Veritas et Lux

SIMPLY JESUS – N.T. Wright (2011)

Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters, by N.T. Wright surveys the historical background of Jesus and presents our Savior from a variety of angles. There are a few features that make it worthwhile.

The Emphasis on the Kingdom of God

Wright’s focus on the kingdom of God is refreshing as he promotes an all-ready, not yet framework. For instance, he adds, “The Beatitudes are the agenda for kingdom people. They are not simply about how to behave, so that God will do something nice to you. They are about the way in which Jesus wants to rule the world.” He continues, “The Sermon on the Mount is a call to Jesus’s followers to take up their vocation as light to the world, as salt to the earth – in other words, as people through whom Jesus’s kingdom vision is to become a reality.”

The emphasis on good works is refreshing component that emerges in Wright’s eschatological framework: “In the New Testament, ‘good works’ are what Christians are supposed to be doing in and for the wider community. That is how the sovereignty of Jesus is put into effect.”

Rejecting the Platonic Vision of Heaven

I especially enjoyed Wright’s frustration with the so-called Platonic vision of heaven that is embraced by so many evangelicals. In many ways, he picks up where Randy Alcorn left off in his magnificent work, Heaven. Wright helpfully notes, “Heaven in biblical thought is not a long way away from ‘earth.’ In the Bible, ‘heaven’ and ‘earth’ overlap and interlock, as the ancient Jews believed they did above all in the Temple … Most people in today’s Western world imagine that ‘heaven,’ by definition, could not contain what we think of as a solid, physical body. That’s because we are Platonists at heart, supposing that if there is a ‘heaven,’ it must be nonphysical, beyond the reach of space, time, and matter.”

While much of the work in Simply Jesus is helpful and encouraging, as a premillenialist, I found the ammillenial eschatological framework interesting but not very helpful, in the final analysis. Wright has a way of making his readers think, especially readers that disagree with him. His writing is winsome, thought-provoking and worthy of a careful read.

GALILEO – Mitch Stokes (2011)

“On February 19, 1616, at the behest of the pope, the Holy Office of the Inquisition asked a panel of eleven theologians to judge the following Copernican theses.” The thesis was stated as follows:

The sun is the center of the world and hence immovable of local motion.

The earth is not the center of the world, nor immovable but moves according to the whole of itself, also with a diurnal motion.

The papal lynch mob responded in kind by suggesting that the immobility of the sun, was “foolish and absurd in philosophy, and formally heretical, inasmuch as it expressly contradicts the doctrine of the Holy Scripture in many passages, both in their literal meaning and according to the general interpretation of the Fathers and Doctors.”

The second thesis was judged in similar fashion:

“… To receive the same censure in philosophy and, as regards theological truth, to be at least erroneous in faith.”

These are the matters before the Roman Catholic Church in the early 17th century, just over 100 years after the thunderbolt that struck when Luther hammered his 95 thesis on the castle door for public dispute. Luther’s action was considered treasonous and heretical and was consequently labeled as a heretic and labeled by the Pope Leo XV as a “wild boar in the vineyard.” As a result, Luther is hunted for the remainder of his days. Evidently, bad habits die hard because Rome is still on the hunt in the 17th century – only this time, their target is the brilliant scientist, Galileo.

Galileo by Mitch Stokes is a fascinating account of a man who sought to reconcile the universals and the particulars. He was not only a sharp scientist (some consider him to be the most influential in the history of western thought), he also had a keen philosophical mind and a heart for the Scriptures.

Stokes guides readers on a fairly comprehensive tour of the Italian genius. He chronicles his days as a boy and discusses the influence of his father, his life as a university student, and ultimately his career as a university professor. But the most interesting part of the tale has to do with Galileo’s defense of Copernicus, the German astronomer who set forth a heliocentric vision of the universe. This vision bravely displaced the earth from the center and moved the sun to “center” stage.

Initially, Rome was content to simply put up with the heliocentric model, (even though the church essentially prohibited the promotion of Copernicanism in a 1616 edict), so long as it was presented as mere “mathematical tool.” Galileo was not content was this clever arrangement – even as his friend made his ascent to the papal throne – Pope Urban VIII.

The publication of Galileo’s book, Dialogue prompted a firestorm that led the Pope to order a special Commission to investigate the contents of the book. The controversy eventually escalated which resulted in “an outburst of rage” from the Pope who remarked that Galileo had “entered the most dangerous ground there was.” Ultimately, Pope Urban accused Galileo of betraying his trust. As a result, he refused to allow Galileo to speak to him personally. Evidently, Galileo forgot that the Pope speaks ex cathedra!

On October, 2, 1632 the Pope ordered Galileo to stand before a Tribunal in Rome (think Luther at the Diet of Worms – here we go again!). When the cardinals weighed in and convicted Galileo, three of the ten refused to sign the verdict which was rendered as “vehemently suspected of heresy.” While he managed to walk away rather than endure the fiery pyre, Galileo was basically placed under house arrest, where he would live out the remainder of his days.

The author is to be commended for writing such an illuminating biography that includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. One astonishing feature is Rome’s passion for supposedly upholding the authority of Scripture (even though they clearly landed on the wrong side of this issue in their refusal to recognize Copernicanism) but their refusal to embrace the Sola Scriptura principle which led to a host of heretical views including the doctrine of purgatory, the assumption of Mary, and the Mass – to name a few.

Galileo is a real inspiration and a quality educational tool – a welcome addition to the Christian Encounters Series.

THE KIND OF PREACHING GOD BLESSES – Steven J. Lawson (2013)

There is a crisis in the church, a crisis of preaching that is both expository and biblical. Dr. Steven Lawson identifies this crisis in his newest book, The Kind of Preaching God Blesses. And while Lawson takes time to uncover the preaching crisis, the lion’s share of the book is a measured antidote; an antidote that is soaked in Scripture and is focused on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Kind of Preaching God Blesses is an expanded sermon based on 1 Corinthians 2:1-9 that Dr. Lawson has preached in several settings. The book is comprised of six headings and are summarized as follows:

1. Everything Except the Main Thing

The author reminds preachers that their task is to proclaim Christ crucified. Lawson writes, “Sadly there is enough dust on the average pulpit Bible to write Ichabod upon it.” Indeed, the glory has departed! What is needed is a new Reformation in the pulpit today: “To fulfill this sacred duty, every preacher must proclaim the full counsel of God. Every doctrine in Scripture must be delivered. Every truth must be taught. Every sin must be exposed. Every warning must be issued. And every promise must be offered.”

I can bear witness after serving in pastoral ministry for over 20 years that Lawson’s challenge comes with a price tag. As one who has sought to preach the full counsel of God’s Word, it is a sad thing to admit that the greatest criticism has come when I have proclaimed the doctrines of God’s sovereignty, predestination and reprobation, radical depravity, monergistic regeneration, and of course – the doctrine of hell. But price tag or not, preachers have this mandate before them: “Preach the Word!”

2. Slick Schtick

“To an alarming degree, an increasing amount of preaching these days can only be described as ‘slick schtick.’ By this I mean that form of communication in which the preacher has little to say, but tragically, says it very well.”

Here the author opposes the postmodern trend to tickle the ear and attract seekers by watering down the message. He notes, “Carnal ears will always want to be charmed and not confronted, captivated and not challenged. Those who stand in pulpits must not cave in to these demands, but maintain the apostolic standard of preaching.”

Chapter two is a primer on how not to preach. Using Paul’s model to the Corinthians, the author warns pastors to refuse to preach with superior speech or lofty speech. He repudiates the use of gimmicks in the pulpit. And he warns against the use of worldly wisdom and so-called human wisdom.

3. One Master Theme

The master theme that must resound in every sermon is the person and work of Jesus Christ. For “to preach the Bible means, chiefly, to preach Christ and him crucified.”

In one of my several visits to the former Soviet Union, I walked into a village church and noticed a sign with Russian characters inscribed above the pulpit. I asked the pastor, “What does it say?” He responded with a huge smile, “Oh, David – it says ‘We preach Christ crucified.'” And so must every man who steps up the preacher’s desk on a weekly basis.

Lawson pounds home the importance and necessity of preaching Christ crucified. He notes, “By His vicarious death, Jesus did not merely make salvation hypothetically possible based upon man’s response. He actually saved a definite number of sinners. True preaching declares the cross as the only way of salvation. Those in bondage to sin have been redeemed by the blood of Christ.”

And the author boldly challenges pastors: “Is Jesus Christ the dominant theme in your preaching? In the pulpit, do you magnify His sovereign lordship and saving work? In your ministry, do you continually point your listeners to him? Do you call people to commit their lives to him?”

4. Strength in Weakness

The focus of chapter four is the role of the Holy Spirit as He empowers the preacher. Paul writes emphatically, “And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:3–5, ESV).

So pastors must rely exclusively on the Holy Spirit to receive power when proclaiming the truth of God’s Word. Preachers who are empowered by the Spirit, therefore have a God-dependence about them. Additionally, they are passionate about the truth they proclaim. No passion – no preaching.

5. A Sovereign Wisdom

The kind of preaching God blesses is grounded in sovereign grace. Lawson remarks, “There is a foundational truth in preaching that must undergird every message – namely, that God is sovereign over all things. With all Spirit-empowered exposition, God must be proclaimed as the Supreme Ruler over all the affairs of human history.” So biblical preaching entails a strong message of God’s sovereign control over all things which finds its culmination in the cross work of Christ which was foreordained before the foundation of the world.

This chapter is especially encouraging to me – for over the years I have been challenged by some who questioned my emphasis on sovereign grace. Indeed, the proclamation of sovereign grace is not a mere footnote to the ministry of proclamation; it stands at the very center of a solid preaching ministry!

6. Marching Orders

Dr. Lawson concludes with an exhortation to preach with distinctly Trinitarian messages. Faithful pastors proclaim Christ crucified, emphasize the ministry and power of the Holy Spirit, and draw the attention of listeners to the predestinating work of the Father. This is the kind of preaching that God blesses.

Summary:

The Kind of Preaching God Blesses is not a typical homiletics text, however it does speak to the topic of homiletics. Most preaching texts will prescribe specific nuts and bolts of biblical exposition. Lawson’s work serves as more of a stimulus – a “holy shove” if you will. It is less of a play book and more of a prescription book. Indeed, this book is the book that pastors everywhere need to read and re-read, absorb, study, and take the contents to heart. It is not a “t.v. dinner” that serves up empty calories that refuses to satisfy. Rather, this work is something akin to a prime rib feast with all the trimmings. Some will be put off by Lawson’s approach. Others will discount it as old and archaic. But those who ignore the message of this book, do so to their own detriment. This little book is destined to explode in the hearts and minds of hundreds of pastors around the world.

This little book is destined to explode in the hearts and minds of hundreds of pastors around the world. I am excited to see how God will use this valuable book; one that should be in the library of every pastor as a forceful reminder that concerns the magnitude of the preaching task.

5 stars

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!