/s1600/Emerging+Church+Photo+2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUyMwo0NOwaQtLFbhg9inr_dYLuSKrWuGfIKe_ijb3LLLl25PqK63c-HZJkrvsewYlMmga2ciLFtBNyWTU3aOfCdhDIT0mEtW5G49x-0L9IYypOB_H6bC3Ux0FgaPZiaJ18WLhSFYuEs4/s200/Emerging+Church+Photo+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489340952662057282" /></a><br /><br /><blockquote><em><strong>“But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, "Behold, <em><strong>I thought </strong></em>that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.” – II Kings 5:11 (ESV)</strong></em></blockquote>Naaman IMAGINED that God would perform as Naaman directed. He became angry when God did not act out on his IMAGINED and outcome based assumption. This attitude epitomizes the so-called “emerging church movement.” This movement is one that IMAGINES that God is at our every changing beck and call and IMAGINES the Almighty is nothing more than a spiritual Gumby ® that people can shape and mold any way they will on any given day. Satan has struck swiftly and effectively. Even as we mount the walls of the City of God to watch for the enemy approaching, we look over our shoulders and view with horror that the enemy is already in the city, sweeping many a soul into a potentially hellish eternity. [God alone is the judge] Who knows how many souls have gone down stream in the swift flowing current of sin and error since the summer of 2006 when the “new hermeneutic” rushed through the church of Christ like a deadly tsunami. Just what is the "new hermeneutic?" It is a "new" (turns out to be very old) biblical interpretive model. It is based upon a 2nd century reliance on the "thinking" of the so-called church fathers, or "patristics." The problem is that these men, in many cases, were already leading the church into full blown apostasy. We should consult the patristics for history but by no means consult them on revelation! They were not inspired! Instead, we need to return to the Scripture for "all things pertaining to life and godliness!" The new / old hermeneutic, replacing "thus saith the Lord" hermeneutic is called "allegorical" or "circular" interpretation. "Circular interpretation" is described by its name. One starts with a question and ends up with even more questions. To the circularist, one finds nobility in the "search" for truth, NOT in the finding of it. When I would babble on about something or another as a child, my Mother would stop me and say; "Russell, you're talking in circles!" The so-called "new hermeneutic" is nothing more than circular babble. In the wake of this disaster, perhaps a third to a half of the Lord’s congregations in the United States have either gone with the instrument, have become sympathetic to the instrument or just have become lukewarm regarding the biblical pattern of vocal only worship in “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” Many congregations continue to sing acapella but do so because of “tradition” and / or personal preference and no longer out of faith and conviction. What was not long ago a matter of doctrine is now a matter of opinion among many who call themselves Christians. The instrument per se is not the issue here, it is the interpretive model that made the instrument possible! We are “perishing without knowledge.” That interpretive model that is turning truth into error is collectively called the “emerging church.” Where did this term come from? <br /><blockquote><em><strong>The answer is shocking… the term “emerging church” comes from Darwinian evolution.</strong></em></blockquote>And why not? “IF” slime can evolve into fish, fish into monkeys and monkeys into man…why can’t primitive New Testament Christianity evolve from a singular church with autonomous leadership to Medieval Catholicism, to Reformed Protestantism, to Evangelicalism and now into “every man and woman for him or her self defining truth and spiritual matters individually?"(1) Merriam-Webster On-Line defines the word emerge thusly:<br /><blockquote><em><strong>To become manifest: become known, to rise from or as if from an enveloping fluid: (to) come out into view, to rise from an obscure or inferior position or condition, to come into being through evolution.(2) </strong></em></blockquote>Those who promote error in our time choose this terminology deliberately. Like Darwin, the “emerging church” teaches that “truth,” like life itself “emerges” [evolves] over time from the “simple” to the “complex.” As a result, the 1st century church was simple, ignorant and insignificant compared to those of us today who have “evolved” further down the road making today’s “truth” far more “true” than yesterdays “truth.” Not only that, tomorrows “truth” will be more “true” than today’s “truth” since those in the future will be more “evolved” that we are! <br /><br />Soberly, we must reflect on the fact that 30 - 40 years ago young people in the church began embracing the idea that it was "possible" for God to have used "evolution" in the formation of the universe. In other words when God said "the evening and the morning were the first day," He really meant "millions of years." Now as adults, these same people apply this same imaginative thinking to the instrument, to leadership in the church and even to the plan of salvation! "IF" day means "millions of years," then "psalms, hymns and spiritual songs" can mean guitars, drums and dancing. "IF" day means "millions of years," then women can serve as elders. "IF" day means "millions of years," then baptism for the remission of sins can be the "sinner's prayer." "IF" day means "millions of years" the one and only singular church of Christ can be just another denomination. May God save us from such a foolish imagination!<br /> <br />The "emerging church” believes that “truth” is individually defined, comes in multiplicity, changes over time, evolves from the simple to the complex and therefore static and un-changing truth does not actually exist! The “emerging church” finds nobility in the “search” for truth but ridicules its existence as they engage in its pursuit. The “emerging church” openly defies the words of our Lord and Savior who clearly stated that “ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32 King James Version (KJV) We have heard this nonsense of seeking non-truth before. The “emerging church” is pure existentialism applied to theology. (Existentialism is a philosophy that singularly focuses on the here and now for there is no here after.) The father of existentialism, Soren Kierkegaard, stated the following:<br /><blockquote><em><strong>I see it all perfectly; there are two possible situations - one can either do this or that. My honest opinion and my friendly advice is this: do it or do not do it - you will regret both.(3) </strong></em></blockquote>Essentially, Kierkegaard says that, search as we may, we will never find the truth. The best we can hope for is to, through constant injection of chaos, allow our “choices” to battle out for themselves their relative strength and validity in the whirlwind of life. If this also sounds familiar, it is! Kierkegaard philosophizes the ancient far-east religion of Taoism. Taoism teaches that there is no ultimate truth, only a constant battle between forces. Though most cannot recognize Taoism by name, nearly everyone hears people talking about “karma” and have seen the circular black and white bumper stickers featuring the “yin and the yang” in struggle against one another while neither dominates the struggle. All these concepts are blended into the “emerging church movement.” For clarification, “emerging” applies to the movement as a whole, while the term “emergent” applies to any individual who is “emerging.”<br /> <br />For decades faithful brethren preached against this kind of apostasy. Many a sermon was delivered on the dangers of “falling away,” of “drifting” and “error.” Perhaps the numbers of these sermons made us numb to the warning. Perhaps we thought that the point was “over sold.” Whatever the reason, many a guard is let down and error is sweeping into the church of Christ like the recent floods of Nashville and Oklahoma City. Satan has “re-branded” an old error with a new label! Technically, the “emerging church movement” began in the late 1990’s. In reality, it is a retread of an old satanic trick first sold to Eve in the Garden. It worked so well that he has never had to roll out a new product! Let us recall the Word of the Lord:<br /><blockquote><em><strong>“Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?" And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." – Genesis 3:1- 5 English Standard Version (ESV)</strong></em></blockquote>We want to notice two things that Eve (and Adam) found attractive about this temptation. First of all one can decide for herself / himself what course to take, and, second that making such choices makes one equal to God! Wow! “Not only do I get to choose what to do, I can be my own God!” Satan is telling Eve that there are no “right or wrong” choices. He is telling her that she can control her own destiny and future. He is telling her that there are “multiple truths,” God’s truth, Eve’s truth, Adam’s truth, Satan’s truth...all equally valid. Satan is telling Eve to “deconstruct” the past so as to “reconstruct” the future!<br /><br />This pattern is used by Satan on each of us. We are tempted continually to “go our own way” and when we do, we too are told we will “be as gods knowing good and evil.” This pattern is the foundation of every single false religion that there ever was or ever will be. Man gets to “choose” because he is the most intelligent, strong and wisest “germ” in the universe! Man is god, or so he keeps telling himself. You may think that surely these views cannot possibly be held by anyone claiming to be a Christian in the New Testament sense of the word. You would sadly be wrong. Note a couple of quotes from several faculty members at ACU from 2002 and contrast them with Scripture:<br /><blockquote><em><strong>“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” – James 1:21 (ESV)<br /> vs. <br />“The Bible does not save us. Jesus does. Scripture is not a rule book covering every imaginable situation, if we only know how to decode it correctly.” (4)<br /> And <br />“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” – II Timothy 1:13 (ESV)<br /> vs.<br />“While the Bible does shed light on issues of church organization and other issues that have attracted the attention of many of us, it does not provide a constitution or pattern for church organization, focusing instead on the much more important issues of spiritual and moral life, justice, peace, and reverence before God.”(5) </strong></em></blockquote><br />Sadly, these statements may have more in common with the existentialist cleric, Brian McLaren,(6) than they do with the faithful! In fact, Brian McLaren, though he is not even a Christian in the New Testament sense of the word, was one of the marquis speakers at the “2008 ACU Summit!”(7) Unfortunately, Brian McLaren, the very same fall also appeared as a marquis speaker at the Lipscomb University “Preacher’s Conference.”(8) <br /><br />An ancestor of mine, Hugh Gaston (d. 1766) eloquently wrote of the biblical role of Scripture, in sharp contrast with the views of our contemporary “emerging” brethren:<br /><blockquote><em><strong>Those have succeeded best in ascertaining the true sense of many Portions of Scripture, and in answering Objections against them, and setting several Scripture Doctrines in a clear Light, who have first searched the Scriptures for the whole and complete Account of the Subject, and hereby were enabled to show what was doubtful, by being briefly expressed in one Place, was sufficiently enlarged upon and explained in others. Besides such Explications of Scripture Truths as are to be found in the Scriptures themselves, none else are to be depended upon: for the sacred Writers, being sufficiently qualified for their Work, did not leave it to be mended by inferior Hands; they left the Scriptures a finished Performance, containing a System of Religion from God, which, like all His other Works, is good and perfect in its Kind, being full and complete in all its Parts, plain and proper in its Terms and Expressions, and effacious or sufficient to answer the ends for which it was written: if it fails, no other Writers will prove effectual for reforming the World, and making Mankind wise to Salvation.(9)</strong></em></blockquote>The strange thing is this: Hugh was an Irish Presbyterian! When I examine the statements of my own brethren, I find that I am in much more agreement with Hugh than I am them! This is alarming! If everything else in God’s vast universe is made to a precise pattern, why would God write His word in such a way as to become so just much chaos and incoherence? The phrase, “thus saith the Lord,” or a variation of it, is found some 430 times in Scripture! “IF” the “emerging church” is right about the Bible, then God would then be saying “Just kidding!” some 430 times as well and would owe us all an apology. “Let God be true and every man a liar!”<br /> <br />When we carefully examine the Genesis 3 account, one word describes it all…IMAGINATION. Satan convinced Eve to IMAGINE she had a right to choose and to IMAGINE herself as a god. It’s just like that old 1960’s song…”it was just my imagination running away with me!” The “emerging church” is a church that IMAGINES “truth” but neither seeks it or acknowledges its very existence! The “emerging church” is the church of John Lennon as he IMAGINED it:<br /><blockquote><em><strong>Imagine there's no heaven - It's easy if you try - No hell below us - Above us only sky<br />Imagine all the people - Living for today...<br /><br />Imagine there's no countries - It isn't hard to do - Nothing to kill or die for - And no religion too - Imagine all the people - Living life in peace...<br /><br />You may say I'm a dreamer - But I'm not the only one - I hope someday you'll join us - And the world will be as one<br /><br />Imagine no possessions - I wonder if you can - No need for greed or hunger - A brotherhood of man - Imagine all the people - Sharing all the world...<br /><br />You may say I'm a dreamer - But I'm not the only one - I hope someday you'll join us - And the world will live as one(10) </strong></em></blockquote>You are right! There are light years between REVELATION and IMAGINATION! How did we get from the former to the latter? How did we go from assertion of a singular and absolute truth to imagining multiple fictitious truths? The short answer, as we stated, is in Genesis 3. To be more precise the Holy Spirit has much to say in Scripture regarding IMAGINATION. <br /><br />The Scriptures use six original words (three Hebrew and three Greek) that are translated “imagination / imagination(s)” in the KJV a total of twenty times. Of these twenty usages, only one is used in a positive sense of the word. [That one exception is I Chronicles 29:18]. All other nineteen references to “imagination / imagination(s)” are used to describe rebellion, sin and rejection of God. Here are the six words along with example usages:<br /><br />1. H3336 – yester – “intellectual framework, graven image, devise (or) imagination”(11) This word is used in Genesis 6:5 – “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” This is perhaps the most extreme use of “imagination” in the Bible for it describes the heart of mankind just prior to the universal flood. The primary meaning of this word is in describing the continuous intention of the heart and is rendered that way in the ESV. The ISBE notes that yester is a “shaping,” as one would shape an image for idol worship, hence, “imagination” is a logical extension of “image.” When men choose “imagination” over “revelation,” they become idolaters, pure and simple, “worshipping the creature instead of the Creator.” (Romans 1) “Imagination” is the pavement of the road to perdition!<br />2. H8307 – sheriyruth – “stubbornness, hardness, firmness in the sense of (being) twisted”(12) This word is used by Moses in his address to the children of Israel in Moab warning them of the consequences of unfaithfulness in Deuteronomy 29:19-20 – “And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.” (KJV) The primary meaning of this word is stubbornness and is rendered that way in the ESV. This word is used more often than any other in the Old Testament for “imagination.”<br />3. H4284 – machashabah – “thought, devise, plan, purpose, invention”(13) This word is used in Proverbs 6:18 – “An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,” We should pay very close attention to this word! It is used as one of the seven things that God hates in Proverbs 6. It is rendered as “thoughts of vanity” in Young’s Literal Translation (YLT), as “evil plans” in the Literal Translation of the Holy Bible (LITV), as “wicked plans” in the (ESV), as “wicked purposes” in the 1901 American Standard Version (ASV) and “wicked plots” in the 1899 Douay – Rheims Bible (DRB)<br />4. G1271 – diaanoia – “(a way to use) the mind as a faculty of understanding, feeling, desiring (imagining) (or) way of thinking”(14) This word is used in Luke 1:51 – “He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.” (KJV) Notice that the imaginative are seen as proud by God. It is certainly not wrong to use one’s imagination for it is a gift of God. However, to use one’s imagination to circumvent God’s will is to embrace eternal disaster! This word is rendered conceit in the DRB.<br />5. G1261 – dialogismos – “the thinking of a man deliberating with himself, a thought, inward reasoning, purpose, design, a deliberating, questioning about what is true, hesitation, doubting, disputing, arguing”(15) This is an existential word, carrying the idea of contradictory “self talk” that empowers people to imagine falsehood as being truth. It is used by Paul in Romans 1:21 – “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” The ASV et al renders dialogimos as “reasoning.” The DRB uses “thoughts” while the ESV utilizes “thinking.”<br />6. G3053 – logismos – “a reckoning, computation, a reasoning: such as is hostile to the Christian faith, a judgment, decision: such as (a violation of one’s) conscience”(16) This is the final word used for “imagination(s)” in Scripture. It occurs in II Corinthians 10:5-6. It is, as it were, God’s final warning to us regarding the presumption of imagination. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” Paul clearly states that the collective imaginations of all men and all time will be torn down, brought into captivity and completely revenged. <br /><br />The apostle Paul in I Corinthians 10 tells us that the things written before were written for our learning, for our example and for our warning. There are many such examples and warnings in Scripture, here are but a few:<br /><br />• In Genesis 4, Cain IMAGINED that his offering would be acceptable, it was not<br />• In Genesis 11, man IMAGINED he could build a tower to heave, they were scattered<br />• In Exodus 32, the Israelites IMAGINED they could worship God via a golden calf, they were made to eat it<br />• In Leviticus 10, Nadab and Abihu IMAGINED they could bring strange fire to the Tabernacle, they died before the Lord<br />• In Numbers 16, Korah IMAGINED that he could challenge the leadership of Moses, he, his family and his followers perished<br />• In Numbers 20, Moses and Aaron IMAGINED they could strike the rock in addition to God’s command to speak to the rock – they both were denied entry into the Promised Land<br />• In Numbers 22 – 25, Balaam IMAGINED he could curse the people of God, he could only bless them<br />• In I Samuel 4, the Israelites IMAGINED they could use the Ark of the Covenant as a “good luck charm” in battle – the Ark was taken by the Philistines and Israel was defeated<br />• In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul IMAGINED that partial obedience in regard to the Amalekites was the same as complete obedience – God removed the kingdom from him that very day<br />• In I Kings 12, Jeroboram IMAGINED he could change the place and object of true worship, he was described by God thereafter as the king “that caused Israel to sin.” Jeroboram and his entire house was cut off forever<br />• In I Kings 18, the priests of Baal IMAGINED he would send fire to their sacrifice – that false god did not and the priests of Baal were slain by Elijah that very day.<br />• In I Corinthians 1, the Corinthians IMAGINED that they could form separate denominations inside of Christ, Paul said that Christ was NOT divided<br />• In Galatians 1, the Galatians IMAGINED that there were multiple gospels - Paul said that if anyone, even he or an angel from heaven, should preach any other gospel other than the one he first preached to them, that person would be accursed and accursed a second time to underscore the point.<br /><br />It is worthy of note that NONE of these imaginer’s noted above prayed for wisdom or consulted the Word of God before their imaginations swept them into error, judgment and condemnation. We cannot IMAGINE our way to God! People could not imagine their way to God before Moses. People could not imagine their way to God during the years of the Mosaical Law. And now, during the “last days” dispensation in which we now live we cannot imagine our way to God.<br /><blockquote><em><strong>There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. – Proverbs 14:12 (KJV)</strong></em></blockquote>Though he does not use the word “imagination(s),” John speaks of the fact that we are “in the last hour” and that “many anti-christs have already come into the world.” [See I John 2, 4 and II John 1] Anyone who exalts his / her own imagination over revelation is an anti-christ for that person puts himself / herself in opposition to the Words of Christ. The Word is Christ and Christ is the Word as we know from John 1. The Word of God: <br /><br />• Is revelation, not imagination <br />• Is the mind of God, not some fanciful story or narrative<br />• Is fact, not fiction<br />• Is precise, not generic<br />• Is inspired, not simply inspiring<br />• Is truth, not opinion, speculation or fiction<br />• Is the standard, not a standard<br />• Is the singular way to God, not one way among many<br />• Is THE pattern for life and godliness, not a mishmash of religious sayings<br />• Is not to be added to nor taken away from<br />• Is unchanging, not evolving<br />• Is static, not moving<br />• Will last forever, and<br />• Will judge us all on the last day!<br /><br />May God extend us all grace and mercy until we once again set aside our “emerging church imaginations” and without question, murmur or complaint, re-embrace revelation among us!<br /><br />END NOTES:<br /><br />(1) Making the “argument” even more ludicrous, evolution itself has been proven wrong in recent years. Darwin built all his assumptions around the idea that the most simple evolved into the most complex. Now even science concedes that even the most simple of cells has complexities far too cumbersome for mere mortals to comprehend. Life is complex from top to bottom and bottom to top because they were created by an all knowing Supreme Being. Instead of “evolving,” mankind because of sin, is rushing to judgment.<br />(2) Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emerge <br />(3) Quote source: www.brainyquote.com. SK is regarded as the father of existentialism and, as this quote indicates, believed that “truth” is found in contradiction. Existentialism asserts that active “deconstruction” and subsequent “reconstruction” accelerates the ever evolving future. Progress comes only by and through chaos, the more chaos, the more progress. Existentialism is the driving force today in religious thought. It is daily being put into real time practice. Brian McLaren, the leading emergent personality is an extreme existentialist parading about as a “cleric.”<br />(4) Kenneth L. Cukrowski, Mark W. Hamilton, James W. Thompson, (God’s Holy Fire – The Nature and Function of Scripture, Abilene, TX, A.C.U. Press, 2002) pg. 67<br />(5) Ibid. pg. 48. Also note, if interested, the spring 2010 issue of New Wineskins Magazine is entirely devoted to beating up the straw man know as “patternism.” Here is the link: http://www.wineskins.org/filter.asp?SID=2&fi_key=318&co_key=2173 This issue is a classic example of existentialist deconstruction of what was once believed so a new “truth” can be reconstructed on the ruins of the old.<br />(6) For detailed information on Brian McLaren and his interaction with churches of Christ link to:<br />http://samuelslinesaulscircle.blogspot.com/2008/09/who-is-brian-mclaren-why-do-you-need-to.html <br />(7) Known as the “ACU Lectureship” in more faithful times<br />(8) Examine the obsession that LU has with this subject of “Imagination” by linking to:<br /> http://samuelslinesaulscircle.blogspot.com/2008/09/lipscombs-magical-imagination-tour-for.html<br />(9) Hugh Gaston, (A Scripture Account of the Faith and Practice of Christians, Dublin, Ireland, S. Powell, In Dame-Street opposite Fowners-Street, 1763) From the preface<br />(10) http://johnlennon.lyrics.info/imagine.html<br />(11) The word numbers are Strong’s. The definitions are from either Strong’s or Thayer’s via www.e-sword.com <br />(12) Ibid.<br />(13) Ibid.<br />(14) Ibib.<br />(15) Ibid.<br />(16) Ibid.Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-27152101915947239872010-03-27T18:14:00.000-07:002011-04-14T23:42:46.538-07:00Will It Be Jude or John? (Calvin That Is!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgcPoZVFklvdYvEqPmGUM2MJztiMWTDuqBjyccx2VWzzig1Kuby3h8VWRfYkK4RcWbFmcTRmcezRHWgZ6BrlHun9DCX-AtLvRLHiVje3Tq_3rJHQeMD3VVMtHdXKZqwW33phwhrHLz32A/s1600/John+Calvin.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 143px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgcPoZVFklvdYvEqPmGUM2MJztiMWTDuqBjyccx2VWzzig1Kuby3h8VWRfYkK4RcWbFmcTRmcezRHWgZ6BrlHun9DCX-AtLvRLHiVje3Tq_3rJHQeMD3VVMtHdXKZqwW33phwhrHLz32A/s200/John+Calvin.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453490723563348210" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml0iFIf9IYFDj6X56-BciBCQwC-wH3ZKew6PlmyAmoes07WARAmghXaUj4QaUJ38ND5lFBi4KKN1FH-fSqOrDcINvl86JVJoKCFSr_3etDTQNCmZ6IazOFcAWl6LGx61MEEbCbAwopwKj/s1600/Jude.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 161px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml0iFIf9IYFDj6X56-BciBCQwC-wH3ZKew6PlmyAmoes07WARAmghXaUj4QaUJ38ND5lFBi4KKN1FH-fSqOrDcINvl86JVJoKCFSr_3etDTQNCmZ6IazOFcAWl6LGx61MEEbCbAwopwKj/s200/Jude.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453490523362075602" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The question; “Can a Christian lose their salvation?” is at best semantically confusing and at worst begs the question. The question “implies” that Christians get into some kind of spiritual wrestling match with Satan and / or his minions and, despite the Christians best efforts, have their salvation wrested from them, become disconnected to God and head screaming straight into hell itself, all very much against their will. The question should be; “Can a Christian <em><strong>SURRENDER</strong></em> their salvation after being in an absolute saved state?” When theologians approach Scripture allegorically such tail-wagging-the-dog conclusions are not only possible, they are inevitable when begging the “lose their salvation” question. <br /><br />The historically great, yet biblically confused reformer, John Calvin, poured the theory that Christians could never become apostate into theological concrete where it remains until today. Many have been deceived by this doctrine during the last 500 years while the truth regarding the matter, revealed by the Holy Spirit in the book of Jude, has been rejected, overlooked and ignored. In 180 degree opposite reaction to medieval Roman Catholicism, Calvin formed a theological system now named after him, known as Calvinism. Calvinism is summed up in an acronym, “T.U.L.I.P.”<br /><blockquote><em><strong>T</strong></em> otal Depravity – all mankind is conceived and born as sinners doomed to hell unless God “elects” them to salvation arbitrarily<br /><em><strong>U</strong></em> nconditional Election – some of those “totally depraved” are arbitrarily “chosen” (elected) by God for salvation while the rest are arbitrarily “chosen” (elected) for damnation, humans have no free choice<br /><em><strong>L</strong></em> imited Atonement – The blood of Christ, shed on the cross, is not sufficient to save everyone, just the so-called elect.<br /><em><strong>I </strong></em>rresistable Grace – those who have been arbitrarily chosen for salvation cannot resist the grace of God, even though they attempt to do so<br /><em><strong>P</strong></em> erserverance of the Saints – once those who are arbitrarily elected to salvation have been saved, they cannot never become apostate and therefore “lose” their salvation</blockquote><br /><br />Time and space will not allow an examination of all these theories, our immediate concern is the last leaf in the flower, as it were, “perseverance of the saints.” Can a Christian become an apostate? Can one who once was saved reject that salvation at a future point in time and re-embrace damnation? Can one who once “walks in the light as He is in the light, re-enter into “everlasting darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth?” Calvin says, “no.” To “prove” this assertion, Calvinists turn to two Scripture references. [“A text without a context is a pretext for a proof text.” – D. A. Carson Sr.] These two “proof texts” are offered up:<br /><blockquote>And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. – John 10:28 -29 <br /><br />Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. <br />– I John 2:18 – 19</blockquote><br />The Calvinist interpretation of these two verses goes like this: <br /><br />1. Once a person becomes a Christian he / she is in the grasp of the Saviors hand and no one, not even Satan himself, can wrestle that person away from Christ.<br />2. Since said person enjoys this iron clad grasp in the Savior’s hand, he / she remains a Christian, in the hand of the Savior forever … no matter what sins that person commits, no matter what false doctrine that person embraces or teaches and no matter how much unbelief is spewed from the lips and heart of said person. Once a person is “saved,” that person can never be lost.<br />3. Thirdly, since it “appears” that one that was once a Christian is now spewing apostasy in word and deed it must mean that said person was never really a Christian anyway!<br /><br />Now if the Scriptures had nothing else to say regarding this matter, the Calvinist would indeed have a leg to stand on. However, the Scripture has much more to say about it. First of all, salvation is conditional to on going faithfulness, repentance and confession of sins. John says the following:<br /><br /><blockquote>This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. – I John 1:5 - 10 </blockquote><br />Continued salvation is conditional upon our dedication to walking in the light as He is in the light and confession of all our sins. “IF” we walk faithfully and confess our sins THEN we are firmly in the grasp of the Savior’s hand and no man “can pluck us out!” However, the inverse is true as well. “IF” we do not walk in the light as He is in the light and confess our sins, we surrender our salvation and can once again be lost. We can always return but should we die in the apostate state, we can still lose our souls! Having said all the above, some might still cling to Calvin in the false hope that one can “live like hell and still go to heaven.” That is where Jude comes in. <br /><br />The inspired book of Jude gives us not one, not two, not three, not four but FIVE concrete examples of people once saved that consequently became lost when they embraced apostasy. These were not people who were “never really saved,” they were people who were saved by God totally, without question and without a doubt! Here are the five examples and we will rest our case!<br /><br /><blockquote>1. Jude 1:5 – The Lord SAVED a people out of Egypt and later destroyed those who did not believe. How many of the Israelites were saved out of Egypt and were “baptized unto Moses” as they crossed the Red Sea? ALL of them! They were ALL once saved but some of them became apostate and were consequently lost. Saved people lost their salvation.<br />2. Jude 1:6 – There were angels in heaven who did not keep their first estate but LEFT their habitation. Saved angels, living in Heaven, willingly abandoned their positions and deserted to the enemy! Saved angels lost their salvation!<br />3. Jude 1:7 – The people of Sodom and Gomorrah were once saved by God via Abraham who raised an army from his own house and saved them from destruction as we read about in Genesis 14. Unfortunately, after their salvation, Sodom and Gomorrah “gave themselves over to fornication and strange flesh.” As a result, they lost their salvation and were destroyed.<br />4. Jude 1:12 – Jude asserts that the apostates of whom he is writing are “twice dead.” What must be true about someone who is “twice dead?” These apostates were once “dead in their sins” but they obeyed the gospel, were buried with Christ in baptism and rose again to walk in “newness of life.” These “live souls” died again when they rejected Christ and embraced apostasy. They were truly “twice dead!” An unrepentant apostate is “twice dead” and will lose his soul, just like those who rebelled in the desert, just like the fallen angels and just like Sodom and Gomorrah.<br />5. Jude 1:12 – Finally, Jude asserts that the apostates of whom he is writing have been “uprooted.” One must understand that a plant that is “uprooted,” must of necessity, first of all must have been “rooted” previously! The uprooted, and now unsaved, apostate was once rooted and saved – just like those who rebelled in the desert, just like the fallen angels and just like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah</blockquote>.<br /><br />One last observation. “IF” Calvin is right and “IF” “once saved always saved” [The Perseverance of the Saints] is a true and wholesome doctrine, then the following also must be true regarding the assertions of Jude:<br /><br /><blockquote>1. God did not really destroy those who did not believe in the desert, its just a fable.<br />2. God did not really allow His angels to leave Heaven, it too, is just a fairy tale.<br />3. God did not really destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, it is just a “Bible story” and did not really take place.<br />4. Jude wasted his time writing about and warning the church regarding the apostates. After all, God will still save them in the end!</blockquote>There we have it. We have a choice to make. Will we choose Calvin over Jude or will we choose Jude over Calvin? Upon that choice our souls depend!<br /><br />© 2010 by Russ McCullough – All Rights Reserved - MCN: C4U9Q-J5SEG-27PHBUlster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-80923990081048376142010-03-25T19:24:00.000-07:002011-04-14T23:43:23.883-07:00Civility and Apostasy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi857lvqPaM702ASTRClN4X3VbOBifeCaFAGx4W82sPPBt3ExNo1Zdr5AH-6zb72QdlYwiMSj61ybL-A1F4M990asy0ZctRvR561gEm0x_JHHIcmWLZDRvUFb_TDVLIs9rrNSM6sUiWrj41/s1600/Irish+Cathedral+in+Ruins.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi857lvqPaM702ASTRClN4X3VbOBifeCaFAGx4W82sPPBt3ExNo1Zdr5AH-6zb72QdlYwiMSj61ybL-A1F4M990asy0ZctRvR561gEm0x_JHHIcmWLZDRvUFb_TDVLIs9rrNSM6sUiWrj41/s200/Irish+Cathedral+in+Ruins.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452770193521248626" /></a><br /><br />This past week America witnessed the worst kind of vile invective back and forth the political aisle. Fowl and vulgar language turned the air blue with words our mothers once washed out our mouths for saying. Debate crossed the line and became enmity. It is all very sad and sobering.<br /><br />The book of Jude is instructive for Christians in this regard. He tells us by inspiration that Christians should not issue “railing accusations” towards other people, even apostates.<br /><br />Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, dusrst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke thee.” – Jude 1:9<br /><br />This verse is compelling on many levels. In fact, this is the only reference we have in the Bible regarding this instance of conflict between Michael and Satan, two former brothers in heaven now adversaries. Michael remained faithful while Satan fell. We do, however, have reference to this instance in a non-biblical source, The <em><strong>Assumption of Moses</strong></em>. This book is not inspired and is not contained in Scripture, though the Holy Spirit confirms here in Jude that THIS instance did, in fact, take place. Michael and Satan DID contend and dispute over the body of Moses. Jude uses these facts to illustrate a truth for us.<br /><br />The book of Jude is the only book in the New Testament devoted exclusively towards dealing with apostasy. Other books, especially the epistles of John and Peter, deal with apostasy but are not devoted exclusively to it. Jude, however, deals with it singularly, passionately and completely. Verse 9 of his letter is somewhat like a steam valve. When the steam pressure in a boiler gets too high, a steam valve is used to lessen the internal pressure, thus bringing the entire environment back into safety. The pressure in Jude brought on by “certain men (who) crept in unawares” has been brought to a fever pitch by verse 8 and threatens to explode. Instead of sending his readers in angry fury toward these false teachers, Jude illustrates that “railing accusations” are not in the appropriate communication realm of Christian men and women. God is the only judge. Only He can ascertain and judge the hearts and the motives of men. Jude says, in essence, “If Michael did not issue a “railing accusation” against Satan, the epitome of evil itself, we should not issue such railings, accusations and judgments of motive towards apostates, false teachers and anyone else with whom we disagree. We need to leave such judgments to God and God alone.<br /><br />Does this leave us with nothing we can or should do when false teachers enter the flock? Absolutely not! While we are not to judge by appearance or motive, we must “judge with righteous judgment” and “speak the truth in love.” <br /><blockquote>“Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” – John 7:24<br />“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the heard, even Christ:” – Ephesians 4:5</blockquote><br />Assessing the facts of the matter, using the Word of God to teach the truth and to refute error is both allowed and expected by God. Michael did not judge the apparent motives of Satan and neither should we judge the apparent motives of false teachers, apostates and anyone else for that matter, that task will be accomplished by Christ on Judgment Day. (II Corinthians 5:10) Instead our speech should be “as apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) “WHY” people do what they do is between them and God alone and is not the business of man to discover. Let’s remember that our business is “WHAT’s” right or wrong, not “WHO’s right or wrong and certainly not “WHY” someone does or does not do a thing! Let’s keep our head, lower our tone, clean up our language and refuse to speculate regarding motive when dealing with our adversaries. Michael did and so should we.<br /><br />Copyright 2010 by Russ McCullough - All Rights Reserved<br />MCN:C1ULC-GX1QV-T3QGUUlster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727943973505429642.post-56935366678627503572009-09-30T07:03:00.000-07:002011-04-14T23:44:00.500-07:00Did the Apostles Advocate the use of the Instrument in Acts 15 Without Even Knowing It?In December, 2006, bro. Rick Atchley of the Richland Hills church of Christ asserted in his first “Both / And” sermon that we can and should add the instrument to worship today since the Apostles did not make circumcision a requirement for salvation in Acts 15. Rick’s assertion, argument and premise is that the apostles and elders did not meet at in Jerusalem to preserve and defend the gospel, they met to “make it easier” for Gentiles to become Christians. In other words, it is his contention that the only meeting EVER recorded in Scripture with the apostles and the elders of the Jerusalem congregation was to, in effect, conduct an “outreach and methodology seminar.” One can almost see the rows of “church growth” vendors inside the convention hall, as it were. Acts 15 becomes his primary, central and foundational “proof text” for adding the instrument to worship. In true circular fashion, bro. Atchley takes a secondary and byproduct (1) point from 15:19 and elevates it to core, central and dominant status in his “interpretation” of the passage. In Rick Atchley’s world, the theological tail wags the theological dog.<br /><br />This choice of “proof texts” relates to us more than “surprise,” it conveys outright astonishment, amazement and incredulity. Such is the case “IF” Acts 15 turns out NOT to be about answering the question; “What must I do to be saved?” NOT about “adding to nor taking away” or NOT about the preaching of “another gospel.” In fact, “IF” Acts 15 is about adding the instrument to worship our only response would of necessity have to be one of stunned amazement. The adoption of Acts 15 as a “proof text” for the instrument would create such centrifugal force from radical circular reasoning as to leave one suspended in mid air with no where to go.<br /> <br />Even as I type these words, the whole idea of discussing this passage in such a light seems so bizarre as to defy all logic and reason. Unfortunately, as my mind returns to rationality, I sadly begin to understand what Paul spoke of so passionately to Timothy just before he died the martyr’s death:<br /><blockquote><em>For the time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts will they multiply to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they will turn away their ears from the truth, and will be turned to fables. (2) </em></blockquote> To read into (3) Acts 15 a “proof text” for the use of the instrument in worship is indeed… a fable. Gill says that these “fables” are “…everything that is vain, empty, and senseless.” (4) Thayer says that a fable is, “…a story…a fiction… an invention, a falsehood.” (5) How, then, could bro. Atchley possibly see the instrument in this passage? In order for one to “see” the instrument in this passage one must first adopt:<br /><br />• Origen’s theory that Scripture has “hidden and multiple meanings,” all equally valid. (6)<br />• Origen’s theory that individuals can understand Scripture via “allegorical” (fictional) stories.<br />• Thomas Aquinas’ theory that truth is primarily revealed through the “senses” and not revelation. (7)<br />• Thomas Aquinas’ theory that one of man’s “senses” is the “sense” of “imagination,” i.e. if one can imagine something as true, it becomes true for that person – think John Lennon, “imagine there’s no heaven, it’s easy if you can, no hell below us, above us only sky…” (8)<br />• Circular Theology that theorizes that one best understands Scripture when seen through the light of “one’s life experiences” and that nobility is found not in the finding of truth but the SEARCH for it. In other words, one ends where one begins… with questions and no answers. (9) <br />• “Emerging” or evolutionary theology that theorizes that truth evolves over time like Darwinian evolution. Each generation, like rings on a tree, grows stronger and more sophisticated than the generation before it. Therefore, today’s “truth” is superior to yesterday’s “truth” and tomorrow’s “truth” will be superior to today’s… and so on. Darwin incorrectly assumed that the “simple” evolved into the more “complex.” We now know that even the smallest of cellular organisms are far more complicated than we can even begin to understand, even with today’s advanced technology. Upon this same foolish notion, the “emerging” church assumes that 1st century Christianity was “simple” and today’s is far more complex and sophisticated. (10) <br />• Sensus Plenior (“fuller sense”) biblical interpretation theory that assumes that men today, with all the accumulated “wisdom” of the ages, can actually better understand the Scriptures than those who lived before, even the writers of the Bible!<br /><br />When one blends all these murky and erroneous ingredients into a lens mold, a pair of “rose colored glasses” is the sad result. Through these glasses one can then stare through and “see” the use of the instrument in worship supported in Acts 15. In our next installment we will hear what Acts 15 has to say about Acts 15. By the way, we continue our study on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. on this subject at the Archdale church of Christ in Charlotte, NC. You are more than welcome! www.archdale.org<br /><br />NOTES:<br /><br />(1) A byproduct is not the essence. Resulting effects are not possible without the essence of a thing being first delivered. When the Holy Spirit inspired truth of the gospel was defended and defined at Jerusalem, one effect was that no additional roadblocks were put in the way of Gentile believers, they came to Christ the same way as the Jew.<br />(2) II Timothy 4:3-4 – <em><strong>1833 Webster Bible </strong></em>via e-sword.com<br />(3) To read “into” a passage something that is not there is called “eisegesis.”<br />(4) <em><strong>John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible </strong></em>via e-sword.com <br />(5) <em><strong>Thayer’s Greek Definitions </strong></em>via e-sword.com<br />(6) Origen lived and taught in the early 2nd century, primarily from Alexandria and Palestine<br />(7) Thomas Aquinas lived in the 13th century <br />(8) Lyrics via: http://johnlennon.lyrics.info/imagine.html<br />(9) Here’s a technical definition of Circular Theology: “Bible interpretation (hermeneutics) is therefore the circular process of understanding sacred Biblical literature, namely interpreting the component parts of the sacred text in the light of the whole and the whole of the light of its parts. It is the ongoing dialogue between one’s initial understanding of the sacred text and the impressions of the Holy Spirit gathered from subsequent readings and reflections on it. It’s the dialogue between one’s own frame of reference (one’s own sphere of existence) and the context of the text.” - Ferdinand Deist, <em><strong>A Concise Dictionary of Theological and Related Terms</strong></em> (Pretoria, South Africa: Van Schaik, 1990, 1992)<br />(10) For more detail, see: Brian McLaren, <em><strong>A Generous Orthodoxy </strong></em>(El Cajon, CA, Youth Specialties Books / Zondervan, 2004) pg. 286-280.Ulster's Sonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958499024068143660noreply@blogger.com0