Friday, April 10, 2009
Good Friday-Matthew 27
Matthew 27:1-66 (HCSB) 1 When daybreak came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. 2 After tying Him up, they led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate, the governor. 3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was full of remorse and returned the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. 4 “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What’s that to us?” they said. “See to it yourself!” 5 So he threw the silver into the sanctuary and departed. Then he went and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests took the silver and said, “It’s not lawful to put it into the temple treasury, since it is blood money.” 7 So they conferred together and bought the potter’s field with it as a burial place for foreigners. 8 Therefore that field has been called “Blood Field” to this day. 9 Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: They took the 30 pieces of silver, the price of Him whose price was set by the sons of Israel, 10 and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me. 11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. “Are You the King of the Jews?” the governor asked Him. Jesus answered, “You have said it.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He didn’t answer. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Don’t You hear how much they are testifying against You?” 14 But He didn’t answer him on even one charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. 15 At the festival the governor’s custom was to release to the crowd a prisoner they wanted. 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Who is it you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Messiah?” 18 For he knew they had handed Him over because of envy. 19 While he was sitting on the judge’s bench, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for today I’ve suffered terribly in a dream because of Him!” 20 The chief priests and the elders, however, persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to execute Jesus. 21 The governor asked them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” “Barabbas!” they answered. 22 Pilate asked them, “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called Messiah?” They all answered, “Crucify Him!” 23 Then he said, “Why? What has He done wrong?” But they kept shouting, “Crucify Him!” all the more. 24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that a riot was starting instead, he took some water, washed his hands in front of the crowd, and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. See to it yourselves!” 25 All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified. 27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into headquarters and gathered the whole company around Him. 28 They stripped Him and dressed Him in a scarlet robe. 29 They twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and placed a reed in His right hand. And they knelt down before Him and mocked Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 Then they spit at Him, took the reed, and kept hitting Him on the head. 31 When they had mocked Him, they stripped Him of the robe, put His clothes on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. 32 As they were going out, they found a Cyrenian man named Simon. They forced this man to carry His cross. 33 When they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Skull Place), 34 they gave Him wine mixed with gall to drink. But when He tasted it, He would not drink it. 35 After crucifying Him they divided His clothes by casting lots. 36 Then they sat down and were guarding Him there. 37 Above His head they put up the charge against Him in writing: THIS IS JESUSTHE KING OF THE JEWS 38 Then two criminals were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 Those who passed by were yelling insults at Him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “The One who would demolish the sanctuary and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” 41 In the same way the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked Him and said, 42 “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He has put His trust in God; let God rescue Him now—if He wants Him! For He said, ‘I am God’s Son.’ ” 44 In the same way even the criminals who were crucified with Him kept taunting Him. 45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land. 46 At about three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling for Elijah!” 48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, fixed it on a reed, and offered Him a drink. 49 But the rest said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to save Him!” 50 Jesus shouted again with a loud voice and gave up His spirit. 51 Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom; the earth quaked and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened and many bodies of the saints who had gone to their rest were raised. 53 And they came out of the tombs after His resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, “This man really was God’s Son!” 55 Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and ministered to Him were there, looking on from a distance. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons. 57 When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then Pilate ordered that it be released. 59 So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in clean, fine linen, 60 and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut into the rock. He left after rolling a great stone against the entrance of the tomb. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were seated there, facing the tomb. 62 The next day, which followed the preparation day, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember that while this deceiver was still alive, He said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 Therefore give orders that the tomb be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come, steal Him, and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’ Then the last deception will be worse than the first.” 65 “You have a guard [of soldiers],” Pilate told them. “Go and make it as secure as you know how.” 66 Then they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting the guard.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Maundy Thursday
18 “Go into the city to a certain man,” He said, “and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time is near; I am celebrating the Passover at your place with My disciples. ’ ” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. 20 When evening came, He was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 While they were eating, He said, “I assure you: One of you will betray Me.” 22 Deeply distressed, each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?” 23 He replied, “The one who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl—he will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Then Judas, His betrayer, replied, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” “You have said it,” He told him. 26 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is My body.” 27 Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks, He gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood [that establishes] the covenant; it is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 But I tell you, from this moment I will not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it in a new way in My Father’s kingdom with you.” 30 After singing psalms, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
[Matthew 26:18-30]
[Matthew 26:18-30]
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Matthew 12:23
In Matthew 12:22, Jesus heals a demon possessed and mute man. The next verse reports the response of the crowd. The HCSB translates the verse as: "All the crowds were astounded and said, 'Perhaps this is the Son of David!"
Other English translations:
ESV: "Can this be the Son of David?"
NIV: "Could this be the Son of David?
NCV: "Perhaps this man is the Son of David!"
NLT: "Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?"
The Message is even more emphatic: "This has to be the Son of David!"
I cite this example to show how English translations don't always do a good job translating the Greek text. Within the sentence is the negative particle meti, which is an interrogative particle that usually calls for a negative answer. The basic idea of the verse is, "This is not the Son of David is he?" Most of crowd would answer no, but the particle also leaves some doubt. He could be but He is likely not Messiah.
Of the above English translations, the HCSB and NCV get closer to the idea with 'perhaps,' but even there one's slant on the verse could be that more people than not would have said "yes." That is not the case. In fact, the reaction of the crowd bears out Matthew 11:16-24, which shows many, if not most, are rejecting Jesus.
Matthew 12:23 is just one example among many of how English translations can give the reader the wrong idea. For preachers, I'd say do your work in Greek and see how the English versions line up after that.
Other English translations:
ESV: "Can this be the Son of David?"
NIV: "Could this be the Son of David?
NCV: "Perhaps this man is the Son of David!"
NLT: "Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?"
The Message is even more emphatic: "This has to be the Son of David!"
I cite this example to show how English translations don't always do a good job translating the Greek text. Within the sentence is the negative particle meti, which is an interrogative particle that usually calls for a negative answer. The basic idea of the verse is, "This is not the Son of David is he?" Most of crowd would answer no, but the particle also leaves some doubt. He could be but He is likely not Messiah.
Of the above English translations, the HCSB and NCV get closer to the idea with 'perhaps,' but even there one's slant on the verse could be that more people than not would have said "yes." That is not the case. In fact, the reaction of the crowd bears out Matthew 11:16-24, which shows many, if not most, are rejecting Jesus.
Matthew 12:23 is just one example among many of how English translations can give the reader the wrong idea. For preachers, I'd say do your work in Greek and see how the English versions line up after that.
Dr. William Reynolds
I was sad to hear about the death of Dr. William J. Reynolds. Dr. Reynolds, a foremost composer and hymnologist, wrote "Share His Love," among many other songs and hymns. We've sung that one often in our worship serivces. I believe he was the primary editor of the 1975 Baptist Hymnal. I had the privilege of sitting under Dr. Reynolds in "Preacher Music 101" at Southwestern Seminary. I'm sure he's helping to lead a choir in glory today!
I have on my shelf, Songs of Glory: Stories of 300 Great Hymns and Gospel Songs, written by Dr. Reynolds several years ago. I remember well that he would often tell a story in class about a hymn before we'd sing it. I've used several of these stories over the years as illustrations and still pick it up from time to time to read it devotionally. Many of the stories are quite inspiring.
I have on my shelf, Songs of Glory: Stories of 300 Great Hymns and Gospel Songs, written by Dr. Reynolds several years ago. I remember well that he would often tell a story in class about a hymn before we'd sing it. I've used several of these stories over the years as illustrations and still pick it up from time to time to read it devotionally. Many of the stories are quite inspiring.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Ehrman At It Again
Bart Ehrman is at it again with his new book, Jesus, Interrupted: Revealing the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible (And Why We Don't Know About Them). I doubt I read this one but Darrell Bock has reviewed it. It seems to be more of the same in Ehrman's crusade to bring doubt to the autnethicity of the Gospel accounts. I read Misquoting Jesus so I think I can be excused for not going through this again.
For those who don't know, Ehrman teaches at the University of North Carolina.
Reuben Swanson
I've read this morning about the passing this week of Reuben Swanson. His contribution to New Testament text criticism is invaluable and I've learned much from his New Testament Greek Manuscripts series. His work on John was so important to me as I worked on the Johannine text of Chrysostom during my dissertation days.
More can be found on the Evangelical Text Criticism blog.
More can be found on the Evangelical Text Criticism blog.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
New Missionaries
We had the privilege of attending an International Mission Board Commissioning Service at Taylors FBC this week. 89 new missionaries were set apart, and it was a stirring service. If you've never attended one, you must. It puts faces to the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Marriage and Church Attendance
W. Bradford Wilcox has written an interesting piece in The Wall Street Journal stating the expansion of government and the increasing delay of marriage among young people are two important reasons for the increasing secularization of America. Citing recent statistics which state that only 25% of Americans 21 to 45 attend church, down from one-third in 1970s, Wilcox quotes Princeton sociologist Robert Wuthnow:
The most powerful force driving religious participation down is the nation's recent retreat from marriage, Mr. Wuthnow notes. Nothing brings women and especially men into the pews like marriage and parenthood, as they seek out the religious, moral and social support provided by a congregation upon starting a family of their own. But because growing numbers of young adults are now postponing or avoiding marriage and childbearing, they are also much less likely to end up in church on any given Sunday. Mr. Wuthnow estimates that America's houses of worship would have about six million more regularly attending young adults if today's young men and women started families at the rate they did three decades ago.
We've known for a long time that major seasons of life, including marriage and children, lead to a quest for God. It stands to reason that when people put off marriage and parenthood, that quest is delayed. God can be found, but people need to look for Him. If people aren't looking, how can the church engage them so they'll begin the quest? Ministry gets more challenging by the day!
The most powerful force driving religious participation down is the nation's recent retreat from marriage, Mr. Wuthnow notes. Nothing brings women and especially men into the pews like marriage and parenthood, as they seek out the religious, moral and social support provided by a congregation upon starting a family of their own. But because growing numbers of young adults are now postponing or avoiding marriage and childbearing, they are also much less likely to end up in church on any given Sunday. Mr. Wuthnow estimates that America's houses of worship would have about six million more regularly attending young adults if today's young men and women started families at the rate they did three decades ago.
We've known for a long time that major seasons of life, including marriage and children, lead to a quest for God. It stands to reason that when people put off marriage and parenthood, that quest is delayed. God can be found, but people need to look for Him. If people aren't looking, how can the church engage them so they'll begin the quest? Ministry gets more challenging by the day!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Dying Without God
Al Mohler has a fascinating blog entry that deals with the subject "Dying Without God." The article is primarily about former French President Francois Mitterand, but later there is a discussion about statistics which state that over one-quarter of Americans do not expect a religious funeral. Mohler is correct in his assessment that the statistic shows that "cultural Christianity" is in danger of its own death in America.
Millions of Americans expect to die without God. Without Him there is no hope, and there is no life. It is incumbent upon the church to be urgent in the proclamation of the Gospel. We must do everything possible to tell others that through Jesus there is resurrection and life.
Millions of Americans expect to die without God. Without Him there is no hope, and there is no life. It is incumbent upon the church to be urgent in the proclamation of the Gospel. We must do everything possible to tell others that through Jesus there is resurrection and life.
Winters
The funeral for Dr. Fred Winters, the pastor of FBC Maryville, is today. I had been wondering this week what a church would do the Sunday after the pastor was so tragically killed during a worship service. God always provides. Al Meridth, the pastor of Wedgewood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, is going to preach there. Al knows full well what this church is going through. A gunman entered Wedgewood several years ago during a youth rally and killed several people. I was in seminary at the time and saw some of the aftermath of that tragedy. No one could have handled it better and more Christ-like than Al Meridith and the people of Wedgewood.
I'm sure Al will have a word from the Lord for the people of FBC Sunday. My prayers are with the family of Dr. Winters and the church family as well. There will be victory in Jesus!
I'm sure Al will have a word from the Lord for the people of FBC Sunday. My prayers are with the family of Dr. Winters and the church family as well. There will be victory in Jesus!
Friday the 13th
I thought you'd like the following "Turning Point" Devotion from Dr. David Jeremiah.
Friday the Thirteenth
Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. Isaiah 38:17a (NIV)
Some days nothing goes right.
Yahoo News recently reported about a man in St. James, New York, who kept his van running while he ran into the Cool Beanz Coffee Shop on Long Island. He also left his dog, Bentley, in the vehicle. Somehow Bentley managed to jump into the driver's seat and engage the gears. The van tore through patio tables and into the glass windows of the coffee shop with the dog at the wheel. Fortunately no one was injured.
It does seem that sometimes the dogs are at the wheels of life, and some days take an odd turn for the worse. For the Christian, however, all things eventually work together for good (Romans 8:28), and all things work together for God's glory (Ephesians 1:11). Even the days that hold deep bouts of anguish—perhaps this is such a day for you—in God's providence will somehow work for our benefit.
There are no unlucky days for Christians. We don't believe in luck, but in blessings!
(I hope this thought is a blessing to you today!!)
By the way, Dr. Jeremiah's daily devotions are excellent and can be obtained free by signing up on his website. [www.davidjeremiah.org]
Friday the Thirteenth
Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. Isaiah 38:17a (NIV)
Some days nothing goes right.
Yahoo News recently reported about a man in St. James, New York, who kept his van running while he ran into the Cool Beanz Coffee Shop on Long Island. He also left his dog, Bentley, in the vehicle. Somehow Bentley managed to jump into the driver's seat and engage the gears. The van tore through patio tables and into the glass windows of the coffee shop with the dog at the wheel. Fortunately no one was injured.
It does seem that sometimes the dogs are at the wheels of life, and some days take an odd turn for the worse. For the Christian, however, all things eventually work together for good (Romans 8:28), and all things work together for God's glory (Ephesians 1:11). Even the days that hold deep bouts of anguish—perhaps this is such a day for you—in God's providence will somehow work for our benefit.
There are no unlucky days for Christians. We don't believe in luck, but in blessings!
(I hope this thought is a blessing to you today!!)
By the way, Dr. Jeremiah's daily devotions are excellent and can be obtained free by signing up on his website. [www.davidjeremiah.org]
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Who's The Boss?
In His instructions to the 12 in Matthew 10, Jesus said, "Don't take along gold, silver, or copper for your money belts. Don't take a traveling bag for the road, or an extra shirt, sandals, or a walking stick, for the worker is worthy of his food" [vv. 9-10]. Among the many things the Lord tells His disciples as they prepare for their first mission without Him is to live simply. That's something the modern minister needs to think about. Also, and for the benefit of this brief post, they were to live in dependence upon Jesus and upon the people whom Jesus would use to meet their needs.
D.A. Carson has written, "The church does not pay its ministers; rather, it provides them with resources so that they are able to serve freely." I don't work for the church. I am called by the Lord to serve a church. The Lord then moves upon the church to meet my financial needs so I may serve Him and fulfill my calling from Him freely. Of course, I am accountable to the church for my stewardship of that call, but the bottom line is that I work for the Lord through serving the church as pastor.
Therefore, I am not an employee of the church. I am not "hired" by the membership. I am the church's servant. I serve out my calling from God freely because the church is obedient to the Lord. I'm thankful for their obedience, and I should and hope to never take that their obedience for granted.
Who's the boss? Ultimately for both the members of the church and myself, it is God! Let's get out of the "hire" mode! The church is not a business.
D.A. Carson has written, "The church does not pay its ministers; rather, it provides them with resources so that they are able to serve freely." I don't work for the church. I am called by the Lord to serve a church. The Lord then moves upon the church to meet my financial needs so I may serve Him and fulfill my calling from Him freely. Of course, I am accountable to the church for my stewardship of that call, but the bottom line is that I work for the Lord through serving the church as pastor.
Therefore, I am not an employee of the church. I am not "hired" by the membership. I am the church's servant. I serve out my calling from God freely because the church is obedient to the Lord. I'm thankful for their obedience, and I should and hope to never take that their obedience for granted.
Who's the boss? Ultimately for both the members of the church and myself, it is God! Let's get out of the "hire" mode! The church is not a business.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Impossible
One of my favorite quotes is by F.B. Meyer: "You do not test God's resources until you try the impossible." No truer statement has ever been made. Yet so often God's people do not allow God to do the impossible due to their lack of faith. We look at our own resources--be they money, talent, opportunity, etc.--and see what only we can do. We do not take into account what the angel said to a young girl named Mary: "For nothing will be impossible with God."
Paul prayed: "Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think" [Eph 3:20]. Yet, we all too often bring God down to our level and believe He can only do what we can ask or think.
Churches are looking at their budgets in these days, cutting them, and laying off people. I wonder what would happen if we tried the impossible. "Lord, we know what everything looks like around us. The economy is bad. People are being laid off. The offerings are getting smaller. The budget is not being met. It all looks so impossible. But in spite of everything we see, we're going to believe You. We're going forward with what we believe You told us to do."
I wonder what resources we'd find in the Lord if we'd just believe.
Just musing!
Paul prayed: "Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think" [Eph 3:20]. Yet, we all too often bring God down to our level and believe He can only do what we can ask or think.
Churches are looking at their budgets in these days, cutting them, and laying off people. I wonder what would happen if we tried the impossible. "Lord, we know what everything looks like around us. The economy is bad. People are being laid off. The offerings are getting smaller. The budget is not being met. It all looks so impossible. But in spite of everything we see, we're going to believe You. We're going forward with what we believe You told us to do."
I wonder what resources we'd find in the Lord if we'd just believe.
Just musing!
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Monday, March 02, 2009
Paul Harvey
You no doubt know by now that legendary radio broadcaster Paul Harvey died over the weekend. I suppose I've listened to him all my life. I remember as a child watching him on T.V. giving the countdown to Santa's takeoff from the North Pole. Growing up working with my Dad and Grandfather, we'd always stop work at noon to listen to Mr. Harvey's 15-minute newscast. Our last soda break of the day was usually the time "The Rest of the Story" aired on KBXM in Kennett. His 7:30 AM newscast as I drove to work was a ritual on station WBAP in Fort Worth. "Good Day," Paul. My family appreciated you!
Jamaica
Lesa and Steph were in Columbia Saturay for training in preparation for their mission trip to Jamaica. The trip is sponsored by South Carolina WMU. The trip is July 4-11 and both would appreciate your prayers.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Luke 23:34
I'm beginning a series this week on the seven sayings of Jesus while on the cross. The first one is Luke 23:34, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" [NKJV]. In the Holman Christian Standard Bible the verse is bracketed, showing that there is some doubt about its authenticity. The text is bracketed in UBS4 with an "A" rating, meaning the committee believes it likely is not original to Luke.
Both p75 and B omit the verse, as do a few other later Alexandrian and Western mss. Aleph includes the verse as does A C L Byz and some Syriac. When you get down to it, the external evidence is split.
What are the internal factors? Bock summarizes them well [1868].
· The parallel prayer of Stephen in Acts 7:60 argues for inclusion, since Luke frequently notes parallelism between events. Some have argued that the text was modeled on Acts but the other way around seems more likely.
· The absence of a parallel in the other Gospels speaks of inclusion here. There is no good reason to explain why a copyist would add such a remark.
· The motif of ignorance is common in Acts [3:17; 13:27; 17:30] and finds endorsement here [Epps].
· It is easier to explain the prayer's omission than inclusion. A scribe could have considered the remarks too forgiving of the Jews [R. Brown] or if he regarded the prayer as unanswered in light of A.D. 70 [Morris; Jerome, Letter 120.8.2 says it delayed the judgment].
· Each major subunit of Luke's crucifixion narrative contains a saying. If the prayer is omitted, then a saying is lacking from this subunit [23:28-31, 43, 46 Marshall, 868].
While certainly not overwhelming, the internal evidence suggests that the text is original with Luke [Ernst, Grundmann, Tiede, Ellis, Bock, Morris, Stein, Marshall (although he is a bit hesitant). As mentioned above the text is bracketed in UBS4 and given an "A" rating. The text is bracketed in WH as well.
Brown has a detailed summary of the discussion, including four options of how the prayer arose: (1) spoken by Jesus and preserved by Luke, (2) spoken by Jesus and inserted early on into Luke, (3) formulated by Luke, and (4) formulated after Luke. Bock prefers option 1, Brown option 3, and Metzger option 2.
Prudent text criticism takes both external and internal evidence into account. For Luke 23:34 it is the internal evidence that is the most persuasive.
Both p75 and B omit the verse, as do a few other later Alexandrian and Western mss. Aleph includes the verse as does A C L Byz and some Syriac. When you get down to it, the external evidence is split.
What are the internal factors? Bock summarizes them well [1868].
· The parallel prayer of Stephen in Acts 7:60 argues for inclusion, since Luke frequently notes parallelism between events. Some have argued that the text was modeled on Acts but the other way around seems more likely.
· The absence of a parallel in the other Gospels speaks of inclusion here. There is no good reason to explain why a copyist would add such a remark.
· The motif of ignorance is common in Acts [3:17; 13:27; 17:30] and finds endorsement here [Epps].
· It is easier to explain the prayer's omission than inclusion. A scribe could have considered the remarks too forgiving of the Jews [R. Brown] or if he regarded the prayer as unanswered in light of A.D. 70 [Morris; Jerome, Letter 120.8.2 says it delayed the judgment].
· Each major subunit of Luke's crucifixion narrative contains a saying. If the prayer is omitted, then a saying is lacking from this subunit [23:28-31, 43, 46 Marshall, 868].
While certainly not overwhelming, the internal evidence suggests that the text is original with Luke [Ernst, Grundmann, Tiede, Ellis, Bock, Morris, Stein, Marshall (although he is a bit hesitant). As mentioned above the text is bracketed in UBS4 and given an "A" rating. The text is bracketed in WH as well.
Brown has a detailed summary of the discussion, including four options of how the prayer arose: (1) spoken by Jesus and preserved by Luke, (2) spoken by Jesus and inserted early on into Luke, (3) formulated by Luke, and (4) formulated after Luke. Bock prefers option 1, Brown option 3, and Metzger option 2.
Prudent text criticism takes both external and internal evidence into account. For Luke 23:34 it is the internal evidence that is the most persuasive.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Hoehner
It is sad to report the death of Harold Hoehner, the distinguished NT professor of Dallas Theological. The Dallas Morning News reports that Dr. Hoehner died Thursday. I've gained many insights from Dr. Hoehner's writings, especially his magisterial commentary on Ephesians. There is a tribute to Dr. Hoehner on the DTS website as well.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Language and the Pulpit
Baptist Press has a story this week which is critical of Mark Driscoll's use of sexually explicit langugage. You might know that Driscoll was once known as the "cussing pastor." This was something for which he apologized and repented, but it looks like he is still on the edge on his blog.
My kids came back this past weekend from an event held at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in which Driscoll preached. When I asked them how he did, my son made a few comments and then said, "At least he didn't cuss." I'm not sure that's the testimony a pastor should have. Should he not be attempting to live "above reproach?"
This is not a problem for Driscoll alone. I hear reports more often than I'd like on pastors who go over the line in a sermon. It is usually one that deals with sex. The Bible has much to say on that topic, but the Word of God is restrained in when sex is the topic. I think we should always take our cue from Scripture. Deal with the topic but do so with restraint.
In Col 4:6, Paul wrote: "Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person." This is the Apostle's word on how to engage the culture. Do so. But do so graciously, watching what you say and how you say it. Usually, pushing the envelope does more harm than good in the long run.
My kids came back this past weekend from an event held at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in which Driscoll preached. When I asked them how he did, my son made a few comments and then said, "At least he didn't cuss." I'm not sure that's the testimony a pastor should have. Should he not be attempting to live "above reproach?"
This is not a problem for Driscoll alone. I hear reports more often than I'd like on pastors who go over the line in a sermon. It is usually one that deals with sex. The Bible has much to say on that topic, but the Word of God is restrained in when sex is the topic. I think we should always take our cue from Scripture. Deal with the topic but do so with restraint.
In Col 4:6, Paul wrote: "Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person." This is the Apostle's word on how to engage the culture. Do so. But do so graciously, watching what you say and how you say it. Usually, pushing the envelope does more harm than good in the long run.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Chapel at NGU
I had the wonderful privilege this week to preach in the chapel service at North Greenville University. It was a blessing to preach the Word to this great student body. The message was from Romans 8:31-39--one of my favorite passages.
What You Won't Learn In Greek Class
I got this from Rod Decker's blog, but he got it from Dave Black.
Some things you will NOT learn in Greek class are:
1) Greek is the Abracadabra or Open Sesame of biblical interpretation. Hardly. Greek will not automatically tell you what the text says though it will limit your options.
2) Greek is inherently difficult to learn. Wrong. Greek is impeccably logical. It has mathematical precision. After all, God invented the language, and He does all things decently and in order. Anyone can learn it who is hardworking and motivated.
3) Greek is never abused by preachers and theologians. Wrong again. This happens all the time. This is one reason to learn Greek for yourself — so that you can check the accuracy of those who use Greek in their teaching. Greek is often (more often than we think) used to support one’s a priori conclusions as to what a text means. It’s what I call “evangelical Greek,” and no one, myself included, is immune from it.
4) Greek is strange and unique. Absolutely not! Greek is like a long-lost relative you’re meeting for the first time. Like English, it is an Indo-European language and thus shares many cognates and derivatives with your own mother tongue.
5) The New Testament had to be written in Greek because it is superior to other languages. (Sometimes this is phrased as follows: “The New Testament could never have been written in Hebrew because Hebrew lacks the complex semotaxis of Greek.”) True, Greek morphology and syntax are a bit complicated, but the real reason the New Testament was inscripturated in Greek (rather than, say, Hebrew) is a man named Alexander the Great.
6) Greek makes you a more spiritual person. Nonsense. Just remember 1 Cor. 8:1: Knowledge puffs up. Love builds up. Will Greek make you a more loving person? No. Will Greek help you learn truth that can change your life? Absolutely!
Oh how I miss teaching Greek, but I do love the language and attempt to work in it every day. I would agree, however, with all the above.
Some things you will NOT learn in Greek class are:
1) Greek is the Abracadabra or Open Sesame of biblical interpretation. Hardly. Greek will not automatically tell you what the text says though it will limit your options.
2) Greek is inherently difficult to learn. Wrong. Greek is impeccably logical. It has mathematical precision. After all, God invented the language, and He does all things decently and in order. Anyone can learn it who is hardworking and motivated.
3) Greek is never abused by preachers and theologians. Wrong again. This happens all the time. This is one reason to learn Greek for yourself — so that you can check the accuracy of those who use Greek in their teaching. Greek is often (more often than we think) used to support one’s a priori conclusions as to what a text means. It’s what I call “evangelical Greek,” and no one, myself included, is immune from it.
4) Greek is strange and unique. Absolutely not! Greek is like a long-lost relative you’re meeting for the first time. Like English, it is an Indo-European language and thus shares many cognates and derivatives with your own mother tongue.
5) The New Testament had to be written in Greek because it is superior to other languages. (Sometimes this is phrased as follows: “The New Testament could never have been written in Hebrew because Hebrew lacks the complex semotaxis of Greek.”) True, Greek morphology and syntax are a bit complicated, but the real reason the New Testament was inscripturated in Greek (rather than, say, Hebrew) is a man named Alexander the Great.
6) Greek makes you a more spiritual person. Nonsense. Just remember 1 Cor. 8:1: Knowledge puffs up. Love builds up. Will Greek make you a more loving person? No. Will Greek help you learn truth that can change your life? Absolutely!
Oh how I miss teaching Greek, but I do love the language and attempt to work in it every day. I would agree, however, with all the above.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Bush's Last Days
I've beeninterested in various interviews done by President Bush in these the final days of his watch. What I've appreciated most about him these eight years and was reinforced in the last several days is his unshakeable convictions regarding freedom and keeping America safe. His convictions did not change even when his popularity began taking severe hits. On a recent edition of "Hannity," the President talked about this very thing. Thank God for a man who doesn't change with every political poll!The American Way and Evangelism
Al Mohler has a great entry today concerning evangelism and the "American Way." In essence, Mohler writes that because of Americans' belief in fair play, equality, etc., we really don't believe people who fail to accept Christ will go to hell.
Mohler asks, "Is God subject to the American way?" The answer, of course, is no. We are, however, very much subject to His. We'd better get out and tell people about Jesus!! American Christians must be influenced more by the Bible than the Constitution.
Mohler asks, "Is God subject to the American way?" The answer, of course, is no. We are, however, very much subject to His. We'd better get out and tell people about Jesus!! American Christians must be influenced more by the Bible than the Constitution.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
You Know You're a Reckneck Preacher When-
10 Signs that You Know You're a Redneck Preacher:
10. If your Sunday School bus is on blocks.
9. If you've ever canceled church because your cows got out.
8. If your belt buckle's bigger than your Bible.
7. If you're skeptical of preachers who wear robes and clerical collars.
6. If there's a sign over the church that reads, "Protected by Smith and Wesson."
5. If you've ever taken deep-fried possum to a church dinner.
4. If you've ever made change in the offering plate.
3. If you've ever shown slides from your trip to Graceland.
2. If you "work up lather" when you preach.
1. If your altar call is longer than your sermon
[This from Dave Black's Blog]
10. If your Sunday School bus is on blocks.
9. If you've ever canceled church because your cows got out.
8. If your belt buckle's bigger than your Bible.
7. If you're skeptical of preachers who wear robes and clerical collars.
6. If there's a sign over the church that reads, "Protected by Smith and Wesson."
5. If you've ever taken deep-fried possum to a church dinner.
4. If you've ever made change in the offering plate.
3. If you've ever shown slides from your trip to Graceland.
2. If you "work up lather" when you preach.
1. If your altar call is longer than your sermon
[This from Dave Black's Blog]
Church Hopping
This week a good friend of mine and his wife spent the night. He is a missionary in Brazil and as we were renewing our fellowship he asked me what was different about serving in South Carolina as compared to other places I've been. It only took a moment for me to answer. It is the "church-hopping" mentality of many people here. On any given Sunday, we'll have 5 to 10 people visiting our church who are members of other churches. Those folks are discontent for whatever reason with the church they're in. The sad thing is just the opposite is likely true. It is a fact that most churches grow around here by swapping sheep.
I've never seen so many discontented people in one area, and I've tried to put my finger on why that is true. I'm sure I'll keep working on the answer, but here are some preliminary observations:
I've never seen so many discontented people in one area, and I've tried to put my finger on why that is true. I'm sure I'll keep working on the answer, but here are some preliminary observations:
- There is the need for a religious experience. Some people need an emotional high all the time. After attending a church for a while the new wears off, the high become more middle, and they're off to some other place.
- There is lack of spiritual maturity. Some people are simply not growing in the Lord and do not have the spiritual maturity to handle any "pot-hole" that inevitably shows up in any church. At the first sign of a problem in the church of when they themselves have a problem with someone else, they're gone.
- There is a general lack of commitment to any institution. This is a sign of the post-modern era in which we live. Some simply do not want to live by any one's rules, including God's.
- There is the need to be entertained. Of course this hits at the lack of knowledge about true worship.
- There is a "me" mentality. Some who hop around are looking only to be served and not to serve.
There may be many other reasons but these are starters. In my opinion, if God leads an individual to a church there are only two reasons why He would lead them out. The first is a theological problem. If the church does not stand on the Word, then there is a need to move. Second is moral. If there is a terrible moral problem that the church will not address, there is the right to move. That's it!
How can a church be strong and accomplish God's will if a good number of the members are wondering whether they should go somewhere else?
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Succeeding a Moses
I'm studying Joshua 1 in preparation for a sermon and was struck again at the magnitude of succeeding a giant. Just read the few verses that end Deuteronomy and see what kind of man Moses was. One writer calls him, "Moses the Incomparable." No wonder Joshua was a bit fearful.
Yet there is one truth that jumps off the page of Joshua 1. Dale Ralph Davis writes, "Moses may die; God's promise lives on. There is a passing of an era yet the endurance of the promise. Yahweh's fidelity does not hinge on the achievements of men, however gifted they may be, nor does it evaporate in the face of funerals of men."
He is so right. When someone passes off the scene God always has another to take his place. Moses was dead, so God used Joshua. That thought humbles me. God will use me today, but tomorrow He will use somebody else. God's work goes on. Thus I should never think the church can't get by without me. It can and will. In the meantime, I am simply to be faithful. I'm standing on the shoulders of others. One day others will stand upon mine.
Yet there is one truth that jumps off the page of Joshua 1. Dale Ralph Davis writes, "Moses may die; God's promise lives on. There is a passing of an era yet the endurance of the promise. Yahweh's fidelity does not hinge on the achievements of men, however gifted they may be, nor does it evaporate in the face of funerals of men."
He is so right. When someone passes off the scene God always has another to take his place. Moses was dead, so God used Joshua. That thought humbles me. God will use me today, but tomorrow He will use somebody else. God's work goes on. Thus I should never think the church can't get by without me. It can and will. In the meantime, I am simply to be faithful. I'm standing on the shoulders of others. One day others will stand upon mine.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Scientology
The recent tragic death of John Travolta's son brings Scientology back to the news. An informative overview of Scientology can be found at 4TruthNet. You might want to check it out. Scientologists believe that human beings are divine. They also believe in reincarnation.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
One More with the Grands
Mamaw with her grands at our annual Christmas Eve get together in Kennett. From left to right, Susan, Rob, Mamaw, Steve, John, and Dave. This is the only night of the year the Patton kids are together in one place. We miss Mom and Dad still but they're forever with us in memory.
Great-Grands and Great-Great-Grands
Here is "Mamaw" Hogue with her great and great-great grand children. When you're 91, the family gets pretty big!!
Christmas 2008
Happy New Year from the Pattons!!
"Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us" [Phil 3:13-14 NLT].
Friday, December 19, 2008
Christmas Devotionals
I've written a week's worth of Christmas devotional thoughts for the folks at Fairview. This is probably the last entry before Christmas so from my family to yours--May the Christ of Christmas be real in your hearts!!
Joseph the Carpenter
Joseph figures prominently only in a couple chapters of Matthew's Gospel, but he obviously left a legacy in Jesus' life. Part of his legacy was his occupation. But what did Joseph do for a living? Matthew 13:55 [NASB] says that he was a carpenter. In Mark 6:3, Jesus is called a "carpenter." Most English translations agree with the NASB and use the word carpenter as well.
The Greek word is transliterated tekton [pronounced with a long 'o' sound]. What does it mean? It likely means more than just the idea that most folks have in their minds when they think 'carpenter.' In an excellent article a few years ago in JETS, Ken M. Campbell surveyed the use of the word in a variety of sources and concluded that a tekton was a general craftsman who worked with materials such as stone, wood, and sometimes metal in large and small building projects. A tekton would be involved in a variety of building projects including but not limited to houses, wine-presses, millstones, olive press stones, tombstones, cisterns, farm terraces, vineyards, watch towers, house extensions, etc. He rejects using the term "carpenter," and prefers "builder." That is more of a catch-all term and likely more descriptive of Joseph's and later Jesus' occupation.
My Dad would often say he was a "Jack-of-all-trades". Perhaps that colloquialism describes both what Joseph and later Jesus did for a living.
[Ken M. Campbell, "What Was Jesus' Occupation?" JETS 48 (September 2005): 501-19.]
The Greek word is transliterated tekton [pronounced with a long 'o' sound]. What does it mean? It likely means more than just the idea that most folks have in their minds when they think 'carpenter.' In an excellent article a few years ago in JETS, Ken M. Campbell surveyed the use of the word in a variety of sources and concluded that a tekton was a general craftsman who worked with materials such as stone, wood, and sometimes metal in large and small building projects. A tekton would be involved in a variety of building projects including but not limited to houses, wine-presses, millstones, olive press stones, tombstones, cisterns, farm terraces, vineyards, watch towers, house extensions, etc. He rejects using the term "carpenter," and prefers "builder." That is more of a catch-all term and likely more descriptive of Joseph's and later Jesus' occupation.
My Dad would often say he was a "Jack-of-all-trades". Perhaps that colloquialism describes both what Joseph and later Jesus did for a living.
[Ken M. Campbell, "What Was Jesus' Occupation?" JETS 48 (September 2005): 501-19.]
Friday, December 12, 2008
Matthew 2:15 and Hosea 11:1
As I mentioned earlier, I'm spending a lot of time these days on Matthew's birth narrative. Several things in Matthew make these passages interesting study, not the least are the OT quotations.
After Joseph is told to leave Bethlehem, he takes Jesus and Mary to Egypt. Matthew writes that this is in fulfillment of Hosea 11:1: "Out of Egypt I called my son." Some scholars see that Matthew saw in this passage a prediction of Jesus' journey to Egypt, however, the original context is clearly a reference to the exodus. As Turner points out in his commentary, those who think Matthew saw a prediction of Jesus in Hos 11:1 usually state that Matthew has insight into the sensus plenior of Hosea.
A better approach is taking Hos 11:1 typologically [following Turner, Blomberg, and others]. Hos 11:1 alludes to a theological motif that Matthew cherishes: divine sonship. The exodus shows Israel's status as God's firstborn. What was true of Israel is even more true of Jesus. Quoting Turner: "In Hos 11:1 the exodus provides a historical pattern of God's loving preservation of his son Israel from Pharaoh's wrath. From a Christian perspective, this past event is recapitulated by God's loving preservation of his Son, Jesus, from Herod's wrath" [91].
Blomberg is surely correct when he writes: "Just as God brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt to inaugurate his original covenant with them, so again God is bringing the Messiah, who fulfills the hopes of Israel, out of Egypt as he is about to inaugurate his new covenant--Jesus recapitulates the role of Israel as a whole" [67].
The typological approach to Matthew's use of the OT in chapters 1-2 is surely the correct one. Matthew sees in Hos 11:1 and other OT passages with respect to Jesus parallels in the way God worked in the past that cannot be contributed to coincidence. Again quoting Turner, "Matthew looks at biblical history with the conviction that it is organically related to Jesus the Messiah as the seed is to the harvest." Well said.
After Joseph is told to leave Bethlehem, he takes Jesus and Mary to Egypt. Matthew writes that this is in fulfillment of Hosea 11:1: "Out of Egypt I called my son." Some scholars see that Matthew saw in this passage a prediction of Jesus' journey to Egypt, however, the original context is clearly a reference to the exodus. As Turner points out in his commentary, those who think Matthew saw a prediction of Jesus in Hos 11:1 usually state that Matthew has insight into the sensus plenior of Hosea.
A better approach is taking Hos 11:1 typologically [following Turner, Blomberg, and others]. Hos 11:1 alludes to a theological motif that Matthew cherishes: divine sonship. The exodus shows Israel's status as God's firstborn. What was true of Israel is even more true of Jesus. Quoting Turner: "In Hos 11:1 the exodus provides a historical pattern of God's loving preservation of his son Israel from Pharaoh's wrath. From a Christian perspective, this past event is recapitulated by God's loving preservation of his Son, Jesus, from Herod's wrath" [91].
Blomberg is surely correct when he writes: "Just as God brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt to inaugurate his original covenant with them, so again God is bringing the Messiah, who fulfills the hopes of Israel, out of Egypt as he is about to inaugurate his new covenant--Jesus recapitulates the role of Israel as a whole" [67].
The typological approach to Matthew's use of the OT in chapters 1-2 is surely the correct one. Matthew sees in Hos 11:1 and other OT passages with respect to Jesus parallels in the way God worked in the past that cannot be contributed to coincidence. Again quoting Turner, "Matthew looks at biblical history with the conviction that it is organically related to Jesus the Messiah as the seed is to the harvest." Well said.
Preaching and Authority
Al Mohler has an excellent post today on the preacher's authority.
I believe the preacher's authority comes from three places. First and foremost is the Bible. The Word of God is the authoritative book of the preacher. We have no authority outside it. Second is the call of God. God's call gives the preacher authority to proclaim, "Thus says the Lord." One who preaches must be one who is called. Third is the preacher's character. The preacher loses all credibility with a congregation once his character is proven to be suspect. Thus a preacher must protect his integrity.
I agree with Mohler. God's people are crying for a word from the Lord. The preacher must give it to them and with all the authority God has given! Preachers must throw thunderbolts on Sunday not give nice religious platitudes that mean nothing and change no one.
"For since, in God's wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of preaching" [1 Cor 1:21]. Let's be fools for Christ's sake. Let's preach the Word!
I believe the preacher's authority comes from three places. First and foremost is the Bible. The Word of God is the authoritative book of the preacher. We have no authority outside it. Second is the call of God. God's call gives the preacher authority to proclaim, "Thus says the Lord." One who preaches must be one who is called. Third is the preacher's character. The preacher loses all credibility with a congregation once his character is proven to be suspect. Thus a preacher must protect his integrity.
I agree with Mohler. God's people are crying for a word from the Lord. The preacher must give it to them and with all the authority God has given! Preachers must throw thunderbolts on Sunday not give nice religious platitudes that mean nothing and change no one.
"For since, in God's wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of preaching" [1 Cor 1:21]. Let's be fools for Christ's sake. Let's preach the Word!
Deaton
Our friend and member of Fairview, Todd Deaton, has been named the editor of The Western Recorder, the second oldest Baptist paper in the country. Todd, Michelle, Laura, and Caleb will move to Kentucky after the first of the year. Our loss is Kentucky's gain.
Congrats to Todd; he'll do a great job.
http://www.baptistcourier.com/2997.article
Congrats to Todd; he'll do a great job.
http://www.baptistcourier.com/2997.article
Scrooge Lives
It seems that Scrooge is alive and well and sitting in the pews of our churches. In an excellent commentary in The Baptist Courier, Don Kirkland reports on a recent article in Christianity Today entitled, "Scrooge Lives." In it, researchers discovered that more than one in four American Protestants give away no money at all, "not even a token $5 per year." Only about 27% of evangelicals tithe.
Kirkland also reports that the CT article confirms what I've known throughout my ministry--only a small percentage of church members cover the bills for everyone else. As Kirkland aptly puts it, "Small groups of Christians who are generous are 'covering' for the vast majority of Christians who give away nothing or very little of their earnings."
This is not new information but it is still alarming. The Bible is clear. God's people are to give. The NT is clear that the giving should be sacrificial. Paul, for example, commends the church of Macedonia as one that gave sacrificially in spite of their poverty [2 Cor 8:2]. Christians are to give no matter the economic times.
Again quoting Kirkland, "All church members must carry their own weight. It is wrong to continue to allow a small percentage of generous Christians to shoulder the load of the Lord's work with little or no help from their fellow believers." Amen!
I wonder if all of us would give, how much more could be done for the Kingdom?
Read Kirkland's commentary; it is worth the time.
http://www.baptistcourier.com/2962.article
Kirkland also reports that the CT article confirms what I've known throughout my ministry--only a small percentage of church members cover the bills for everyone else. As Kirkland aptly puts it, "Small groups of Christians who are generous are 'covering' for the vast majority of Christians who give away nothing or very little of their earnings."
This is not new information but it is still alarming. The Bible is clear. God's people are to give. The NT is clear that the giving should be sacrificial. Paul, for example, commends the church of Macedonia as one that gave sacrificially in spite of their poverty [2 Cor 8:2]. Christians are to give no matter the economic times.
Again quoting Kirkland, "All church members must carry their own weight. It is wrong to continue to allow a small percentage of generous Christians to shoulder the load of the Lord's work with little or no help from their fellow believers." Amen!
I wonder if all of us would give, how much more could be done for the Kingdom?
Read Kirkland's commentary; it is worth the time.
http://www.baptistcourier.com/2962.article
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Matthew 1:16
I've been studying Matthew 1 the last couple of weeks in preparation for some Christmas messages. Interesting text variants are found in 1:16: "And Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, who gave birth to Jesus who is called the Messiah" [HCSB]. Commentaries always discuss this verse because it is theologically crucial.
Nearly all the Greek manuscripts as well as early versions reflect the reading that is tranlated above. In effect the translation shows Joseph as Mary's husband and that Jesus was born "through" her. Jesus then is not the natural child of Joseph.
There are two other principle variants. Some manuscripts, primarily Caesarean, read: "Jacob was the father of Joseph, to whom being engaged, the virgin Mary bore Jesus, who is called Messiah." This reading seems to read-back information from 1:18-25 into this passage, making it secondary. Also if this reading is orginal it is hard to explain the first reading. Why would a scribe change such a clear expression of Mary's virginity?
The most controversial reading comes from the Sinaitic Syriac: "Joseph to whom was betrothed Mary the virgin, begot Jesus who is called the Christ." This reading allows for a denial of the virgin birth, although Mary is still described as a virgin. It seems to me that the reading shows Joseph as the legal not physical father of Jesus. Be that as it may, the text is not found in any Greek manuscripts of the NT.
A full discussion of the readings can be found in Metzger's commentary [2-6]. In a nutshell, the external evidence for the third reading is weak. The two variants likely arose from the more well-attested reading. Obviously, as Turner points out in his commentary [62], Matthew certainly did not mean to communicate in 1:16 that Joseph was the biological father of Jesus.
Nearly all the Greek manuscripts as well as early versions reflect the reading that is tranlated above. In effect the translation shows Joseph as Mary's husband and that Jesus was born "through" her. Jesus then is not the natural child of Joseph.
There are two other principle variants. Some manuscripts, primarily Caesarean, read: "Jacob was the father of Joseph, to whom being engaged, the virgin Mary bore Jesus, who is called Messiah." This reading seems to read-back information from 1:18-25 into this passage, making it secondary. Also if this reading is orginal it is hard to explain the first reading. Why would a scribe change such a clear expression of Mary's virginity?
The most controversial reading comes from the Sinaitic Syriac: "Joseph to whom was betrothed Mary the virgin, begot Jesus who is called the Christ." This reading allows for a denial of the virgin birth, although Mary is still described as a virgin. It seems to me that the reading shows Joseph as the legal not physical father of Jesus. Be that as it may, the text is not found in any Greek manuscripts of the NT.
A full discussion of the readings can be found in Metzger's commentary [2-6]. In a nutshell, the external evidence for the third reading is weak. The two variants likely arose from the more well-attested reading. Obviously, as Turner points out in his commentary [62], Matthew certainly did not mean to communicate in 1:16 that Joseph was the biological father of Jesus.
DollyWood
A group from Fairview went last week to DollyWood. This was our first time there. If you can't get in the Christmas spirit there you're one big Scrooge! Lesa and I are in the pic somewhere.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving
For what am I thankful today? I am thankful for a family that loves and supports each other, a church family that is second to none, a talented and gifted church staff, friends, and most of all that Jesus is alive! God bless and have a great Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Missions Education
I had the privilege this week to be part of the WMU report at the South Carolina Baptist Convention. My small part was entitled, "Why I Believe in Missions Education." For some time I've been greatly concerned about Southern Baptist's commitment to missions education. Many churches have dropped RAs, GAs, Mission Friends, and the WMU struggles to gain support among many pastors.
I've been tempted by AWANA and other children's programs too, but my support for our traditional missions education is stronger than ever for two reasons. Biblically, it is clear that knowledge undergirds behavior. Paul's letters, for example, are often divided by commentators between the theological and the practical, with the theological coming first. The Apostle obviously knew that good theology undergirds good behavior.
Some today say that Christians can get all the missions education they need through trips. While not minimizing the importance of hands-on missions, I would disagree. Missions education consistently challenges us to reflect upon important theological themes, such as the sinfulness of all human beings, the person and work of Christ, and His mandate to take the Gospel to the whole world. While these themes are taught elsewhere in church-life, of course, they are at the forefront of missions education. Our personal experiences must have a theological foundation for proper reflection and mature discipleship. Missions education offers that foundation.
Practically, missions education is important because the more people are exposed to what God is doing in the world, the more likely it is that they will hear His clear call in their lives. It is true that believers respond to a call to missions while on a trip, but it is also true that they hear his call while in GAs or RAs or some other small-group. Doesn't it make sense to give people every possible opportunity to hear God's voice? Give people that once-a-year hands-on experience, but reinforce that experience throughout the year through missions education.
Jesus said that we were to make disciples of all nations [Matt 28:19]. We have our marching orders. How can we afford to leave out the area of church life that keeps those marching orders ever before us?
I've been tempted by AWANA and other children's programs too, but my support for our traditional missions education is stronger than ever for two reasons. Biblically, it is clear that knowledge undergirds behavior. Paul's letters, for example, are often divided by commentators between the theological and the practical, with the theological coming first. The Apostle obviously knew that good theology undergirds good behavior.
Some today say that Christians can get all the missions education they need through trips. While not minimizing the importance of hands-on missions, I would disagree. Missions education consistently challenges us to reflect upon important theological themes, such as the sinfulness of all human beings, the person and work of Christ, and His mandate to take the Gospel to the whole world. While these themes are taught elsewhere in church-life, of course, they are at the forefront of missions education. Our personal experiences must have a theological foundation for proper reflection and mature discipleship. Missions education offers that foundation.
Practically, missions education is important because the more people are exposed to what God is doing in the world, the more likely it is that they will hear His clear call in their lives. It is true that believers respond to a call to missions while on a trip, but it is also true that they hear his call while in GAs or RAs or some other small-group. Doesn't it make sense to give people every possible opportunity to hear God's voice? Give people that once-a-year hands-on experience, but reinforce that experience throughout the year through missions education.
Jesus said that we were to make disciples of all nations [Matt 28:19]. We have our marching orders. How can we afford to leave out the area of church life that keeps those marching orders ever before us?
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Early Sheryl Crow
I ran across this newspaper clip today. I can't remember what year this is [early 80s], but here I am interviewing Sheryl Crow during the "Miss Delta Fair" Pageant in Kennett. She had been touring with Michael Jackson as a back-up singer. At the time I was working with KBOA-KTMO in Kennett as their news director.
Fall 08
The woods in back of our house shows the colors of fall in South Carolina. One thing we really like about living here is that we actually have a fall to enjoy.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Pastor Expectations
Several years ago Gary McIntosh and Robert Edmondson wrote a great book, It Only Hurts on Monday: Why Pastors Quit and What You Can Do about It. It is really a book for churches to help their pastors. In the book they quote Ruth Truman who sums up church expectations of their pastor:
"There is no job on earth that expects a man to work every possible waking moment, to comfort the sick and dying, to be the tower of strength for the bereaved and/or the anxious bridegroom, to counsel the maritally afflicted, to pray at a moment's notice, to be all-wise in the problems of child care and in-family jousting, to administer a large budget, to raise money for loan payments without issuing bonds, to run a church program efficiently with an all-volunteer staff that serves when it feels like it, to act as building and grounds maintenance supervisor, to prepare miraculously and preach eloquently, to dress meticulously but not too well, to be a saint in all his interpersonal relationships with language that even your grandmother couldn't question, to love his children and see that they are raised in an exemplary manner, to keep his own marriage and personal habits above question, to be never grossly in debt, and to set a pattern of living that all can follow in personal faith and spiritual development. In case you've forgotten what I am talking about, the above is the job description in abbreviated form for the 20th century ( and I would add the 21st century) Man of God, commonly known as minister."
No man can live up to these kinds of expectations, yet these are the expectations of the church. When these expectations aren't met, then forced termination is around the corner. Even if there is no official church vote, the pastor feels forced out.
What can be done? Primarily, the church must have a more sane idea of who a pastor is and what he is called to do. A pastor is no more than just a human being, with the same weaknesses everyone else has. The pastor is called to lead the church "spiritually." He is to preach, pray, and bear witness of the Good News of Christ. He will have his ministerial strengths and weaknesses. Not everyone is a good administrator. Not everyone is a great pulpiteer. A church must ask, "What kind of man does God have in mind to lead us?" Find that man and allow him to minister within his strengths and then the church must do the rest. God has gifted staff members and lay people who make up for the weaknesses the pastor will naturally have. Finally, the church must not expect any more from the pastor than they do themselves. God expects faithfulness from all of us.
That's just a paragraph but it's a start to finding a more healthy relationship between church and pastor.
"There is no job on earth that expects a man to work every possible waking moment, to comfort the sick and dying, to be the tower of strength for the bereaved and/or the anxious bridegroom, to counsel the maritally afflicted, to pray at a moment's notice, to be all-wise in the problems of child care and in-family jousting, to administer a large budget, to raise money for loan payments without issuing bonds, to run a church program efficiently with an all-volunteer staff that serves when it feels like it, to act as building and grounds maintenance supervisor, to prepare miraculously and preach eloquently, to dress meticulously but not too well, to be a saint in all his interpersonal relationships with language that even your grandmother couldn't question, to love his children and see that they are raised in an exemplary manner, to keep his own marriage and personal habits above question, to be never grossly in debt, and to set a pattern of living that all can follow in personal faith and spiritual development. In case you've forgotten what I am talking about, the above is the job description in abbreviated form for the 20th century ( and I would add the 21st century) Man of God, commonly known as minister."
No man can live up to these kinds of expectations, yet these are the expectations of the church. When these expectations aren't met, then forced termination is around the corner. Even if there is no official church vote, the pastor feels forced out.
What can be done? Primarily, the church must have a more sane idea of who a pastor is and what he is called to do. A pastor is no more than just a human being, with the same weaknesses everyone else has. The pastor is called to lead the church "spiritually." He is to preach, pray, and bear witness of the Good News of Christ. He will have his ministerial strengths and weaknesses. Not everyone is a good administrator. Not everyone is a great pulpiteer. A church must ask, "What kind of man does God have in mind to lead us?" Find that man and allow him to minister within his strengths and then the church must do the rest. God has gifted staff members and lay people who make up for the weaknesses the pastor will naturally have. Finally, the church must not expect any more from the pastor than they do themselves. God expects faithfulness from all of us.
That's just a paragraph but it's a start to finding a more healthy relationship between church and pastor.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Superstar Preacher Part Two
I wrote recently on the Superstar Preacher, and there's no doubt that the superstar syndrome is a major problem among us. Some of it is not the preacher's fault. Some of the blame lies at the front door of the church. Note a classified ad [which I hate for pastors anyway] for a pastor I saw recently in a state Baptist paper.
SENIOR PASTOR: Seeking a senior pastor that believes in the inerrancy of the Bible and has proven skills in preaching, teaching, visitation, counseling, visioning, soul-winning, discipleship and administration. We are a conservative and progressive church with a bright future for ministry and growth in a rapidly growing community just outside of Charlotte, NC. We have six ministers and numerous outreach programs and specialized ministries, including a large Deaf ministry.
What is this church thinking? How can a man be skillful in all the above areas?
Years ago Darrell Robinson wrote about "The Ideal Pastor":
He preaches only 20 minutes, but thoroughly expounds the Word.
He condemns sin, but never hurts anyone's feelings.
He works from 8 AM to 10 PM, doing every type of work from preaching to janitor work.
He makes $100 per week, wears good clothes, buys good books, drives a nice car, and gives
$50 to the church weekly.
He stands ready to give to any good cause, also.
His family is completely model in deportment, dress, and attitude.
He is 26 years old and has been preaching for 30 years.
He has a burning desire to work with teenagers and spend all his time with older people.
He makes 15 calls a day on church members, spends all his time in evangelizing, and is never
out of the office.
This is ridiculous, of course, but the above classified shows clearly that too many churches are looking for men who can't possibility live up to the expectations placed upon them. God save us from churches looking for superstar preachers!
SENIOR PASTOR: Seeking a senior pastor that believes in the inerrancy of the Bible and has proven skills in preaching, teaching, visitation, counseling, visioning, soul-winning, discipleship and administration. We are a conservative and progressive church with a bright future for ministry and growth in a rapidly growing community just outside of Charlotte, NC. We have six ministers and numerous outreach programs and specialized ministries, including a large Deaf ministry.
What is this church thinking? How can a man be skillful in all the above areas?
Years ago Darrell Robinson wrote about "The Ideal Pastor":
He preaches only 20 minutes, but thoroughly expounds the Word.
He condemns sin, but never hurts anyone's feelings.
He works from 8 AM to 10 PM, doing every type of work from preaching to janitor work.
He makes $100 per week, wears good clothes, buys good books, drives a nice car, and gives
$50 to the church weekly.
He stands ready to give to any good cause, also.
His family is completely model in deportment, dress, and attitude.
He is 26 years old and has been preaching for 30 years.
He has a burning desire to work with teenagers and spend all his time with older people.
He makes 15 calls a day on church members, spends all his time in evangelizing, and is never
out of the office.
This is ridiculous, of course, but the above classified shows clearly that too many churches are looking for men who can't possibility live up to the expectations placed upon them. God save us from churches looking for superstar preachers!
Abortion and the Election
This entry is a couple of weeks old, but Al Mohler has done a marvelous job of writing about the abortion issue and particularly the issue's effect on the 2008 election.
http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=2630
There are only a few make or break issues for me. Abortion is one of them. I cannot ever vote for a candidate who is pro-choice--Period. If Obama is elected, the pro-choice proponents will be in charge of both Congress and the White House. God help the unborn.
http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=2630
There are only a few make or break issues for me. Abortion is one of them. I cannot ever vote for a candidate who is pro-choice--Period. If Obama is elected, the pro-choice proponents will be in charge of both Congress and the White House. God help the unborn.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Today's Superstar Preacher
I was alerted by Rodney Decker's blog of an alarming, sad, even infuritating entry from David Black. I went to David's blog and copied it. This is the sad state of many in ministry.
7:53 AM I just received this email from a professor in a major evangelical university. Read it and weep (emphasis in red has been added).
Dear Colleagues:
Greetings. I write this letter to several of you at the Seminary because I am coming to Raleigh to speak at an event on Saturday Nov. 8 related to the _____, in my capacity as ________.
I … would like to minister at the Seminary by giving a presentation to your Chapel or other venue, or to speak at a big Baptist Church in the area. Since I am coming to Raleigh for the other event, I offer my services to you. Most of my expenses are already paid, so all I would need is an honorarium.
The reason I am bold to write you is because I am a licensed Baptist pastor (with the _______________ Church), I am a dynamic speaker using PowerPoint, I am the Director of the world-renowned _______ Institute, and am official editor of the _________. My presentation on _______ is powerful, faithful to Scripture, and a strong apologetic for the Christian faith. It is very well received among believers, especially Baptist seminaries and colleges and Churches, where the Scriptures are revered. I received a standing ovation at _______ Seminary and at _________....
I am sorry for the rather short notice, but I guarantee my presentation will exceed your expectations, and your students will be greatly encouraged in their faith and learning. Your in Christ,With best wishes,
WOW!! Contrast the above with the words of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:
For you yourselves know, brothers, that our visit with you was not without result. 2 On the contrary, after we had previously suffered and been outrageously treated in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition. 3 For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity or an intent to deceive. 4 Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but rather God, who examines our hearts. 5 For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives—God is our witness— 6 and we didn’t seek glory from people, either from you or from others. 7 Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother nurtures her own children. 8 We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember our labor and hardship, brothers. Working night and day so that we would not burden any of you, we preached God’s gospel to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly we conducted ourselves with you believers. 11 As you know, like a father with his own children, 12 we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to • walk worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
Quite a difference from the e-mail! God please deliver us from superstar preachers.
7:53 AM I just received this email from a professor in a major evangelical university. Read it and weep (emphasis in red has been added).
Dear Colleagues:
Greetings. I write this letter to several of you at the Seminary because I am coming to Raleigh to speak at an event on Saturday Nov. 8 related to the _____, in my capacity as ________.
I … would like to minister at the Seminary by giving a presentation to your Chapel or other venue, or to speak at a big Baptist Church in the area. Since I am coming to Raleigh for the other event, I offer my services to you. Most of my expenses are already paid, so all I would need is an honorarium.
The reason I am bold to write you is because I am a licensed Baptist pastor (with the _______________ Church), I am a dynamic speaker using PowerPoint, I am the Director of the world-renowned _______ Institute, and am official editor of the _________. My presentation on _______ is powerful, faithful to Scripture, and a strong apologetic for the Christian faith. It is very well received among believers, especially Baptist seminaries and colleges and Churches, where the Scriptures are revered. I received a standing ovation at _______ Seminary and at _________....
I am sorry for the rather short notice, but I guarantee my presentation will exceed your expectations, and your students will be greatly encouraged in their faith and learning. Your in Christ,With best wishes,
WOW!! Contrast the above with the words of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:
For you yourselves know, brothers, that our visit with you was not without result. 2 On the contrary, after we had previously suffered and been outrageously treated in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition. 3 For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity or an intent to deceive. 4 Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but rather God, who examines our hearts. 5 For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives—God is our witness— 6 and we didn’t seek glory from people, either from you or from others. 7 Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother nurtures her own children. 8 We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember our labor and hardship, brothers. Working night and day so that we would not burden any of you, we preached God’s gospel to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly we conducted ourselves with you believers. 11 As you know, like a father with his own children, 12 we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to • walk worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
Quite a difference from the e-mail! God please deliver us from superstar preachers.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Everything Pastor
Bill Mounce has an excellent discussion on the Koinonia blog about the pastor-teacher. His entry begins with the Greek grammar of Ephesians 4:11. Is the pastor/teacher one office or two or some kind of combination. When he finishes with that, he deals with the astronomical problems a pastor of a larger church faces when he alone is the 'captain of the ship.'
http://zondervan.typepad.com/koinonia/2008/10/pastors-and-tea.html#more
I am the "lead" pastor of my church. I do have a finger in a lot of areas of church life, but I don't have to make all the decisions. I have other pastors on staff who have their own areas of responsibility and do it well. I also have lay-ministry teams that take care of many other areas of church life. I don't have to know all the details; I don't even go to all the meetings, but I do know generally what is happening and my opinion is often asked and appreciated. There are some situations in which I simply am not qualified to give an intelligent answer. I have to trust people who know what they're doing.
Someone needs to set the direction of the church. I think that is the primary responsibility of the lead pastor, senior pastor, or whatever you want to call him. But he needs help. If he doesn't want it, he will burn out and the church and his own ministry will be a disaster.
http://zondervan.typepad.com/koinonia/2008/10/pastors-and-tea.html#more
I am the "lead" pastor of my church. I do have a finger in a lot of areas of church life, but I don't have to make all the decisions. I have other pastors on staff who have their own areas of responsibility and do it well. I also have lay-ministry teams that take care of many other areas of church life. I don't have to know all the details; I don't even go to all the meetings, but I do know generally what is happening and my opinion is often asked and appreciated. There are some situations in which I simply am not qualified to give an intelligent answer. I have to trust people who know what they're doing.
Someone needs to set the direction of the church. I think that is the primary responsibility of the lead pastor, senior pastor, or whatever you want to call him. But he needs help. If he doesn't want it, he will burn out and the church and his own ministry will be a disaster.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Church Pirates/Planters
I've written several times this year on the problem of church pirates who disguise themselves as church planters. Let me vent one more time. These are the staff members, be they pastors or some other staff, who rob their church to start a new one. The problem is usually that the disgruntled pastor/staff wants to follow the contemporary model while the church they're in does not. He leaves, takes a 100 or more folks with him, and starts his church, leaving the established church to lick her wounds.
Leaving the established church and starting a new one down the street is bad enough. Often the new church is not satisfied. The new church continues taking advantage of the relationships formed through the years in the established church to fill various ministries through stealing sheep. The new church continually calls on people from the established church to "fill in" in various roles. The established church is supposed to take the high road and just grin and bear it.
The above scenario, played out every day in churches all across the SBC, is a primary reason established churches have a problem with church planting. Most of it is not planting; it is pirating. If a man feels led by God to leave his estblished church and start a new one let him leave the town he's in, go to another state, and plant a church. Let him not, however, split a church to start a new one. That is wrong on every level.
Leaving the established church and starting a new one down the street is bad enough. Often the new church is not satisfied. The new church continues taking advantage of the relationships formed through the years in the established church to fill various ministries through stealing sheep. The new church continually calls on people from the established church to "fill in" in various roles. The established church is supposed to take the high road and just grin and bear it.
The above scenario, played out every day in churches all across the SBC, is a primary reason established churches have a problem with church planting. Most of it is not planting; it is pirating. If a man feels led by God to leave his estblished church and start a new one let him leave the town he's in, go to another state, and plant a church. Let him not, however, split a church to start a new one. That is wrong on every level.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
BTC
This is what I'm talking about! Sheryl Crowe has started a new line: Bootheel Trading Co. I think one of the jeans is named after Kennett.
Learn more:
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sherman Book
I highly recommend the book below. A different kind of book is the autobiography of Cecil Sherman. I had never read a moderate Baptist's view of the SBC controversy of the 80s and 90s, which ultimately led to the formation of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Sherman, a leader in the movement and first director of CBF, tells his story, which by his own admission is from his own point of view.
I appreciated reading his own account of the controversy, and although I still cannot hold to a moderate's view of the Bible, I've often wondered what our convention would look like today if everyone involved in Baptist politics had found some sort of common ground. Perhaps it just wasn't possible. I know there are always two sides to every break-up, and it was good for me to read about the Baptist divorce from one who was in leadership on the moderate side.
My favorite part of the book, however, is Sherman's account of his pastoral ministry. His fight against racism while at First Baptist Asheville is a story of courage and integrity forged in conflict. Every pastor, particularly young ones, would benefit from reading that section of the book.
The last section of the book is the story of his wife's [Dot] battle with Alzheimer's. It is a story of love and commitment that proves the words, "for better or for worse," mean something.
By the way, Paige Patterson has offered an interesting review of this book:
Carson Book
I recently finished this book and it is a must read for any pastor. D.A. Carson writes about his father, who ministered for many years in Quebec. Tom Carson was an ordinary pastor. He ministered in a difficult place with sometimes only minimal "results." He often questioned himself and his faithfulness to God. We've all been there!
This book would be required reading if I were teaching a pastoral ministry course. Its primary contribution is that success in ministry cannot be determined by budgets, numbers, etc. It is determined only by faithfulness!!
Friday, September 26, 2008
40/40
I want to encourage you to be involved in the 40/40 Prayer Vigil that has begun. It is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and the Ethics/Religous Liberty Commission of the SBC. It is one of the best prayer guides I've ever seen. Ultimately we pray for revival in this nation, but it begins with the individual and moves to the church before prayers are offered for the country.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Stop Signs, Stop Lights, and Pride
Well it happened again this morning. Each morning as I drive to work I come to a three-way stop sign that is usually pretty busy around Greer High School. The car on my left had just gotten out of the way, the car in front of me went, and thus it was my turn right? Oh no! The person behind the car in front of me decided to do a rolling stop and turn left in front of me. This kind of thing happens every day.
Of course no one stops at red lights any more. A few days ago three cars turned left in front of traffic after our light had turned green. I was in the front car along with another vehicle to my left. We both honked, but the last of the illegal turners gave us a look and a gesture. He was talking on his cell phone, probably with no idea that the light had even turned.
Why is it that folks won't wait their turn at stop signs and have the need to run a red light? The issue is pride. The thought is, "My time is more important;" "Where I have to go is more important." "I didn't get up early enough to be on time so now that I'm late I'm more important." We could go on and on but the point is made.
The foundational sin is pride. Pride simply means that "me, myself, and I" are the three most important people in my life--everyone else is secondary. Pride is ruling the roost on the roadways, and it's going to get people hurt and killed.
Of course no one stops at red lights any more. A few days ago three cars turned left in front of traffic after our light had turned green. I was in the front car along with another vehicle to my left. We both honked, but the last of the illegal turners gave us a look and a gesture. He was talking on his cell phone, probably with no idea that the light had even turned.
Why is it that folks won't wait their turn at stop signs and have the need to run a red light? The issue is pride. The thought is, "My time is more important;" "Where I have to go is more important." "I didn't get up early enough to be on time so now that I'm late I'm more important." We could go on and on but the point is made.
The foundational sin is pride. Pride simply means that "me, myself, and I" are the three most important people in my life--everyone else is secondary. Pride is ruling the roost on the roadways, and it's going to get people hurt and killed.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Preacher and Politics
Here are some good words foundat preaching.com
In the Summer 2008 issue of Leadership, Mark Dever reminds us not to forget there is a difference between the gospel and the political realm: "Too many Christians today are trying to improve on the gospel. The gospel is what it is: the Cross of Christ. Christians on both the political right and left are downplaying the effects of the Fall, and instead buying into a secular myth of progress through market economics or socialism. That is not something a Christian preacher should adopt.
"A Christian preacher should be critical of any temptation toward earthly Utopianism. The answer to the world's ills is not even something as good as outlawing abortion. I certainly would like for us to have such laws, but even more, I'd like people not to want to kill unborn babies. There's only so much outward conformity that laws can build into a people who are not in agreement with the heart issues.
"It serves us well to understand the difference between the gospel and the implications of the gospel."
I could not agree more with Dever's insight and warning.
Preacher be very careful as the political rhetoric heats up--you are one who is to center on the cross not politics. What will change this country's direction is not a political leader but revival!!
In the Summer 2008 issue of Leadership, Mark Dever reminds us not to forget there is a difference between the gospel and the political realm: "Too many Christians today are trying to improve on the gospel. The gospel is what it is: the Cross of Christ. Christians on both the political right and left are downplaying the effects of the Fall, and instead buying into a secular myth of progress through market economics or socialism. That is not something a Christian preacher should adopt.
"A Christian preacher should be critical of any temptation toward earthly Utopianism. The answer to the world's ills is not even something as good as outlawing abortion. I certainly would like for us to have such laws, but even more, I'd like people not to want to kill unborn babies. There's only so much outward conformity that laws can build into a people who are not in agreement with the heart issues.
"It serves us well to understand the difference between the gospel and the implications of the gospel."
I could not agree more with Dever's insight and warning.
Preacher be very careful as the political rhetoric heats up--you are one who is to center on the cross not politics. What will change this country's direction is not a political leader but revival!!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Greece Article
Here's a link to a Baptist Courier article on our youth's mission trip to Greece. Some of the pics of Andrew and Steph's journey are on the blog. Steph is in one of the group pictures [wearing a blue hat]. I'm not sure where Andrew was when the picture was taken.
http://www.baptistcourier.com/2702.article
http://www.baptistcourier.com/2702.article
Thursday, August 21, 2008
C.W. Brister
I was saddened today to read in Baptist Press about the passing of Dr. C.W. Brister, longtime professor of pastoral ministry at Southwestern Seminary. I classes under Dr. Brister at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and learned to greatly appreciate him. He was truly a Christian gentleman. I will always remember the beautiful prayers he would offer before class. I'm thankful now he can pray before the throne of God. For more on Dr. Brister, here's the story on BP.
http://www.bpnews.org/bpnews.asp?id=28747
I also read today of the passing of another retired SWBTS prof: Dr. Dan Kent, who taught Old Testament for many years. I never had Dr. Kent, but I know of many who did. The giants are falling.
http://www.bpnews.org/bpnews.asp?id=28747
I also read today of the passing of another retired SWBTS prof: Dr. Dan Kent, who taught Old Testament for many years. I never had Dr. Kent, but I know of many who did. The giants are falling.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Summer Reading
I've done quite a bit of summer reading this year. A few of the books of interest are:
1. Preaching with Variety by Jeffrey D. Arthurs. Arthurs is associate professor of preaching at Gordon-Conwell Seminary. Arthurs rightly insists that preaching must be genre sensitive. In other words, the preacher tailors the structure of the sermon according to genre. You don't preach narrative the same way you preach Psalms, etc. This is a needed corrective to attempting to place the same structure on every sermon no matter from which genre it comes. The book has quite a number of practical helps, although he is weakest in his helps on the Psalms. The preacher must allow the text to speak for itself instead of placing it into his own predetermined package. This book will help the preacher do that.
2. Doctrine that Dances by Robert Smith. Smith is professor of preaching at Beeson Seminary in Birmingham. This is an excellent book, although it doesn't so much teach you how to preach doctrinal sermons as it does inspire you to do so. Smith's two metaphors of the preacher as exegetical escort and doxological dancer are his primary contributions. As exegetical escort, the preacher is to embrace the text in order to usher the hearer into the presence of God for the purpose of transformation. As doxological dancer, the preacher communicates doctrinal messages with accuracy and ardor so that the exuberant hearer exalts in the exalting of God. In other words, the preacher leads people to worship. Amen! Every preacher will read this book with profit.
3. The One Thing You Can't Do in Heaven by Mark Cahill. This book has been out for a while and several of my church members have read it. I finally got around to it this summer and was motivated to be even bolder in sharing my faith as a result (which by the way should be the purpose of any book written on evangelism). Of course, the one thing you can't do in heaven is tell people about Jesus. There are many practical helps in this book which will better equip any believer. You probably won't witness like Mark, but that's not the purpose of the book anyway. He just wants you to witness with your own personality--but this book will help you do it. He gives many personal accounts of his own witnessing experiences. As I read them, I often remembered similar ones. Chapter 9 was the most helpful to me: "Four Deadly Questions." They are: What do mean by that? How do you know this to be true? Where did you get that information? What if you are wrong?
4. Essential Church by Thom and Sam Rainer. The Rainers have written another book based on their extensive research. This time the issue is what to do with 18-22 year olds who leave the church or never have anything to do with the church. For young people to stay they must believe their church is essential to them. Some of the best points I read are: We must find places for young people to serve; the church must become the "Third Place," for them; and young people are drawn to churches that have a clear purpose and are fullfilling it. There is alot of information in this book and much to digest. By the way, if you haven't read Simple Church, don't bother. Read this one and you'll get it in Reader's Digest form plus all the other good stuff that have in Essential Church.
5. The Historical Reliability of the Gospels by Craig Blomberg. This is the second edition of his earlier work. It has thoroughly updated notes and bibliography. There are contemporary insights and information found in this book. It is a must read for pastors, students, and teachers. If you have read the first one, go ahead and go through this one. The update is worth the time. Blomberg's arguments are well worth the effort.
1. Preaching with Variety by Jeffrey D. Arthurs. Arthurs is associate professor of preaching at Gordon-Conwell Seminary. Arthurs rightly insists that preaching must be genre sensitive. In other words, the preacher tailors the structure of the sermon according to genre. You don't preach narrative the same way you preach Psalms, etc. This is a needed corrective to attempting to place the same structure on every sermon no matter from which genre it comes. The book has quite a number of practical helps, although he is weakest in his helps on the Psalms. The preacher must allow the text to speak for itself instead of placing it into his own predetermined package. This book will help the preacher do that.
2. Doctrine that Dances by Robert Smith. Smith is professor of preaching at Beeson Seminary in Birmingham. This is an excellent book, although it doesn't so much teach you how to preach doctrinal sermons as it does inspire you to do so. Smith's two metaphors of the preacher as exegetical escort and doxological dancer are his primary contributions. As exegetical escort, the preacher is to embrace the text in order to usher the hearer into the presence of God for the purpose of transformation. As doxological dancer, the preacher communicates doctrinal messages with accuracy and ardor so that the exuberant hearer exalts in the exalting of God. In other words, the preacher leads people to worship. Amen! Every preacher will read this book with profit.
3. The One Thing You Can't Do in Heaven by Mark Cahill. This book has been out for a while and several of my church members have read it. I finally got around to it this summer and was motivated to be even bolder in sharing my faith as a result (which by the way should be the purpose of any book written on evangelism). Of course, the one thing you can't do in heaven is tell people about Jesus. There are many practical helps in this book which will better equip any believer. You probably won't witness like Mark, but that's not the purpose of the book anyway. He just wants you to witness with your own personality--but this book will help you do it. He gives many personal accounts of his own witnessing experiences. As I read them, I often remembered similar ones. Chapter 9 was the most helpful to me: "Four Deadly Questions." They are: What do mean by that? How do you know this to be true? Where did you get that information? What if you are wrong?
4. Essential Church by Thom and Sam Rainer. The Rainers have written another book based on their extensive research. This time the issue is what to do with 18-22 year olds who leave the church or never have anything to do with the church. For young people to stay they must believe their church is essential to them. Some of the best points I read are: We must find places for young people to serve; the church must become the "Third Place," for them; and young people are drawn to churches that have a clear purpose and are fullfilling it. There is alot of information in this book and much to digest. By the way, if you haven't read Simple Church, don't bother. Read this one and you'll get it in Reader's Digest form plus all the other good stuff that have in Essential Church.
5. The Historical Reliability of the Gospels by Craig Blomberg. This is the second edition of his earlier work. It has thoroughly updated notes and bibliography. There are contemporary insights and information found in this book. It is a must read for pastors, students, and teachers. If you have read the first one, go ahead and go through this one. The update is worth the time. Blomberg's arguments are well worth the effort.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Lady and Sons
Savannah is only 45 minutes from Hilton Head so we had to go to Paula Deen's restaurant, Lady and Sons. The buffet was awesome!!
Vacation
We spent a few days at Hilton Head Island; our new favorite vacation spot. This pic is on one of the "Dolphin Tours." We saw a bunch of them!
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Drilling and the Environment
For those angry that the Democrats won't allow a vote for off-shore drilling, here is a great column from Charles Krauthammer. When you read it, you'll likely be even angrier.
http://townhall.com/columnists/CharlesKrauthammer/2008/08/01/drilling_and_blissful_ignorance
http://townhall.com/columnists/CharlesKrauthammer/2008/08/01/drilling_and_blissful_ignorance
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sinaiticus
The Codex Sinaiticus project is now on-line. Mark is the only NT book on the site so far. There will be major updates in November and by July next year the site should be complete. Sinaiticus once contained the entire Bible. Unfortunately parts of the OT are forever lost. The codex is the only known copy of the Greek NT in majuscule script.
The site is fairly easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. It is exciting that this major manuscript is now on-line for all to see and study. I will be sending my students to it in the fall so they can learn how to transcribe and collate.
Sinaiticus is basically Alexandrian in the NT, but John 1:1-8:39 is Western.
http://www.codex-sinaiticus.net/en/
The site is fairly easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. It is exciting that this major manuscript is now on-line for all to see and study. I will be sending my students to it in the fall so they can learn how to transcribe and collate.
Sinaiticus is basically Alexandrian in the NT, but John 1:1-8:39 is Western.
http://www.codex-sinaiticus.net/en/
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Greece Trip
Andrew and Steph on Mars Hill overlooking Athens. Mars Hill is where Paul preached in Acts 17.
My kids go to Greece and all I get is a T-shirt and a hat!!
The "Bema" Seat
This is the "Bema" Seat where Paul stood before Gallio in Acts 18. I've got some great pics for my next 1 Corinthians class!
Andrew and Steph in Corinth
Andrew and Steph were part of our International World Changers group to Greece. Here they are in Corinth.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
NGU Damage
The North Greenville University campus was hit Monday night with a severe storm that caused extensive damage. Two of the main classroom areas were particularly hard hit. Please pray for NGU. There is a record enrollment headed here in three weeks!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Heaven and Hell
Baptist Press has three articles on heaven and hell that are very good. It seems to me that one reason why baptisms are down in the Southern Baptist Convention is that we have lost our belief in both. Intellectually we still believe. Dogmatically we still believe. Practically, I'm not so sure. For far too many of us, the here-and-now gets so much of our attention that we've lost our way as an eschatological people. A primary difference I think between early believers and us is the fact that they always had one eye at least on heaven. Our eyes our firmly focused on the earth. Thus for the most part I believe we've lost the hope of the Gospel.
Read these and see what you think. I'll try to comment on them a bit more later.
http://www.baptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=28492
http://www.baptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=28489
http://www.baptistpress.org/bpnews.asp?id=28491
Read these and see what you think. I'll try to comment on them a bit more later.
http://www.baptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=28492
http://www.baptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=28489
http://www.baptistpress.org/bpnews.asp?id=28491
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Josh Hamilton
Baptist Press has a great story on Josh Hamilton of OUR Texas Rangers. It needs to be said that my son, Andrew, had this pegged back in spring training. He kept telling me: "Watch this Josh Hamilton; he's going to be great." He also knew about his story. Way to go Andrew!!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Greece
45 folks from Fairview headed to Greece today for International World Changers. Our two, Andrew and Stephanie, are part of the team. We'd appreciate your prayers. Hopefully when they return on July 19, we'll have some pictures. The group is worshiping Sunday at Mars Hill in Athens. Of course, that is where Paul preached in Acts 17. What a great opportunity!!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
In Action
I love no tie Sundays! Taken last Sunday during our worship service at Fairview. Everyone looks Red, White, and Blueish don't they!
New Day for Apologetics
Here's a neat article from Christianity Today concerning the upswing in interest in apologetics, especially among young people. Oh the constant irony of the postmodern world!
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/july/14.29.html
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/july/14.29.html
USA and Moab
Last Sunday I preached a message entitled, "When a Nation Ignores God." The Lord drew me to Jeremiah 48. Chapters 46-51 of Jeremiah contain a collection of messages against nine foreign nations. They teach the sovereignty of God; no nation can escape his judgment.
I was drawn to the message against Moab because it so parallels what is happening in America. The country faced God's judgment because of materialism [v. 7], complacency [v. 11], idol worship [v. 7], and pride [vv. 29, 42]. When you read this chapter it feels like you're reading an American newspaper, news magazine, or Google News.
America is like Moab. We are given over to the same sins for which Moab was judged. Who is to blame? It is easy to blame the politicians or the corporate giants. They should shoulder their share, but I blame the church. I believe one reason Moab was in the shape Jeremiah described was due to Israel's refusal to be a light to the nations. I believe America is in her shape because the church has also refused to be God's light.
When 57% of Christian Americans according to The Pew Forum on Religion are willing to accept that Christianity may not be the only way to God, the church is in bad shape. At least one reason so many are confused about salvation is that too many preachers refuse to stand on the truth of God's Word. As in the days of Ezekiel, the shepherds are misleading the sheep. There are so many conflicting signals given by preachers in America's churches, it is no wonder people are confused, dazed, and living for themselves.
So my prayer this July 4th is for a spiritual renewal in America. It does not begin with Obama or McCain. It begins in the pulpits and pews of American churches. If we'll start believing and then living truth, perhaps America has a chance.
Jeremiah 48 ends with a note of hope: "Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days," declares the Lord. There is hope for America. God is full of grace and loves us. Pray for repentance, renewal, and revival. If we see neither, all we have to look forward to is what happened to Moab--judgment.
The sermon can be heard at http://fairviewgreer.net/page2619.php
I was drawn to the message against Moab because it so parallels what is happening in America. The country faced God's judgment because of materialism [v. 7], complacency [v. 11], idol worship [v. 7], and pride [vv. 29, 42]. When you read this chapter it feels like you're reading an American newspaper, news magazine, or Google News.
America is like Moab. We are given over to the same sins for which Moab was judged. Who is to blame? It is easy to blame the politicians or the corporate giants. They should shoulder their share, but I blame the church. I believe one reason Moab was in the shape Jeremiah described was due to Israel's refusal to be a light to the nations. I believe America is in her shape because the church has also refused to be God's light.
When 57% of Christian Americans according to The Pew Forum on Religion are willing to accept that Christianity may not be the only way to God, the church is in bad shape. At least one reason so many are confused about salvation is that too many preachers refuse to stand on the truth of God's Word. As in the days of Ezekiel, the shepherds are misleading the sheep. There are so many conflicting signals given by preachers in America's churches, it is no wonder people are confused, dazed, and living for themselves.
So my prayer this July 4th is for a spiritual renewal in America. It does not begin with Obama or McCain. It begins in the pulpits and pews of American churches. If we'll start believing and then living truth, perhaps America has a chance.
Jeremiah 48 ends with a note of hope: "Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days," declares the Lord. There is hope for America. God is full of grace and loves us. Pray for repentance, renewal, and revival. If we see neither, all we have to look forward to is what happened to Moab--judgment.
The sermon can be heard at http://fairviewgreer.net/page2619.php
Monday, June 09, 2008
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