Veritas et Lux

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!

The Indispensable Need For Unity: Part 1

I’ll never forget the time I bumped into a pastor at the store one day. We served together for some time in ministry and enjoyed a good friendship and working relationship. I asked, “How have you been?” He proceeded to tell me about the church he was serving at and how one of the members had leveled some horrible accusations against him; accusations that were not true in any way, shape, or form. These accusations began to swell and before long the pastor was driven out and the church eventually disintegrated.

There is an indispensable need for unity in the church of Jesus Christ. God places a premium on unity. The one God who has revealed himself in three persons has from all eternity been united; in perfect fellowship. And the Trinity will be unified unto all eternity. Indeed, this is his call to the church. King David unfolds the blessings of unity in Psalm 133:1-3. He begins, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” In verses 2 and 3, compares unity to the precious oil that ran on the head of Aaron which ran onto his beard and down the collar of his robes. He compares unity to the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion.

The Definition of Unity

Unity points to the community. It suggests the state of being one where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The essence of unity is harmony. This is the call of the church – to be unified. Yet a quick survey of local churches reveals a disturbing trend. Many of these churches may appear to be unified externally but are on the verge of collapse on the inside. Notice three New Testament examples of this call to unity.

Ephesians 4:1-3

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Paul uses a Greek word here, translated as “unity” which is a “oneness.” It is important to see that unity is tied to humility, gentleness, patience, and longsuffering. We can safely say that to the degree that these qualities are absent in the church – to that degree disunity will prevail.

Ephesians 4:13

“until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ …”

God places a premium on unity; so much so that it stands at the heart of God’s purposes for the church. And note its aim, namely, mature manhood, “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” In order to be unified in the way that God intends, we must be growing deeply in the soil of God’s grace. So churches that marginalize theological pursuit are in danger of disobeying this important component of church life. Churches that get caught up in pragmatic approaches to ministry miss out on the blessing that unity brings!

1 Peter 3:8

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

Peter uses a different Greek word here. It is a word that means, “the state of being united; a thing forming a complex whole; like-minded.” I serve at a church where the men gather on a regular basis to weigh-in on important decisions and shepherd the flock of God. From time to time, we have strong opinions on a given issue, yet something incredible always happens. We always leave the meeting united. My prayer is that the same spirit would permeate the local church. Sometimes we agree to disagree. This is part of life. But when a decision is made, we must make a conscious decision to be unified. May unity mark churches that embrace the biblical gospel of Jesus Christ. May we stand united around the purposes of our Savior for the glory of God!

WHO IS JESUS? – R.C. Sproul (2010)

“Who is Jesus?” is the name of the book. In a short 105 page treatment, Dr. R.C. Sproul provides the answer. Writing with the simplicity and the profundity that we have grown to love over the years, Sproul delivers a satisfying and biblical answer.
He begins by challenging the liberal view of Jesus – the view that has more in common with a cartoon character than what the New Testament presents. Sproul sets forth the evidence in a way that any thoughtful person can understand. He encourages readers to build their understanding of Jesus in the Scriptures: “When we go back to the biblical sources, we recognize that any attempt to understand Jesus must take into account the dangers imposed by our own minds.” Wise words that many times go unheeded.

Sproul continues his discussion by guiding readers through a prism of titles. He presents Christ as the “Messiah,” “Son of David,” “Suffering Servant of Israel,” “Son of Man,” “Lord,” “Son of God,” “Logos, and “Savior.”

The book concludes with a guided tour of Jesus’ life. Sproul includes his birth, baptism, temptation, passion, ascension, and resurrection. The author highlights the ascension (a doctrine that is too often ignored): “The ascension is the apex of Christ’s exaltation, the acme of redemptive history to this point. It is the pregnant moment of Christ’s coronation as King. Without it, the resurrection ends in disappointment and Pentecost would not be possible.”

Sproul does a fine job answering the question posed in the book. His answer is short and to the point. The book serves several noteworthy purposes:

A general introduction to Christology
A great discipleship tool
A discussion starter for skeptics
A welcome gift for guests in a local church

WHAT WE TALK ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT GOD – Rob Bell (2013)

I am a disturbed man. I am disturbed because people compromise the truth. I am disturbed because people marginalize the truth and swerve away from biblical reality. I am disturbed because a great communicator with a bright mind and a love for people continues down a rocky path. On Tuesday, March 12, Rob Bell unveiled his newest book, What We Talk About When We Talk About God. I am disturbed because one group of people uncritically accepts anything that comes off the end of Bell’s pen. On the other hand, I am disturbed by Christians who refuse to debate civilly with the likes of Bell. Instead, they cast stones and call names. They protest outside at his speaking events and drop nasty one liners on Facebook. Surely, there must be a better way!

In Bell’s previous offering, Love Wins, several fundamental doctrines were undermined, most notably the doctrine of hell. Bell argued then, “If we want hell, if we want heaven, they are ours. That’s how love works. It can’t be forced, manipulated, or coerced. It always leaves room for the other to decide. God says yes, we can have what we want, because love wins.” The author continues, “Restoration brings God glory; eternal torment doesn’t. Reconciliation brings God glory; endless anguish doesn’t. Renewal and return cause God’s greatness to shine through the universe; never-ending punishment doesn’t.”

The author continues the dialogue (according to emergent standards) in What We Talk About When We Talk About God. The writing is witty and inquisitive. Bell has mastered the art of asking questions and has adjusted his eyes and tuned his ears in order to understand postmodern culture.

One of Bell’s central claims in the book is this: “We have a problem with God.” He argues that many people are rethinking the nature of God. Personally, I think that Bell is on to something here. He is keenly aware of a shift that appears to be taking place in the minds of some people that concerns the nature of God. Consider some of the ways that the nature of God has been recast in recent years, especially with the rise of open theism, inclusivism, and universalism. Bell is not only aware of this “mind-shift” that has to do with the nature of God; he embraces it himself. He compares God to the classic Oldsmobile. This old car served many people in its day but has since been proven irrelevant. Bell ponders what he calls the “tribal God” – “… the one who’s always right (which means everybody else is wrong) – is increasingly perceived to be small, narrow, irrelevant, mean, and sometimes just not that intelligent.” Bell quips, “Is God going to be left behind? Like Oldsmobiles?”

What We Talk About When We Talk About God essentially argues that the old view of God (the Oldsmobile view) is outdated and needs to be updated. The argument revolves around three words: “With, For, and Ahead.” Essentially, Bell argues that God is with us, for us, and ahead of us – all of us.

With: God is with us. He is the “energy, the glue, the force, the life, the power, and the source of all we know to be the depth, fullness, and vitality of life from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows and everything in between.”

For: God is for us. “I believe God is for every single one of us, regardless of our beliefs or perspectives or actions or failures or mistakes or sins or opinions about whether God exists or not.”

Ahead: God is ahead of us. “It’s as if human history were progressing along a trajectory, an arc, a continuum; and sacred history is the capturing and recording of those moments when people became aware that they were being called and drawn and pulled forward by the divine force and power and energy that gives life to everything.”

These affirmations are all very interesting and will likely receive much positive feedback. But do they stand up to the scrutiny of Scripture? I offer four specific critiques that go to the core of the book.

1. Being Certain About Certitude

Bell stands shoulder to shoulder with postmodern thinkers who mock the possibility of certitude. Anyone who has studied the Enlightenment (Christian and non-Christian alike) will admit a posture of arrogance during these days. But certitude does not necessarily entail an arrogant attitude. Indeed, even Bell is pleading for a particular kind of knowledge that is wedded with humility. Orthodoxy should include bold propositions and large doses of humility.

What is troubling about Bell’s discomfort with certitude is that certitude appears throughout the book. His certitude about the world, the laws of physics, and the nature of God conflicts with the argument against certitude!

2. A Failure to Distinguish Between Law and Gospel

I am increasingly aware of and concerned with Christian thinkers who fail to distinguish between law and gospel. What is concerning about this particular work is that neither emerge clearly. When the author argues that “God is for every single one of us” law is essentially extinguished. Additionally, the gospel appears to be inclusive; it is a gospel that appears to cut across all kinds of theological traditions, including traditions that fall outside the pale of orthodoxy.

3. A Failure to Distinguish Between the Creator and the Creature

The notion that God is “with us,” “for us,” and “ahead of us leads readers away from the importance of the Creator-creature distinction. The apostle Paul made this distinction plain in his message to the philosophers in Athens: “The God who made the world and everything in it, being the Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything” (Acts 17:24-25, ESV).

Acts 17:22-31 reveals a Creator God who is the cosmos shaper, the kingdom shaker who lives above creation. He is the all-sufficient Ruler, Life Giver, and Destiny Maker. And he is the righteous Judge who “commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed …” (Acts 17:30-31, ESV).

And Scripture speaks of the creature who was created by God (Gen. 2:7). The creatures (Adam and Eve) were originally free from sin but fell and as a result became sinners by nature and by choice (Gen. 3:1-7). As such, these sinful creatures have no inherent righteousness, no desire for God (Rom. 3:10-11). Subsequently, all creatures are born with a hatred in their hearts for God (Rom. 8:7-8). They are dead in sin (Eph. 2:1-3), and they are enslaved in sin; totally unable to come to Christ apart from God’s empowerment (John 6:44). These creatures are dependent upon God for everything. These creatures, while given the ability to make free choices, are determined (Acts 17:26; Prov. 19:21; 21:1). And these creatures are accountable to a righteous and sovereign Judge (Rom. 2:5-11).

4. A Failure to Reveal the Whole Truth About God

The notion that God is “with us,” “for us,” and “ahead of us (every single one of us) may sound good initially but falls short of the biblical model. It is true that God is with his people. We see this especially in the incarnation of Jesus, the One who is named Immanuel – or God with us (Matt. 1:23). Yet God is not “with” the man who has rejected the revelation of God in Christ. “… Whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36).

It is true that God is “for us” – that is to say, he is for his people. “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39, ESV). Yet God is not “for” the man who has rejected the promises and purposes of God. He resists the proud (Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5).

And it is true that God is “ahead of us” – he works on behalf of his people (Isa. 64:4). Indeed, he works all things for good – but not for all. The promise in Romans 8:28 is this: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, ESV). And Scripture is clear on this point: God does not give sovereign grace to all people. “For many are called, but few are chosen”” (Matthew 22:14, ESV). The one who resists God’s authority; the one who refuses to take refuge in God will endure the wrath of almighty God (Ps. 2:12; Deut. 32:35; Rom. 1:18-24).

The model presented in What We Talk About When We Talk About God appears to have something in common with panentheism which says that the world is “in” God. So in the final analysis, the book appears to make much of God’s immanence and make light of his transcendence.

A.W. Tozer rightly said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Tozer continues, “Among the sins to which the human heart is prone, hardly any other is more hateful to God than idolatry, for idolatry is at bottom a libel on His character. The idolatrous heart assumes that God is other than He is – in itself a monstrous sin – and substitutes for the true God one made after its own likeness.” Therefore, we must beware of our propensity to fashion a god that suits our particular needs. We must always subject our vision of God to the Scriptures and allow God’s Word to have the final say.

My plea to fellow evangelicals who disagree with Bell is to engage with biblically minded sensibility. Name calling and ad hominem attacks must stop. May our debates with those whom we disagree be filled with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Col. 3:12). And when we talk about God, may our talk reflect the biblical vision of God that emerges in Scripture. May we bow before his transcendent majesty. May his holiness stop us dead in our tracks. May we find comfort in his immanence – for he finds great delight in working for his people. May we marvel at and worship this great God who tends “his flock like a shepherd and gathers the lambs in his arms” (Isa. 40:11).

Soli Deo Gloria!

17 CENTS AND A DREAM – Daniel Milstein (2012)

17 Cents and a Dream is an inspiring story about Daniel Milstein, a Ukrainian boy who fled from the Soviet Union just before the collapse. Milstein’s family settled in Michigan where they worked hard while they awaited the day when they could be sworn in as citizens of the United States. Milstein’s “rags to riches” story is a testament to a hard-working man and a country worth fighting for. A quick read and a reminder that freedom is a precious commodity that most Americans seem to take for granted these days.