Questions about Ephesians 4

Tonight I heard a preacher teach from Ephesians 4, especially verses 11-16.

And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ's fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But Speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head--Christ. From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.

His reasoning went like this:

1. Christ gave these 5 offices to the church
2. for training, to build up the body
3. until we all reach
   • unity in the faith
   • unity in the knowledge of God's Son
   • maturity measured by Christ's fullness
4. We haven't reached these things yet
5. Therefore, these 5 offices are still needed
6. Therefore, we will see a resurgence of the offices of apostles and prophets

I think this is exciting and a reasonable interpretation of this passage, but I have some questions about whether other interpretations are possible.

Question #1 Is it possible that the clause "for the training..." and everything that follows relates only to the last of the offices? I don't care at this point whether you combine the last two of the 5 (as some do) into a "pastor/teacher" role or not. Here's a parallel sentence to show what I'm suggesting: Mom brought home some gifts for the children: some candy, some toys, some gum, and some pencils and papers, to write thankyou notes, until they had shown appreciation for all the gifts they got from all their relatives. Now I don't know enough about the Greek grammar to know if this is a possibility, so if anyone does, I'd like to hear from you.

Question #2 If we accept the premise that "for the training..." and everything that follows does apply to all 5 offices, does that necessarily require that all five offices carry through to the end of the process? What if the role of the apostles was to establish the church and provide the New Testament Scriptures? The impact of their work would still be carrying through to the end of the process even if there weren't any apostles on the planet at that time. For comparison: The contractor hired framers, plumbers, electricians, roofers, drywall workers, trim carpenters, and painters, for the building of the house, until it was finished and ready to live in. In this example, the framers' job would be done long before the house was finished, but it wouldn't invalidate the overall statement. I'm not arguing here for the end of the apostolic office; I'm open to either possibility. I'm just trying to see if the conclusion in the sermon is warranted from this passage.

Question #3. If this passage does mean that apostles are going to be around till the end of the maturity process, then why have them vanish and reappear? Why not have them active throughout church history?

Question #4. If this passage does mean that apostles are going to be around till the end of the maturity process, then how do we make sense of what the endpoint looks like?

• Forgetting the sermon for a moment, if we just take the last of the offices, pastor and teacher (or pastor/teacher), do we think that there will ever be a time before the return of Christ when pastors and teachers will not be needed?
• As long as new people are being born again, how can it ever be that "we all" reach unity and maturity? Won't there always be some new, therefore immature, christians?
• If we say that this points to the end, after the return of Christ, then I get confused by "we will no longer be...tossed by waves and blown around by every...cunning... cleverness...deceit." This doesn't sound like it's after the return of Christ to me.

I thought maybe "we all" could be translated "we each," like it's not about them working till everyone is mature, but that the work is fruitful in me until I'm mature and in you untill you're mature, but I couldn't find any translation that used anything other than "we all."

Any ideas out there?

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Word Count Versus Importance

I've been looking at the concept of meditation, from a Christian perspective, not an Eastern mystic kind of thing. I read a book which had a chapter on meditation and how important it is as a Christian Discipline to bring you closer to God. It was very inspirational, and I've taken some baby steps in this area, but I wanted to do a Bible study on the topic before reaching any definite conclusions based on this author's work. So I started to look up the Hebrew and Greek words which can be translated "meditate." Turns out there are several. That's not so bad, but the hard part is that they can all be translated in other ways depending on the context. Since my Hebrew and Greek aren't nearly good enough to make informed decisions about usage on that level, I decided to back up and just do a survey of the English usage of meditate, meditation, etc. I might not squeeze every possible drop of knowledge out of such a study, but I figured it would give me a good overview. So it turns out in the HCSB there are 20 places where you find variations on the word meditate. Most of these are in the Psalms. Most of these are in Psalm 119. I started thinking, wait, if this is such an important topic, why is it so scarce in Scripture, and used only once in the New Testament?!

I was beginning to think, maybe this author is off base. Maybe meditation is a minor aspect of seeking God. Then, as a test, I did a search for the word "study," and its variants. I didn't get 20 hits. I got fewer. Way fewer. I got 5.

That's it. Five hits for "study." Now I think we can all agree that studying the Word of God is important. And meditation is used 4 times as often in the Bible. Now that doesn't prove that meditation is essential to seeking God. But it does lay to rest any concerns I had that importance is automatically related to the number of times the word is used in the Bible!

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Test

Once again, testing the links in my system.

My flock browser should post this to Blogger.

MyChurch should mirror this post.

MyChurch should then send a notice to Twitter.

Twitter should then send it to Facebook.

It seems like the threads break so easily and I have to keep restoring some link or another...oh well, "instant" communication comes for a small investment of time and vigilance!

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Which makes more sense?

Which makes more sense?

The idea that Satan would fool segments of the Lord's church into being more excited about God's active power in their lives, or that he would fool segments of the Lord's church into ignoring the potential of God's active power in their lives?

The idea that Satan would trick churches into thinking God was doing supernatural things in their worship, or that he would trick churches into thinking God would not do supernatural things in their worship?

The idea that Satan would lure Christians into seeking more of God's presence and power, or that he would lull Christians into being satisfied with all the presence and power of God they already had?

I'm just saying...

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Prayer Accountant Skit

This is the skit we used this morning. It was very well received. Pastor LeBron was preaching from Philippians 4:19.

[CHRISTIAN enters stage, kneels to pray.]

CHRISTIAN Heavenly Father, I need your wisdom again... [or any suitable intro to a prayer]

[SUIT enters, interrupts] {in our case SUIT was dressed in a tux and top hat :) }

SUIT Excuse me.

CHRISTIAN [continues praying] ...I don't know what to do...

SUIT Excuse me!

CHRISTIAN [looks at SUIT] Are you talking to me?

SUIT Yes, of course. Listen, I'm sorry to interrupt your prayer, but--well, it's your prayers I've come to talk to you about

CHRISTIAN Who are you?

SUIT I am my lord's prayer accountant. I handle record keeping, supply and demand, that sort of thing.

CHRISTIAN You're kidding.

SUIT No, actually. At any rate, you have been praying for a lot lately, and I've come to let you know that your account is being suspended until the end of the year.

CHRISTIAN Suspended?!

SUIT Yes, of course. There are, after all, only so many resources to go around, and we must be fair to other pray-ers, now musn't we?

CHRISTIAN That's ridiculous!

SUIT No, actually. It makes perfect sense. You pray for money for some missionary, it has to come from somewhere. You pray for someone's to get the organ they need, someone else doesn't get it. You see, it's simple economics. Now if you will just sign here, indicating you understand and agree to comply with this suspension until January 1, I'll take my leave.

CHRISTIAN No! I don't believe you. I've been learning some of the promises of God, and I've got them written down right here! [takes out cards, reads]

Psalm 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and everything in it is Mine.

Jeremiah 32:27 Look, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me?

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think—according to the power that works in you— to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

SUIT Yes, but, you must understand, my lord sent me to--

CHRISTIAN No! I don't believe you. You're not from MY Lord! Your Lord must be the devil! In Jesus name, go away! [returns to kneeling posture] Heavenly Father, please remove this demon from my presence...[continue praying ad lib]

SUIT [crying out and leaving as if compelled] Fine! You go on praying God's promises! There are plenty of people out there [with wide arm gesture that includes congregation] that won't! [Exits]

[CHRISTIAN stands, nods a bow to audience, and leaves stage.]

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Slandering God

Fair warning: this is another post disagreeing with Calvinism. Don't mean to upset anyone, just to be part of the dialogue.

I realize that no one person represents the "official" Calvinist position (unless you count Calvin, but I mean current proponents of the larger school of thought), but I read and listen to a lot of John Piper these days, so his positions are the ones I'm mostly wrestling with. He talks here about why he believes infants who die go to heaven. His summary statement, I think, is this: "God will not condemn them because he wants to manifest openly and publicly that he does not condemn those who did not have the mental capacities to put their faith in him."

This seems so hypocritical to me. Part of Calvinism's basic teaching is that God WILL condemn those who do not have the SPIRITUAL capacity to put their faith in Him. So we have two kinds of incapacity, mental and spiritual. If you have one, you get a pass. If you have the other, you go to Hell. And you have no control over either one. You are born mentally incapable and spiritually incapable to believe in Jesus. If you live long enough, you will in most cases develop the mental capacity naturally, but you have no way to become spiritually capable unless God chooses you.

This is one of the biggest problems I have with Calvinism. I know John Piper thinks the doctrine is a treasure of God's glory, and I love John Piper, but I think the doctrine slanders the character and wisdom of God. I think it has Him condemning people for failing to do what they cannot do. I think that makes Him out to be unjust and/or foolish. I'm not saying "I don't want God to be that way, so it must be wrong." I'm saying it seems to be contrary to His character revealed in Scripture.

I'm just saying...

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Sparse Mansion Skit

Here's the skit we used this morning. The sermon was called Your Spiritual Bank Account from Philippians 4:17.

ANGEL is checking HUMAN into his/her new heavenly abode.

ANGEL: Well, here you are! Your brand new mansion. We're so glad to have you here in Heaven. Have a happy eternity! [starts to leave]

HUMAN: Wait! I, uh, this is great and all, but it's, ah, a little, um, sparse, isn't it?

ANGEL: Well, it's certainly not the least sparse mansion on the block. Take care! [starts to leave]

HUMAN: Wait!...I don't understand. Why is my new home so empty? A few sticks of furniture? That's all I get in heaven?

ANGEL: Well, you see, we unpacked everything you sent ahead. Perhaps if you rearranged those two chairs and that table a bit it would look like more...

HUMAN: Sent ahead? What are you talking about?

ANGEL: [to self] If I had a gold paving stone for everytime I've had this conversation. [to HUMAN] [sighs] You know that Bible passage that says “Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal?”

HUMAN: I think I heard that before...

ANGEL: You think you heard that before?! You heard [flips through pages on clipboard] 32 sermons, 8 Sunday School lessons, 2 camp devotionals, and one skit with an angel on those verses!

HUMAN: Oh, yeah...

ANGEL: But you never changed your life in response to these verses. You lived your whole life building up your supply of gadgets and vacation souveneirs. You filled your home on earth with plenty of stuff, but you barely sent anything ahead for this one!

HUMAN: What about all the ways I served in the church?

ANGEL: [flipping through pages again] Finance committee, had to be chairman. Choir, always wanted the solo. Yard work, insisted on mowing the patch along the busiest roadway. Face it. You never did anything unless you made sure you would get attention and a pat on the back. Well, that was your reward. You get squat for that kind of attitude here.

HUMAN: What about my prayer life? I spent a lot of time on my knees! And even fasted sometimes—I bet most of the other people in my church never did that!

ANGEL: Well, sadly, that's true. But you made such a big deal of letting everybody know about your fasting, you completely destroyed its spiritual value. It became a way for you to show off what a great Christian you thought you were.

HUMAN: But—but--don't I get anything?

ANGEL: Well, you're here—that's way better than nothing, right?

CHILD [walks up, not part of "scene," reads] First Corinthians 3:12-15. If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become obvious, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire.

ANGEL: [sniffing] Do you smell smoke?

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A Practical Note On Fasting

From Foster again: "...it is wise to learn to walk well before we try to run. Begin with a partial fast of twenty-four hours' duration; many have found lunch to lunch to be the best time. This means that you would not eat two meals. Fresh fruit juices are excellent to drink during the fast. Attempt this once a week for several weeks. In the beginning you will be fascinated with the physical aspects of your experience, but the most important thing to monitor is the inner attitude of the heart....After two or three weeks you are prepared to attempt a normal fast of twenty-four hours. Drink only water but use healthy amounts of it."

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The Purpose Of Fasting

I've never done much fasting, a little on rare occasions, sometimes to no apparent effect. Trying to learn more about it (and other spiritual disciplines) now. I guess I always thought the main purpose for fasting was something along the lines of "enhancing our prayers." I just read a different perspective in Richard J Foster's Celebration of Discipline: "...success in prayer, the enduing with power, spiritual insights--these must never replace God as the center of our fasting. John Wesley declares, 'First, let it [fasting] be done unto the Lord with our eye singly fixed on Him. Let our intention herein be this, and this alone, to glorify our Father which is in heaven....'" I never thought about how fasting glorifies God. It says to Him, to myself, and to any angels or demons looking on: "God is worthy of my attention and focus to the extent that I abandon even nourishment for a time." It highlights HIS value. Awesome thought.

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Seeking God's Face

Read a blog by Piper about seeking the presence of God. He's been convicting me lately about prayer. I can read the Bible (or books to help me understand the Bible) all day long, but it's hard for me to seek God in prayer. Now I can pray ABOUT something or FOR someone, but to pray, just to get closer to God?...That is not a habit I have developed, but I believe He wants me to. I'm gonna go pray now...I don't know what I'm going to say, but the song "Draw Me Close To You" comes to mind.

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Is nothing sacred?

I read a blog about sarcasm in society and in the church. In it Phil Vischer was quoted:

When we were very young, our parents broke their promises. Their promises to each other, and their promises to us. And millions of American kids in a very short period of time learned that the world isn’t a safe place; that there isn’t anyone who won’t let you down; that their hearts were much too fragile to leave exposed.

The blog author follows this with these statements:

With no where to turn for safety, our fears ferment under the surface into anger. But this toxic brew cannot stay there. It must find a release. Some of us find very destructive ways to alleviate that pressure. The rest of us let it out by mocking things previous generations took seriously—government, work, family, relationships, leaders, and the future. We are a generation that believes nothing is sacred. And if nothing is sacred, everything becomes profane.

I am left to consider the teenagers and children that I work with at church. Could it be that if their parents believe nothing is sacred, they themselves are unaware that such a category even exists? Could it be that they do not respect the sermon, the lesson, the teacher, the music, the worship, the building, each other, or (apparently) themselves because they do not understand that anything at all is worthy of respect? Is it possible that consequences and punishments can motivate them to specific behavior, but that speaking to them of reverence is speaking to them in language they do not comprehend?

Perhaps not. They have been trained (more than not) to be "reverent" during prayer in our children's ministry time. But whether they are merely obeying specific instructions to be still and quiet or whether they grasp the concepts involved, I cannot say.

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Blogger posts

I don't know why Flock hasn't been able to do my blogger posts lately. I'm trying this one as a test to see if it's working again.

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Whoa, Gabriel, that's not fair!

So I'm reading in Luke, and the angel Gabriel tells Zechariah his wife would have a baby, etc., and Zechariah asks a question and the angel makes him mute till the birth. Then Gabe scoots over to Mary and tells her she's gonna have a baby. Mary asks a question, and the angel makes her mute--no, wait, he doesn't! That's not fair, is it?! Look at their questions:

Zechariah: How can I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years?

Mary: How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?

Both questions take the form: Explain this, because I have this reason it won't work.

So why does Zechariah get punished and Mary doesn't? Obviously, God likes men better than women. No, wait, He says later there is neither male nor female, and He made them both in His image, so I don't think that's it... Does Mary get a pass because she'll be carrying Jesus and God wants His baby to hear lullabies during gestation? Maybe, but I doubt it. (It's at this point as he reads over my shoulder that my son pronounces my weirdness.)

Here's what I think. THINK! That's important, because this is just a guess, but it makes sense to me. I think that the Bible DOES teach that spiritual leaders are held to a higher level of accountability. I think for a young Jewish girl to struggle in her faith at a bizarre angelic decree is one thing, but for a priest of Israel, in the very service of the temple, to display a weak faith is another. I take this as a lesson to me, as a pastor-type. Yes, I'm only human, but as a spiritual leader, I need to be ready to respond to God when He moves in unexpected directions!

What do you think? Am I on the right track here?

Word Contest

Can you figure out what the following words have in common? A free can tab necklace to the first correct answer! Spenser makes these from cleaned soda can tabs, which are cut and popped together in links four tabs thick. Everyone who sees them thinks they are really cool!

abet
act
ant
box
chill
chilly
chip
clot
cot
dim
egg
first
ghost
hill
hilt
hip
imp
in
jot
lost
mop
most
not
oops
pry
sty

Well, we made it! The ride down here took us through a couple of heavy rains, and I was worried we might miss the registration period, but we got here with about 10 minutes to spare. Thanks again to all you who gave the guys work or just outright made donations to make this possible.

I'm gonna give the guys a chance to say a little something before I continue.

From Jason Sheffield:yay i got to see the beach and the ocean for the frist time yay anyways holler homies thought i was done but i got some prickly things in my feet there god awful little things its horrible im traumatized from the experince jason and travis had pull them out and help me back to the room jeez just horrible

Spenser: It was a long trip, and then we got some good food when we showed up.

Randall: What I learned about God before we started on this trip was that I didn't know there were rules or regulations and that I can look in Leviticus any time I want and learn about Jesus and lots of other stuff.

Travis: I learned to NEVER EVER walk on the beach barefoot. These terrible "prickly pears" stuck to our feet. We could hardly walk. Otherwise it has been a good experience. WHOOHOO!

Jason Cardwell: Me again. I'm sure some of the above needs some interpretaion. I'm gonna go ahead and post this now, and later I'll add some pictures and tell you more about our day...hopefully I can help you understand some of what the guys said.

Throwing Cards of Doom

Momma's Cup

This is the skit we used last week. It took the form of a narrator reading the text and two actors pantomiming the action. I thought they did a great job with it.

Momma's Cup: A Skit in Pantomime with Narration
A Parable of Sanctification

Once upon a time there was a cup. This wasn't just any old cup. This was Momma's cup. [Momma stands holding "cup."]

It was Momma's favorite cup. It was a big 32-ounce, insulated, good for hot or cold beverages kind of cup. [Momma gestures in front of cup a la The Price is Right.]

Every morning, Momma would brew her favorite coffee, and pour her cup full of java for the ride to work and the first two hours before break time. [Momma goes through the motions of pouring the coffee, driving while sipping, typing and taking sips.]

At breaktime, Momma washed out her cup and filled it with icewater. [Momma washes, fills, sips, types, sips, and...] She refilled it at lunch, and by the end of the day, she had consumed 8 glasses of water. She was fully hydrated, and her skin was clear. [...shows off her clear skin.]

When she got home from work, Momma put her cup on the counter by the bread box. [Momma puts cup away,] No one else ever used Momma's cup. It was just for her. [and puts hands on hips.]

But one Saturday morning, while Momma was doing laundry, her youngest took the cup to play with outside. She filled it with dirt and pebbles and poured them out to make a little mountain. [Girl takes cup and goes to play on ground, filling it with rocks and dirt, pouring, refilling, etc.]

After a while, Momma came to check on her youngest and saw with horror what had happened to her cup. [Momma comes out, waves arms, girl cowers.]

Momma was filled with rage. She took her cup, now too filthy ever to use again, and smashed it with a large rock, then stomped it to little pieces. [Momma acts this out. Girl "cries" with hands to face.]

Wait a minute! That's not right! Let's go back. [Momma walks backwards to where she was.]

When she got home from work, Momma put her cup on the counter by the bread box. [Momma puts cup away,] No one else ever used Momma's cup. It was just for her. [and puts hands on hips.]

But one Saturday morning, while Momma was doing laundry, her youngest took the cup to play with outside. She filled it with dirt and pebbles and poured them out to make a little mountain. [Girl takes cup and goes to play on ground, filling it with rocks and dirt, pouring, refilling, etc.]

After a while, Momma came to check on her youngest and saw with amusement what had happened to her cup. [Momma comes out, laughs, girl holds cup up to her.]

Momma took the cup and immediately put it back on the counter. Monday morning, her coffee was filled with dirt and pebbles, but she didn't care. [Momma pours coffee, takes a sip, chokes, then beams.]

Hold on, that's not right either. Lets try this one more time! [Momma walks backwards to where she was.]

When she got home from work, Momma put her cup on the counter by the bread box. [Momma puts cup away,] No one else ever used Momma's cup. It was just for her. [and puts hands on hips.]

But one Saturday morning, while Momma was doing laundry, her youngest took the cup to play with outside. She filled it with dirt and pebbles and poured them out to make a little mountain. [Girl takes cup and goes to play on ground, filling it with rocks and dirt, pouring, refilling, etc.]

After a while, Momma came to check on her youngest and saw with some concern what had happened to her cup. [Momma comes out, puts one hand on hip, and reaches for cup with other. Girl hands Momma cup.]

She took her cup in to the sink and washed it thoroughly with soap and hot water. She rinsed it very well, and then she put it up on a higher shelf. [Momma acts this out. Girl follows and watches.]

She reminded her youngest that Momma's cup was special to her. She found a disposable cup to play with. And no one ever filled Momma's cup with dirt again. [Momma acts this out. Girl takes cup and goes back to play.]

The end. [Momma, Girl, and Narrator all take a bow.]

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testing

Testing again

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Sanctified Past Tense

1 Cor 1:30 says Christ became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. We usually think of growing in wisdom and righteousness, but of redemption being an all-at-once kind of thing. If you look at the context, Paul is talking about how God chose the foolish, the weak, the insignificant and the despised to shame the wise, strong, powerful and noble. So you could say that this is not a case of us BECOMING wise, but of God's wisdom in Christ working in us, and this is true from the moment of salvation, as is Christ BEING righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, not granting them.

In Chapter 6, verse 11, he says that some of the Corinthians were sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and swindlers, BUT they were: WASHED, SANCTIFIED, and JUSTIFIED. The implication is this: because of these three processes, they are not (or should not be?) any longer those bad things.

So in each of these cases, sanctification is an event in the past, with impact in the present. Christ became our sanctification, and remains so. We were sanctified, so our behavior can be (should be!) different than it used to be.

Why would Jesus need to be Sanctified?

In John 17, Jesus says "I sanctify Myself for them, so they also may be sanctified by the truth." Hunh? Isn't Jesus already perfectly holy (or sanctified)? Why would he need to sanctify Himself?

Compare with Hebrews 13:12, where it says "Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, so that He might sanctify the people by His own blood."

Both these verses follow the pattern: Jesus does/did X so that people could be sanctified by Y. Is it fair to say that sanctifying Himself is parallel to suffering outside the gate, i.e., dying on the cross. If so, then how is truth parallel to the blood?

I think this means that Jesus set himself apart to die--He dedicated himself to die. This was what He meant in John. This is similar to the way God told the Israelites to dedicate everyone in conquered cities to Him, and it meant to kill them. I think this sanctification is talking about the sanctification of salvation, and I think that it is faith in the truth about the blood of Jesus which allows salvation--by grace THROUGH FAITH.

Sanctification word study continued

Romans 6:19 I am using a human analogy because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you offered the parts of yourselves as slaves to moral impurity, and to greater and greater lawlessness, so now offer them as slaves to righteousness, which results in sanctification. [sanctification=consecration, purification, the effect of consecration~~from to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

Romans 6:22 But now, since you have been liberated from sin and become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, which results in sanctification--and the end is eternal life! [sanctification=consecration, purification, the effect of consecration~~from to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

Romans 15:16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest of God's good news. My purpose is that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

1 Corinthians 1:2 To God's church at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord--theirs and ours. [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

1 Corinthians 1:30 But from Him you are in Christ Jesus, who for us became wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, [sanctification=consecration, purification, the effect of consecration~~from to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

1 Corinthians 6:11 Some of you were like this; but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

1 Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the Christian husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore dear friends, since we have such promises, we should wash ourselves clean from every impurity of the flesh and spirit, making our sanctification complete in the fear of God. [sanctification= majesty, holiness, moral purity~~from most holy thing, a saint]

1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is God's will, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality, [sanctification=consecration, purification, the effect of consecration~~from to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

1 Thessalonians 4:4 so that each of you knows how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, [sanctification=consecration, purification, the effect of consecration~~from to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God has not called us to impurity, but to sanctification. [sanctification=consecration, purification, the effect of consecration~~from to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we must always thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God has chosen you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

1 Timothy 4:5 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer. [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

Hebrews 2:11 For the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why He is not ashamed to call them brothers, [sanctify(both times)=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

Hebrews 9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who are defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

Hebrews 10:10 By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all. [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified. [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

Hebrews 10:29 How much worse punishment, do you think one will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God, regarded as profane the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and insulted the Spirit of grace? [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

Hebrews 13:12 Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, so that He might sanctify the people by His own blood. [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

So all of these NT references use a set of related Greek words, variously translated (in the KJ) as sanctify, hallow, be holy, holy, saints, holy one, holiness, and sanctification, for a total of almost 300 uses.

Which would imply that to fully understand "sanctification," I would need to study all these passages. But I'm not seeking absolutely comprehensive knowledge right now. This message is sort of an introductory lesson.

Two Videos Not to Miss

I have never heard of SermonJams before. I have never seen a video like this one for church use. The production is phenominal. Check it out.



This second video is cool. The neatest part to me is that apparently, Piper's crew has teamed up with Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae.

Sanctification Sermon Prep

I have always tended to "protect" my sermon prep from other people's view...didn't want anyone to see anything but the finished product.

This is an experiment in moving the total opposite direction. Hardly anyone reads this blog anyway, but maybe some day it could develop that sermon preparation becomes a community effort, as we all seek to hear God together.

Or maybe it's just late, and I'm not thinking clearly. Anyway, here goes.

I've been looking at several passages about sanctification, but I have yet to check into the original language behind them...

1 Kings 9:7 I will cut off Israel from the land I gave them, and I will reject the temple I have sanctified for My name. Israel will become an object of scorn and ridicule among all the peoples. [sanctify=consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate]

2 Chronicles 7:20 then I will uproot Israel from the soil that I gave them, and this temple that I have sanctified for My name I will banish from My presence; I will make it an object of scorn and ridicle among all the peoples. [sanctify=consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate]

Eze 37:28 When My sanctuary is among them forever, the nations will know that I, the Lord, sanctify Israel." [sanctify=consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate]

Joel 2:16 Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his bedroom, and the bride her honeymoon chamber. [sanctify=consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate]

All four of these OT passages use the same Hebrew word for sanctify, a word which is also translated (in King James) hallow, dedicate, holy, prepare, consecrate, appointed, bid, and purified, for over 170 uses in the OT.

Let's look at the NT...I expect a similar pattern.

Matthew 23:17 Blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the sanctuary that sanctified the gold? [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

Matthew 23:19 Blind people! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? [sanctify=most holy thing, a saint]

John 17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

John 17:19 I sanctify Myself for them, so they also may be sanctified by the truth. [sanctify(both times)=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

Acts 20:32 "And now, I commit you to God and to the message of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified. [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

Acts 26:18 to open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.' [sanctify=to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God, to purify~~from most holy thing, a saint]

Father Knows Best Skit

Looks like we used this skit back in February of 2008...

Father Knows Best

Set: table with two chairs. Father is seated at SL end of the table, His left shoulder to the audience.

Daughter enters SR and sits at SR end of table, her right shoulder to audience. She has a cup of coffee and is skimming a paper as she speaks to her father.

Daughter (can be improvised along these lines) (speaking not comically fast, but without giving her father a chance to reply): Good morning, Daddy. I'm glad I get to have breakfast with you. It's such a great way to start my day. Oh, and what a day it's going to be! I have to get both kids to school before work since Tony's out of town. Then I have to meet the cable guy between what, 2 and 4 today. He better not be late because I have to be at a meeting at 4:30, and then I pick up the kids after practice at 6:00. And then of course we're supposed to have dinner at Luigi's with their uncle. I did tell you that my dear brother Charles [said with obvious sarcasm] is coming into town today, didn't I? Has he talked with you lately? I am so NOT looking forward to seeing him again. The last time we were together we got into a fight, and we never really resolved it. Oh goodness, I'm gonna be late if I don't hurry! I'll talk to you later, Dad. Bye!

Father watches silently as she exits SR.

Wait a beat. Then Daughter enters SR, sits at table with coffee and newspaper again. It's the next morning.

Daughter (again, can be improvised along these lines) (speaking at a slower pace, but without really listening to her father's replies): Good morning, Daddy. I really blew it last night. I tried to act like nothing was wrong between us, but Charles couldn't let it go. He wanted to “RESOLVE” things. So it's really not my fault right? I mean he asked me how we ended up at odds! So I told him!

Father (matter-of-factly): You only told him one side of it. Did you listen to how you hurt him back then?

Daughter (ignoring him): Now instead of a cold war we have a hot war going again. And in front of the kids. I cannot believe he blindsided me with them at the table. I'm so angry I don't know what to do. What do you think?

Father: You should forgive him. You should listen to him. You should ask him to forgive you for your part of this war.

Daughter: Maybe I can get Debbie to call him. She was always his favorite sister. Maybe she can talk some sense into him. [brightens] Yeah, that sounds like a plan. Thanks, Dad! It always helps to talk to you! [gets up, exits SR]

Wait a beat. Then Daughter enters and sits again, no props this time. It is later the same day.

Daughter: [defeated] Daddy, I only made things worse with Charles. He was so offended that I called Debbie. He called and really tore into me. Now I think Debbie's mad at me too! I don't know what to do. Why does it have to be so complicated?

Father: It doesn't.

Daughter: [looks up at him] You're right. I made this mess myself. My pride, my anger, my scheming, I'm the one who complicated things. But what can I do now? It's already complicated; it's too late to change that!

Father: It's never to late to be humble. You can lay down your pride, your anger, your scheming. You can confess to Charles how you were wrong back then, and how you were wrong last night, and how you were wrong today. You can confess to Debbie how you were wrong to involve her in taking your side. It's not too late for simple truth.

Daughter: But what if they don't want to forgive me?

Father: That's not your part. You're complicating things again. Do your part. Confess your faults. Let them worry about their parts. [stands]

Daughter: [stands] Thanks, Dad. I have another confession to make as well. These times together, well most of the time I don't really listen to what you have to say. I know you already know that, but I need to say I'm sorry. You always watch over me, and I know you know best. I don't want my prayers to be all one way. Lord, I'm so glad I'm listening to you now. [they hug, blackout]

Penn and Teller--cups and balls

John Williams is The Man

"Things Honorable" skit

This was our skit for today. The preacher was speaking on thinking on whatever is honorable.

Setting: Two teenage guys sitting down to lunch with brown bags.

Anthony: Hey, Brock, did you see the Eagle fly last night?

Brock: You talking about Cole Davis?

Anthony: Yeah, man! They call him the Eagle because his talons never miss a catch and he soars across the field like he's got wings!

Brock: Yeah, I know. I saw the game. He played well.

Anthony: He played well? Man, it was all Davis, all the time. He caught three TD passes, and even managed to throw one on that surprise option! He was awesome!

Brock: He had a great game.

Anthony: Man, I'm gonna be just like him! I'm gonna be...the Hawk!

Brock: You can do better than that.

Anthony: You're right—not the Hawk, the Vulture!

Brock: No, I mean you can find someone better to try to be like.

Anthony: You're crazy! He's got the best record of any receiver for the last ten seasons!

Brock: That may be true on the field, but what about the rest of his life?

Anthony: What are you talking about?

Brock: Dude, his personal life is a mess. He left his wife when she was eight months pregnant so he could date some dancer—I think that lasted about a year, and then he was on to another girl. He's had two DUIs. He got drunk and threw a tv out a hotel window last month! He's just not an honorable man. He may win games, but he doesn't win my respect.

Anthony: [considering]So who do you like?

Brock: Well, I like a few players a lot, but my favorite is Curtis Holden. He's a solid lineman, but what I really like about him is his Christian witness. He and his wife have been married for fourteen years, they have three kids, and Curtis takes them all to church every week. He stays away from drugs and alcohol. He does volunteer work in schools and children's hospitals. He's a great guy on and off the field. That's someone who deserves honor and respect, someone I want to be like.

Anthony: [finished with his lunch, getting up] Cool. I see what you mean. I'll have to watch Curtis play this weekend. I might even take down my Eagle poster. Thanks for the info! [exits]

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Friendship Skit

This was from back in November, for a service on friendship:

Scene: Psychotherapist's office: chair and “couch”

PATIENT has just entered and is shaking DOC's hand.

DOC: Well, Mrs Planter, why don't you have a seat on the couch and tell me why you are here.

PATIENT: [reclining] Well, Doc, I've been having trouble sleeping. When I'm laying in the bed I worry that something is under the bed and it's gonna get me, so I move under the bed to prove to myself that there's nothing to worry about. Then after a while I start worrying that there's something on top of the bed and it's gonna get my husband and so I move back on top of the bed. By the time morning comes, this has happened several times and we have gotten very little actual sleep.

DOC: Ah, this kind of persistent delusion stems from long held feelings of insecurity, repressed in your early adult years by the facade of success, but now coming to light as you begin to question the choices you have made, similar to the common male mid-life-crisis. It often takes months of therapy to dig back into your childhood and discover what events led you to feel inferior, and months more to learn to positively re-evaluate your personhood through mature analytical processes rather than childish emotional reactionism. Or, you can solve your problem in about 20 minutes.

PATIENT: How, doctor, how?

DOC: Cut the legs off your bed.

PATIENT: [wait a beat] But that's not all, doc. Even when I do sleep, I have disturbing dreams. One night last month I dreamed I was a set of curtains.

DOC: You've got to pull yourself together.

PATIENT: And last week I dreamed I was a deck of playing cards.

DOC: We'll deal with that later.

PATIENT: And last night I had two very strange dreams. First I dreamed I was a wigwam. Then I dreamed I was a teepee.

DOC: I think I am beginning to see the problem. You are two tents!

PATIENT: And doc, sleep issues aren't my only problems, according to my husband. He thinks I'm crazy because I like sausages!

DOC: Why that's not crazy! I like sausages also!

PATIENT: Really?! That's reassuring. [beat] You should come over and see my collection some time. I have hundreds.

DOC: [does doubletake] Hmmm...self esteem issues, stress, overinvestment of time in sausage collecting...I think I am ready to make a diagnosis. You need to experience the benefits of friendship. How long has it been since you had a good friend?

PATIENT: Oh, doc, I do have friends, 1234 on MyFace.com alone!

DOC: No, no. I mean REAL friends! People you actually spend time with!

PATIENT: Well, I was at a class reunion recently. I spent time with over a hundred of my old friends from the good old days. Does that count?

DOC: No! You need friends that you do things with on a regular basis, not every 10 years!

PATIENT: Ok, what about my friends at work? I see them every day!

DOC: Do you see them outside of the office?

PATIENT: Those jerks? Of course not!

DOC: Ok, let's try again. Do you have any friends that you share your inner thoughts and feelings with?

PATIENT: Ummmm.....Hey! I'm doing that with you. Does that make me your friend?

DOC: Goodness no! I want to forget about you the minute the door closes behind—I mean, unfortunately we have to maintain a professional distance in our relationship.

PATIENT: Well, doc, it looks like I don't have any real friends besides my husband. Where can I get some?

DOC: You know, our mothers always used to say, to have a friend, be a friend.

PATIENT: But how can I learn what it means to be a true friend?

DOC: Have you ever heard of the Bible?

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Penn and Teller demonstrate the seven basic principles of magic.

But He Has Done More

The last time I preached I looked at the Holy Spirit's work throughout God's plan. I fashioned it after the Dayenu model.

These are the last notes I had typed for that sermon. Some of it I didn't flesh out on the computer, but in my mind, and then as I spoke.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. [Gen 1:1-2] There in the blackness, God's Spirit was an awesome wind blowing over the face of the Earth. He was present in creation from the first moments, changing formlessness into beauty, emptiness into glory...and if that's all He ever did, we would praise Him and seek His presence in the gentle breezes, and in the mighty hurricanes that blow across creation today. But He has done more.

Pharoah said to his servants, “Can we find anyone like this, a man who has the spirit of God in him?” [Genesis 41:38] The Holy Spirit guided Joseph, and gave him wisdom and insight, leading him from slavery and imprisonment to freedom and royal power. Through Joseph He shaped the destiny of Israel, bringing the family of Jacob to the fiery sands of Egypt, in which to forge a new nation that should bear the both the oracles and the lamb of God...and if that's all He ever did, we would worship Him and declare His wisdom in leading Joseph and his people from defeat to victory. But He has done more.

The LORD also spoke to Moses: “Look, I have appointed by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with God's Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every craft to design artistic works in gold, silver and bronze, to cut gemstones for mounting, and to carve wood for work in every craft. [Exodus 31:1-5] Who could possibly create a tent worthy to be the dwelling place for the Presence of the Lord? Who could represent His glory in wood and cloth, or even precious metals and gemstones? The Spirit of the Lord gave a man such wisdom and skill. Through the fingers of Bezalel God's Spirit crafted the holiest of spaces, filled with majesty and wonder and beauty and the violence of redemption, a doorway through which to glimpse both the wrath and the mercies of the Judge of Israel...and if that's all He ever did, we would wonder at the ark and the altar, and the promise of salvation sewn into the veil. But He has done more.

When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God descended on him, and he prollaimed his poem. . .Then Balak became furious with Balaam, struck his hands together, and said to him, “I summoned you to put a curse on my enemies, but instead, you have blessed them these three times.” [Numbers 24: 2, 3a, 10] The Holy Spirit watched over His people, turning cursing into blessing, protecting His sheep from the wolves who would feast on them. For forty years He shepherded them, bringing them surely to the Promised Land, the land to which the Messiah would come centuries later...and if that's all He ever did, we would rest easy today in the care of that same Spirit, trusting Him to guide and protect us as well. But He has done more.

The LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole community, and commission him in their sight.” [Numbers 27: 18-19] As God prepared to take Moses away from His children, He would not leave them without inspired leadership. The Holy Spirit was in Joshua, to guide him as he led the conquest of the Promised Land. God's Spirit had protected them on their journey thus far, and He would lead them to victory in Canaan...and if that's all He ever did, we would praise Him for His grace and pray for His presence in our own leaders' lives. But He has done more.

The Spirit of the LORD was on him, and he judged Israel. Othniel went out to battle, and the LORD handed over Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram to him, so that Othniel overpowered him....The Spirit of the LORD enveloped Gideon, and he blew the ram's horn and the Abiezrites rallied behind him....The Spirit of the LORD came on Jephthah, who traveled through Gilead and Manasseh, and then through Mizpah of Gilead....The Spirit of the LORD took control of him, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed 30 of their men. He stripped them and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle. In a rage, Samson returned to his father's house. [Judges 3:10, 6:34, 11:29, 14:19] After leading His people to inhabit the Promised Land, the Spirit of the Lord watched His people turn aside from the path He was leading them on. Time and time again, they worshiped other gods, the Lord disciplined them through the armies of other nations, they cried out to Him in repentance, and He raised someone up to lead them in throwing off their oppressors. God's Spirit empowered these judges and used them to bring mercy to His people, despite the human weaknesses of the individuals He chose to lead...and if that's all He ever did, we would continue to tell the tales of Gideon, Samson, and the others, certain that if God can use these men He can use us as well. But He has done more.

The Spirit of the LORD took control of David from that day forward....Now the Spirit of the LORD had left Saul...The Spirit of God came on Azariah son of Oded...In the midst of the congregation, the Spirit of the LORD came on Jahaziel...The Spirit of the God took control of Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood above the people and said to them, “This is what God says: 'Why are you transgressing the LORD's commands and you do not prosper? Because you have abandoned the LORD, He has abandoned you.' ”...The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and freedom to the prisoners. [1 Samuel 16:13b, 14a, 2 Chronicles 15:1, 20:14a, 24:20, Isaiah 61:1] After the Judges came the Kings and the Prophets; the Spirit's work continued unabated. He blessed, guided, and spoke through them, declaring judgment and mercy. God's Spirit moved through each phase of Israel's history, guiding individuals, nations, and events, moving ever closer to the moment when it would be God not merely in Spirit, but also in flesh, who spoke to His people...and it that's all He ever did, we would be confident that the Spirit of God could carry us through each phase of our own journey as well. But He has done more.

The angel replied to her: The Holy Spirit will come upon you,and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God....The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. [Luke 1:35, Matthew 1:18]

After Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on Him....Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil....If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. [Matthew 3:16, 4:1, 12:28]

The Spirit is the One who gives life....Jesus Christ...was established as the powerful Son of God by the resurrection from the dead according to the Spirit of holiness....And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you... [John 6:63a, Romans 1:3b,4b, 8:11a]

Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech. [Acts 2:2-4]

Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders.”...When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God’s message with boldness....When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer. But he went on his way rejoicing. So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, being built up and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, and it increased in numbers. As they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them to." ...Being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they came down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. [Acts 4:8,31, 8:39, 9:31 13:2,4]

Inspiration of Scriptures—2 Peter 1:21
Empowerment of preachers—1 Peter 1:12
Illumination of hearts—1 Corinthians 2:6-16
Conviction of sinners—John 16:8
Regeneration of souls—John 3:5-8
Sealing of salvation—Ephesians 1:13
Indwelling of believers—1 Corinthians 6:19
Joining of members—1 Corinthians 12:13
Giving of gifts—Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12
Sanctification of saints—2 Corinthians 3:18
Production of fruit—Galatians 5:22-23
Creation of intimacy—Romans 8:14-16

The most powerful words you can speak

In Youth last night, one of the verses we looked at was Romans 1:16.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.

James talked about how powerful the tongue is.

With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God’s likeness.

But when I think about it, I realize that most of the words we speak are limited in power. We may be able to (1) convey information, (2) change opinions, or (3) lift up or bring low emotionally. But when we speak the words of the gospel, the words we speak have the power to transform hearts!

There are plenty of aspects of this power: God promised His word would not return to Him empty, the word is sharper than a double-edged sword, the Holy Spirit illumines the hearer. There's plenty going on when we share the gospel. But the bottom line is, when you share the gospel, you are sharing the most powerful words you will ever speak. Your words can impact the eternal character and destiny of the person you are speaking to, and by extension, to all they may speak to, and all they may speak to, and so on.

So Paul wasn't ashamed of the gospel. He knew that no matter where he went, or whom he met, or what they had to say, the words he was bringing were the most important and powerful thing they would ever hear. It's still true today. God make us unashamed, and as Paul says in verse 15, eager to preach the good news!

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Biblical Experts Wanted

The story of Larry Burkett inspires me. I can't find the more detailed version of the story right now, but as I remember it, he was motivated to search the Bible for every reference to money (I don't remember what got him started). By the time he had studied hundreds of direct and indirect references to money in Scripture, he had become something of an expert in what God had to say on the subject. Of course he went on to become an author and radio personality, among other things, but it all started very simple--he studied what the Bible had to say.

I think there's room for lots of "experts" in our churches. In a sense, every time I prepare to preach on a topic rather than a single passage, and I look up all the verses about that topic, I am becoming an expert on the topic, and that's why I'm qualified to speak on the matter in a sermon. But the church is not supposed to be about one or two staff pastors and a handful of Sunday School teachers doing all the teaching in the church--we all are called to build up the body in some way, and I suspect if more of us would do more learning, then more of us could do more teaching.

Ok, so maybe you don't want to start off by jumping into the deep end like Burkett did. To become an expert on "love" in the Bible, you'd have to study over 500 verses with the word "love," about 60 with "loves," over 100 with "loved," and a few with "loving." But there are plenty of more bite-sized topics to chew on. Here are some examples; maybe you can try one of these to start with.

about 60 verses with the word "disease"
about 55 verses with the word "ear"
about 12 verses with the word "hell"
about 35 verses with the word "lament"
about 40 verses with the word "naked"
about 60 verses with the word "pride"
about 95 verses with the word "rich"
about 80 verses with the word "tongue"
about 20 verses with the word "value"
about 75 verses with the word "witness"

This was just a random selection of searches in the Holman Christian Standard Bible. How about it? Are you ready to become a Biblical Expert?

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Two Services With No Drama?!

Hard to believe, we didn't have a skit in either service this past Sunday. I can barely remember when a drama was an unexpected, even daring element in a Morning Worship service at Eastern Heights; now the skits are a regular, expected segment of the 11:00 hour (or hour-and-fifteen). But we try not to get into ruts too deeply, and aim to craft each service independently around the message of the sermon. This Sunday morning he was speaking on "whatsoever things are true," and rather than a drama, we did a demonstration based on some statistics from Barna. Their updates are always interesting. The one we culled from this week is called

Most American Christians Do Not Believe that Satan or the Holy Spirit Exist

Then, for the evening service we crafted a service that was dramatic in a lot of ways, but it didn't contain "a drama." People arrived and were directed downstairs where they got a "round trip ticket" and a "temporary passport" to heaven. Then they came up to the sanctuary, where we had a "throne" set up with a couple of large banners, and their ticket was collected. After an introduction, the service intertwined scripture, exposition, and congregational singing. At the end, in lieu of casting down crowns, which none of us have yet, everyone had a card on which they could express what they were giving to the Lord.

I got to do the intro. It was inspired by something Steve Harvey did on his DVD Don't Trip, He Ain't Through With Me Yet. If you watch it on Netflix you can go to about 1:12 or so and see him do what it would be like if he got to introduce the second coming. I didn't do his, but I tried to get the flavor of it similar!

So no drama? Maybe that's not exactly true, but no skit, and that's unusual these days.

Further Testing the System

My SpiritForceMagic blog is feeding to MyChurch. Now I have to figure out how to blog to the system from Flock!

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Testing the system

I'm trying to feed this blog to MyChurch, so I can then blog to MyChurch from Flock!