Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Christian Witness from a Masterchef.
Sorry Tim Costello and Bill Crews (Baptist “ministers”) if the report at the following link is correct you have exposed yourselves as counterfeits.
Unlike Masterchef contestant Kate Bracks who stood her ground and refused to acknowledge the Dalai Llama as “Your Holiness”.
Kate has been a family favourite on the show since we found she was almost a local (from Orange NSW) – this revelation of her Christian faith makes her doubly a favourite.
We'll be praying for you Kate, and if you win Masterchef we'll definitely be buying your cookbook.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/a-dalai-lama-dilemma-in-masterchef-recipe/story-e6frewz0-1226094947126
Unlike Masterchef contestant Kate Bracks who stood her ground and refused to acknowledge the Dalai Llama as “Your Holiness”.
Kate has been a family favourite on the show since we found she was almost a local (from Orange NSW) – this revelation of her Christian faith makes her doubly a favourite.
We'll be praying for you Kate, and if you win Masterchef we'll definitely be buying your cookbook.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/a-dalai-lama-dilemma-in-masterchef-recipe/story-e6frewz0-1226094947126
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Sound Doctrine: A Biblical Imperative
Sound Doctrine: A Biblical Imperative
by Fred London
We have all heard at one time or another the declaration from a fellow believer, “I don’t get into doctrine!” This is usually taken to mean that doctrine is relatively unimportant when compared to the pursuit of unity within the Body of Christ. On the surface this has the appearance of legitimate spirituality, a God-given mandate beyond dispute. But, are we commanded to have unity at all costs, even at the expense of sound doctrine? Is the depreciation of sound doctrine acceptable in the light of God’s word?
Let us be clear at the outset that we are not speaking of relatively minor doctrinal points; issues over which true men of God have disagreed for centuries, and to our shame have provided the basis for the various denominations which now exist. Nor are we speaking of such issues on a par with hair length which Paul addressed in I Corinthians, Chapter 11, and yet after making his case was unwilling to split a church over it. It is not the minor points that concern us here. It is not legalism that we are embracing. It is the apprehension of the Mind of Christ, a fuller and more accurate expression of His thoughts and His ways in accordance with His purposes.
Likewise, there is the concern that an excessive desire for unity in the Church has taken on subtle forms characteristic of ecumenicalism, while others have elevated spiritual experience over Scriptural basis. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at God’s thought on this matter because the Scriptural fact is, doctrine does matter, and first and foremost, it matters to God.
As one man has argued, “It is better to be divided by truth than united in error.” Paul had this to say to the Corinthians, “For there must also be factions among you, in order that those who are approved may have become evident among you” (I Cor. 11:19). Yes, contrary to popular belief, there actually can be divisions according to the will of God. We are continually reminded of Jesus’ words, “that they may be one, just as we are one” (John 17:22b).
However, what is generally overlooked is the critical phrase, “just as We are one.” Our oneness is predicated upon the same characteristics of oneness as the Father and the Son. In fact, the entire passage which envelopes the preceding phrase speaks of a relationship based upon truth and love, for both ingredients are inseparable. That is why Paul wrote, we are to “speak the truth in love.” And that is why Jesus prayed to the Father to “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth; And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.”
The familiar saying, “You are what you eat,” is consistent with Scripture. Since, “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he,” and, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks,” then what we consume doctrinally will have a direct impact upon who and what we are and in how we express what we believe.
What is meant by sound doctrine? We know that doctrine refers to teaching. It is the term, “sound,” that is so critical to our understanding. In this context, “sound,” means to be healthy, free from defect, damage, or decay, safe, stable. This definition is also indicative of the fruits of sound doctrine. Peter expressed it in this way; “like newborn babes, long for the pure (unadulterated) milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (I Pet. 2:2). The writer to the Hebrews exhorted them to “not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace...” (Heb. 13:9a).
Paul admonished us that we “should no longer be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine... but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ” (Eph. 4:14a, 15). Paul went so far as to say to the Galatians, “... if any man should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:9). Try telling Paul that doctrine doesn’t matter.
What is the hallmark of sound doctrine? Paul wrote to the Corinthians that the essence and sum total of his teaching all boiled down to this; “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” Is this overly simplistic? No, it is the beginning and the end of all doctrinal truth, for “He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” and, “from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” That is why what is commonly referred to as The Book of Revelation should more accurately be referred to as The Revelation of Jesus Christ. It is more than just a prophetically oriented book of futuristic events, but rather a book which for many of us redefines what prophecy in reality should be.
In fact, God has revealed in this very book His definition of prophecy where he says, “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10c). God furthermore reveals to us that His Son’s name is called “The Word of God” (Rev. 19:13b). And if this be so, it is incumbent upon us, and in particular teachers of the word, to “handle accurately the word of truth” (II Tim. 2:15b). We therefore need to be very clear on this point, that an accurate representation of Christ cannot be apprehended apart from the promulgation of sound doctrine.
Make no mistake, God expresses grief and anger when we misrepresent His Son and His purposes as is so often cited in His word. This is not in reference to the innocent trespass of a lack of understanding due to the reality of “looking through a glass darkly,” but rather due to impure motives of the heart. The Old Testament not only speaks of severe judgment upon false prophets, but also placed equal culpability upon those who would hearken to them. The New Testament also warns of false prophets and teachers. Even genuine believers are told, “Let not many of you become teachers..., knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment” (Jas. 3:1). Why this sober warning? Because doctrine does matter.
However, in the New Testament the majority of warnings are to the hearer as opposed to those of the perpetrator, for since we have access to the Spirit of truth, we are ultimately without excuse. Paul forewarns, “for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate to themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths” (II Tim. 4:3-4).
And again, Timothy is exhorted to “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me...” (II Tim. 1:13a). “But the spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,... In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following "(I Tim. 4:1, 6).
Furthermore, one of the chief qualifications for leadership in the Church is that of a man, “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict” (Titus 1:9). One of the strongest forewarnings is given by Peter when he declares, “but false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies..., And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words” (II Pet. 2:1-3a).
Do you see the common thread of culpability among the hearers? Phrases as, “but wanting to have their ears tickled, teachers in accordance to their own desires,” and, “will follow their sensuality". Deception begins with an act of the will, and as such, it is we who allow ourselves to be enticed by teachers and teachings who appeal to our flesh and soul, and not to our spirit.
What is deceptive is the subtleties by which we are ensnared. There does seem to be common ingredients contained within much of our popular, but spiritually tainted teaching of our day. If we look very closely, we would be able to detect one or all of these characteristics spelled out by John in his first letter, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world” (I John 2:16).
If we were to apply this litmus test to what we hear, we would soon come to discover what large amounts of doctrinal leaven are hidden within so much of our present-day teachings. Paul expressed the same concern in the strongest of terms and defined false teaching in similar fashion when he wrote, “for many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the Cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things” (Phil. 3:18-19).
There is no clearer evidence as to Christ’s own zeal for sound doctrine as is revealed in this strong admonition to the Church in Pergamum; “but I have a few things against you, because you have their some who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit acts of immorality. Thus you also have some who in the same way hold to the teaching of the Nicolatians. Repent therefore; or else I am coming to you quickly, and will make war against them with the sword of My mouth” (Rev. 2:14-16).
Christ is quite jealous in regard to His testimony, and especially towards those who presume to speak on His behalf. Sound doctrine is imperative because it is the primary vehicle through which Christ is revealed to us and how He is represented to the world. God longs for us to see His Son as he truly is, and that we might manifest the true Christ, and not another, that we might preach the true Christ, and not another.
Jesus asked Peter this question, “Who do men say that the Son of Man is?” It is as apparent now as it was then that men perceive and represent Him as being many things. The real question for us is the follow-up question asked of Peter, “But who do you say that I am?” The correct response compelled Jesus to reply, “Blessed are you...”
Fred London
by Fred London
We have all heard at one time or another the declaration from a fellow believer, “I don’t get into doctrine!” This is usually taken to mean that doctrine is relatively unimportant when compared to the pursuit of unity within the Body of Christ. On the surface this has the appearance of legitimate spirituality, a God-given mandate beyond dispute. But, are we commanded to have unity at all costs, even at the expense of sound doctrine? Is the depreciation of sound doctrine acceptable in the light of God’s word?
Let us be clear at the outset that we are not speaking of relatively minor doctrinal points; issues over which true men of God have disagreed for centuries, and to our shame have provided the basis for the various denominations which now exist. Nor are we speaking of such issues on a par with hair length which Paul addressed in I Corinthians, Chapter 11, and yet after making his case was unwilling to split a church over it. It is not the minor points that concern us here. It is not legalism that we are embracing. It is the apprehension of the Mind of Christ, a fuller and more accurate expression of His thoughts and His ways in accordance with His purposes.
Likewise, there is the concern that an excessive desire for unity in the Church has taken on subtle forms characteristic of ecumenicalism, while others have elevated spiritual experience over Scriptural basis. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at God’s thought on this matter because the Scriptural fact is, doctrine does matter, and first and foremost, it matters to God.
As one man has argued, “It is better to be divided by truth than united in error.” Paul had this to say to the Corinthians, “For there must also be factions among you, in order that those who are approved may have become evident among you” (I Cor. 11:19). Yes, contrary to popular belief, there actually can be divisions according to the will of God. We are continually reminded of Jesus’ words, “that they may be one, just as we are one” (John 17:22b).
However, what is generally overlooked is the critical phrase, “just as We are one.” Our oneness is predicated upon the same characteristics of oneness as the Father and the Son. In fact, the entire passage which envelopes the preceding phrase speaks of a relationship based upon truth and love, for both ingredients are inseparable. That is why Paul wrote, we are to “speak the truth in love.” And that is why Jesus prayed to the Father to “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth; And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.”
The familiar saying, “You are what you eat,” is consistent with Scripture. Since, “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he,” and, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks,” then what we consume doctrinally will have a direct impact upon who and what we are and in how we express what we believe.
What is meant by sound doctrine? We know that doctrine refers to teaching. It is the term, “sound,” that is so critical to our understanding. In this context, “sound,” means to be healthy, free from defect, damage, or decay, safe, stable. This definition is also indicative of the fruits of sound doctrine. Peter expressed it in this way; “like newborn babes, long for the pure (unadulterated) milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (I Pet. 2:2). The writer to the Hebrews exhorted them to “not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace...” (Heb. 13:9a).
Paul admonished us that we “should no longer be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine... but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ” (Eph. 4:14a, 15). Paul went so far as to say to the Galatians, “... if any man should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:9). Try telling Paul that doctrine doesn’t matter.
What is the hallmark of sound doctrine? Paul wrote to the Corinthians that the essence and sum total of his teaching all boiled down to this; “Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” Is this overly simplistic? No, it is the beginning and the end of all doctrinal truth, for “He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” and, “from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” That is why what is commonly referred to as The Book of Revelation should more accurately be referred to as The Revelation of Jesus Christ. It is more than just a prophetically oriented book of futuristic events, but rather a book which for many of us redefines what prophecy in reality should be.
In fact, God has revealed in this very book His definition of prophecy where he says, “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10c). God furthermore reveals to us that His Son’s name is called “The Word of God” (Rev. 19:13b). And if this be so, it is incumbent upon us, and in particular teachers of the word, to “handle accurately the word of truth” (II Tim. 2:15b). We therefore need to be very clear on this point, that an accurate representation of Christ cannot be apprehended apart from the promulgation of sound doctrine.
Make no mistake, God expresses grief and anger when we misrepresent His Son and His purposes as is so often cited in His word. This is not in reference to the innocent trespass of a lack of understanding due to the reality of “looking through a glass darkly,” but rather due to impure motives of the heart. The Old Testament not only speaks of severe judgment upon false prophets, but also placed equal culpability upon those who would hearken to them. The New Testament also warns of false prophets and teachers. Even genuine believers are told, “Let not many of you become teachers..., knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment” (Jas. 3:1). Why this sober warning? Because doctrine does matter.
However, in the New Testament the majority of warnings are to the hearer as opposed to those of the perpetrator, for since we have access to the Spirit of truth, we are ultimately without excuse. Paul forewarns, “for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate to themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths” (II Tim. 4:3-4).
And again, Timothy is exhorted to “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me...” (II Tim. 1:13a). “But the spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,... In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following "(I Tim. 4:1, 6).
Furthermore, one of the chief qualifications for leadership in the Church is that of a man, “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict” (Titus 1:9). One of the strongest forewarnings is given by Peter when he declares, “but false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies..., And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words” (II Pet. 2:1-3a).
Do you see the common thread of culpability among the hearers? Phrases as, “but wanting to have their ears tickled, teachers in accordance to their own desires,” and, “will follow their sensuality". Deception begins with an act of the will, and as such, it is we who allow ourselves to be enticed by teachers and teachings who appeal to our flesh and soul, and not to our spirit.
What is deceptive is the subtleties by which we are ensnared. There does seem to be common ingredients contained within much of our popular, but spiritually tainted teaching of our day. If we look very closely, we would be able to detect one or all of these characteristics spelled out by John in his first letter, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world” (I John 2:16).
If we were to apply this litmus test to what we hear, we would soon come to discover what large amounts of doctrinal leaven are hidden within so much of our present-day teachings. Paul expressed the same concern in the strongest of terms and defined false teaching in similar fashion when he wrote, “for many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the Cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things” (Phil. 3:18-19).
There is no clearer evidence as to Christ’s own zeal for sound doctrine as is revealed in this strong admonition to the Church in Pergamum; “but I have a few things against you, because you have their some who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit acts of immorality. Thus you also have some who in the same way hold to the teaching of the Nicolatians. Repent therefore; or else I am coming to you quickly, and will make war against them with the sword of My mouth” (Rev. 2:14-16).
Christ is quite jealous in regard to His testimony, and especially towards those who presume to speak on His behalf. Sound doctrine is imperative because it is the primary vehicle through which Christ is revealed to us and how He is represented to the world. God longs for us to see His Son as he truly is, and that we might manifest the true Christ, and not another, that we might preach the true Christ, and not another.
Jesus asked Peter this question, “Who do men say that the Son of Man is?” It is as apparent now as it was then that men perceive and represent Him as being many things. The real question for us is the follow-up question asked of Peter, “But who do you say that I am?” The correct response compelled Jesus to reply, “Blessed are you...”
Fred London
Monday, July 11, 2011
Important Lessons Learned
Some very important things I have learned:
Don't to rely too much on man's teachings and don't put too much trust in man's testimony.
No matter how "right" man's words may seem, no matter how appealing they may be, no matter how much they make sense, no matter how well they may "work":
Test all things.
Search the scriptures.
Trust God and His word not man and his word.
Don't to rely too much on man's teachings and don't put too much trust in man's testimony.
No matter how "right" man's words may seem, no matter how appealing they may be, no matter how much they make sense, no matter how well they may "work":
Test all things.
Search the scriptures.
Trust God and His word not man and his word.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Art Evangelism
My friend Chris paints scripture. He is the one who encouraged me to start doing do the same.
He believes that scripture in art can access places and reach people where scripture would not normally be read. His paintings are displayed in doctors’ surgeries, hospitals, shops and in private homes.
He is the one who introduced me to the art of Colin McCahon .
These are examples of Chris’s work.
He believes that scripture in art can access places and reach people where scripture would not normally be read. His paintings are displayed in doctors’ surgeries, hospitals, shops and in private homes.
He is the one who introduced me to the art of Colin McCahon .
These are examples of Chris’s work.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
In the Beginning
The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said...
Friday, June 24, 2011
Broken Body Shed Blood
The photo above was taken with a flash. The following was taken in natural light.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Déjà vu all over again!
One thing that is continually being made clear is how often people will take a brief excerpt of scripture, interpret it, and base their theological understanding on their interpretation of that brief excerpt.
Will some people ever recognise that scripture is not a collection of isolated sound-bites of truth that can be applied according to whim?
Will they ever recognise that we need all of scripture and we need to look at the overall picture instead of trying to know God through isolated verses?
Yes, this is another rant about context.
Blindness to context is one of the major factors contributing to false doctrine and false teaching in the church today.
Will some people ever recognise that scripture is not a collection of isolated sound-bites of truth that can be applied according to whim?
Will they ever recognise that we need all of scripture and we need to look at the overall picture instead of trying to know God through isolated verses?
Yes, this is another rant about context.
Blindness to context is one of the major factors contributing to false doctrine and false teaching in the church today.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
VICTORY OVER DEATH 2
Yesterday I saw the most powerful artwork I’ve ever seen: Colin McCahon’s “Victory Over Death 2”.
I was at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra and I lost interest in everything else I saw after it. It left me trembling and too emotional to speak.
It was painted on a huge loose canvas. The words “I AM” dominated the work, and portions of bible verses are scrawled on various panels of the canvas.
When I got home I had a quick look at some articles about McCahon that I downloaded from the internet. I read that the painting had been given to Australia by the New Zealand government and that the Australian press had treated the gift with derision and mockery.
An article included a copy of a cartoon mocking the painting’s “I AM” statement.
I confess that after seeing that cartoon I felt like a third Boanerges, wanting to call down fire from heaven in judgement.
____________
Information about the painting can be found here:
http://artsearch.nga.gov.au/Detail.cfm?IRN=57282
An image of the painting can be found here:
http://www.mccahon.co.nz/cm001502
I was at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra and I lost interest in everything else I saw after it. It left me trembling and too emotional to speak.
It was painted on a huge loose canvas. The words “I AM” dominated the work, and portions of bible verses are scrawled on various panels of the canvas.
When I got home I had a quick look at some articles about McCahon that I downloaded from the internet. I read that the painting had been given to Australia by the New Zealand government and that the Australian press had treated the gift with derision and mockery.
An article included a copy of a cartoon mocking the painting’s “I AM” statement.
I confess that after seeing that cartoon I felt like a third Boanerges, wanting to call down fire from heaven in judgement.
____________
Information about the painting can be found here:
http://artsearch.nga.gov.au/Detail.cfm?IRN=57282
An image of the painting can be found here:
http://www.mccahon.co.nz/cm001502
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Refined not Redefined
Two of the proof texts favoured by the promoters of replacement theology are:
And
But to use those texts as support for their theology, the replacement promoters need to totally ignore the clear context of their proof texts.
Regarding Romans 2:28.
Go back several verses and you will read in verse 17:
It is specifically addressed to Jews who were trusting in their blood heritage and their relationship to the law. Paul was saying their heritage was not enough. It was not addressing gentiles and saying they have been made Jews through "circumcision of the heart". It was addressing Jews, saying that MORE than heredity and law observance were needed to be part of God’s people. An inward change worked by the Spirit is necessary.
Regarding Romans 9.
When Paul writes “not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.” He is referring to a faithful remnant of the descendants of Abraham Isaac and Jacob.
The statement is excluding SOME of those descended from Israel - it is NOT a statement intended to include others who are not descended from Israel.
It is not a statement that redefines what Israel means. It is a statement that refines what Israel means.
It does not shift the identity of Israel from one group to another - it narrows down the identity of Israel from a wider inclusive ethnic group to a smaller specific section of that wider group.
It pinpoints the faithful remnant AMONG the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It is not transferring attention outside of those descendants.
It's like saying that not all born into a Christian family are Christian - only those who have their own faith in Jesus.
Rom 2: 28-29 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit
And
Rom 9: 6-8 For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." In other words, it is not the natural children who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring.
But to use those texts as support for their theology, the replacement promoters need to totally ignore the clear context of their proof texts.
Regarding Romans 2:28.
Go back several verses and you will read in verse 17:
“ Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God…”
It is specifically addressed to Jews who were trusting in their blood heritage and their relationship to the law. Paul was saying their heritage was not enough. It was not addressing gentiles and saying they have been made Jews through "circumcision of the heart". It was addressing Jews, saying that MORE than heredity and law observance were needed to be part of God’s people. An inward change worked by the Spirit is necessary.
Regarding Romans 9.
When Paul writes “not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.” He is referring to a faithful remnant of the descendants of Abraham Isaac and Jacob.
The statement is excluding SOME of those descended from Israel - it is NOT a statement intended to include others who are not descended from Israel.
It is not a statement that redefines what Israel means. It is a statement that refines what Israel means.
It does not shift the identity of Israel from one group to another - it narrows down the identity of Israel from a wider inclusive ethnic group to a smaller specific section of that wider group.
It pinpoints the faithful remnant AMONG the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It is not transferring attention outside of those descendants.
It's like saying that not all born into a Christian family are Christian - only those who have their own faith in Jesus.
Monday, June 06, 2011
Israel the nation wiped off the map: what would it mean?
On a forum I frequent someone asked:“Lets say hypothetically Israel the nation was wiped of the map. What would that mean to everyone?”
This is my answer to that question:
It should mean nothing to those who look to the truth of God's word instead of to the world's political map.
Israel as nation WAS wiped off the map for almost 2000 years - and was restored in 1948.
Their long absence from the map is one of the reasons for the creation of replacement theology. With Israel gone, the church needed to give meaning to the many scriptural promises made to Israel, so they assumed that the church had replaced Israel in God's plans.
They overlooked the clearest meaning that Israel's existence did not depend on man's political "realities", but on God's promise. And HIS promises are kept and fulfilled according to HIS timing.
So even if the present day political nation of Israel is wiped off the map again, it would merely mean that Israel will be restored to the land again at some future point in accordance with the prophetic promises given by God.
We should not confuse today's political nation of Israel with the Israel of God. God's Israel takes into account people descended from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob no matter where they live. Despite the creation of the nation state, the majority of Israel remains in exile. One day that exile will end and God's Israel will be totally returned to the land He promised them and they AS A COMPLETE NATION will recognise their Messiah, Jesus and will enter the new covenant through faith in Him.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
A Radical Step to Church Transformation.
Five Steps to Transform Your Church in Seven Months, Guaranteed
Interesting suggestions from Dan at Cerulean Sanctum.
Article here:
Five Steps to Transform Your Church
.
Interesting suggestions from Dan at Cerulean Sanctum.
Article here:
Five Steps to Transform Your Church
.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Are Gentile believers in Jesus “spiritual Jews” or “spiritual Israel”
Are Gentile believers in Jesus “spiritual Jews” or "spiritual Israel"?
Here is a link to an excellent article looking at this question.
http://dailyminyan.wordpress.com/2011/05/25/are-christiansgentile-believers-spiritual-jews-or-israelites-part-i/
Here is a link to an excellent article looking at this question.
http://dailyminyan.wordpress.com/2011/05/25/are-christiansgentile-believers-spiritual-jews-or-israelites-part-i/
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Recent David Pawson Sermons
Some more David Pawson sermons can be found here:
The Uniqueness of Christ
See also:
Israel and the Church
They were recorded at IHOP over the last few days (with some still to come). The links may contain sermons by other preachers who I do not know and therefore cannot recommend.
But I have confidence in David Pawson's teaching.
Posts regarding David Pawson are the most viewed on this blog. Next are some about the Arminianism/Calvinism debate. Those with an interest in the latter may find the two part sermon entitled "Grace: Saving, Sovereign, or Free?" interesting. It can be found through the "Uniqueness of Christ" link.
Thanks to Kevin Jackson for telling me about these.
The Uniqueness of Christ
See also:
Israel and the Church
They were recorded at IHOP over the last few days (with some still to come). The links may contain sermons by other preachers who I do not know and therefore cannot recommend.
But I have confidence in David Pawson's teaching.
Posts regarding David Pawson are the most viewed on this blog. Next are some about the Arminianism/Calvinism debate. Those with an interest in the latter may find the two part sermon entitled "Grace: Saving, Sovereign, or Free?" interesting. It can be found through the "Uniqueness of Christ" link.
Thanks to Kevin Jackson for telling me about these.
Friday, May 06, 2011
The LORD is One !
In the quote below, Jesus prays for unity in the church – just as there is unity between Him and the Father.
Is Jesus praying to Himself asking for His followers to lose their individual identity and existence – to become one being with many names?
Certainly not!
This prayer reveals God in unity, not God in singularity.
It reveals a God in relationship (here between Father and Son), not a God in isolation, not a single God with multiple identities.
John 17:10-12 (English Standard Version)
10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
Is Jesus praying to Himself asking for His followers to lose their individual identity and existence – to become one being with many names?
Certainly not!
This prayer reveals God in unity, not God in singularity.
It reveals a God in relationship (here between Father and Son), not a God in isolation, not a single God with multiple identities.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Obama and Osama: Conspiracy or the Gospel?
The last few days have really got the conspiracy-mongers buzzing.
A Royal wedding (did you know William is the antichrist?)
The release of Obama’s birth certificate which proves he’s a natural born Kenyan (despite revealing he was born in Hawaii).
And the death of Bin Laden (who was killed years ago but the US Govt had reasons to keep that quiet until now).
Of course the Sept 11 attacks that Bin Laden was accused of masterminding were really an inside job authorised by George W Bush so he could erode American freedoms.
The disturbing thing is not that these claims are being made – there will always be weird people with even weirder agenda’s to push – the disturbing thing is that these wild conspiracies are being picked up and distributed by “Christians” on Christian websites and forums.
Standing apart from all of this ridiculous distraction; addressing what is REALLY important in relation to Bin Laden’s death, is an article at this link:
Muslims Still Need Jesus
http://arminiantoday.blogspot.com/2011/05/muslims-still-need-jesus.html
A Royal wedding (did you know William is the antichrist?)
The release of Obama’s birth certificate which proves he’s a natural born Kenyan (despite revealing he was born in Hawaii).
And the death of Bin Laden (who was killed years ago but the US Govt had reasons to keep that quiet until now).
Of course the Sept 11 attacks that Bin Laden was accused of masterminding were really an inside job authorised by George W Bush so he could erode American freedoms.
The disturbing thing is not that these claims are being made – there will always be weird people with even weirder agenda’s to push – the disturbing thing is that these wild conspiracies are being picked up and distributed by “Christians” on Christian websites and forums.
Standing apart from all of this ridiculous distraction; addressing what is REALLY important in relation to Bin Laden’s death, is an article at this link:
Muslims Still Need Jesus
http://arminiantoday.blogspot.com/2011/05/muslims-still-need-jesus.html
Friday, April 29, 2011
Another Gospel: David Wilkerson
A powerful sermon preached by David Wilkerson on a visit to Australia:
http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/visit.php?lid=14354
.
http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/visit.php?lid=14354
.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
David Wilkerson May 19, 1931 – April 27, 2011
The Cross and the Switchblade was one of the first Christian books I read as a teenager. It gave me a view of Christian life and ministry far different to anything I’d known before.As a result of that book and the story it told, David Wilkerson became a genuine Christian celebrity – but he didn’t seem to be seduced by the trappings of celebrity and unlike so many of today’s preachers he didn’t water down his message.
Sadly he has been killed in a car accident in Texas.
More details can be found here:
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2011/April/Rev-David-Wilkerson-Killed-in-TX-Car-Crash/
A memorial service will be streamed live by the Times Square Church he established. Details will be posted on the Time Square Church website.
http://www.tscnyc.org/
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
"Jesus Christians"
There has been an interesting development. The people I have mentioned in my previous two posts have been exposed as being part of the same religious group.
Previously any suggestion that they were in any way connected had been deflected with mocking references to “conspiracies”.
They are a group who live in community. New members are required to sell their possessions and hand the proceeds over to the community. (Hence their means of support without paid work).
They promote the belief that Jesus alone is “the Word of God” and that while scripture is inspired it can be fallible. Therefore they can promote their interpretation of Jesus teaching without reference to anything else in scripture.
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christians
Previously any suggestion that they were in any way connected had been deflected with mocking references to “conspiracies”.
They are a group who live in community. New members are required to sell their possessions and hand the proceeds over to the community. (Hence their means of support without paid work).
They promote the belief that Jesus alone is “the Word of God” and that while scripture is inspired it can be fallible. Therefore they can promote their interpretation of Jesus teaching without reference to anything else in scripture.
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christians
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Words of Jesus vs. The New Testament
A situation mentioned in my previous post continues. Several extreme doctrines are being promoted by a few newcomers on a forum I frequent. They dismiss scriptural evidence against their ideas because they have a very selective approach to scripture. They see “the words of Jesus” as having more authority than the rest of scripture.
The thing that is being missed is that we don’t have “the words of Jesus”. We have the scriptures which contain reports of a small sample of what Jesus taught. The people giving those reports were either witnesses themselves or they compiled reports from others who were witnesses.
If we take the parts of Jesus’ teaching that are reported as part of scripture and remove them from the context of the rest of scripture we are highly prone to misinterpreting and misapplying those teachings.
If "Jesus words" were more important than the rest of scripture then God could very easily have given us books of His sayings and teachings alone, instead of giving us four gospels, an account of the early church, several letters and a book of prophecy.
But He chose to reveal Himself and His purposes through latter.
The thing that is being missed is that we don’t have “the words of Jesus”. We have the scriptures which contain reports of a small sample of what Jesus taught. The people giving those reports were either witnesses themselves or they compiled reports from others who were witnesses.
If we take the parts of Jesus’ teaching that are reported as part of scripture and remove them from the context of the rest of scripture we are highly prone to misinterpreting and misapplying those teachings.
If "Jesus words" were more important than the rest of scripture then God could very easily have given us books of His sayings and teachings alone, instead of giving us four gospels, an account of the early church, several letters and a book of prophecy.
But He chose to reveal Himself and His purposes through latter.
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