Albert Einstein once said,  “if you want to live a happy and productive life then you need to tie that life to a goal.” With such words, Scripture agrees. Proverbs 29:18 states, “where there is no vision (or goal), the people perish”. Simply possessing a goal however is not enough. It needs to be the right goal. This includes even the Christian. If we are to live the kind of happy and productive lives God desires, then we need to make sure the goal we possess is the goal given by His Word.

1. WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN GOAL?

2. WHO WILL ACHIEVE THE GOAL?

3. HOW DO DETERMINE IF A CHURCH IS PURSUING THE CHRISTIAN GOAL?

Because God’s wisdom has always been counter-cultural (1Co 1:20-30), the veracity of the church’s message has always required she also possess the ability to refute the folly raised by the culture and its fools (Pro 26:4-5; Tit 1:9).

1. “There are many interpretations.”

1.1. IOW: We cannot be confident that what we believe (or how we have interpreted the bible) is correct (i.e. the Bible is confusing rather than clear).

1.2. (Deu 30:11-14; Luk 12:54-56; 2Ti 3:15-16; Pro 24:12; 2Pe 3:14-18; 1Ti 4:16 [how can Timothy fulfill his pastoral mandate if the Bible is unclear? CCC: Not one exegetical/theological [intellectual] problem in 20+ yrs. They are instead always moral [masked as intellectual] – i.e., don’t like God/His laws).

2. “Might makes right.”

2.1. IOW: The bigger the church or more popular the message, the more likely they are the ones speaking the truth

2.2. (Mat 24:28; Isa 51:1-2)

2.3. 75% of what America has believed about salvation for the past 400 years (i.e., faith in Christ is the only thing necessary to salvation) is diametrically opposed to what was believed during the prior 3,600 years (i.e., baptism expressing faith and faithful obedience are both necessary for salvation).

3. “God has His people everywhere.”

3.1. IOW: There are legitimate churches and Christians in every place in the world (or America).

3.2. Wasn’t true in Jesus’ day, nor what He identified as saving religion (Luk 13:22-24; Mat 7:13-14, 21-23).

3.3. Those embracing saving religion has always been a very small minority/remnant, (e.g. Noah [one family: 8/4b = .0000002%]; Abraham [one family: 25/2.8m = .00089%]; Moses [one nation: 20k/27m = .074%]; Jesus [one church: 5k/300m = .002%]).

3.4. This “problem” (only a remnant) is unique to true (saving) religion (Jer 2:10-13).

4. “Devotion trumps doctrine.”

4.1. IOW: Even if what people believe is wrong, God will still accept them, and they will go to heaven as long as they are sincerely devoted to what they believe (i.e., if their heart is in the right place).

4.2. God commanded His people to kill/slaughter lots of people who were very sincere and devoted to their false religions (Exo 23:13, 20-24, 27-33; Deu 7:1-5, 16, 23-26; 1Ki 18:20-40).

4.3. Even today, God prohibits fellowship w/such people as a prerequisite to salvation (2Co 6:14-7:1; 2Jo 1:9-11).

5. “Happy Jesus, horrible Satan.”

5.1. IOW: People in the world (those following Satan – 1Jo 5:19) are secretly miserable, only Christians (those following Jesus) have happy fulfilling lives.

5.2. Many people in the world are living very happy and fulfilling lives. The Bible bears witness to this (Psa 17:14; Psa 73:1-12).

5.3. Our reason for following God is not b/c this is the only way to have a happy and fulfilling life in the present. As a matter of fact, living for God will often lead to great sacrifice and suffering (2Ti 3:12; Psa 34:19).

5.4. We follow God realizing that what we will gain for our sacrifice and suffering (now) is: 1) escape for eternal hell (Psa 73:13-22, 27; Mat 13:36-42; Mar 9:43-48; Rev 20:14-15), 2) eternal life in the universe reboot where we will never be asked to sacrifice or suffer again (Psa 17:15 w/Psa 73:13-28; Isa 65:17-25; Luk 6:20-23; Rev 21:1-4).

CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: (2Th 1:5-11) = Our Bear-Jew King will soon return and when He does His sword (or bat) will bear the blood and names of all those fools who thought they knew better than God and so spoke against Him, His people, or His gospel.  Don’t be among the fools.

(Joh 10:22)

Christmas is sometimes referred to as the “season of lights.”

And though Jesus never celebrated Christmas, He did (as our text indicates) celebrate another “winter” holiday which took place at roughly the same time, one also associated with lights: “The Feast of Dedication” or “Hanukkah” (Heb. to dedicate).

For eight nights (during this time), the city of Jerusalem would be aglow with lights – most especially the temple. As such, this holiday is also referred to as “The Festival of Lights”.

And though (on the surface) there may seem to be no real association between dedication and lights (or the two names given to this holiday), it becomes immediately apparent once you consider the history behind how Hanukkah came into being:

The holiday started almost 200 years before the time of Jesus and marked the exodus from a very dark time in Israel’s past.

The prosperity and good things afforded to the people of Israel after the rebuilding of the Temple in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah eventually became their distractions from faithfulness to God and led to yet another foreign people occupying their land. This time it was the Syrians who (during their occupation) did more than just massacre many of their people, they also took away their religion.  The practice of Judaism was outlawed and the Temple desecrated through the sacrificing of pigs and the erection of an altar to the Greek god, Zeus.

Thankfully (however), such idolatry eventually caused one brave Jewish priest and his five sons to rise up and fight back. The most instrumental of this priest’s sons was named Judah but earned the nickname, Maccabee/Maccabeus (Heb. derivative meaning “the Hammer”). Under his leadership and guerilla-style warfare, the Hammer successfully drove the Syrians out of Jerusalem in the winter of 164 B.C.

And the first thing the Hammer did – after ridding the land of the Syrians and cleansing the Temple (of its pagan defilements), was re-light its menorah, the golden lampstand with seven branches commanded (by God) to remain perpetually lit as a sign of the Jews uncompromising dedication to Him and His Law (often metaphorically referred to as “light” in the Scriptures).

This then is the connection between Hanukkah’s two names (the Feast of Dedication and the Festival of Lights). The light of the menorah (and those additional lights lit by the Jews on this holiday) symbolize not only their re-dedication to God and His (“light” or) Law, but also to stand against the darkness of this world never (again) allowing God’s good gifts and blessings to distract them from that mission.

Seeing that it takes place at the end of the year (in commemoration of the event that established it), meant it also functioned as a sort of new year resolution for the Jewish people.

And (as our text again points out), Jesus observed this holiday (with all the aforementioned history, symbols, and meaning intact). IOW: He believed what it represented and communicated was important to the spiritual life of God’s people in His day.

So the question is, what can we learn from it? How can it help us? How can we apply it to our own “festival of lights”?

Three ways:

1. Rededication to our mission as lights for God and His Law.

1.1. In His first public sermon, Jesus preached the necessity of such dedication just as it was for the Jews under the OC.

1.2. (Mat 5:13-16) = Our (mandated) mission is to make sure that our lives communicate uncompromising obedience to God and His Law. Consider:

1.2.1. “salt” and “light” are both metaphors for God’s Law in Scripture (e.g. Num 18; Psa 119). Hence the reason Jesus immediately follows this mandate by communicating His commitment to the Law and its fulfillment by God’s people if they are to reach heaven (5:17-19).

1.2.2. That our reaching heaven is conditioned upon our fulfillment of this mission is also implied in Jesus’ discussion of salt and light (in re: to “salt” – v13 w/Mar 9:42-50 = Salt [again] represents God’s Law. Being “salted” represents the execution of God’s Law [in this case, as the judgment of God in the fires of hell]. What leads to this unfortunate end is a life of practicing sin or a person who loses their “saltiness” – i.e. a person who is no longer practicing God’s Law. Hence the reason we are to have “salt in [ourselves]” – i.e. be those characterized by practicing God’s Law. Plugged back into Mat 5:13 = losing our saltiness will mean missing heaven; in re: to “light” [Jesus’ instruction here also implies the loss of heaven if we fail] – 14-15 w/Luk 8:16-18).

2. Rededication to our mission to stand against the darkness of this world (as those lights for God and His Law).

2.1. Jesus expects us to fulfill our mission as lights for Him and His law not only when it is popular or acceptable – but most especially when it is not those things. We are to stand as such lights in powerful protest against the spiritual darkness of the world around us.

2.2. This is one of the main purposes for the church’s existence on earth (Mat 16:17-19) = The way we stand against the spiritual darkness of this world (“the gates of Hades”) is through being the church: the place on planet earth where God’s powerful light (i.e. His law) conquers the darkness (we “bind” [or punish] it and “loose”[deliver] people from its condemnation/control). The church is the new land of Goshen in the world of Egypt (the only place where it is not dark). It is in this way that we also become “the city on the hill” that Jesus mentions (back) in Mat 5 (a city is not one-but many people). The significance of this analogy (“city on a hill” = In ancient times, this was how those lost at sea or in the wilderness found their way out/ determined the direction to safety: by navigating according to the light on the high place).

2.3. How we know that standing against the darkness is the primary context/scenario for fulfilling our mission as lights = Because that is the context for Jesus’ mission mandate in 5:13-16.

2.4. (Mat 5:1-12) = A chiasm intended to be interpreted according to its ABC-CBA structure. Who then Jesus is referring to as the “poor and mourning” [vv3-4] are the same as those He refers to as “persecuted for righteousness’ sake” [in vv10-11] – i.e. those who b/c of their dedication to God and His LAW, are now being mistreated by the dark, sinful world around them. Hence the reason Jesus can say that such people are “blessed” (vv 3and 4) – b/c their “reward in heaven is great”(v12) (See Luk 6:20-26). The point NOT to miss: The darkness around us should never cause us to shrink back from our dedication to God and His Law – no matter the threats against us. Better to be reviled by the world than spoken well of by the world (since the latter means we are not being the light we sb (Heb 10:38-39, “if my righteous one shrinks back, my soul will have no pleasure in him. We [however] are not those who shrink back and are destroyed.” – Notice what happens if we shrink from our mission).

2.5. BTW: the world we live in today has become very dark (How do we know?) B/C spiritual darkness has overcome the world? No (1Jo 5:19). B/C it has overcome the majority of what is called Christianity/church. This is a sign that we are in the last days (Mat 24:3-8 [just the beginning], 9-13, 14 [the true end]; Rev 20:1-9; 2Ti 4:2-4; 2Ti 3:1-5; 2Ti 4:2-4).

3. Resolving to never allow the good gifts we receive (even on Christmas) to distract us from our mission.

3.1. God’s gifts are meant to motivate us in our mission, never distract or take us off mission.

3.2. When we allow God’s good gifts to distract and control us, we have turned those good things into the ultimate things and are now guilty of idolatry and on our way to hell. BTW: being distracted and being controlled are the same thing. When something is distracting you, it is controlling you (and therefore has become an ultimate thing in your life) (Luk 17:32-33 “Remember Lot’s wife. He who seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life [i.e. does not live for the things of this world/allow them to distract/determine/control what he does/does not allow them to become the ultimate things] will keep it.”).

3.3. (1Co 6:12-13): 1) Our “bodies” (our physical existence in this world is “for the Lord” – accomplishing His mission) (14), 2) Being “dominated” (controlled or distracted) by what is “lawful” (or good) leads to being dominated (controlled or distracted) by what is not (lawful or good).

CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: It is in the three ways (just discussed) that our lives are a “value add” to this world. So the question is, “has this been your life (so far) in this world?” Is your existence adding value or are you simply wasting air and space? God has given us an important (and worthy) mission: to be His lights. Are you His light? Has your life been a light for God and His Law that stands against the darkness and is not distracted by the good gifts He gives to make the mission easier? If not, now it is time for re-dedication and New Year resolutions in that direction. Jesus is looking for hammers not __________________. WHICH.ONE.ARE. YOU?

(1Pe 1:1-3)

1. That God’s mercy is great toward us is proven by the fact that He designed a backup plan to save us if messed up the original plan.

1.1. (1-2a) = According to Peter, God’s plan to save people like us (to “elect” “exiles” like us – people previously w/o God’s mercy – i.e. Gentiles, 2:10) was before He created this world (it was “according to the foreknowledge [prior knowledge] of God” – i.e. His plan before Creation). Paul echoes this truth in (Eph 1:4).

1.2. IOW: God had already decided to give us (humanity) a second chance. He decided that if we screwed up His original plan, He would give us another chance to still live as immortal super-humans, planet-hopping through an infinite number of galaxies, discovering and transforming these strange new worlds for His glory (b/c that was the original plan for this universe and that is the plan for the reboot as well).

1.3. Support for this idea that God’s original plan and reboot was/is for us to be immortal galaxy conquering super-humans:

1.3.1. God originally made us immortal and gave us not just this planet, but the universe w/the mandate to: 1) conquer it (including terra-forming or turning it all into one massive Garden of Eden – or literally, Paradise) and 2) be its caretakers (Gen and Isa)

1.3.2. The reboot will be just like the original only this time without the possibility of sin or rebellion wrecking us or it (Isa and Rev)

1.3.3. In the reboot, we will not only (once more) be immortal (or super-humans unable to die) – but we will also possess super-powers (like the angels): 1) super-strength: one angel has enough strength to destroy a third of the planet or thousands of soldiers while suffering no personal harm (2Ki and Rev), 2) super-speed: angels can travel thousands of miles/globally in a very short period of time and without the aid of special vehicles (Job), 3) super-sovereignty: angels can control the actions of plagues and animals (2Sa and Dan).

1.4. Why this proves God’s mercy is great toward us (three reasons):

1.4.1. B/C that’s what Peter says in (3a “according to His great mercy”)

1.4.2. B/C God had no obligation to show such mercy to us (we are the ones who rebelled against Him even though He gave us everything). The only obligation God had to us after our rebellion is justice. Hence the reason the majority of people will go to Hell – i.e. the majority of people will receive justice – b/c the majority of people refuse to serve justice and live just/righteous lives for God.

1.4.3. B/C what God has prepared for us (in the reboot) far outweighs anything we could ever give back to Him (or do for Him) in this life (it is truly amazing mercy/grace) (1Co 2:9).

2. If you want to be a part of God’s merciful (and awesome) reboot then you have to receive a legitimate baptism.

2.1. (1-2b “in the sanctification of the Spirit”) = The “in” is locative – or referring to the location where we were chosen/elected for salvation (or given the shot at the reboot). It is “IN the sanctification of the Spirit” which is a reference to baptism. We are saved IN the sanctifying and spiritual waters of baptism.

2.2. Why we can be confident this is the correct understanding of that phrase (“in the sanctification of the Spirit”) =  B/C this is where we receive the Holy Spirit and His work of sanctification. IOW: This is the place where He: 1) cleanses/washes away our sins (i.e. He applies the work of Christ in forgiveness) and 2) gives us a new soul (i.e. He regenerates us or causes us to be born again). Baptism is the only place where all those things take place.

2.3. Hence why baptism is the only place God will accept our faith unto salvation since these are the things that need to take place (washing away of sin and the new birth) if we are to be saved. Can anyone be saved w/o their sins being cleansed and their souls renewed? (No). Yet such power is only found IN the waters of baptism (not your prayer – e.g., the sinner’s prayer). This is the reason we never see anyone (in Scripture) simply praying a prayer to be saved. They are instead commanded to be baptized if they are to receive Christ’s forgiveness/new birth (Joh 3:1-5; Act 22:16; Act 2:38; Gal 3:27; see also Tit 3:5).

2.4. Notice (btw) that Peter refers to both forgiveness of sin and the new birth in our verses (or in conjunction w/ this act of “sanctification by the Spirit”): 1) (2d “sanctification of the Spirit…for sprinkling with His [Jesus’] blood”) = forgiveness of sins; 2) (3) = Saying that the new birth (or being “born again”) takes place “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ also confirms that what Peter is talking about is baptism (Rom 6:3-4).

2.5. Peter is explicit about baptism as the place of salvation in (3:21) = Baptism is what saves us (IN this place our faith is accepted – i.e. our “appeal to God for a good conscience” is received. As further support, notice Peter (again) connects it to Christ’s resurrection — “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” – same as 1:3).

2.6. What is meant by legitimate baptism (two things): 1) it must be in a church (Mat 16:17-19; Joh 20:21-23 w/Act 20:28) = God has given the blood of Christ and the power only to His church. Daddy dunking the kids in the bathtub, or self-induced baptisms, or “Christian camp” baptisms do not (therefore) qualify.  Hence the reason the common saying in the early church was “there is no salvation outside of the church.” 2) that church must be a church where Christ and His authority reside – which are only churches preaching the right gospel (Gal 1:6-9) = If a church does not have the right gospel, the only thing they can do is damn you to hell (irrespective of what they say or who they claim to be).

3. To be baptized (or receive Christ’s forgiveness and the new birth for salvation) we must (first) commit to living the rest of our lives in faithful obedience to Jesus’ commands.

3.1. (2c “in the sanctification of the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ”) = We get baptized with the understanding that we are going to live differently than we did in the past. Our lives will now be focused on obeying everything He commands in His words. The reason Peter puts this before talking about being sprinkled with Christ’s blood is b/c this is what we must (first) commit to doing (otherwise – no baptism, no forgiveness).

3.2. This then is the other condition to salvation. This (btw) is the gospel message that sets true churches apart from false churches. False churches preach faith alone as the only condition or requirement (e.g. the Evangelical church). True churches preach faith (expressed in the waters of baptism) and faithful obedience (otherwise no reboot for you).

3.3. The condition of committing our lives to faithful obedience in order to receive God’s forgiveness/salvation has always been a part of the gospel (Heb 13:8). Peter’s words are actually an allusion to when the Israelites entered into a covenant/saving relationship w/God on Mt. Sinai (Exo 24:7-8) = Notice the order. It is the same as Peter. The commitment to obey precedes the sprinkling w/blood (or the receiving of forgiveness). IOW: it is the condition to salvation.

3.4. Faithful obedience is (therefore) what the Scriptures are talking about when it speaks about repentance/turning from sin as the prerequisite to faith/salvation (Mar 1:15) = Notice, Jesus’ command to repent (or turn from sin and obey God) precedes – or is the condition to believing for salvation. Consider also Paul’s message in (Act 26:18) = Notice the similarities between Peter and Paul’s messages: sanctification/baptism associated with faith and turning from sin (or darkness and Satan) to God (or obedience to God) as the key to receiving “forgiveness of sins”.

CLOSING CONTEMPLATION = The gospel message of: faith expressed in baptism and faithful obedience as necessary to salvation was the commission of Jesus before ascending back to heaven (Mat 28:18-20). Why (then) have so many missed it? 

Why talk about the subject of family? Two reasons: 1) Because Americans – including professing Christian Americans, are genuinely interested in the subject. From a sociological perspective, studies on the family have produced over 50,000 books. From an identity perspective, over 70% of Americans see their identity (or commitment) to their biological family as more important than their race or their religion.  The family clearly matters to Americans – including again, professing Christian Americans. It is their primary interest and their preferred identity. This leads directly to the second reason, 2) Jesus’ (and the NT writers’) view of family is not only very different but in most cases, diametrically opposed to the views of Americans -including once more, professing Christian Americans. This means if we are to continue as His legitimate followers –as well as defend against the flaky and false views of many who espouse to be Christian, we need to know the subject of family according to Jesus. Here (then) is what we need to know:

1. Our baptism into Jesus places us into a new family.

1.1. (Gal 3:26-29)

1.2. Notice (first) that Paul sees baptism as the place of (saving/effectual) faith (v26 w/v27 “sons of God through faith…for as many of you were baptized into Christ have put on Christ”) = The place where your faith made you sons of God/where you put on Christ was in the waters of baptism.

1.3. According to the criteria of a family, our baptism places us in a new family: 1) family designation (v26 “sons of God”) = All those in Christ are now children of the same Father irrespective of our biological origins/sociological distinctions (v28), 2) common ancestor (v29).

2. Since baptism makes us members of the church, the church represents our new family.

(Acts 2:41 “were baptized and there were added” [to the church] that day about three thousand souls”).

3. The church family – not the biological family, is the greatest institution created by God.

3.1. (Act 20:28) = Christ died for the church family –not the biological family. It should therefore be obvious that the family created by Jesus is infinitely greater (and more important) than the one created by you.

3.2. The church btw is the only institution that Jesus promised would not be overridden by the gates of Hell (Mat 16:18). Biological families fail all the time b/c of sin and Satan. But Christ’s church will never fail. Wisdom, therefore, dictates that biological families put their focus on being faithful to the church as this (once more) is the only family under divine protection.

4. To follow Jesus, a person must demonstrate loyalty to Him and His church over their biological family.

4.1. (Luk 14:25-26)

4.2. You cannot be loyal to Jesus without being loyal to His church (1 Jo 1:6-7 w/2:10-11 w/15 w/4:7-8, 20-21) = To have fellowship w/ – or be loyal to (“love”), Jesus (or “God”) requires that a person be loyal to (“love”) their church family (or spiritual “brother”).

4.3. We are to demonstrate loyalty to the church to the same degree as Jesus, there is no limit to the level of sacrifice or suffering we are willing to endure to remain together (1Jo3:16; Joh 15:12-13; Consider also Joh 21:15-19 and Rom 8:35-39). Contrary to the view of the world, Scripture never calls for such love in relation to one’s biological family. Though we are called to care for them, never are we called to die for them (including our wives or children).

4.4. That God expects our loyalty to our church family to be more than what is given to our biological families is seen in the example of Ananias and Sapphira. Sapphira dies b/c of her loyalty to her husband over her loyalty to the church. She lied and covered for him rather than exposing and condemning his sins before the church (Act 5:1-11).

4.5. Putting God and the covenant community above one’s biological family is the reason God gave the highest honor (or privilege) of leading and teaching His people to the tribe of Levi (Deu 33:9 = A reference to Exo 32:26-29 and the golden calf incident where the Levites ran the through the camp executing anyone -including biological family, who was guilty of idolatry).

5. Jesus only recognized as family those who were obedient to God.

(Mar 3:31-35)

6. Jesus predicted that His demands (including His views on the church family) would cause division (or separation) between many Christians and their biological families.

(Mat 10:34-36; Luk 12:51-53)

7. Jesus’ biological family was disturbed by His radical view of family.

7.1. Jesus’ biological family thought His loyalty to the covenant community/church family over them (His biological family) to be a sign that He was crazy (Mar 3:20-21) = In ancient culture, it was expected that you would spend your feasting or fellowship times w/your biological family (e.g. Job 1:13). Rarely – and usually only for altruistic reasons, did you ever spend time with outsiders or have them in your house (e.g. Gen 24:29-61, v29-31). When Jesus’ biological family (mother and brothers – 3:31) heard that His house was filled with people who were not His biological family – and this is who spending the majority of His time w/ (i.e. these were the ones He was treating most like family), they thought He had gone crazy (“He is out of His mind”) since the only people who put outsiders before their biological family were those in cults (i.e. those who had been brainwashed – again, were now crazy). Their actions in going to Jesus’ house and demanding to speak w/Him are an attempt to do what today we call “an intervention” [def. an occasion on which a person with an addiction or other behavioral problem is confronted by a group of friends or family members in an attempt to persuade them to address the issue.).

7.2. We should (therefore) not be “surprised” that the world hates us (or thinks we are crazy/brainwashed) b/c of our love (or loyalty) to our church family. (1Jo 3:13-14 –Given the context, the “world” would include our biological families; See also Joh 15:17-18).

7.3. A clear indication that you are still operating/thinking like the “wicked” of this world (and need to repent and renew your mind before it’s too late), is that you (also) find your “portion” (or prize) in your biological family. IOW: you are more loyal to them than you are to the church (Psa 17:13-15).

8. Jesus indicated that our practice of His radical view of family would be one of the clearest signs to the world that we are His disciples.

(Joh 13:34-35) = In a world filled with people professing to be disciples of Christ, it can be difficult to tell who is legitimate (and who is not). In these verses, Jesus reveals one of the clearest signs for determining who are His true followers. Do they practice His radical view of family (love/loyalty to the church over the biological family)?

CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: DO YOU PRACTICE JESUS’ RADICAL VIEW OF FAMILY?

A Review of the Sound Gospel Message

1. The good news of abundant life in Jesus Christ

John 10:10b

Deuteronomy 8:2

Romans 8:28

2. If we submit to Him as Lord before Savior

Deuteronomy 7:9-10

Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Matthew 7:21-23

Matthew 7:24-27

Matthew 16:24-27

3. In the relationship of covenant through His church.

Deuteronomy 4:13

Exodus 24:7

Jeremiah 31:32-32

Ephesians 5:22-32

Matthew 16:16-19

John 20:21-23

PUNCH LIST (def.) = A list of those items that remain outstanding (or undone) and must be completed to finish a job and receive final compensation. Applied to the Christian life, no Christian can die with a punch list intact and expect to get to heaven. IOW: we must finish our punch list (1Co 9:24; 2Ti 4:7-8; Rev 2:23 w/26 w/3:2). The below items represent those things your pastor believes to still be on some of his people’s punch list:

1. Ditch the skirt.

The biggest reason there is so much feminization, role reversal and even gender confusion today, is b/c men have vacated – or abused their position. They are instead acting more like women.

God calls men to repent of this and instead to “act like men” which means ditching their skirt-like (woman) behavior: You don’t cry when you get picked on, don’t get your way or things are scary, fearful or rough (that’s “man-suicide”); you don’t mope, panic, fall apart, let fear paralyze you or keep you from going forward or doing the right thing; you don’t vacillate in your convictions or beliefs; you don’t become fickle in your commitments or throw temper tantrums; you don’t get angry at the righteous when they rebuke or correct you; you never feel sorry for yourself, play the victim, make excuses- or decide to quit when faced with adversity – especially the adversity caused by your own sin.

2. Teach sinners your ways.

(According to David’s words in Psa 51), those who have been forgiven (or who are truly repentant), demonstrate it by drawing closer to the covenant community and speaking openly of their failures as means to dissuading others from following down the same path.

This means coming to the light – i.e. being transparent and open w/your life versus being weird and aloof.

3. Imitate don’t “ignorate”.

We are commanded to imitate God/Christ in everything we do (1Joh 4:17 “As He is, so also are we in this world”).

Which means the excuse, “I don’t know what to do” will not work come judgment day. We are instead to always be asking the question WW God, Jesus – or even Paul do? (since he was an imitator of Christ – 1Co 11:1) and follow suit in our actions.

And if we don’t know what they would do, then we need to go to God’s Word and figure it out. Again, we are commanded to imitate – not ignorate!

4. Be a sponge, not a shield.

Those who get saved can essentially be divided into two groups – sponges and shields: 1) sponges are those who are super excited to learn everything they can, be around the saints as much as they can and change wherever they need to change. It’s all positive and they can’t wait to have their lives maximized for Christ.

2) shields are those who are excited and eager to learn and be with the saints – and even change, but only to a degree. They have limits in respect to all three things due to loyalties/commitments in relation to their old life (whether it be biological family or traditions or hobbies etc.). They guard the continuation of those things in their life like a shield. God wants us to be sponges and stop being shields.

5. Get your head in the game.

Satan is looking for people who wander aimlessly through life, whose heads are not in the game (1Pe 5:8). Which means we need to make sure that is not true of us (too many causalities have been the result of this very thing – people not having their head in the game).

What having your head in the game looks like: Constantly being aware/assessing your current situation/mission/purpose and what that situation/mission/purpose requires. It means (also) recognizing that what in one minute may be okay, in the next is not. IOW: if you are awake, you are on the field of play (and wb judged –no breaks, no time-outs. Every waking action or lack thereof is a winning play or a losing play).

6. Stupid is as stupid does.

This saying comes from (the movie), Forrest Gump. A person is identified/judged by what they do – not what they want to do or be, think or feel they are.

IOW: stupid is [identified] as [or by what the] stupid [person] does (Pro 20:11).

The solution to stop being stupid/making stupid decisions: Take the time to determine the context in which something is being communicated, to understand the principle being communicated (i.e. This is the only way to develop critical thinking skills). 

7. Hell is paved with good intentions.

Too many people in this church still live under the idea that God will be lenient with us even though we fail, as long as we had good intentions or genuinely wanted to do the right thing. But once again, that is not the case.

Which means we don’t want to get caught in that evil lie. Good or genuine intentions to do the right thing (to be obedient to God) but then failing most of the time temptation comes, ends in the same place as the person with bad intentions.

(Mat 21:28-31) = Notice the son w/bad intentions is the one in Jesus’ parable who is approved by God – not b/c of his intentions but bc he ultimately obeyed (versus the son w/good intentions but dropped the ball).

8. Watch your mouth.

The two people that listen most to the words that come out of our mouths are God and ourselves. Which means two things:

1) Everything you say can (and will) be used against you by God on judgment day if what you say is not correct or righteous (Mat 12:36-37),

2) Everything you say is programming your brain and body to think and act accordingly since we are “self-programmed robots” (i.e. we are programming ourselves by what we say).

Hence the reason that people who are always pessimistic or tend to always use words like “I can’t” or “I don’t know (or know how)” end up being very debilitated people, people unable to get very far in life. That again, because what you say your brain listens to (or believes) and programs you accordingly (Pro 23:7).

So watch your mouth. What you say, you will believe and be affected by.

This (of course) becomes most important in relation to morality or truth — especially since studies have also shown that how we recall or speak about past or present events is only taken from the original event the first time we recall it. All recollection after that goes only as far back as the last time we remembered or recalled it.

Which means if we did not portray things or people accurately, then what gets perpetuated –and what we perpetually believe, is a lie –or constant slander of other people. So once more, watch your mouth.

You do not have the right to your opinion unless your opinion lines up exactly with the evidence –which means being able to supply the evidence when questioned (or changing that opinion once conflicting evidence is presented) (“two or three witnesses” – Deu 17 and Mat 18).

We must be people of truth all the time and it does not matter the subject (e.g. theology, health/nutrition, sports, etc). Slander and gossip is not relegated to one field or certain persons only. And all of it is serious sin before God (e.g. “That person/company does shoddy work [but possess no hard evidence to prove it]”; “Tom Brady and the Patriots were only good bc they are big cheaters” [again no evidence]”; “your church is a cult” [not bc they can prove it biblically, but bc it’s not what they believe]; “that person committed this sin or is lying or is unrighteous” [w/o possessing the necessary evidence]; “I disagree w/pastor or pastor is wrong” [once more without the evidence and more bc you don’t like what he said]).

9. Beware of the earth-wind-water-fire people.

Earth-wind-water-fire = What ancient people used to believe made up everything in the universe (e.g. rabbit = 2 parts earth, 6 parts wind, 4 parts water, 1 part fire).

Life (and solving the problems of life) is often so complicated that it cannot be boiled down to something so simple as believing that everything in the universe is made up of only 4 elements.

People who think this way today (“earth-wind-water-fire people”) are not only suffering the Dunning-Krueger effect (everything that can be known I can fit on my three/four neural pathways), but also very dangerous since they are unteachable (to expanding their understanding) and tend to view anyone who teaches/believes things as more complicated as untrustworthy (“they make it more complicated to look smart”).

As a result, these people are the ones who often end up rebelling against God’s ordained authorities (since they believe they are the true smart ones and everyone else is just confusing things).

We therefore must not only beware of such people – but avoid becoming them ourselves.

(Pro 18:2, 12:15, 26:12; 2Pe 3:16-17) = Not everything can be boiled down to something simple. There are spiritual truths that are complex and require patience and perseverance in teachableness to truly understand. Hence why (2Ti 4:2 “preach the word w/great patience and teaching”).

Signs that you may be/becoming this way = You think any explanation that takes more than 15 minutes is just somebody trying to look smart; You think pastor makes things too complicated or is a blow-hard taking way too long to explain something; You attempt to boil the complex things pastor teaches into something simplistic rather than growing in your learning on that subject; Your way of dealing w/people who are in sin: tell them they are in sin and to knock it off; Your advice to every Christian brother or sister on living the Christian life is always the same simplistic (“one size fits all”) formula (“read your bible and pray to keep the devil away”). IOW: you refuse to get to know people and recognize the genuine diversity or complexity that exists among them that may require a different or nuanced approach/prescription. Instead, it is, “what is good for the goose is good for the gander” (i.e. if it works/is good enough for me it will work/is good enough for you).

CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: YOLO!!!

IOW: no second chances to get it right. You need to get it right in this life (NOW!) if you want to make it to the next. And it won’t happen by accident. Without a committed plan, you are planning to fail. And failing is what you will do if you leave any of the items we discussed on your punch list. GET TO WORK!

The chief dangers to Christianity do not come from anti-Christian systems. Nobody fears that Christianity will be swallowed up by Mohammedanism [or] Buddhism. It is corrupt forms of Christianity itself which menace the life of Christianity. Why make much of minor points of difference between those who serve the one Christ? Because a pure gospel is worth preserving; and is not only worth preserving but is logically the only saving gospel.” – B.B. Warfield (Selected Shorter Writings)

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What most evangelicals believe about the historical facts of the gospel (i.e. Christ’s death and resurrection) and its significance to justification is correct (1Co 15:1-4; Rom 4:25).  According to Scripture however, there is more to the gospel than just ascent to the historical facts (e.g. Galatians 1:6-9). It is here that the evangelical severely digresses from the path of Scripture. It is here that we find not minor – but major points of difference with what the bible teaches. So much so that what many evangelicals ultimately believe about the gospel – or salvation, renders them a sect (i.e. cult) within Christianity, or another religion entirely.

1. Who are the evangelicals?

1.1. “An evangelical is anyone who likes Billy Graham [and]…has a general disregard for the institutional church.” – George M. Marsden (American historian)

1.2. The majority of those claiming to be Christian in America today. Per a 2017 survey, upwards of 50-80 million Americans identify as evangelical Christians. As such, they represent the largest Christian group in America (24% of the professing Christian population). To be American is to be an evangelical.

2. What others (incl. evangelical scholars) have said about evangelicalism that shows concern is shared even by those in their own camp:

“The scandal of the evangelical mind is that there is not much of an evangelical mind.” – Mark A. Noll (The Scandal Of The Evangelical Mind)

“Scholars [have questioned] whether evangelicalism [has] any substance beyond vague and warm affirmations about a personal relationship with Jesus. The goal of evangelicalism is to find a lowest common denominator faith [or] form of Christianity. Evangelicalism has emerged as the single most powerful explanatory device to account for the distinctive features of American society and identity. Everything from American bigotry to the American Revolution [can be attributed] to the stupidity of evangelical Protestantism. A faith once dismissed as backward or rural [has] become one of the most important. [Its] strength lays precisely in its appeal to individual choice rather than patterns of ascription or inheritance, which characterizes traditional religions. Unlike older forms of Christianity [which finds its identity in the church], evangelicalism locates the primary mechanism of religious identity in the sovereign individual. Through the popularity of evangelical celebrities and parachurch organizations, [evangelicalism] forfeited the authority the church possesses.” – D.G. Hart (Deconstructing Evangelicalism)

“This is the disturbing legacy of [evangelicalism]. A generation brought up on guitars, choruses and home group discussions. Educated, not to use words with precision because the image is dominant, not the word. Equipped not to handle doctrine but rather to ‘share’. A generation suspicious of definition and labels, uneasy at, and sometimes incapable of, being asked to wrestle with sustained didactic exposition of theology. Excellent when it comes to providing religious music, drama, and art. Not so good when asked to preach and teach the [orthodox Christian] Faith.” – Michael Saward (Evangelicals On the Move)

“Religion in the United States is something subtly other than Christianity, though to say that we are a post-Christian country is misleading. The better term is ‘post-Protestant’, which suggests that Americans live with such a persuasive redefinition of Christianity that they refuse to admit that they have revised the traditional religion into a faith that better fits our national temperament, aspirations and anxieties [It’s called evangelicalism].” – Harold Bloom (American historian)

“Wrong belief is as dangerous as unbelief…The decay of [true] Christianity in the west is not the result of sociological or secular pressures…It is the result of the presence of falsehood [within evangelicalism] where there should be truth.” – Ian Murray (Evangelicalism Divided)

3. What evangelicals believe about salvation/gospel

If we are going to reach evangelicals, we need to understand what they believe about salvation that makes their gospel false[1].

3.1. Salvation is works-based.

Argument # 1: Covenant Theology’s Covenant Of Works (In the garden, God made a covenant with Adam and Eve that promised them immortality if they did not sin for a certain/probationary period of time. This same covenant is reinstated every time the Law is preached and represents the original way a person could attain to eternal life.[2]^,[3]

Rebuttal: Though God did make a covenant w/Adam (Hos 6:7; Gen 2:4 “LORD God” [יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים]), never is there mention of a probationary period of works/obedience whereby Adam (and Eve) would earn their immortality.

Argument # 2: The Lutheran/Reformed view of the Mosaic Covenant (The generation under and after Moses until Christ were saved through their adherence to the Law. This covenant was a “re-publication” of the prior covenants – most especially, the covenant with Adam [the Covenant of Works]).[4]^,[5]

Rebuttal: There exists no legitimate support for viewing the salvific covenants of Scripture (including those of the OT: Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic and Mosaic) as works-based. The evidence instead clearly points to them as marriage covenants (e.g. Jer 31:31-32) which function according to the marital principles of gain (by grace through faith/observance of God’s sabbath rites[6] – e.g. Gen 17:1-10; Exo 24:1-8 w/1Pe 1:1-2) and maintain (through faithful obedience to God’s moral commands – Deu 28:1-2).

Argument #3: Scripture supports a works-based salvation.

Rebuttal: Understanding the marital paradigm and/or what Paul meant by “works of the law” immediately diffuses the need to view their supporting Scripture verses as promoting merit:

(Mat 19:16-19; Luk 10:25-28) = The RYR and lawyer were both Jews who had already gained covenant relationship w/God. Their similar inquiries (“Teacher, what good deed must I do [what shall I do] to have [inherit] eternal life?”) are not an allusion to works-based salvation, but rather a question regarding maintenance – i.e. what did they need to be faithfully obeying, to secure the eternal blessing promised to them by the covenant? Hence the reason Jesus’ answer in both cases pertains to the Law (Mat: “If you would enter life, keep [be faithful] to the commandments”; Luk: “What is written in the Law, how do you read it?”) followed by a recitation of the ten commandments (Mat 19:18-19) or an affirmation of its summary: the greatest commandments (Luk 10:27-28).

(Gal 3:12 w/Rom 10:4-9 w/Rom 11:6) = To gain justification/righteousness (salvation) under the Old Covenant required performing the sabbath rites of circumcision, and sacrifice (“the law”, “works of the law” or “works”) which are now accomplished through faith in Christ who has become our circumcision and our sacrifice (Col 2:11-15). Jesus is the new application of the sabbath rites which now “by (such) grace” allows even Gentiles (those who were once “without hope and without God” – Eph 2:12, those not given the Jewish sabbath rites for entrance – Rom 3:1-2, 9:4) to enter God’s salvific rest (Heb 3:1-4:16). Hence the reason Paul can speak of faith as upholding the law and at the same time – refer to it as the “end of the law for righteousness.” The old application is gone, while the principle remains intact (Rom 3:31 w/10:4). That what Paul means by reference to the law (or again, “works of the law”) are these various sabbath rites is confirmed by the overall context (e.g. Gal 2:11-16, 5:6; Rom 3:28-30, 4:11-12).

3.2. You must be perfect to get to heaven (and no one is perfect).

Argument: Scripture supports the need to be perfect to get to heaven (Mat 5:48).

Rebuttal: The context of this verse makes clear that Jesus’ use of the word “perfect” is in reference to the scope of our love (or righteous treatment of others) and not the standard required to enter heaven (or be saved) (see vv43-47). As already mentioned, that standard is not perfection, but faithfulness, something achievable by all human beings (Deu 30:11-14).

3.3. Jesus was perfect and so obeyed/earned our way to heaven for us.

Argument #1: The doctrine of the Active Obedience of Christ (Besides dying on the cross for [Christ’s “passive obedience”], Jesus also perfectly obeyed the Law for us as the means to earing our way to heaven),

Rebuttal: Christ’s perfect obedience was only for the purpose of becoming the sinless sacrifice required by God to die for our sins – never for the purpose of obeying on our behalf. The Scriptures refer only to Christ’s passive obedience (i.e. that He died for our sins) when it comes to securing our salvation (e.g. Heb 10:14-18).

Argument #2: Scripture supports Jesus obeying/earning salvation for us (Mat 5:17).

Rebuttal: Unlike the religious leaders of His day, Jesus did not come to abolish or excuse the Law away, but rather see that it was fulfilled. As such the point Jesus is not making, is His fulfillment of the Law on our behalf. It is instead His solemn promise – and identification as God’s promised Mosaic prophet (Deu 18:15-19), to make sure that it once more becomes plumbline for the people of God. The context supports this interpretation (v1 = Like Moses ascending Mt. Sinai to give the people God’s Law, Jesus also ascends a mountain to give God’s people His Law, v18 = If Jesus fulfilled it for us, then “heaven and earth” should have “passed away”, v19-20 = Why such warnings if He is taking care of the Law for us?, vv21-48 = Why make such corrections if [once more], fulfillment is His concern, not ours?).

3.4. Obedience to the Law is nice, but only faith (or faith alone) is necessary (the Law no longer has any authority).

Argument #1: This is the basis of the Sola Fide gospel discovered by Martin Luther and the foundation of all Evangelical-Protestant doctrine.[7]

Rebuttal: Martin Luther rejected four books of the New Testament (because they taught directly against the Sola-Fide gospel – e.g. Jam 2:24[8]).

Argument #2: Scripture supports faith as the only thing necessary to salvation and the Law as canceled (Rom 3:28[9]; Rom 10:4[10]).

Rebuttal: As discussed, Rom 3:28 and 10:4 are both in reference to the “works of the law” or sabbath rites (circumcision and sacrifice) not the Law in its entirety. If Paul were claiming the Law no longer possessed authority in the life of a believer (or was necessary as maintenance and faithfulness to get to heaven), then not only would he be in direct contradiction to Jesus’ instruction to others (consider again Mat 5:17-20; Mat 19:16-19 and Luk 10:25-28), but also himself (Rom 13:8-10 = Why would he call for believers to fulfill the Law if it is no longer in force? Or if Jesus already fulfilled it for us? See also 1Co 7:19). Additionally, believing the Law to no longer possess authority was the sure sign you were in a sect/cult (Act 21:19-24 w/24:14-16).

3.5. Once saved always saved (no loss of salvation or apostasy for those truly saved – i.e. they are eternally secure).

Argument: Scripture supports eternal security for the truly saved/those who have believed.

Rebuttal: Numerous verses make clear the dangers of loss of salvation as well as apostasy, for those truly saved. This means that such verses must be reconciled with those which seem to promote eternal security (e.g. Gal 5:4; 2Jo 1:8; Heb 10:25-30):

(Joh 3:16) = Like all verses which speak in a similar fashion, the operative term is “believe”. Which according to Jesus (or John), includes obedience (Joh 3:36). Hence if a person fails to faithfully obey – or continue to faithfully trust Christ, they will “perish” since the condition to eternal life is no longer being met.

(Joh 6:37-39, 10:28-29) = The emphasis in all is the same: Jesus will not fail to protect His people from external enemies and resurrect them on the final day. These verses do not, therefore, preclude those who of their own volition choose to apostasize.

(Rom 8:30, 35-39) = According to (Joh 17:22 and Eph 2:6), to be “glorified” refers to exaltation into the fellowship and family of God/Christ on earth. IOW: to become a member of the church (the natural consequence of being justified). Like the previous verses in John, Paul is promising Christ will protect us by not allowing external enemies to separate us from His love/eternity. Us becoming the enemy is a different story (Heb 10:29).

(Jud 1:24-25) = God is able. The question is, are we willing to “keep ourselves” in His “love” (v21)?

CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: “It is not persecution alone that we ought to fear. It is easy enough to be on one’s guard when the danger [of the Enemy] is obvious. There is more need to fear the Enemy when he creeps up secretly [and] steals forward by those hidden approaches which have earned him the name ‘Serpent’…The Enemy seeing his idols abandoned [has] devised a fresh deceit, using the Christian name itself to mislead the unwary. He invented heresies and schisms to undermine the faith, to corrupt the truth, to sunder our unity. Those whom he failed to keep in the blindness of their old ways he leads up a new road of illusion.” – Cyprian (The Lapsed)

[1] “If we know what made us fall we can heal our wounds” – Cyprian (The Lapsed)

[2] “The first covenant made with Man, was a Covenant of Works, where Life was promised to Adam, and in him to his posterity, upon condition of perfect and personal obedience.” – Westminster Confession (VII.2)

[3] “When the law is preached…the covenant of works is re-instated….It says ‘do this and live’” – R. Scott Clark (“Reconsidering The Covenant Of Works”, Heidelblog.net)

[4] See Zachary Garris, “Was The Mosaic Covenant A Republication Of The Covenant Of Works?” (knowingscripture.com)

[5] “Ultimately the only way one can be justified is by works. We indeed are justified by works, but the works that justify us are the works of Christ” (Getting The Gospel Right, p.160)

[6] “Rites” as in rite(s) of passage (def): The means to gaining entrance into a specific community or covenant.

[7] “If this article [of justification by faith alone] stands, the church stands; if this article collapses, the church collapses.” – Martin Luther (WA 40/3.352.3)

[8] So aggravated was Luther by Jam 2:24 and its strict denial of the gospel he claimed to have discovered that he wrote in the margin next to it, “It is false”.

[9] Conscious faith in Jesus is not always necessary according to the “father of modern-day evangelicalism”, Billy Graham, “I used to believe that pagans in far countries were lost if they did not have gospel preached to them. I no longer believe that…I think that everybody that loves or knows Christ, whether they are conscious of it or not, they are members of the body of Christ. [That includes the Catholic Church]. I have no quarrel with the Catholic Church…[God] is calling people out of the world for His name, whether they come from the [Catholics], the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world or the non-believing world, they are members of the body of Christ because they have been called by God. They may not know the name of Jesus but they know in their hearts that they need something they do not have, and they turn to the only light they have, and I think they are saved and they are going to be with us in heaven.” – Billy Graham (Transcript from 1997 interview with Robert Schuller; 1977 address at Notre Dame)

[10] “The Law has no authority over Christians because it has been fulfilled by the death of Christ.” – William Barrick (“The Mosaic Covenant”, Master’s Seminary Journal)

(Phi 3:17-21)

What should be obvious from just a cursory reading of these verses is that being identified as an “enemy of the cross of Christ” is a bad thing. Hence the reason Paul then states (in verse 19) “Their end is their destruction”. IOW: those identified in this way come judgment day will suffer the eternal destruction of being thrown into the “lake of fire” (or hell). What however may not be so obvious from what Paul says in these verses is who those receiving this identification includes. It includes believers – or those who were (at one time – or for a period of time) claiming to be followers of Christ (Christians). Hence the reason Paul relays such news with “tears”. For those who genuinely love Christ (as Paul certainly did), it is hard to hear that “many” who (also) claim such love, will one day betray Him (and becomes His “enemies”). And notice, that is what the text says (“many” – not few). Many who claim to follow Christ now, will end up betraying Him later.

How You Become An Enemy Of The Cross (And How Also You Prevent It –or stand firm against it – Phi 4:1 = IOW” What I just got done saying is the way to do it):

And 4 things represent that way (the way to become an enemy– and their opposite, the way to prevent it)

1. You don’t listen to or seek to imitate your earthly shepherd/spiritual leader.

The first way (however) to prevent becoming an enemy of Christ = Use more mental energy! Listen to and imitate the function/principles (not form) being established through the teaching and behavior of your shepherd (Heb 13:17 = His approval of you matters to Jesus letting you in heaven) 

2. You refuse to accept that God’s laws/requirements are non-negotiable.

The second way (then) to prevent becoming an enemy of Christ = Accept God’s laws/ways as absolute and non-negotiable (and build your life/safety upon such certainty – Mat 7:24).

3. You can’t say no to food or hunger.

The third way (then) to prevent becoming an enemy of Christ = Confess your overeating as idolatry, hate it as sin and die to it (i.e. get control over your emotions/feelings).

4. You worry more about missing out on worldly things than missing out on heaven.

The fourth way (then) to prevent becoming an enemy of Christ = Worry about missing out of heaven (more than the things of this world) and spend your days shoring up that worry by what you do (1Co 9:23-27).

Luke 13:22-28

1) Only a few will be saved.

2) Wanting to go to heaven, or stay out of hell, is not enough.

3) Blood, sweat, and tears will be required.

4) The kingdom has closing hours and doesn’t accept credit.

Fear = Trust = Commitment

What you fear, and in proportion to how much you fear it, is what you trust and are committed to.

(biblical) MYTH BUSTERS

“Debunking the biblical myths believed by the big dummies of this world”

1. The Scriptures are simple enough that a child can understand them (I don’t need qualified and trained pastors).

When addressing that issue, the Scripture themselves bear witness to their difficulty on more than one occasion (2Pe 3:15-16; Luk 8:9-10; Act 8:29-31). God’s prescription for dealing w/such difficulty and making sure we are understanding/interpreting the Scriptures correctly is seeking out qualified and trained pastors (1Ti 3:2-7; 2Ti 2:15).

2. The Holy Spirit helps me understand the Scriptures (I don’t need anointed pastors).

The only ones given the Holy Spirit for the purpose of understanding the Scriptures are the anointed pastors of the church (Eph 4:11 w/Isa 66:21; Joh 16:13 w/Joh 20:22 w/1Co 2:3-16; 2Co 3:5-8; 1Th 1:5; 1Pe 1:12 and 2Pe 1:21; 1Jo 2:18-20)[1].

3. You are safer trusting yourself than another man when it comes to understanding what the Bible teaches (Solo Scriptura).

Unless you have been trained and are qualified, believing that it is safer to trust yourself than someone else forgets that we trust people more qualified in a specific area over ourselves all the time.  The foolishness of such a statement is thus revealed when considering its equivalent: it is safer to trust yourself than your doctor when it comes to medical issues – especially those which will determine whether you live or die. Why would you trust yourself (an untrained person whose medical ignorance far outweighs your medical knowledge) over someone who has spent countless hours in study and demonstrating their competency (whose medical knowledge far outweighs their medical ignorance)?  Guaranteed if your pastor has been properly trained, then the ratios of biblical knowledge to ignorance are similar and the gap between you and him, equally substantial (again like the average patient in relation to their doctor). Hence the reason, pastors were at one time referred to as “spiritual physicians”[2]. It should also be mentioned that Scripture makes explicit those w/the greatest potential for leading us astray are those who lack the proper training or qualifications to serve as pastors (2Pe 3:14-16).

Does this mean we follow qualified and trained pastors blindly? Hardly. We must always be Berean. But this connotation refers to taking a position of teachable trust and self-education – not distrust and suspicion (Act 17:10-11).

Does this mean qualified and trained pastors can never be wrong or are infallible? No. But when there is disagreement, we should give them the benefit of the doubt since chances are far greater of us being wrong than them (again consider the example of the doctor and the patient).

What about accountability or making sure that they bounce their interpretations off others before teaching them? Pastors are accountable to the congregation for their doctrine and Scripture establishes the church’s courts for dealing w/them when there is error and unrepentance. However, this is vastly different than saying they cannot operate independently – or without first checking w/the congregation as to what they teach. Does your doctor bounce his diagnosis or prescriptions off you before administering treatment? Are parents required to bounce their ideas off the children before administering discipleship or discipline? The proper question therefore is never, “Should we – or shouldn’t we trust another man?” but rather, “Who has demonstrated themselves to be the qualified and trained expert?” Leaving your life in their hands will always be the safest choice (Hence Heb 13:17). 

4. There is more than one correct interpretation of the Bible.

There may be many interpretations of the Bible in the world today, but there is only one that is correct, that which is in agreement with God’s original intentions. We do not have the right to interpret the Scriptures whatever way we want – or to suit our own desires, and then act as though it is still God’s Word. It is His words and therefore only the correct interpretation is His Word – i.e. it is no longer God’s Word the moment we interpret it incorrectly (2Pe 1:20-21) = Scripture has never allowed people to make it what they want or need it to mean (their “own interpretation” or the “will of man”). According to Peter, the Scriptures meaning exactly what God originally intended is vital to our confidence that Jesus is indeed the Christ, since this is how they “confirmed” that to be true.

5. We cannot be confident about our interpretation of the Scriptures (Scripture is not clear).

“Those who persist in an appeal to the clear teaching of Scripture face charges of hermeneutical naivety, entrapment in modernist assumptions, a lack of epistemic humility, or worst of all, an act of ‘communicative violence’.  You can’t be sure that’s what it means; and if you say you are, it is merely a ploy to coerce me to accept your point of view.  Despite a number of sophisticated explorations of the clarity or perspicuity of Scripture in recent decades, this doctrine is either ignored or derided by many.  It seems scarcely credible and even absurd… No confession concerning Scripture is more disturbing to the church [today] than the confession of its perspicuity.’” – Mark D. Thompson (A Clear And Present Word)

Though interpreting or understanding the Scripture is not always simple (it oftentimes is “hard to understand”), that doesn’t mean we can’t be certain about its meaning. Such certainty is attested to by the fact that we are commanded to build our lives upon it and understand it as the means to not only loving God but receiving His blessings – most importantly the blessing of salvation. If God’s Word were so unclear that certainty was impossible, then so also would be Gods’ ability to judge or condemn us for not keeping it.  A basic requirement of all justice is that a person have not only the ability to perform, but also understand those obligations by which they will be judged (Deu 29:29, 30:9-18; Rom 10:6-9; 2Co 1:13; Eph 3:4; Psa 119:105, 130; Pro 1:2; Mar 12:33; Jer 9:24; Eph 5:15-17; Mat 7:21-27; 2Ti 3:15-16).

6. God’s Word is to be the only spiritual or moral authority in my life (again Solo Scriptura).

Another popular misconception regarding God’s Word is that it is to be our only spiritual or moral authority. There is a big difference between saying something is our only authority versus our final authority. God views His Word as the final authority but never the Christian’s only authority. Authority is also given to the church and her elders (especially her anointed elders) (Mat 18:15-20 “tell it to the church…whatever you bind…whatever you loose…if two of you agree on earth [and] are gathered in my name…it will be done…there am I among them”) = When the church acts in agreement w/God’s Word – i.e. Christ’s Name, their authority and judgment is granted and backed by Jesus. That those acting include anointed pastors is confirmed by (Joh 20:21-23). That acting in agreement w/God’s Word is always acting according to His Name is confirmed by the fact that the basis of God’s [or Christ’s] name is their Word. Their word is their name (i.e. how they are to be known; their reputation; See Psa 138:2 = God is what He says. This passage therefore also supports God’s Word as our final authority since to serve Him – or His name, we submit to His Word; See also Deu 12:32; Jos 1:7-8; Isa 2:2-3,8:20, 42:21; Mal 4:4; Mat 4:4 w/Deu 8:3; Mat 5:17-20; 2Ti 3:15-16). This understanding (Scripture as the final authority but not the only authority in relation to spiritual or moral things) is the historical doctrine of Sola (not Solo) Scriptura.

7. We are commanded to allow no one to be our “teacher” but Christ.

The passage often cited for support of this belief is (Mat 23:8, 10 “rabbi” = Master or teaching authority; “instructor” = Teacher). If however what Jesus means by such words is, “never identify anyone other than Me as your teacher or instructor”, then the apostle Paul clearly didn’t get the message (1Ti 2:7). Not only that but in verse 9 (the verse in between), Jesus gives a similar prohibition about calling someone “father” (Mat 23:9). The Scriptures however are filled w/examples of saints (even God) granting this designation to others (e.g. Exo 20:12; Eph 6:1-4). What then is Jesus talking about? What we just discussed. He is prohibiting identifying a person according to either of those designations (teacher or father) in the ultimate sense of those terms – i.e. as the final authority in our life. In that respect only Jesus (as Teacher) and God (as Father) are to hold those designations or distinctions.

CLOSING CHALLENGE: Who do I know that believes some or all of the above myths? Our responsibility as those who know the truth (2Co 10:5).

[1] That the pastor-teachers or anointed pastors are the only ones possessing the Spirit for the purpose of interpretation or discerning truth for leading God’s people is consistent w/the anointing (of the Holy Spirit) given only to the priests, prophets and kings in the OT. The idea that all believers now possess such an anointing (or the Spirit for the purpose of interpretation) comes from the big dummy Martin Luther and his doctrine of the “priesthood of all believers” – a gross misinterpretation of Rev 1:6 (sb w/Exo 19:6) and Rev 20:6 (sb w/Rev 20:4-5).

[2] It is an unfortunate reality that today most men functioning as pastors have not been properly trained. This however doesn’t mean we “throw the baby out w/the bath water” by viewing all pastors this way. It instead means taking the time to find those who are trained and never taking them for granted.

“Debunking the biblical myths believed by the big dummies of this world”

1. The Scriptures are simple enough that a child can understand them (I don’t need qualified and trained pastors).

The passage normally referred to by those making such claims is (Mark 10:15//The dummies’ interp. = The Scriptures are so simple that they can be understood/interpreted by children). The parallel in Matthew’s gospel reveals that what Jesus is referring to is not the simplicity -or difficulty associated w/understanding or interpreting the Scriptures, but rather the disposition necessary from those wanting to be saved (or “enter the kingdom of heaven”) (Mat 18:1-4 = Entering like a child means be humble – i.e. submissive and teachable, like a child; e.g. Semper Reformanda). These verses therefore have nothing to do w/what is required to understand or interpret the Scriptures. When addressing that issue, the Scripture themselves bear witness to their difficulty on more than one occasion (2Pe 3:15-16; Luk 8:9-10; Act 8:29-31). God’s prescription for dealing w/such difficulty and making sure we are understanding or interpreting the Scriptures correctly is seeking out qualified and trained pastors; those possessing the proper character qualifications (Luk 8:15 w/Mat 13:23 [1Ti 3:2-7]; 1Ti 6:3-4; contra Eph 4:18) and hermeneutical skills – including: 1) legal orientation (Isa 8:20; Deu 16:20; Psa 89:14; Mat 5:17-19; Pro 1:1-3 w/Rom 15:4; Rom 3:31; e.g. 1Co 9:7-11; Mat 16:5-12; contra e.g. penal substitution = A violation of Lev 27:29; Num 35:31-33; Eze 18:20 and child abuse), 2) competency in the original languages, special genre (e.g. prophetic) and overall grammar (e.g. Rom 10:20-21 w/Isa 65:1-2; Mat 22:32, 41-46), 3) a sound biblical theology (e.g. as a governing system – 2Ti 1:13; e.g. as the evolution of a particular subject – Heb 3-4 [Sabbath], 5-7 [Priesthood], 8-10 [Atonement; e.g. 10:1-4), 4) familiarity w/the entire Scriptures and the ability to prove your interpretation not only in its given context but also the rest of the Scriptures (2Ti 2:15 “present yourself approved…no need to be ashamed…rightly handling [interpreting]” = Demonstrating/proving your interpretation is how you gain approval, avoid shame and show yourself to be a person correctly interpreting the Scriptures; 1Ti 4:13-15 = Practicing and immersing include both reading/familiarity and teaching or proving [exhortation is the act related to preaching – what most of us think of as teaching]; 1Ti 4:16 = Practice carefulness in your interpretation; e.g. Mat 12:1-14 w/Matt 22:29; Mat 24:15 w/Dan 9-12; Luk 24:27; Act 28:23). These skills are forged in the fires of careful and constant practice, and hours of meditation [i.e. the pursuit of understanding] (Heb 5:14; Jos 1:8; Pro 2:1-20; Psa 119:99).

2. The Holy Spirit helps me understand the Scriptures (I don’t need anointed pastors).

The only ones given the Holy Spirit for the purpose of understanding the Scriptures are the anointed pastors of the church (Eph 4:11 w/Isa 66:21; Joh 16:13 w/Joh 20:22 w/1Co 2:3-16; 2Co 3:5-8; 1Th 1:5; 1Pe 1:12 and 2Pe 1:21; 1Jo 2:18-20 = Those who are antichrists do not accept the “anointed one from the Holy Spirit” [anointed pastor – see also LXX Dan 9:26])[1].

3. You are safer trusting yourself than another man when it comes to understanding what the Bible teaches (Solo Scriptura).

Unless you meet the criteria given above, believing that it is safer to trust yourself than someone else forgets the fact that we trust people more qualified in a specific area over ourselves all the time.  The stupidity of such a statement is thus revealed when considering an equivalent: it is safer to trust yourself than your doctor when it comes to medical issues – especially those which will determine whether you live or die. Why would you trust yourself (an untrained hack whose medical ignorance far outweighs your medical knowledge) over someone who has spent countless hours in study and demonstrating their competency (whose medical knowledge far outweighs their medical ignorance)?  Guaranteed if your pastor has been properly trained, then the ratios of biblical knowledge to ignorance are similar and the gap between you and him, equally substantial (again like the average patient in relation to their doctor). Hence the reason, pastors were at one time referred to as “spiritual physicians”[2]. It should also be mentioned that Scripture makes explicit those w/the greatest potential for leading us astray are those who lack the proper training or qualifications to serve as pastors (2Pe 3:14-16). Does this mean we follow our pastors blindly? Hardly. We must always be Berean. But this connotation refers to taking a position of teachable trust and self-education – not distrust and suspicion (Act 17:10-11 = The Jews in Berea were considered “more noble” bc: 1) they were teachable to what Paul was saying though they had not heard such teaching before [i.e. they gave him the benefit of the doubt] – 11a “received the word w/all eagerness”, 2) they took the time to educate themselves according to the Scriptural support he provided – 11b “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” ). The proper question therefore is never, “Should we – or shouldn’t we trust another man?” but rather, “Who is the demonstrated and qualified expert?” Leaving your life in his hands will always be the safest choice (Hence Heb 13:17).

[1] That the pastor-teachers or anointed pastors are the only ones possessing the Spirit for the purpose of interpretation or discerning truth for leading God’s people is consistent w/the anointing (of the Holy Spirit) given only to the priests, prophets and kings in the OT. The idea that all believers now possess such an anointing (or the Spirit for the purpose of interpretation) comes from the big dummy Martin Luther and his doctrine of the “priesthood of all believers” – a gross misinterpretation of Rev 1:6 (sb w/Exo 19:6) and Rev 20:6 (sb w/Rev 20:4-5).

[2] It is an unfortunate reality that today most men functioning as pastors have not been properly trained. This however doesn’t mean we “throw the baby out w/the bath water” by viewing all pastors this way. It instead means taking the time to find those who are trained and never taking them for granted.

(Act 20:28-30)

Every Christian should have a vested interest in spotting those wolves that roam among us since they are not only the enemy in closest proximity to us, but also the ones with the most potential for causing us eternal spiritual harm. If then we hope to get to heaven, our thinking must change. We tend to think of the dangerous people as those outside our community – but in reality, the most dangerous threat has always come from within. Paul had an expert’s understanding of this kind of wolves and the threat they posed to the Body of Christ. In Acts 20:28-30 Paul shares that knowledge with the elders of the Ephesian church (and ultimately, us). In doing so, two questions are answered: 1) What is a wolf? 2) How do you spot one?

1. What is a wolf?

Wolf or “wolves”: a NT metaphor for a lay-person (not an elder/pastor) within the covenant community who (consciously or unconsciously) attempts to lead others astray in the church through what they say or teach. (Support):

1.1. a lay-person within the covenant community…

[28] = Whoever the wolves are, Paul assumes them to be in the congregation – NOT among the elders. Hence the reason his gives the primary function of looking out/spotting them to the elders (“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” = Elders, be on your guard and look for wolves in your midst/among the congregation; [29]“fierce wolves will come in among you…[30] from among your own selves” = They wb lay-members of the congregation; Does this mean they cannot be among the elders? No. That however is not where we are to start. It is instead in/among the flock. They are posing as sheep, not shepherds; Mat 7:15 “sheep’s clothing” = These false prophets are sheep, not shepherds.

1.2. who (consciously or unconsciously) attempts to lead others astray in the church…

[30] “draw away the disciples after them” = Convince others to listen to them versus the church or her elders (consider again v28 – this is who they are “drawing away the disciples” from!); 2Ti 3:13 “impostors” = A person who is identified as part of the group but whose actions are meant to destroy it or its agenda – i.e. a wolf [in sheep’s clothing]; “deceiving and being deceived” = Even though wolves may know that what they are doing is deceitful and wrong, they have deceived themselves into thinking their actions are justified (e.g. righteous warrior uncovering the conspiracy – Isa 8:12); Deceiving/leading people astray is oftentimes subtle [not overt or obvious] and sensual [meant to play on the other person’s emotions] (Gen 3:1 “more crafty” = Clever or subtle – as demonstrated in Satan’s first question to the woman. Satan also plays to the emotions – Gen 3:2-6); An appeal to the emotions is also a part of the false teacher’s arsenal (2Pe 2:1-2; e.g. they [like Satan] suggest  – or appeal, to our already existing, doubts about those in authority [e.g. Satan in re: to God] or others in the church).

1.3. …through what they say or teach.

[30] “men speaking” = Their primary means of attack is speech. They lead others astray through the things they say.

2. How do you spot a wolf?

If we are attempting to do so by our natural senses (or emotions) it can be very hard (especially given the fact that not only are they brothers and sisters to whom we already give a level of trust, they are also manipulating our emotions as the means to get us to trust them even more). However, if we consider what else Paul tells us about them in these verses, spotting them becomes rather easy. There are 3 things total (3 things they lack). Which means this: when attempting to determine who to trust is telling you the truth (Who is the wolf? Who is not?) these 3 things or categories are what we need to be assessing them by. They are also where we need to be asking the questions. If they fail the questions, they fail the test – and they prove themselves to be wolves.

2.1. LOYALTY  = wolves lack loyalty to – or real care for, the rest of those in the Body of Christ.

[29] “Not sparing the flock” = Rather than protecting the flock and doing what they can to preserve the unity of the Body of Christ through reconciliation and justice, wolves work division which brings destruction not only on them but also those who follow them. They will also sacrifice (not spare) others to stay out of trouble (e.g. ratting out others as a means to protecting themselves). They are likewise fickle in their commitment to the Body of Christ as a whole. The moment they get their toes stepped on – or don’t get what they want, they start looking to leave their church family behind. Their lack of loyalty however is revealed most by how they leave: they act as though the church or her leaders are putting them in spiritual jeopardy, but then make no effort to save the rest of the flock (who according to their claims, would mean they too are in spiritual jeopardy). They are deserting soldiers and cowards. The safety and salvation of the rest of the flock/Body of Christ is not a concern to them.

Additional Scriptural support: (1Jo 1:6-7, 2:10-11, 18-19, 3:10, 16, 4:7-8, 20; Joh 10:11 [1Jo 3:16]-13; Joh 13:34-35; Jam 5:19-20; 1Th 3:12-13 w/5:12-13; also Col 3:14-15; Eph 4:3; e.g. Phi 2:22; Hence the reason for commands regarding unity and restoration and the warnings against those who cause division or are unreasonable – 1Co 1:10; Phi 2: 1-2, 4:5; 2Co 13:11; Gal 6:1-3; Eph 4:3 //Jud 1:19; Rom 16:17-18; 2Ti 3:1-3-8)

The question (then) to ask when to attempting to determine whether or not a person is a wolf:

Are they loyal to the Body of Christ?

2.2. CHURCH = wolves do not recognize the authority or jurisprudence (system of justice) in the church.

[30a] “and from among your own selves will arise” = Literally, self-appoint. Wolves are people who do not recognize the authority of the church.  They instead appoint themselves to that place of authority. As such, they have no problem standing against the church or her elders. They likewise refuse to stand before her courts. Once more, they appoint themselves the judges of justice, salvation and right doctrine.

Additional Scriptural support: (Deu 19:15-17; Mat 18:15-20; 1Co 6:1-3; Rom 13:1-5 = No doubt included in those “governing authorities” Paul is referring to, is the church. Notice, our obligation to submit (versus “reject” or “resist”) is based on the fact that God has established them, not their integrity – or the righteousness of those serving as authorities [Deu 17:8-13 w/Num 15:30-31; NT priests = Psa 132:16; Isa 66:21 w/Mat 16:19; Joh 20:21-23; 2Co 3:1-3 – authority for binding and losing, dispensing justification/salvation]. Hence the reason both Jesus and Paul submitted to defending their positions before the unrighteous covenant leaders and church authorities of their day – Joh 18:19-23 w/Joh 7:28-35 = Jesus did not run from the Jewish leaders – even though they were corrupt. He instead defended Himself before the covenant community and submitted Himself to their courts; Act 23:1-5 w/26:1-7 w/21-26; Hence also why when there was disagreement in the church over what was being taught and what the people thought, it was taken to the church – Act 15:1-6; False teachers and trouble-makers oppose such scrutiny – 3Jo 1:5-10; Jud 1:3-10, 16 w/19; 2Pe 2:10b-12; e.g. The “Christian sovereign citizen movement” = Similar to the secular sovereign citizen who does not recognize the authority of the American government or its courts, the “Christian” version of this, does not recognize the authority of the church and will not be held accountable to her courts; It sb noted that even the heretic Martin Luther understood the authority of the church – including those who were corrupt [Roman Catholic Church]. Hence his reason for attending the Diet of Worms and his famous, “Here I stand” defense [1521])

The question (then) to ask when to attempting to determine whether or not a person is a wolf:

Are they willing to defend their claims before the church/covenant community and submit to its authority?

* As should be obvious, you can’t answer “yes” to the first question and “no” to this question since by their refusal to follow God’s prescription for dealing w/problems in the church (i.e. going before the church/congregation) they are saying one of two things (both which further reveal their lack of loyalty and what they really think of everyone in the church): 1) the congregation is not competent to give them a fair trial [OR] 2) the congregation is corrupt and will therefore falsely condemn them.

2.3. SCRIPTURE/EVIDENCE = wolves cannot give correct Scriptural support or sufficient evidence for their claims.

[30b] “men speaking twisted [perverted] things”= Wolves cherry-pick Scripture or take Scripture out of context. As a result, what they use to lead others astray may be words or verses from the bible, but they are twisted or perverted. Paul’s use of the word “things” means that the scope of what is being twisted or perverted would include other information as well. In this case, the evidence behind their accusations against the church or her leadership. It is based on speculation versus proven to be fact (e.g. of twisting limited only to Scripture – 2Pe 3:16).

Additional Scriptural support: (Act 20:26-27 “whole counsel” = Paul preached a gospel [see v24] that squared [was consistent/in agreement] w/the entirety of God’s Word [versus only a portion]; Historically, this is known as the Analogy of Scripture = Biblical interpretation or doctrine demonstrates itself to be true by its agreement with all of Scripture and its unifying of the gospel message –Isa 8:20 “according to” = In agreement/consistent with; 2Ti 1:13 “pattern of sound words” = The doctrine/gospel which finds agreement in all of Scripture [“pattern” = paradigm, something that is consistent and repeated]; Eph 4:5; Gal 3:8; e.g. Luther or evangelicalism’s Faith Alone] gospel = Teaches faith as the only condition to salvation which ignores the other clear condition established in the bible – faithful obedience to God’s laws. They possess a “canon w/in a canon”; “Luther’s rule-of-faith hermeneutics took Matthew, Mark, Luke, Hebrews and James out of the canon.” – Daniel Fuller, [“Biblical Theology and the analogy of Faith”]; evangelicalism’s denial of observance of the law as necessary to salvation makes them a cult – Act 21:19-24 w/24:5, 14-16 [“sect” = cult”] = The Jews were accusing Paul of preaching a gospel which did not square w/the gospel God gave under the OC [a gospel requiring faithful obedience to His law]. This then is what identifies a Christian cult – it’s abolishment of the Law  as necessary to salvation. Paul makes it clear that his gospel was in this respect, consistent w/the gospel preached under the OC; In re: to sufficient evidence – Deu 19:15-21; Mat 18:15-17; 1Ti 5:19; 2Co 13:1-2).

The question (then) to ask when to attempting to determine whether or not a person is a wolf:

Do their claims square with the whole of Scripture and/or is there sufficient evidence to treat their claims as fact?

CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: Satan uses wolves to devour others in the Body (1Pe 5:8). Asking these three questions when faced w/those making accusations against others in the church (including her leaders) or the church itself is an easy way to spot them and see that they are removed before they harm others.

1. People can accidently stumble into capital crimes.
2. God continuing to bless me after I commit a capital crime must mean that He has already forgiven me and I therefore don’t need to confess it and serve justice.
3. I can never be punished for a capital crime if I didn’t know that what was doing was one.
4. I can’t be charged with obstruction of justice if I didn’t know I committed a capital crime.
5. It is OK to cry about those who are excommunicated or apostate.
6. W have no commitment to the excommunicated.
7. If too many people become guilty of capital crimes, we can or should consider making things easier.

1. What kind of a world was it? What was going on? What was it like? What do we know about the world that Jesus was born into?

1.1. It was a world marked by foreign occupation and heavy taxation.

Imagine that in 1960, China had successfully invaded and took control of this country.  Their military presence was everywhere. Soldiers regularly patrolled the streets and Chinese culture and communist ideology had replaced American ideology and culture. Imagine that Chinese was now the primary language spoken by the people. If such a thing had happened, America would feel like a foreign place to many of us. Though it is hard to comprehend something very similar to this did happen to Israel (or the territories of Galilee, Samaria and Judea as they were known in Jesus’ day). 60 years prior to His birth, Rome had successfully invaded and were occupying the region.  Jewish culture – even sacred places – such as the Temple, had been “Romanized” or made to serve the interests of the Republic (e.g. sacrifices were now made each day for Rome and her leaders). Roman (or Hellenistic) culture and ideology – even Greek (the language of the Roman empire), had become the dominant influence.  The “new Israel” didn’t look anything like her predecessor. The Jews were once again strangers in a strange land. Their beloved country was as foreign as the people of its occupation. And if this wasn’t enough, such occupation brought the oppression of heavy taxation. There were customs taxes, import and export taxes, toll bridge taxes, crop taxes, sales tax, property taxes, and special taxes when there was a Roman war, building project or campaign to finance. On top of this the Romans also required one percent of a person’s yearly income. And the Romans were determined to make sure everyone paid. Hence the reason for the “census of Quirinius” mentioned in (Luk 2:1-5) in association w/Christ’s birth. This was a census for the purpose of identifying who was eligible (and should be) paying taxes.

1.2. It was a world marred by violent (or bloody) insurgencies and counterinsurgencies

The Jews were not happy about the Romans, and the wounds were still fresh at the time Jesus was born. As such, there were several very violent (or bloody) insurgencies followed by equally violent and bloody counterinsurgencies.

The first insurgency happened when a large eagle made of gold (the symbol of Rome) was installed on Temple grounds by Herod the Great (Rome’s first appointed king in the region). Such blasphemy was not received well by the Jews and several took it upon themselves to have it torn down. Herod responded (to such insurgency) by having those responsible publicly burned alive (imagine seeing that at the place you went to worship!).

The next insurgency was by the hands of a man named Simon who (according to Josephus)…

“burnt down the royal palace at Jericho, and plundered what was left in it. He also set fire to many other of the king’s houses in several places of the country, and utterly destroyed them, and permitted those that were with him to take what was left in them (meaning people) for prey.”

The third was by a man named Judas bar Hezekiah. Judas was upset over the taxes being paid to the Romans and decided he had enough. So he (and a band of like-minded Jews) decided to start taking back their country – one city at a time. He (however) wasn’t the hero (or virtuous) type. His methods made him more perpetrator than liberator.

(Josephus writes)…

“Judas, having gotten together a multitude of men of a violent character, made an assault upon the palace [in Sepphoris], and seized upon all the weapons that were laid up in it, and with them armed every one of those that were with him, and carried away what money was left there. He became terrible to all men, by tearing and rending those that came near him; and all this in order to obtain kingship as the reward – not [bc] of his virtuous skill in war, but of his extravagance in doing injuries.”

The insurgencies of Simon and Judas were soon squelched by the counter-insurgency measures of Archelaus (the Roman appointed king after Herod the great) who inflicted his own brand of violence.

Not only did the cities where the insurgencies had taken place, but also hunted down (through a man named Varus) anyone associated w/the insurgencies and had them publicly crucified.

Again Josephus writes…

“Varus sent a part of his army into the country to seek out those that had been the authors of the revolt; and when they were discovered, he punished… them. Now the number of those that were crucified on this account were two thousand.”

No doubt, all of this was distressing to the Jews – including Joseph and Mary (Jesus’ parents). This would have been especially true in relation to events surrounding the city of Sepphoris since it existed only four miles outside of Nazareth (the city where Jesus was raised according to Luk 2:39-40). Given what we know, it is possible Jesus and His family were residing there when the attacks took place.

Did they see the troops –  or experience any of the violence? Did they know any of those that were crucified? How disturbing it must have been to be young parents w/a newborn in the midst of so much bloody violence. How disturbing it must have been to hear of people being burned alive or crucified.

1.3. It was a world filled with widespread crime.

As if the prior events were not enough, the region suffered also the dangers of widespread crime

Again from the pen of Josephus…

“Now at this time there were ten thousand other disorders in Judea, which were like tumults, because a great number put themselves into a warlike posture, either out of hopes of gain to themselves, or out of enmity to the Jews … And now Judea was full of robberies; and as the several companies of the seditious lighted upon any one to head them, he was created a king immediately, in order to do mischief to the public.”

Finally, it must be mentioned that this world our Savior was born into was…

1.4. A world steeped in spiritual darkness.

By the time of Jesus, it had been almost five hundred years since a prophet had been in Israel. Since Malachi, God had been silent. No new words from God, no prophets. The Spirit had departed and the people knew it as evidenced by their writings. (For example):

 “After the latter prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi had died, the Holy Spirit departed from Israel” – Rav Ashi (author of the Babylonian Talmud)

“From Artaxerxes to our own times a complete history has been written, but has not been deemed worthy of equal credit with the earlier records, because of the failure of the exact succession of the prophets” – Josephus

“[the Jewish people] tore down the altar and stored the stones in a convenient place on the temple hill until there should come a prophet to tell what to do with them.” – The (unknown) author of (1^st Maccabees).

This period of time (before and up) to Jesus’ birth is depicted (in Mat 4:16) as a time of dwelling in spiritual darkness. Little to spiritual light was left in the world.

So then, this was the world that Jesus (our Savior) was born into.  A strange, violent, dangerous and dark world (especially for His people, the Jews). Not the kind of world flashing with Christmas lights or the festive things we think of (when thinking of) Jesus’ birth. Instead again) a very scary place… a place presenting no signs of real hope for the future.

So what does that mean? What can we take away from such information? Well two things I believe…

2. Two Quick Takeaways from what we’ve learned (two things to warm your little heart this Christmas season):

2.1. The bleakest of times have also been the times when God greatest works of salvation have taken place (e.g. The Exodus, The birth of Christ [as we just discussed/discovered. Hence the reason for the angel’s proclamation – Luk 2:10 and 14] –AND the return of Christ – Rev 20:9).

2.2. We need to view our current situation thru a similar lens.

It is easy to only see similar things going on around us in the present and forget about what God has done in the past. Our world (or country) may seem (to some of us) a little strange – and (at times) violent and dangerous. And it for sure HAS BEEN (pretty) spiritually dark! BUT that’s no reason to FRET. God (once more) has done some of His greatest work during these times. What might He be planning to DO (even w/us here at Christ Covenant Church)? What great work could be ahead of us? THAT (Beloved) is the spirit/perspective we should possess this holiday season. No matter how scary or hopeless things look, our lens should be one of optimism and anticipation of the great things our God tends to do when things are at their bleakest.

When there is a refusal to trust, listen and submit, the ordained pastor of Christ’s church is put into a very unfortunate situation since what those committing such crimes are now guilty of, is insurrection or the unforgiveable sin.

This was the situation in the Corinthian church at the time of Paul’s second letter and why he writes what he does in the verses before us today. Some in that congregation had begun to question the legitimacy of his authority and the soundness of his counsel (or words) – and as a result, were now apostate. They had (by their questioning and rejection) crossed the line into the unforgiveable sin. Though we cannot be sure, the genesis of the current insurrection may be the loss of their former pastor to sexual immorality. Paul’s language in 1 Corinthians 5 seems to point not only in this direction, but to Paul as the ordained elder now taking the position of oversight in relation to the congregation (1Co 5:1-5). This understanding is also supported by the fact that Paul does not mention or imply the existence of ordained men in either letter, whereas in re: to the other churches, such evidence is found.

Given this situation, it is understandable that some in the Corinthian church may have felt a lack of trust for Paul. It is not however excusable. At least not to God. First and foremost because He commands differently (i.e. that we trust His ordained pastors) and secondly because it is extremely poor logic. Just because there has been failure in one pastor, doesn’t mean that all have failed. Those taking such a position (therefore) must be held accountable. These are people who cannot be spared. Paul’s purpose then in writing these verses is to remind them what God says about Christ’s ordained shepherds as the means to moving others outside the blast radius and keep them from making the same fatal mistake.

What we must never forget about Christ’s ordained shepherds:

1. It wb an eternally costly mistake to question or reject their spiritual authority or counsel w/o the necessary biblical evidence.

(1-2) = Though we don’t how many, there were at least “some” who questioned (or were “suspect” of) Paul’s actual authority – or the competency of his counsel. In their minds, Paul’s authority or competency was no more than the rest of the congregation. He (like them) was “walking (or operating only) according to the flesh” (i.e. possessing no real spiritual power).  Their support for such thinking came (at least in part) from how he presented himself when he was “away” versus when they were “face to face”. What exactly they were saying can be found in verse (10). This (then) is the reason for his sarcasm in verse (1).

Such sarcasm (however) moves quickly in the direction of a serious plea and threat. Notice again (2)

“boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some” = What is Paul talking about by these words? What is the bold and confident act he plans on showing against the “some” who were questioning/rejecting his authority and competency? It is the declaration of their apostasy.

Why? B/C by their actions, they had committed the unforgiveable sin of insurrection. Hence the reason for his follow-up words in (13:1-2) Notice two things:

1) if anything is to be regarded as  truth in re: to a person [including pastors], it “must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses” (iow: if you are going to accuse them or their counsel of lacking the necessary authority or competency to obey it/them, you must be able to adequately demonstrate that thru proper and sufficient evidence – 1Ti 5:19; otherwise,

2) those w/o such evidence will not be “spare[d]” – meaning in re: to salvation (“not spare” [οὐ φείδομαι] = not salvage/save [from eternal destruction]; Rom 11:21; 2Pe 2:4). Those who in Corinth who had questioned and rejected Paul’s authority and counsel (thru accusing him of “walking according to the flesh”) had crossed the line into insurrection and (as result) were beyond salvaging or saving (they could not be spared). This (btw) was not Paul’s goal in shepherding – or the primary reason he believed he possessed such authority (10:8). The ideal was people’s restoration- not their destruction. This was what he prayed for (13:9 “Your restoration is what we pray for”). Paul’s heart was not that people be guilty of insurrection and possess no hope – but reality was, “some” chose to go that route (Notice I said, they “chose to go that route”. IOW: they are the ones responsible for taking steps in the wrong direction – no one else). As a result, when Paul came to Corinth (and dealt w/these individuals) they would not be spared but rather removed permanently from the covenant community and the hope of heaven. The had committed the unforgiveable sin.

The biblical texts which establish this doctrine: (Deu 17:8-13 w/Num 15:29-31 [“presumptuously”…”w/a high hand” = Same word. Refers to someone who thinks they know more – or possess more authority than God’s ordained leader and so rebels thru condemning and disobeying their counsel. It was a crime that would cause that person to be “utterly cut off”  – i.e. immediately in a state of sin that is unforgiveable. They are immediately apostate/eternally damned [they are cut off forever];

Mat 12:22-32, 22-24 w/31-32 = NOT recognizing the mantle of the Holy Spirit’s authority which Jesus possessed [and He passed onto His church’s leaders – Joh 21:21-23], thru condemnation or disobedience was a crime unforgiveable the moment it was officially committed, since it was not against the man [in this case, Jesus the person] but the God’s authority [the authority of the Holy Spirit] and therefore a direct attack on God). This (btw) is the reason Paul responds the way he does in (Act 23:1-5).

*That Paul himself possessed this kind of authority (or that ordained pastors have authority to dispense salvation or declare it permanently removed) is attested to in 2Corinthians (2Co 1:21-22 “anointed” = ordained [or deputized] w/God’s authority and/or power; 2Co 3:1-3). Notice also, Paul’s view of himself as it re: to competency – or possessing the kind of knowledge necessary to instruct and judge God’s people (11:6 = Paul was trained as a Pharisee – the highest level of theological training available in the ancient world. They were considered experts in God’s Law and many had memorized the entire OT.

Based on 2Co 12:1-5 and Gal 1:21-2:1, Paul may have also spent considerable time away being trained by Jesus in heaven. No training can compare to that today, but those ordained properly [those who possess not only deep theological training and study in the biblical languages, but also have successfully passed an ordination exam – where their knowledge of the Bible and theology are rigorously tested] –(those men) are far from inadequate. And can demonstrate it (just as Paul did). Not only that (but more importantly as it re: to all ordained men), there is the help of the Holy Spirit (who guides them into all truth as Jesus promised in Joh 16:13). Hardly then, are these just ordinary men – or men NO DIFFERENT in authority or competency from those in the congregation. Hence the reason Paul can say what he does to Titus (an ordained man) in (Tit 2:15).

2. Their job is to use their divinely granted power to attack the deeply embedded idolatry found in the lives of God’s people.

(3-5) “strongholds” = Since —as Paul makes clear in next statement, these “strongholds” are made up of “arguments and every lofty opinion raised up against the knowledge of God”, what he means by this term are those forms of idolatry that have become commonplace (or common practice) in our lives –those false beliefs about God (or following God) that are so deeply embedded that they have become our conviction and the foundational way of practicing our lives. IOW: we believe them or the lifestyle we have created in support of them to be biblical (and therefore worthy of our defense). This understanding is supported also by the meaning of the word itself (ὀχύρωμα = Fortress or foundation where one builds their life and stand’s their ground; the place of their defense). They are however (again) idolatry. They are beliefs and behaviors that DO NOT line up with what it means to live in obedience to Christ. And Paul says it is the ordained pastor’s job to “destroy” such “strongholds”. They are called to “warfare” and given “divine power” for this very reason (4).

This (again) is their job: to attack and confront such idolatrous beliefs and behaviors and demand that these people’s thinking be conformed to Christ (i.e. to what agrees w/His Word or  way of thinking and living). People however do not like it when what they have believed to be true – or embraced as acceptable behavior, is attacked as idolatrous or wrong. This (then) is its connection to prior point (or why some had gone down the path of insurrection or committing the unforgiveable sin). Like the Pharisees, who did it in re: to Jesus, the “some” in Corinth found it easier to “discredit the witness” – or question and condemn Paul (God’s ordained pastor) than actually confessing such idolatry and change (support for this is also found in the letter – see 12:20-21 = Paul had exposed areas of sin in his prior visit and called them to repent or change their behavior accordingly. They however were choosing to ignore his prescription. Hence again the reason for 13:1-2 – and not being spared when Paul came again).

This response (btw) sb expected (i.e. people rejecting the authority and counsel of their pastors when called to turn from deeply embedded idolatry and sin in their lives).

This Paul makes clear in his 2^nd letter to Timothy (2Ti 4:2-4 “in  season and out of season”) = Truths not popular or readily accepted by those who hear it; “reprove, rebuke and exhort” = All actions associated w/teaching that is intending to destroy idolatrous/sinful thinking and lifestyles; “people (however) will not endure (such) sound teaching  but “turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths”  = They will reject it and seek instead to find those who will support their idolatry as [somehow] acceptable or compatible to living in obedience to Christ [they will reject/find fault in God’s ordained pastors (those confronting their idolatry) for illegitimate teachers ready to itch their ears and “suit their passions”]. IOW: many will choose apostasy over change. See also (2Ti 3:1-5) “unappeasable” = Unable to be brought into submission to Christ and His Word). The thing (once more) NOT to miss about those who end up on this permanently damning path = They willingly (and knowingly) choose to do so.

3. They are also duty bound to immediately declare as apostate any person who demonstrates a clear and conscious condemnation or rejection of their authority and/or counsel.

(6) “punish every disobedience” = Given the context, the “disobedience” or insubordination Paul is referring to is (once more) all acts of insurrection/insubordination being committed by “some” in the Corinthian church. Paul was always ready when it came to carrying out this other God-given job (“being ready” = Present Active Participle; immediately ready). Never are God’s ordained pastors to be slack or afraid to fulfill their duty in this respect. Which means that such actions are never to be tolerated – even in the least bit. When someone crosses the line, the ordained pastor is to immediately deal w/it. What however needs to be established before that takes place, is that their “obedience is complete” = That the “obedience” being required of them was properly and thoroughly communicated such that no excuses in regard to understanding could be made; that they possessed a “complete” understanding of what was being required of them by the ordained pastor. This is what Paul is getting at by this phrase. And notice, it is the (indeed) the condition necessary to their punishment (“being ready to punish…when you obedience is complete”). So then, though God’s ordain pastors must never hesitate to declare someone apostate who has committed the unforgiveable sin, they must (first) make sure they clearly understood what was required of them. Which is the same thing as saying this:  that these individuals demonstrated a clear and conscious condemnation or rejection of those calling them to such obedience or the specific counsel given. And based on Paul’s words in this text (as well as what we saw in the last chapter), this was true for some in the Corinthian congregation. They knew who and what they were rejecting – which meant that when Paul came, justice wb swift (no hesitation).

CLOSING CONTEMPLATION/CHALLENGE: 1) Have you forgotten what God says about His ordained shepherds?, 2) Where are you currently standing? In the blast radius of those who have crossed over the unforgiveable line – or someone who joyfully accepts the authority and job God has given to His ordained shepherds?

There are three principles Jesus establishes in these verses that must DEFINE your life to be ALL IN for God:

1. You view everything in this world according to its value as an eternal investment (something earning heavenly reward) versus its value as a commodity (something for present enjoyment only) (19-21).

The questions (then) I need to be asking: Does what I am planning to do/possess – or choosing to be with, help me be faithful to God (the currency of heavenly reward) or inhibit it? Does it have eternal investment value – or does it take away from my current heavenly reward? If it doesn’t have value – or potentially takes away, then it is of no value to me (i.e. I don’t waste my time on it)

Other verses to consider: (Mat 25:14-30; 1Co 9:23-27; Eph 5:15-18; Col 3:17 w/4:5; 2Ti 2:5-13; 2Ti 4:1-8; 2Jo 1:8; Eze 18:24) This is why – Job 31:1 (Consider the context: Job is defending why he sb rec’g good from God – b/c he has only pursued what would earn earthly blessings and heavenly reward).

A commodity mindset is the religion of this world – or the atheist = he who has the most experiences or toys when he dies, wins; A commodity mindset is unfortunately the mindset of many w/in Christianity and is therefore not only idolatry but frames God as nothing more than a giant Killjoy. Hence the reason Jesus says what He does in (Luk 12:15 – “life does not consist in the abundance of possessions”[i.e. having a commodity perspective on life – a major driver to coveting—hence the reason this verse begins w/ “beware of all forms of coveting”]).

What viewing everything in this world from the perspective of an eternal investment looks like:

1) My marriage to my wife. I never viewed her as a commodity that I would trade in when she got older for something younger (something people in the world do all the time). Instead, I view her as my opportunity to build a cache of reward w/God thru faithfulness to our marriage (she and our marriage our an investment that I have built of many years of faithfulness to. It is part of what I get to “cash in” before the Lord on J-DAY. Why would I throw that all away?).

2) My choice to go into ministry was for the same reason. It did not view it from the perspective of what present pleasure/benefits would it give me but rather what wb eternally if I was faithful in that kind of career (1Pe 5:4) BTW: the career you choose and its ability to be an eternal investment means more than just determining whether it is a career field acceptable to God. It also means determining whether you have the gifting/wiring to do it – since otherwise, you will not thrive for Christ in that field – i.e. it wb a bad (maybe even damning) investment (e.g. me as a lawyer).

3) My choices regarding the house I own, the land I just bought, our the car I drive. Each of those purchases were made w/eternal investment in mind (my house = a place conducive to fellowship or bible studies bc of its open design; my land = a place big enough to have multiple people stay and something that cb shared w/the church [and ultimately given to the church when I die]; my truck = what I need to pull a camper so that I can camp w/my church family!)

1.1. How (then) this “ALL IN” principle keeps me faithful and on my way to heaven = It cures the ghetto mindset of “live in the now” – which is the behind so much sin (especially coveting and sexual sin).

1.2. KEY WORD/WAY to think about this requirement = INVESTMENT (everything/everyone is a good or bad investment in respect to heaven).

2. You care only about what God thinks and nobody else (22-24).

“eye is bad = Your eye is on the world and what they think  which leads to being “full of darkness” or serving “money” VERSUS “your eye is healthy…full of light” =  You only care what God and what He thinks and as a result “serve God”.

NOTICE you can’t do BOTH (v24).

If having a bad eye is associated w/caring what others think/seeking their approval, why does Jesus call it serving “money”? BC money is at the heart of why most people care about what others think or need their approval (money is the basis for our ability to survive and thrive – Ecc 10:19).

Other verses to consider: (Joh 12:43; 1Co 4:3; 2Ti 2:3-4; 1Jo 2:19; Pro 17:24)

2.1. How (then) this “ALL-IN”  principle keeps me faithful and on my way to heaven = I can’t be corrupted (I won’t give in to “darkness”). Corruption happens bc people care/worry about the approval of others – esp. those w/resources they desire to possess).

2.2. KEY WORD/WAY to think about this requirement = LOYALTY (whose opinion you care about is who you wb most loyal to).

3. You think about, pursue or do only what you believe to be in agreement w/God’s kingdom and righteousness (25-34).

“His kingdom” =  God’s Church/people, “His righteousness” = God’s Law/will

Other verses to consider: (1Co 10:31; 2Co 10:5; Phi 1:21; Psa 1; Psa 119; BOTH are seen in our prayer = Mat 6:10).

3.1. How (then) this “ALL IN” principle keeps me faithful and on my way to heaven = It is hard to be steered off course (or distracted) when you live a focused life.

3.2. KEY WORD/WAY to think about this requirement = FOCUS (my focus is God and His kingdom not me and my kingdom)

Studies have shown that when you love someone/something it is these three desires: the desire to invest, the desire to be loyal and the desire to focus that are activated in the brain –which means being ALL IN for God is also how we love God –or fulfill the Greatest Commandment – Mat 22:37-38). 

CLOSING CONTEMPLATION: Is this what characterizes your current life? If not, why? What lame (and damning) excuse are you using to keep you from being ALL IN for God?

1. The decisions being made in relation to COVID-19 is based on feelings NOT facts.

1.1. Dividing the CDC’s total number of deaths (for C-19) by the total number of confirmed cases, produces a worldwide and US survival rate of 97% (749k/20.6m;167k/5.25m).

1.2. Considering that only 21% of the US population has been tested and that 9% test positive means that we should increase the total number of cases (in the US) to 23m ([328m Americans*.79]*.09) rendering a survival rate of 99.4%

1.3. In addition it sb mentioned that many of those recorded as C-19 had pre-existing health issues or their primary cause of death was something else.

1.3.1. On that note, consider this statement made by Professor Walter Ricciardi, an advisor to Italy’s Minister of Health regarding Italy’s reporting of C-19:

“The way in which we code deaths in our country is very generous in the sense that all the people who die in hospitals with the coronavirus are deemed to be dying of the coronavirus. On re-evaluation by the National Institute of Health, only 12 percent of death certificates have shown a direct causality from coronavirus, while 88 percent of patients who [were recorded as C-19 deaths] have at least one pre-morbidity (or pre-existing condition) – many had two or three.”

1.3.2. A recent newspaper headline in Central California posted as its title :“Local virus (COVID-19) casualty was…beloved cowboy (Ken Machado).” However, when one reads the article itself (the following is revealed about Mr. Machado):

“while Ken Machado tested positive for COVID-19 after his death… Ken Machado had a number of existing conditions, including Lyme Disease – which he contracted about 20 years ago – and heart disease. His sister and other family members think these underlying conditions were exacerbated by the COVID-19 illness.

1.3.3. We also learn that Mr.Machado had undergone two major heart surgeries and retired at age 40 due to his Lyme Disease. Additionally, he had been in several significant automobile accidents prior to his death. Yet again, the media posts his death as caused by C-19.

1.3.4. In similar fashion, a death in Lehigh County, WA reads as follows:

“A 61-year-old Warren County man who tested positive for COVID-19 died at a Lehigh Valley hospital. Lehigh County Coroner Eric Minnich confirmed the patient died Friday night at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Fountain Hill. He said the primary cause of the man’s death was a head injury from a fall at home, but that the virus was listed as a contributing factor to his death.”

1.4. All said what that means is that what we are actually looking at as the survival rate for C-19 is closer to 99.9% (since once more, many of the deaths being counted as C-19 were actually caused by other things).

1.5. Now, imagine you were America’s government – or had the power to act in such a capacity. Given the above facts, would you make the decision to place our entire nation in quarantine, not only encroaching on the freedoms of her majority, but doing irreparable damage to her economic infrastructure – as well as causing major civil unrest?  Would you make that kind of a choice for something that has a survival rate of 99.9%? To put this in perspective, the survival rate for C-19 is the same as the rate of survival for women giving birth (99.9% survival rate). Do we stop women from having babies because less than one-tenth of a percent may die?

1.6. As I said, the hysteria surrounding this virus is based on feelings – NOT facts. If it were fact based, we would hardly even know C-19 existed (b/c nobody wb talking about it and few people are actually dying from it!).

1.7. The real threat (then) is not the virus but what the virus has revealed about the state of this nation (even the state of our world): We are a nation/world filled w/people who are controlled by their feelings. Hence the reason so many people have signs in their yard that say, “Love is love”  (iow: if it feels like love it is love), or so many people claiming to be Christian b/c their hearts tell them they love Jesus [which is the same as saying, “I am a Christian b/c I feel I am a Christian”). 

2. God did not give us feelings for the purpose of making decisions or discernment.

2.1. Feelings don’t think – which means they don’t attempt to discern whether the data/stimuli we are receiving is true or false, good or bad. They are instead like the indicator lights in your car. At their best, all they can do is simply indicate whether that data/stimuli we are receiving agrees or disagrees w/what we are currently (or used) believe to be true or false, good or bad (e.g. former Mormon in bible study who felt bad about having coffee at our bible study: he grew being taught that caffeine was evil).

2.2.  At their worst (which can be a frequent occurrence for some people), feelings by-pass what we know (or think) and instead respond strictly according to the data/stimuli coming in at that moment. Someone tells us something is good and we get good feelings or someone tells us something is bad and we get bad feelings with no regard for whether what we are being told agrees or disagrees with what we believe. IOW: we don’t think, we just “feel” our way thru life (I have even met people whose feelings were guided by the weather – bad weather = things are bad; good weather = things are good).

2.3. The really dangerous thing about a person who is driven/living by their feelings is that is they have no (real) control over their life.  Feelings don’t ask us before they respond or “feel” the way they do (they just do!). Which means a life of unpredictable havoc and disaster. It is a life characterized  by being tossed to and froe; a life of massive instability and manic depressive states (extreme happiness or hope one minute —to extreme gloom and hopelessness the next).

2.4. Another indication that this is (indeed the world we live in today) = Since the late 90’s, manic and bipolar diagnoses have increased over 400%!

2.5. The man building his house on the sand in Mat 7 could be said to be a person who lives according to their feelings since what they reject living by – according to that parable, are the facts. In this case, the most important facts, the facts found in God’s/Jesus’ Word – the Scriptures (and consider the results = His life ends in disaster – eternal disaster).

2.6. This is the reason the Apostle Paul includes in his summary of salvation the attribute of “self-control” – or control over one’s feelings (Act 24:25) since people who lack that – i.e. people who are driven/live by their feelings, will not make it to heaven. Hence the reason also Paul says what he does in 1Co 9:24-27 about “beating his body” into submission so that he is not “disqualified”. He is talking about the fight one must wage against their feelings if they are to get to heaven.

2.7. Making decisions or discerning things via how we feel is like using a spoon to cut your steak. A spoon is great when used for what it was made for (e.g. eating soup), but becomes worthless (even dangerous!) when used for something it was not made for (like cutting a steak!). Which means the old mantra, “follow your heart” is among the worst advice anyone could give (it’s like telling someone to cut their steak w/a spoon).

2.8. All of the above reasons, are why (then) God never tells us to use our feelings to make decisions or discern things in life.  The word Scripture uses to describe such actions (making decisions or discerning via our feelings) is “folly”. The Hebrew word means “senselessness” or “mindlessness”. It refers directly to a person operating according to their feelings versus the facts. Hence the reason those exercising folly are oftentimes juxtaposed against those using “knowledge” or “instruction” or “truth” (all words used in the Bible to identify what I am calling “facts”) (e.g. Pro 5:23 = No discipline in re: to a person’s mind  – or “minding the facts” means a life of folly or living by our feelings and being “led astray”; Pro 9:13 and 15:2, 14, 21 = Notice the contrast w/knowledge [or facts]; Pro 14:1, 8, 19:3; B/C of the FALL this is where we start life and what will continue to live by if it is not disciplined out of us – Pro 22:15).

3. Satan preys on our feelings (or feelings-driven people).

3.1. Satan’s first (and most devastating) con against mankind was a play on Eve’s feelings (Gen 3:1-6):

3.1.1. Satan’s first attack against Eve fails to land bc she responds according to the facts (1-3) = Notice she corrects him. God did not (as the serpent implies) say that “any” (or every) tree was off limits, just “the tree in the midst (or middle) of the garden”. Notice (btw) that living according to the facts means precision (it wasn’t all the trees – just one).

3.1.2. Satan (then) changes his strategy. This time he plays to her emotions/feelings (4-5) = The statement, “you will not surely die” followed by “For God knows when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” is an appeal to the woman’s emotions/feelings (he is attempting to elicit the feeling of doubt – and ultimately entitlement – God is keeping from her and the man what should be theirs – the right to also be God!).

3.1.3. The woman follows suit by making the decision to rebel (based not on fact) – but feeling (6) “When the woman saw that the tree…was a delight to the eyes…and was to be desired to make one wise” = These last two statements tell us that what prompted the woman’s action in taking the fruit and giving some to her husband, was motivated entirely by how she felt. In this case, how she felt about the appearance of fruit itself (“a delight to the eyes” is an idiomatic phrase referring to the feeling of pleasure one can experience when looking at something/someone – e.g. “you are a sight for sore eyes” ; the phrase “was to be desired to make one wise” is functioning as  superlative to the former phrase. What (then) we are being told is that the feeling of delight – or pleasure the woman was experiencing when looking at the fruit and thinking about the possibility of being wise – or more specifically wise like God, was incredibly strong. Like that of sexual attraction – SoS 2:3 – “w/great delight” = Literally, w/strong sexual desire) And b/c of such intense feelings, she makes the worst decision in all of human history – one that plunges mankind into a world of sin and death.

3.1.4. This (btw) is one the reasons God says women are never to be shepherds/pastors in the church (1Ti 2:14 = The woman’s potential to be deceived thru her feelings is higher than the man’s. Hence the reason Peter calls her the “weaker vessel” in 1Pe 3 and commands husbands to understand and help her w/this).

3.2. So committed is Satan to preying on us (and manipulating us) in this way (thru our feelings) that he even tried to do so in relation to Jesus (Mat 4:1-10) = Each of the things that Satan does are meant to push Jesus emotionally or pressure Him to act according to how He was feeling in each of those moments – whether it be to make bread when he felt hungry, or to be delivered by God when He felt in danger, or to compromise when He felt the power of being king of the world. Yet (notice) how Jesus responded – He fought Satan off by standing on the facts found in God’s Word (v4, 7, 10).

3.3. It is therefore no understatement to say that our feelings are our greatest enemies – the thing that will plunge us into a life of destruction (now) – as well as – for all eternity (2Pe 2:12 = Living by feelings [or “instinct”] is living like animals who are “born to be caught and destroyed”).

4. The only way to survive and thrive in this COVID (or feelings) crazed world is by sacrificing our feelings and operating according to the facts consistent w/God’s Word.

4.1. This is Paul’s instruction in Romans 12:1-2 and it is some of the most important in all of the Bible on this subject (Rom 12:1-2)

As mentioned in the main point, there are two parts or steps:

4.1.1 Sacrifice (or die to) our feelings

(1)  “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God…”  = What Paul is getting at by offering or sacrificing our bodies is our feelings. We are to die to them as that which controls our lives. This understanding of the word “bodies” is consistent w/how the term is understood elsewhere (in the Scripture). The “body” (or our “flesh”) is often associated w/emotions or feelings whereas the mind – or our soils/spirits are associated w/facts.

The first step to survival (then) is (again), to die to our feelings (or that way of living). This is also how we become NOT ONLY “holy and acceptable to God” but also ABLE TO operate (or live) according to facts.

“which is your spiritual act of worship” (See Fn) = “Your rational service” [definition of rational] = Operating according to reason – or the facts].  Paraphrasing (then) everything Paul is saying in this verse: Die to your feelings since this is how you serve God in a pleasing way and (are able to) operate according to the facts.

Such instruction by Paul (btw) is why Christianity (at least biblical Christianity) should never be viewed  as escapism – or against science. Which means statements made against Christianity like, “science is real” are asinine.

The problem is not our denial of science or what is called general revelation – the evidence found in the physical universe. It is instead the lens we choose to view/interpret it thru. We choose a God-centered lens, whereas the world’s is godless or man-centered.   Which is Paul’s next point/step of instruction. TO become people of fact, we must NOT ONLY sacrifice (or die) to feelings as that which guides us (which btw is a moral choice that we wb judged according to – did we do it – or not?), BUT ALSO…

4.1.2. Make sure that what we hold as the facts are consistent (or being transformed) by God’s Word

(2) “Do not be conformed to this world” = Do not let the world determine truth/reality for you. That is NOT the lens we are to be using to interpret our lives or the world around us (e.g. your view marriage, your view of parenting, your view of stress or how to handle it, your view of sex or what is appropriate, your view of vacation and why you should go; your view of self or the idea of self-value, your view of happiness or fulfillment, your view of how we or the universe came into existence!).

Oftentimes what the world communicates as fact in re: to those things is PURE FICTION (and more often than not, propaganda to push an anti-god, satanic agenda -one that people living according to their feelings are blind to see – e.g. evolution, date nights w/your kids, stress-relievers).

“But be transformed by the renewal of your mind” = What Paul is referring to (here) is what happens when we use God’s Word to interpret/determine reality/truth in our every area of our life. All of sudden we are “transformed” into people of fact (versus fiction). We (for the first time) , understand the world the way God made it – and according to how He sees it. Which gives us the additional ability to test and “discern” what “His will” is (His “good and acceptable and perfect” will). Which means also (then) we can live the kind of lives that not only bring Him glory – but avoid the pitfalls and snares laid by our feelings. Since He is the One Who made it and knows best how to live in it, following His WORD for determining reality/truth/facts means (for the first time) possessing not only the ability – but the wisdom, to navigate thru its treacherous waters (since the map we have is from it maker!). Hence the reason he calls it a “renewal of the mind.” Before such ability and wisdom, our minds we (once more) tied to our feelings (and ready for shipwreck).

So then as our CLOSING CONTEMPLATION for TODAY,

How do my conclusions (or the math I did in the first point) demonstrate the instruction found in Rom 12 – OR that I am (by such conclusions) operating by (not just facts) – but facts consistent w/God’s Word?

B/C math is from God. Understood thru the lens of Scripture, it is how He made everything. John 1 says He spoke it into existence. But what He spoke (according to its design) are mathematical equations. As a matter of fact, everything (including words themselves!) are math. Which means that one of the best (God-given) tools we have for discerning fact (versus fiction) is math (Hence the reason one of my old bosses used to say, “numbers don’t lie”). It is therefore a part of how we live as people of fact – or people who are pleasing to God; a people who are no longer guided by feelings.

***The POINT (however) NOT TO MISS: God calls us to live (not by our feelings) but the facts. And that includes making sure that whatever we believe to be “the facts” is consistent w/the testimony of God’s Word (Isa 8:20!)