Veritas et Lux

RECKLESS – Jeremy Camp (2013)

From time to time, a Christian artist will release an album that is special – one the grabs the hearts and inspires. Jeremy Camp’s new release, Reckless is such an album. Anyone that follows Jeremy Camp will confess that he is the real deal. Camp is an authentic man of God with a heart for young people. While he continues to remain musically relevant, the lyrics in his songs keep getting better and better. There is a depth of transparency, boldness for Christ, that is layered in gospel-centered tones.

The title track thunders with conviction as Camp wears his gospel-centeredness on his sleeve:

I wanna be reckless
Cause You are endless
I wanna be shameless
And shout Your greatness
I will not be afraid
To surrender my way
And follow who You are
I wanna be reckless, reckless

The Way You Love Me points listeners to the sovereign King who died for the sins of everyone who would ever believe:

Beautiful
The servant and creator
The Son of Man
Born to die for strangers

We learn to love one another
Through the love of the Father
Who gave a righteous King

Free is a fast-moving gospel anthem that celebrates the freedom that Christ brings:
Covered by Your mercy
Captured by a hope that will always remain
I can stop and breathe now
Resting in the shelter of Your name
You reached out to me
And now I sing

And I am free
And I am free
My sin was wrapped around me
Trying to drown me
You have set me free
And I am free
And I am free
The chains that held me tightly
Are finally lifting
You took this weight from me

We Must Remember, in my mind is the most moving track on the album. Camp glories in the penal subsitutionary atonement that is set to slow driving rock that builds throughout the song which ends in a crescendo that gives glory to God:

We must remember
That You have forgotten
And You don’t remember our sins anymore
We must remember
That You have forgotten
And You, You died once and for all

You are the God that bore our shame
You are the taker of our pain
And we know that You are, yes You are
The one true life we need

You are the pure and spotless Lamb
You are the only Great I Am
And we know that You are, yes You are
The God of the redeemed

Reckless is an album worth getting. I anticipate it to be used is a great way to the glory of God in the months to come!

CHURCH ZERO: Raising 1st Century Churches Out of the Ashes of the 21st Century Church – Peyton Jones (2013)

Here’s one I almost missed – and I would have missed out big time! The cover looks emergent – not interested. The promo line reads something like this: “a punk-rock approach to the pressing issue of gaining ground as rapidly as the early church” – not interested. However, a quick scan in the acknowledgments caught my attention. One of the author’s heroes is Martyn-Lloyd Jones. Now I’m interested. Then I learn that the author is a church planter in the U.K. Now I’m really interested. With family roots in the U.K. and a deep admiration for men like John Bunyan, John Owen, and C.H. Spurgeon, my heart has been saddened for many years to see the decline of the church in the land of my forefathers. Anyone who has a passion to reach these people for Christ has my attention!

Church Zero: Raising 1st Century Churches Out of the Ashes of the 21st Century Church by Peyton Jones is a warning to the church; it is a warning to stop playing church. Much like a fired-up football coach on the sidelines, Jones tosses the challenge flag and alerts the church to some dangers he sees; dangers that have plagued the church for quite some time. One danger is the propensity for pastors to build their own “personal empires.” Scripture demands something altogether different, namely – the expansion of God’s kingdom. The author confronts the typical model found in many mega church structures (and I would argue that this same mentality is smoldering in the hearts of many smaller churches as well):

1. Get more people

2. More people = more money

3. More money = more toys

4. More toys – more ways to get people

5. Get more people (rinse and repeat)

Some churches clean up this formula by exchanging “toys” for “tools.” Now the model is “sanctified” so to speak. If the formula for success doesn’t ring a bell, perhaps the formula for failure will:

“Fewer people = less money = fewer toys = less ability to get people, which equals less money again.” Jones rightly argues, “Church can become a pastor’s own personal tower of Babel in which he refuses to spread out and multiply to the glory of God. Babel teaches us that bigger is not always better.”

Jones essentially argues that we need to stop quibbling over the meaning of the word “apostle” and get busy doing the work of apostles – which means church planting. He stands alongside Paul the apostle in pleading with churches to do the work of the ministry fully equipped with apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers.

The author maintains, “The pastor-only club is killing the leadership of the church. Guys are burning out, losing their families, sabotaging their marriages, or simply going back to selling used cars. It’s time those of you in ministry got your life back.” So Jones proceeds to unpack the essence and make-up of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers – each of which “pulls on the average believer to do something that he wouldn’t normally be equipped or constrained to do.” The takeaway is this: People must be mobilized for ministry. Part of that mobilization involves recognizing the giftedness in people and releasing them to minister to the flock and reach lost people.

Church Zero is earthy and even a bit crude at time – so was Martin Luther. This book will make some people mad – sometimes John Calvin upset people (sometimes he still upsets people!) Church Zero will convict – much like Spurgeon sermon. Some will question the approach and tone of the author. Some may even assign false motives. But at the end of the day, when all the chips have been played, readers will be thankful that Peyton Jones wrote this book. He asks the right questions and gives solid biblical answers. His heart for church planting is on every page. My hope is that God will use this book for his purposes and awaken a new breed of church planters who proclaim God’s truth without apology and spark a new reformation in our generation; a reformation that is fueled by revival that is generated exclusively by the Holy Spirit.

Church Zero concludes with these stirring words: “Every church reformation has turned the tide of battle so that the church was charging through the barbed wire on the offensive, instead of hiding in foxholes on the defensive, praying that the shelling would stop … All church reformers shared on thing in common with every man who has ever spilled hid blood on the field of battle; they valued victory for the cause more than their own lives … I believe that the church’s final hour will be its finest hour if it has the stomach for waging war to drive back the gates of hell.”

HOW SHOULD I LIVE IN THIS WORLD? – R.C. Sproul (1983)

How Should I Live in This World by R.C. Sproul is a primer on ethics. The author settles the chief ethical question at the beginning of the book: “There is a right and there is a wrong. The difference between them is the concern of ethics … Ultimately we seek a knowledge of the character of God, whose holiness is to be reflected in the patterns of our behavior. With God there is a definite and absolute black and white.” Sproul’s approach is refreshing in a world that is awash with moral relativism, situational ethics and pragmatism.

The author makes it clear that the basis for Christian ethics is divine revelation: “We assert boldly that God has revealed to us who He is, who we are and how we are expected to relate to Him.” He continues by demonstrating the consequence of abandoning God’s Word: “The departure from divine revelation has brought our culture to chaos in the area of ethics. We have lost our basis of knowledge, our epistemological foundation, for discovering the good.” This commitment to autonomy is the seed bed of sin. When the creature rebels and declares independence from the Creator, he commits cosmic treason.

The remainder of the book examines several ethical questions of special concern to Christ-followers including materialism, capital punishment, abortion, and the conscience. How Should I Live in This World is a needed reminder in a day that is drowning in ungodly worldviews. Students especially should be encouraged to read Sproul’s short book and interact with these crucial questions. One will be challenged to embrace the principle of Sola Scriptura. Indeed, Scripture is our highest authority.

SIMPLY CHRISTIAN: Why Christianity Makes Sense – N.T. Wright (2010)

N.T. Wright has generated some controversy over the last several years. That’s putting it mildly. His views concerning the so-called new perspective on Paul have drawn the attention and criticism of well-known authors like John Piper. But his book Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense jettisons that whole debate. I found the book to be thought-provoking and helpful on many levels.

Wright explores what he calls the “echoes of a voice,” a yearning for justice, spirituality, relationships, and beauty. Each one of these quests, while basic to the human condition eludes us and appears to be just beyond our grasp, yet each will be attainable one day as Christ makes all things new. This is the essence of Part One. He takes each theme and likens them to the “opening movements of a symphony” which alert readers to echoes that are still to come.

Part Two seeks to set forth the basic theological framework about God and the revelation of his Son, Jesus Christ and his plan to rescue sinners from their sin and renew or reshape creation. Wright explores themes the relate to the kingdom of Christ and living by the Spirit.

Part Three explores what it means to follow Jesus, lean into the Holy Spirit and ultimately “advance the plan of this creator God.” Wright dispels the notion that the main purpose of the Christian faith is to live, die, and then go to heaven. Rather, we are called to be “instruments of God’s new creation, the world-put-to-rights which has already been launched in Jesus and of which Jesus’s followers are supposed to be not simply beneficiaries but also agents.”

One of the things I appreciate most about Wright’s work is his interaction with other worldviews. In Schaeffer-like fashion, he contrasts historic Christianity with deism, pantheism, and panentheism – to name a few. He sorts through various options and shows how the Christian faith is the only viable option. In many ways, Simply Christian is an introduction to biblical theology with strong apologetic arguments along the way. In other ways, it is an introduction to spiritual formation – alerting readers to the riches found in Christ and the power of his resurrection and beckoning them to find their satisfaction in Christ.

The author concludes by challenging readers: “We are called to be part of God’s new creation, called to be agents of that new creation here and now. We are called to model and display that new creation in symphonies and family life, in restorative justice and poetry, in holiness and service to the poor, in politics and painting … Christians are called to leave behind, in the tomb of Jesus Christ, all that belongs to the brokenness and incompleteness of the present world. It is time, in the power of the Spirit, to take up our proper role, as agents, heralds, and stewards of the new day that is dawning.” This is a book that deserves careful attention. Like a child who longs to explore the countryside, I plan to return for another visit — for there is more to explore and understand.

4 stars

STRYPER: THE YELLOW AND BLACK ATTACK IS BACK!

Stryper shocked the world in the early 80’s with their yellow and black spandex, distorted guitars, and long hair. I’ll never forget the first time a saw a photograph of them. My buddy flipped open a copy of Campus Life magazine and I was stunned. “Christians can’t look like that,” I thought. So I thought! Who would have dreamed that we would still be listening to Stryper almost 30 years later!

I first saw Stryper, live in 1984 at the Paramount Theater in Seattle. Honestly, it might be one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Back then, the boys in yellow and black were in their twenties. This year, Michael Sweet will turn 50. His voice keeps getting better. I may be a bit biased since he’s been one of my favorite vocalists for most of my life! And he has finally established himself as a first-rate guitar player.

In those days, Stryper shows were picketed by the modern-day Pharisees. Jesus called these folks”blind guides” and “whitewashed tombs.” He had some strong words for those religious leaders: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.” (Matthew 23:15, ESV)

2,000 years later, the Pharisees are still at it, but they’ve found other people to hurl their insults at. I remember feeling a certain amount of hostility as a young person who watched these religious zealots parade up and down the sidewalk with their goofy homemade signs. But the more I watched, I felt sorry for them. They were not only missing out on some great music; they were belittling the ministry of some guys were serving God and encouraging thousands of people. I had a great conversation with someone a few days ago who admitted to being involved in the occult before she had ever heard of Stryper. She said, “The album To Hell With the Devil is what did it for me.” Now she is an active follower of the Lord Jesus Christ!

When I first heard about the new Stryper project, Second Coming – I was skeptical. Knowing that most of the songs would be re-recorded hits, it sounded like all we would get is recycled Stryper converted from cassette tape to CD – from guys that will be collecting social security before too long! I was dead wrong. The production is crisp and several tracks include new and improved background vocals that were nowhere to be found on the original recordings. Frankly, these guys just keep getting better and better.

Listening to some of the lyrics that were penned almost thirty years ago not only brings back some great high school and college memories; it is a vivid reminder of the work of grace that God did in the hearts of four metal heads. And when sovereign grace touches the heart of a human being, a work of transformation begins! Paul the apostle writes, “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:3–5, ESV). God reached down and rescued four young men and determined to use them for his purposes! And he used them (and continues to use them) to minister on ground that most Christ-followers fear to tread.

Two new tracks appear on the disc. Bleeding From the Inside Out finds a broken man trapped in sin “bandaged in fear and doubt” and “brought to his knees by a life and death collision” who comes face to face with redemption that is found in Christ. Blackened has an updated Stryper vibe that confronts the sin which plagues the human heart.

Most people forget the role that Stryper played in the contemporary music scene. They blazed the trail for some classic bands such as Barren Cross, Bloodgood, Whitecross, and Sacred Warrior in the mid-80’s. It is not an overstatement to say that Stryper changed the face of contemporary Christian music. Indeed, they were the “Lewis and Clark” who blazed the trail for a whole new style of Christian music. And the yellow and black pioneers don’t show any signs of giving up any time soon. More albums are in the works with tours to follow in 2013 – great news for old (really old) Stryper fans!

ONE PERFECT LIFE – John F. MacArthur (2013)

One Perfect Life: The Complete Story of the Lord Jesus by John MacArthur, is as the name suggests, about the second member of the Trinity. One Perfect Life is what I would call an extended harmony of the Gospels – extended because MacArthur reaches back into the Old Testament, which anticipates the coming of Christ as the God-man, thus setting the stage for what follows. It also an extended harmony because MacArthur takes the time to reflect on the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the final section; a section which reflects on the treasure trove that is the gospel. Here MacArthur utilizes a wide range of New Testament passages which alert the reader to the centrality of Christ’s death, the victory of his resurrection, the wonder of his ascension, the certainty of his return, and salvation which is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Each page includes references and footnotes much like one would find in a solid study Bible.

Other harmonies have been written throughout church history and MacArthur notes as such in the Introduction. So while the idea behind this book is not new or novel, it is a refreshing look at Scripture which presents the narrative of Jesus in a sweeping story of epic proportions. Readers will be drawn in immediately and their attention will be riveted and engaged as they consider the person and work of Jesus Christ. One Perfect Life is perfect for devotional reading, personal study, and personal evangelism – all compiled by a first-rate pastor, theologian, and man of God.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

5 stars

The Indispensable Need for Unity: Part 5

For several days now, we have been discussing unity. We have argued that there is an indispensable need for unity, especially in the local church. Thus far, we have seen:

The Definition of Unity
The Defining Marks of Unity
The Deterrents to Unity
The Devil’s Hatred of Unity

The previous discussion uncovered an important principle that Satan uses division in order to divert the people of God, which will, in the final analysis, distract them and lead them in a direction that will destroy the aim of unity. So notice, finally, the destructive nature of division.

The Destructive Nature of Division

The foundational observation is this. The first division that takes place after creation is the Fall of man in the garden. Simply put, our first parents experienced division when Eve usurped her husband’s leadership. There is not only horizontal division between Adam and Eve; there is the vertical division between people and God. God warned Adam that when he ate of the forbidden tree, he would surely die (Gen. 2:17). When Adam and Eve disobeyed Scripture tells us that “their eyes were opened” (Gen. 3:7). Consequently, they became enemies of God (Rom. 5:10), children of wrath (Eph. 2:1-3) and were enslaved to sin (John 8:34).

Second, the sin of division is listed among the deeds of the flesh. The destructive nature of division becomes readily apparent when it is viewed in the context of Paul’s letter to the church at Galatia. Paul the apostle writes, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19–21, ESV). The word “division” is translated from a Greek word, translated as “heresy” or “faction.” While division may appear petty to some, it is listed among the sins of the flesh. And note, the warning, “Those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (v. 21). Jude 18-19 also includes a serious warning for people who cause division: “They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit” (Jude 18–19, ESV). Division is a serious sin that must not be tolerated among the people of God!

Third, recognize that division destroys church families. Paul admonishes the church at Corinth, a church who became well-known for their carnal behavior: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV). The present tense of the verb translated “appeal” demonstrates Paul’s urgency in putting this matter before the Corinthians. The word translated “divisions” comes from the Greek word that is commonly translated “schism.” The word implies a “tearing apart or splitting apart.” It also involves the opposition of sound doctrine. Suffice it to say, division will strike mercilessly against the very fiber of a local church. It will take on a life of its own. Division is a relentless enemy. Division is a vicious monster. It is a malignant cancer that will devastate and destroy. Division is a virus that must be confronted boldly and biblically. If divisive people are left unchallenged, they will annihilate a church from the inside out.

Finally, division is contrary to the purposes of God. The apostle Paul pleaded with the church at Rome to be on guard against anyone who might introduce the cancer of bitterness in the church family: “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them” (Romans 16:17, ESV). He uses a different Greek word, translated “division” here. The word means, “dissension or discord” and is virtually synonymous with the “schism” that we learned about in 1 Corinthians 1:10.

Summary

Here is the takeaway: God hates division. God does not approve of factions or schisms. God, however, places a premium on unity. So we confess there is an indispensable need for unity in the church. As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, may we stand in unity around the purposes of the church. May we stand in unity around sound doctrine. For we will not equivocate or compromise the doctrinal standards of the church. May the unity the emerges in the church begin with each faithful Christian and may it flow like “oil down Aaron’s beard” for the benefit of local congregations. And may the world take notice! May the world recognize that we are disciples of Jesus who stand together in unity which will be expressed in the kingly reign of Christ in a future day to come!

The Indispensable Need for Unity: Part 4

The Devil’s Hatred of Unity

Make no mistake – the devil despises unity. He will do whatever it takes to divide family and friends. He will pull out all the stops to divide a church or ministry. And he will work tirelessly in order to divide a country. One of the things that Satan hates the most is a unified church family. Note several reasons for the devil’s utter antipathy of unity.

First, when God’s people are united, the body of Christ works as God intends – harmoniously. Paul speaks of this unity in 1 Cor. 12. “But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that they may be no divisions in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (ESV). Here we see that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. God is honored and glorified when the body of Christ works in a harmonious fashion; when the people of God are mobilized and faithfully exercising their God-given spiritual gifts. Satan on the other hand, loathes the very notion of unity with a devilish passion.

Second, when God’s people are united, the gospel goes forward in great power. We see this demonstrated most vividly in the book of Acts. In Acts 1:8, the apostles receive a promise; a promise of the Holy Spirit’s power that will accompany their ministry as they faithfully proclaim the gospel to the nations. In Acts 2, the day of Pentecost arrives and Peter preaches a bold sermon that results in the conversion of 3,000 people (Acts 2:41). As the people of God devote themselves to the purposes of the church (Acts 2:42), God faithfully “added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). In Acts 4:4, we witness the conversion of 5,000 more people as they sit under the preaching ministry of Peter. This pattern occurs over and over in the book of Acts. When the people of God stand united, the gospel goes forward in great power – all the more reason for the devil to despise a united church.

Third, when God’s people are united, Christ’s agenda triumphs over people’s personal agendas. Here’s a principle to remember: Rejecting bickering results in rejoicing together. When personal agendas are set aside for kingdom purposes, Christ’s agenda prevails. So the devil will work strenuously to pit believer against believer. Woe to the church who passively sits by while the personal agendas of carnal people win the day. When personal agenda strike at the core of the local church, the devil has gained a major victory.

Fourth, when God’s people are united, God is greatly glorified. When forgiveness is at the center of a church family and grace marks the ministry, people are encouraged and God receives the glory. When selfish agendas are cast aside, God is glorified. When “pet projects” are shelved in order to defer to a higher purpose, God is glorified. Paul notes, “For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 4:15, ESV).

We have uncovered some reasons why the devil hates unity. But it does not end here. Satan not only hates unity; there is something he loves, namely, division. The devil relishes a people who are divided. He is eager to promote division, especially in the church. So notice several reasons for the devil’s love of division in the church.

The Devil’s Love of Division

First, when the church is divided, effectiveness fades. Nothing could be plainer. When people are at war, the troops lose strength and effectiveness wanes. Quite honestly, division takes work. And while the people who are engaged in division grow weak, it is the faithful efforts of shepherds that are ultimately affected. I often wonder if people who spark division really understand how pleased the devil is with their work.

Second, when the church is divided, ministry morale declines. This principle is related to the previous one. For whenever division takes root in a church, ministry morale by definition will be on the downgrade.

Third, when the church is divided, the flesh is stirred to action. I have learned from experience that when a group fosters division in a church, their sinful activity has a stunning effect. It actually brings out the worst in people. It serves, if you will, as a sin catalyst – igniting the flesh in people who moments before were faithfully serving God. It is no wonder that the devil has such a passion for division.

Fourth, when the church is divided, the gospel is tarnished. I was never much of a math student but here’s an equation I understand and have seen firsthand over the years. Gossip + division = a lack of love. And if we take John 13:35 seriously and affirm that people will recognize that we are disciples because of the love we show one another, it stands to reason that a divided church actively and aggressively tarnishes the gospel. Francis Schaeffer rightly notes that the “final apologetic” is our love for one another and the unity expressed in the context of relationships. I’m convinced that Satan is perfectly happy to see the gospel being proclaimed by a divided church – because the luster of the gospel is being adulterated which results in a weak, tepid, and ineffective message. May God help us!

Fifth, when the church is divided, the Holy Spirit is quenched and grieved. When Jesus prayed the High Priestly prayer in John 17, he said, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-21, ESV). In other words, the Trinity has from all eternity been in perfect fellowship and unity. So when disunity invades a church, it strikes at the core of who God is. Division militates against what is precious to God, namely, unity. The Holy Spirit, therefore, is quenched and grieved when division puts a stranglehold on unity.

Sixth, when the church is divided, God is not glorified. Of course, whenever a church is divided, God is not honored. And when God is not honored and glorified, we find the devil grinning ear to ear. I heard a pastor say a few days ago that he “does not believe in the devil.” Now the arch-enemy of our souls is really smiling. He’s not only managed to spark division in the church; he’s convinced one of the leaders in the church that he is only an imaginary enemy.

So we come back to the primary assertion, namely, there is an indispensable need for unity in the church of Jesus Christ. A church that fails to live up to the biblical ideal is a disobedient church; a church that is marginalized; a church that is weak and ineffective. May God give us strength to obey the mandate before us. May we stand side by side in unity all for the great namesake of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Indispensable Need for Unity: Part 3

Over the last few days, we have defined unity and discovered some critical marks of biblical unity. Today, let us mark out the deterrents to unity; roadblocks that prevent God’s best in the local church.

The Deterrents to Unity

1. Marriages that are Divided

The first division that occurred in marriage took place in the garden between our first parents, Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:1-7). Eve was deceived by the serpent. Her deception led her down a slippery slope which resulted in her usurping of Adam’s headship; headship that was granted by God. Adam relinquished his God-given role as the leader in his marriage and stood by passively. The division that took place in the garden led to what I call the post-fall propensity. Adam’s sin plunged humanity on a sinful path that leads to death (Rom. 5:12). The post-fall propensity affects both men and women in marriage to this day. Men struggle with one of two sins in this area. They struggle with being docile – the sin of passivity (Gen. 3:6-7) and they struggle with dominating their wives (Gen. 3:17). Both sins result in the ungodly abdication of the leadership role that is granted by God. Additionally, in this arena, women struggle with usurping their husbands’ authority (Gen. 3:17). This sin expresses itself in ungodly assertiveness. The combination of ungodly abdication and ungodly assertiveness leads to a sharp and contentious division in marriage.

2. Leadership Teams that are Divided

Nothing will marginalize a church quicker than a leadership team that is divided. There are two broad areas to consider. The first involves a person or group of people who make efforts to divide a leadership team. Often times, unexposed sin motivates such an effort and must be dealt with swiftly or sin will eat through an organization like a cancer. When Paul confronted the sexual sin at the church in Corinth, he warned, “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened” (1 Cor.. 5:6-7). Sin that is allowed to fester is like unwanted mold or rust that continues to grow until it destroys everything in sight.

The second kind of division may involve two godly people who disagree on a theological matter or the direction of a given ministry. Paul and Barnabas disagreed on a matter that led them to go their separate ways (Acts 15:39, ESV). Barnabas sailed to Cyprus with Mark at his side and Paul traveled to Syria and Cilicia with Silas. The fascinating result is found in Acts 15:41 – “And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” These men understood the deadly danger of division and determined to maintain the unity of the church by separating and going in different directions.

3. Gossip

Gossip is a sin that appears to be tolerated in many churches. This should never be – for gossip is a serious sin in the eyes of God. Ezekiel 36:3 refers to gossip as an “evil” activity. Paul includes gossip along with a list of other sins including covetousness, malice, envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness (Rom. 1:29, ESV). Gossip is listed among other sins like quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, and conceit in 2 Corinthians 12:20. Proverbs 16:28 says, “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” And Proverbs 17:9 warns, “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” Indeed, gossip should not be found among the people of God. Gossip has the power to divide and even destroy a church.

4. Personal Agendas

Hang around a local church for any amount of time and one is bound to find people with personal agendas. Worship styles, philosophy of ministry, polity, and a whole laundry list of items contribute to this thorny matter. Yet Scripture calls us to put the needs of others before our own; we are called to humble ourselves and seek the good of others. Personal agendas left unchecked will fester and spark division in the church. Personal agendas can dismantle the unity of a church almost overnight.

5. People Who Oppose Leadership

Finally, people who politic and form splinter groups to oppose the leadership pose a grave threat to the unity of the church. We will examine this problem in the next post. But suffice it to say, these schisms not only hurt the unity of the church; they displease the Savior and cast a long shadow on the Bride of Christ; a shadow which extends into the world and communicates a message that does great harm to the church.

These deterrents to the unity of the church must be identified, confronted, and challenged with the full weight of biblical authority. Again, we aim for unity in the church.

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, ESV)

The Indispensable Need for Unity : Part 2

women forming heart gestures during daytime

Yesterday, we looked at the indispensable need for unity by defining unity – “the state of being one or united.” Unity points to harmony. We noted three biblical examples of unity that surface in the New Testament. Today, notice the defining marks of unity.

The Defining Marks of Unity

1. Unity is a gift

Specifically, unity is a gift from God. Pay close attention to how the New International Version translates Psalm 133:1-3.

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”

James Boice observes, “The threefold repetition “running down,” “running down,” and “down” – the Hebrew uses the same verb each time – emphasizes that the blessing of Aaron’s anointing was from above himself, that is, from God.” So we surmise that unity is a precious gift from God. This gift must be cherished and cultivated. This gift must be guarded. But even children recognize an important principle, namely, good gifts should be shared with others. This leads us the second mark of unity.

2. Unity is a blessing that is meant to be shared with others

When Aaron received a blessing from God, his task was to share the gift. Boice adds, “There is even the hint, that since the oil was ‘precious oil’ – the best oil blended with myrrh, cinnamon, cane, and cassia (Exod. 30:22-24) – the anointing would have been wonderfully fragrant and would have filled the air wherever Aaron went.” Christians would do well to follow Aaron’s lead and share the blessing of unity with other people. Paul speaks of the “fragrance of the knowledge of Christ” and the “aroma of Christ” in 2 Cor. 2:14-15. Perhaps the good gift of unity that comes from God can be manifest in this culture for his glory. Perhaps the world will smell the aroma of unity when they interact with believers. And the unity that the world “smells” will be a powerful witness and confirmation of the truthfulness of the gospel.

3. Unity should by definition, be contagious

Here is a challenge. We are either uniters or dividers. The book of Nehemiah illustrates this principle in a powerful way as the people of God stand united around God’s Word. First, the people begin by asking Ezra to bring the book – they are united around their desire to sit under the teaching ministry of God’s Word (Nehemiah. 8:1).

Second, the people were attentive to God’s Word – they are unified around their desire to listen and pay attention to God’s Word. Nehemiah 8:3 says, “And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.” These godly people spent a good portion of their day listening to God’s Word and learning about God’s Word. Yet we find ourselves in a culture that can scarcely sit through a 20-minute sermon. People are begging pastors to shorten their sermons. And many pastors are listening! Some have dropped the Word of God altogether and replaced it with self-help tips, psychology, and man-centered techniques. May it never be! The people of God should stand unified in their ardent desire to listen and pay attention to the Word of God!

Third, the people responded reverently to God’s Word – they were unified in their posture before God’s Word:

“And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing because they had understood the words that were declared to them.” (Nehemiah 8:12, ESV). These people applied what they were learning and responded with great reverence.

Finally, the people responded in worship to God’s Word – they were unified in their adoration and worship. Several observations seem to be in order. Note that no one is complaining about the length of the service. No one is questioning the length of the sermon. A few years ago, a good friend took me to lunch. He leaned in close and said, “Last Sunday, you looked at your watch while you were preaching. I don’t ever want to see you look at your watch in the pulpit. God has given you a message. You need to deliver it! Quit worrying about the time. Let the roast burn!” In Nehemiah 8, the people of God are fixated on one thing, namely, submission to God and bowing before his transcendent majesty!

4. Unity is a glimpse of heaven

clouds and sun during sunset

In heaven, all the saints will be in perfect harmony. They will be united. Boice rightly says, “[Unity] can be rediscovered and reestablished in the church, but only as men and women get outside themselves and submit their own selfish individualism to a higher and more worthy cause than self-indulgence.” As we learn to set aside our selfish agendas, unity will begin to grow and offer a foretaste of heaven.

May the marks of unity define our lives. May we acknowledge that it is a gift from God. May we share it with others. And may the world see the church function in the way that God intends. Then and only then, will they know that we are Christians by our love because they will see God’s people united around the plans and purposes of God!