In a sermon series by Pastor Carter Goolsby of Mechanicsville Christrian Center (the church where I spent the last 17 years prior to coming to Newport News) the concept of community was championed as an essential part of our church experience. For most of us who consider ourselves already part of a local church, talk of community resonates with us because we have experienced the fulfillment that comes from “knowing others and being known, loving others and being loved, celebrating others and being celebrated, and serving others and being served.”
This sermon series not only reminded me why being a committed part of a local faith community is so vital, it also caused me to remember all the years I refused to embrace God and rejected His direction and friendship to guide my existence this side of eternity. In this blog and the next two, I would like to share some of the causes that impeded me from running with open arms and willful heart to a life whose foundation was a relationship with God.
First was, without question, a misunderstanding of God and His intentions towards me. My life revolved around what Rick Warren calls the P’s of life: pleasure, possessions, and prestige. I saw God has as someone who wanted to keep me from pursuing these things which I was convinced held the keys to me feeling fulfilled. My concept of the nature of God was that He represented a lot of rules that would stand in the way of a fun filled life.
One of the most telling places in the Bible that speaks to the true nature of God is in the first line of the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father…” Think of all the ways God could have chosen to be the primary way He wants us to think of Him, like Creator or Ruler. Certainly Father has en element of authority to it but even more importantly it says, “I will always have your best interest at heart.” Father is full of affection and endearing love. Being a father myself, I will always want what is best for my children. So when I sensed God was challenging my focus on the P’s of life, I understood it was not because God sadistically found satisfaction in robbing me of fun. It was not because He existed to enforce rules for the reason of depleting the fun tanks of people’s lives! His father’s heart longed for me to experience life to the fullest, and He wanted to teach me that my treasures were misplaced thus robbing me of the fulfillment I was seeking.
Now that my perception of God was changing, I realized my preoccupation with the P’s of life was not something to be defended and protected if it stood in the way of my relationship with God growing deeper. This is not to say that all pleasure, possessions, and even prestige are bad. They should just be pursuits in the context of God’s value system. For example, there is certainly physical pleasure in marriage. Possessions also enable us to care for ourselves and even serve others. Prestige can be important when we use our influence to advance noble causes and aid others. These are just a few examples of how the P’s of life can be good things. But when they become our only things, our primary pursuits, or life’s preoccupation, they displace the one thing that God teaches us leads to ultimate fulfillment – intimacy with Him.
Think of a life that only enables us to see in black and white and only in one dimension, no color or depth. Then, one day, depth and color come to your view! What a change!! God wants us to truly know the feeling of ultimate fulfillment. Any instruction, direction, correction, challenges that we sense from Him through prayer, reading the Bible, or even trusted friends and spiritual leaders, we can be sure that He is not trying to rob us of fun but helping us to fill our lives with both color and depth.
Is your perception of God accurate? When you think of God, what comes to mind? Talk with some friends to see what they think of when God comes to mind. Also, read the 13th chapter of I Corinthians and everywhere you see the word love, insert God instead. And finally, ask God to help you in your understanding of Him.
Pastor Fred Michaux
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Laughter
Do you ever laugh when reading the Bible? I find myself seeing humor in the Bible often; some mornings the Holy Spirit seems to want to begin our day together with laughter. I was recently reading a chapter of Matthew each day from the New International Version and recently came upon chapter ten, and I began to see this comical scene being played out…
MT 10:1 He called his twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
I could just see Peter, being one of the natural leaders of the group, pulling the rest of disciples together trying desperately to take charge. Have you ever watched The Apprentice on television? Isn’t it just painful when one member of the group steps forward to take charge and their performance makes you blush because you are so embarrassed for them? So, I see Peter rallying the group and saying, “Okay, this is it, we’re going out for the first time on our own, without the Master. We are going to need to pair up so just like when we were little, we’ll count off by 1’s and 2’s.” Then Judas jumps in, “Hey net boy, won’t that just split us up into two groups of six?” Jesus interrupts and regains their attention and pairs them by two’s (according to the gospel of Mark, chapter 6). Then…
MT 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.
Peter jumps back in, desperately trying to take charge, “This is what we’ll teach, Rome is on the way out, a revolt is near, get ready, buy some swords, soon we’ll be raising an army that will restore the throne of David! Uh, hold on guys, I think Jesus is saying something…”
7 As you go, preach this message: `The kingdom of heaven is near.'
Peter, “Okay, change of plans, the message is something about a heavenly kingdom.” Simon the Zealot, “Darn! Does that mean we can’t buy any swords?” Peter, “Then this is what we’ll do, each of us has a trade. We’ll go into a town, set up shop, practice our trade, build some relationships, and then start talking with them about the kingdom. Wait, Jesus is talking again…”
8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons…
Peter, “Did you hear that? Does anyone here have any experience doing these things? Has anyone ever touched a leper? Okay, we’ll worry about that later. Judas, you’re the Treasurer, I’m thinking we’re going to make loads of money doing this. I mean, can you imagine what people will be willing to pay for these services…”
…Freely you have received, freely give.
Peter thinks to himself, “This is getting embarrassing.” Then he says, “Okay, another change in plans. Jesus says we can’t charge anything for our services. So, that means we’re going to have to take a lot of supplies with us. If don’t charge, we won’t have money, if we don’t have money, we can’t purchase anything. Let’s start making a list of everything we’ll need. Phil, you and Bart start making that list…hold on…I think Jesus is trying to get our attention.”
9 Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10 take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.
Peter, “Are you kidding me!” Jesus, “What was that Peter?” Peter, “Uh, nothing Lord, I, I, was talking to James.” Then Peter turns to the group, “Didn’t He just finish saying we are supposed to freely give, so what in the world does He mean about a worker is worth his keep?” Matthew, “Maybe it means we don’t really “charge” for our services but create a tax code that corresponds directly to the benefit each person receives from our work…” Thomas, “That will never work.” Peter, “Wait, Jesus is talking again.”
MT 10:11 "Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15 I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. MT 10:17 "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.
Peter, “I think I’m starting to get the hang of this. This is what we’re going to do. Each of us get with the partner that Jesus assigned to us and we’ll each come up with a draft that explains what we are doing so that when we get arrested, we’ll know what to say. Out of the six drafts, we’ll pick the best two…”
19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Peter, “Okay, I’m going to sit down now and stop talking.”
Jesus continues His discourse, getting a resounding Amen from Simon the Zealot on many occasions, especially after comments like…
MT 10:34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Find some time to read the rest of Matthew 10, it ends at verse 42. You might just end up laughing a little with the Holy Spirit as you see some other possible “Apprentice” moments in the text. But in the end, you need to know, Jesus isn’t looking to fire any of us. He knows that we are woefully incompetent when it comes to the work of His kingdom. He knows that left to ourselves, we’d all be like Peter, well intended, but forever, impulsively going in the wrong direction, with the wrong message, with the wrong approach. So, He gives us the Helper, the Holy Spirit to be our teacher, our guide, just as Jesus was for the first disciples.
Do you feel like Jesus is asking you to do something for Him? Do you have a sense of Him sending you out in some capacity? Then be patient, listen, be still. Don’t be like the pretend Peter in this journal. Don’t keep interrupting. Let the verses of His instruction flow together. Let the Holy Spirit be your mentor in the things of God, above all else, be His apprentice.
Pastor Fred Michaux
MT 10:1 He called his twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
I could just see Peter, being one of the natural leaders of the group, pulling the rest of disciples together trying desperately to take charge. Have you ever watched The Apprentice on television? Isn’t it just painful when one member of the group steps forward to take charge and their performance makes you blush because you are so embarrassed for them? So, I see Peter rallying the group and saying, “Okay, this is it, we’re going out for the first time on our own, without the Master. We are going to need to pair up so just like when we were little, we’ll count off by 1’s and 2’s.” Then Judas jumps in, “Hey net boy, won’t that just split us up into two groups of six?” Jesus interrupts and regains their attention and pairs them by two’s (according to the gospel of Mark, chapter 6). Then…
MT 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.
Peter jumps back in, desperately trying to take charge, “This is what we’ll teach, Rome is on the way out, a revolt is near, get ready, buy some swords, soon we’ll be raising an army that will restore the throne of David! Uh, hold on guys, I think Jesus is saying something…”
7 As you go, preach this message: `The kingdom of heaven is near.'
Peter, “Okay, change of plans, the message is something about a heavenly kingdom.” Simon the Zealot, “Darn! Does that mean we can’t buy any swords?” Peter, “Then this is what we’ll do, each of us has a trade. We’ll go into a town, set up shop, practice our trade, build some relationships, and then start talking with them about the kingdom. Wait, Jesus is talking again…”
8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons…
Peter, “Did you hear that? Does anyone here have any experience doing these things? Has anyone ever touched a leper? Okay, we’ll worry about that later. Judas, you’re the Treasurer, I’m thinking we’re going to make loads of money doing this. I mean, can you imagine what people will be willing to pay for these services…”
…Freely you have received, freely give.
Peter thinks to himself, “This is getting embarrassing.” Then he says, “Okay, another change in plans. Jesus says we can’t charge anything for our services. So, that means we’re going to have to take a lot of supplies with us. If don’t charge, we won’t have money, if we don’t have money, we can’t purchase anything. Let’s start making a list of everything we’ll need. Phil, you and Bart start making that list…hold on…I think Jesus is trying to get our attention.”
9 Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10 take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.
Peter, “Are you kidding me!” Jesus, “What was that Peter?” Peter, “Uh, nothing Lord, I, I, was talking to James.” Then Peter turns to the group, “Didn’t He just finish saying we are supposed to freely give, so what in the world does He mean about a worker is worth his keep?” Matthew, “Maybe it means we don’t really “charge” for our services but create a tax code that corresponds directly to the benefit each person receives from our work…” Thomas, “That will never work.” Peter, “Wait, Jesus is talking again.”
MT 10:11 "Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15 I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. MT 10:17 "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.
Peter, “I think I’m starting to get the hang of this. This is what we’re going to do. Each of us get with the partner that Jesus assigned to us and we’ll each come up with a draft that explains what we are doing so that when we get arrested, we’ll know what to say. Out of the six drafts, we’ll pick the best two…”
19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Peter, “Okay, I’m going to sit down now and stop talking.”
Jesus continues His discourse, getting a resounding Amen from Simon the Zealot on many occasions, especially after comments like…
MT 10:34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Find some time to read the rest of Matthew 10, it ends at verse 42. You might just end up laughing a little with the Holy Spirit as you see some other possible “Apprentice” moments in the text. But in the end, you need to know, Jesus isn’t looking to fire any of us. He knows that we are woefully incompetent when it comes to the work of His kingdom. He knows that left to ourselves, we’d all be like Peter, well intended, but forever, impulsively going in the wrong direction, with the wrong message, with the wrong approach. So, He gives us the Helper, the Holy Spirit to be our teacher, our guide, just as Jesus was for the first disciples.
Do you feel like Jesus is asking you to do something for Him? Do you have a sense of Him sending you out in some capacity? Then be patient, listen, be still. Don’t be like the pretend Peter in this journal. Don’t keep interrupting. Let the verses of His instruction flow together. Let the Holy Spirit be your mentor in the things of God, above all else, be His apprentice.
Pastor Fred Michaux
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Spiritual Language
Ever read through the 14th chapter of I Corinthians and wonder why so many churches believe the supernatural gift of praying or worshipping in a spiritual language is still encouraged? This chapter can be very confusing and I hope you'll take the time read it. I believe the use of spiritual language is a wonderful gift, a gift for every devoted follower of Jesus, and that this text is often misused in discouraging people in its pursuit. I hope this brings some clarity! Let’s read together…
1CO 14:1 "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified."
Here Paul clearly endorses the use of spiritual language in two ways in corporate gatherings. In fact, he comes right out and says that he would hope all experience this wonderful gift (vs. 5a). He acknowledges that sometimes a spiritual language is for the freedom of expression to God (vs. 2) and also sometimes used to give a message from God to people but then it must be accompanied by an interpretation (vs. 5b). I’ve heard people say too that the interpretation must come for some different than the person giving the "utterance." But verse 5 challenges that position directly by giving the person who gives the utterance the liberty to also give the interpretation.
1CO 14:6 "Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church."
1CO 14:13 "For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified."
1CO 14:18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue."
It is always important to remember the context of the text in order to fully understand the intent of the text. Paul was writing this portion of the letter because of excesses and abuses during their times of corporate gatherings. The abuse he is addressing specifically here is that they were forsaking the instruction of their congregation. They were having powerful, supernatural, expressive worship services, but time given to instruction was sorely lacking. And instruction has to be done in a language that is understood if it is to benefit the church. I believe Paul was saying to Corinth and God is saying to us that our times of corporate gatherings should incorporate both: undeniable supernatural manifestations of God’s presence (like that of speaking in languages we’ve not formerly learned) and also clear, direct, sound, teaching that can be understood without any need of interpretation.
Okay, here we’re going to tackle a portion of scripture like the one in Hebrews 4 we did together in November of 2007 that takes what seems to be unexpected turns. Let’s read and I’ve imbedded some commentary that will hopefully help make these verses more easily understood.
1CO 14:22 "Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers (pf – because God uses the supernatural to make our witness undeniable); prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers (pf – it is important to remember that prophesy if broader than just "foretelling" it also encompasses what I call prophetic teaching/instruction which is being supernaturally empowered to understand and articulate the mysteries and truths of God’s Kingdom which is why this is primarily for believers, those seeking to understand what it means to live as a child of God, a devoted follower of Christ). 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? (pf – I thought Paul just said it is a good sign? He did, but what we need to remember is that Paul is responding to excesses at the church of Corinth so what he is saying now is that a gift that is supposed to be a good sign, a sign that was supposed to cause the unbeliever to recognize God exists…when it is abused, used in excess, not done in an orderly way, that which God intended to be beneficial, becomes counterproductive.) 24 But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" (pf – Paul is saying that if the church of Corinth is unable to exercise the use of spiritual language in a responsible way in their times of corporate gatherings, then they should rely solely on prophecy, even though prophecy is primarily for the believer as we stated above. Prophesy too can have a "sign" benefit for the unbeliever, by God using the prophetic teacher to reveal something that only the unbeliever would have otherwise known in order to demonstrate the reality of His existence to the one who needs to come to faith in Christ.)
1CO 14:26 "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret (pf – when spiritual language is being used to articulate a message from God to the congregation, but no interpretation is necessary when people are in a moment of collective prayer or praise because then they are speaking directly to God, expressing their heart and thoughts to Him). 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God… (pf – If church leaders yield the attention of the congregation to a person using a spiritual language to articulate a message from God to the congregation and the person is unable to bring the interpretation nor anyone else feels inspired by God to give an interpretation, then the church leaders should be cautious in allowing this person to address the congregation in a spiritual language in the future and encourage that person to use their gift of spiritual language in worship and prayer to God.)
1CO 14:39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."
I hope this helps you!!
Pastor Fred
1CO 14:1 "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified."
Here Paul clearly endorses the use of spiritual language in two ways in corporate gatherings. In fact, he comes right out and says that he would hope all experience this wonderful gift (vs. 5a). He acknowledges that sometimes a spiritual language is for the freedom of expression to God (vs. 2) and also sometimes used to give a message from God to people but then it must be accompanied by an interpretation (vs. 5b). I’ve heard people say too that the interpretation must come for some different than the person giving the "utterance." But verse 5 challenges that position directly by giving the person who gives the utterance the liberty to also give the interpretation.
1CO 14:6 "Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church."
1CO 14:13 "For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified."
1CO 14:18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue."
It is always important to remember the context of the text in order to fully understand the intent of the text. Paul was writing this portion of the letter because of excesses and abuses during their times of corporate gatherings. The abuse he is addressing specifically here is that they were forsaking the instruction of their congregation. They were having powerful, supernatural, expressive worship services, but time given to instruction was sorely lacking. And instruction has to be done in a language that is understood if it is to benefit the church. I believe Paul was saying to Corinth and God is saying to us that our times of corporate gatherings should incorporate both: undeniable supernatural manifestations of God’s presence (like that of speaking in languages we’ve not formerly learned) and also clear, direct, sound, teaching that can be understood without any need of interpretation.
Okay, here we’re going to tackle a portion of scripture like the one in Hebrews 4 we did together in November of 2007 that takes what seems to be unexpected turns. Let’s read and I’ve imbedded some commentary that will hopefully help make these verses more easily understood.
1CO 14:22 "Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers (pf – because God uses the supernatural to make our witness undeniable); prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers (pf – it is important to remember that prophesy if broader than just "foretelling" it also encompasses what I call prophetic teaching/instruction which is being supernaturally empowered to understand and articulate the mysteries and truths of God’s Kingdom which is why this is primarily for believers, those seeking to understand what it means to live as a child of God, a devoted follower of Christ). 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? (pf – I thought Paul just said it is a good sign? He did, but what we need to remember is that Paul is responding to excesses at the church of Corinth so what he is saying now is that a gift that is supposed to be a good sign, a sign that was supposed to cause the unbeliever to recognize God exists…when it is abused, used in excess, not done in an orderly way, that which God intended to be beneficial, becomes counterproductive.) 24 But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" (pf – Paul is saying that if the church of Corinth is unable to exercise the use of spiritual language in a responsible way in their times of corporate gatherings, then they should rely solely on prophecy, even though prophecy is primarily for the believer as we stated above. Prophesy too can have a "sign" benefit for the unbeliever, by God using the prophetic teacher to reveal something that only the unbeliever would have otherwise known in order to demonstrate the reality of His existence to the one who needs to come to faith in Christ.)
1CO 14:26 "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret (pf – when spiritual language is being used to articulate a message from God to the congregation, but no interpretation is necessary when people are in a moment of collective prayer or praise because then they are speaking directly to God, expressing their heart and thoughts to Him). 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God… (pf – If church leaders yield the attention of the congregation to a person using a spiritual language to articulate a message from God to the congregation and the person is unable to bring the interpretation nor anyone else feels inspired by God to give an interpretation, then the church leaders should be cautious in allowing this person to address the congregation in a spiritual language in the future and encourage that person to use their gift of spiritual language in worship and prayer to God.)
1CO 14:39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."
I hope this helps you!!
Pastor Fred
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Moses vs. Apostle Paul
In our life group this week, someone asked how do we reconcile what Moses is recorded as saying in Genesis 2 that it is not good for man to be alone with what the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7 about not marrying? First, we have to remember that God is the ultimate author of both so contradiction is never a possibility. Moses vs. Apostle Paul or any other vs. in comparing scripture must always end in a reconciliation of interpretations.
Genesis 2:18 is very clear. Moses records God's declaration for man's need for someone to complete him and then in verses 21 through 25, we are given the miraculous story of the creation of human completeness.
Then, Paul seems to record for us God's declaration that man and woman may not now need completing? Beginning with verse 9 in 1 Corinthians 7, this should never be misunderstood to mean that marriage is a great answer to a lust problem. Marriage is about completing one another so we know God would never direct a person to marriage to solve a problem with sin. He sends us to the cross for that. So what then does verse 9 mean? I believe God is speaking to us through Paul that when two people love one another with a sacred, honorable, worthy of God's blessing kind of love that cannot be denied, then marry. Remember, chapter 7 begins with marriage. Context is our road to understanding. When Paul speaks to the unmarried and widows in verse 8 and 9, I believe he is speaking to those who find themselves in a committed relationship and feel their love is undeniable, not unmarried persons who have a self-control problem in regards to their sexuality. In chapter 6, he just completed railing against sexual immorality, why would he direct such a person to marriage in chapter 7 when in the previous chapter, 6:20, he plainly states the cross is the delivering power for sin.
Picking up with verse 25, Paul continues God's thoughts on whether or not a person should seek marriage, to find completion as God declared through Moses in Genesis 2. Context again is our friend. However, this time, not textual context but cultural context. We must remember that in Paul's day, being married was a forgone conclusion. For a person to consider being single would be like someone in our modern world choosing a MAC over a PC, who would do such a thing! Every period of time has cultural norms and being married had been the norm, well, since Genesis. God wants people to know that they should not feel condemed for choosing to forgo marriage to have more time, energy, and focus on telling the world about Jesus. As we read these verses carefully, we see that Paul is not elevating singleness above marriage but elevating singleness to the same stature as marriage, making them equal, as seen in God's eyes. Notice how he speaks of God having different callings for different people, meaning don't compel others to be like you, compel them to be who God has created them to be. His emphasis is on being single because the cultural norm of marriage needs no help in being defended, again, it has been the cultural norm since the beginning of time.
So why would God elevate incompleteness to the same stature as completeness? Isn't completeness through marriage the message of Genesis 2? Yes, but now that Christ has come, there is another completeness possible. Marriage is not now the only way for a person to be whole. Marriage does not have the power to make us spirutally complete. That is not Paul's intent to suggest something he surely did not believe, or worse, God declare something untrue! We must remember the audience of the 1 Corinthian letter, context is again our friend. The letter was written to believers. Whether married and devoted followers of Jesus or single and devoted followers of Jesus, both are equally complete, in Christ.
I hope this helps bring clarity to what can certainly be a confusing text.
Genesis 2:18 is very clear. Moses records God's declaration for man's need for someone to complete him and then in verses 21 through 25, we are given the miraculous story of the creation of human completeness.
Then, Paul seems to record for us God's declaration that man and woman may not now need completing? Beginning with verse 9 in 1 Corinthians 7, this should never be misunderstood to mean that marriage is a great answer to a lust problem. Marriage is about completing one another so we know God would never direct a person to marriage to solve a problem with sin. He sends us to the cross for that. So what then does verse 9 mean? I believe God is speaking to us through Paul that when two people love one another with a sacred, honorable, worthy of God's blessing kind of love that cannot be denied, then marry. Remember, chapter 7 begins with marriage. Context is our road to understanding. When Paul speaks to the unmarried and widows in verse 8 and 9, I believe he is speaking to those who find themselves in a committed relationship and feel their love is undeniable, not unmarried persons who have a self-control problem in regards to their sexuality. In chapter 6, he just completed railing against sexual immorality, why would he direct such a person to marriage in chapter 7 when in the previous chapter, 6:20, he plainly states the cross is the delivering power for sin.
Picking up with verse 25, Paul continues God's thoughts on whether or not a person should seek marriage, to find completion as God declared through Moses in Genesis 2. Context again is our friend. However, this time, not textual context but cultural context. We must remember that in Paul's day, being married was a forgone conclusion. For a person to consider being single would be like someone in our modern world choosing a MAC over a PC, who would do such a thing! Every period of time has cultural norms and being married had been the norm, well, since Genesis. God wants people to know that they should not feel condemed for choosing to forgo marriage to have more time, energy, and focus on telling the world about Jesus. As we read these verses carefully, we see that Paul is not elevating singleness above marriage but elevating singleness to the same stature as marriage, making them equal, as seen in God's eyes. Notice how he speaks of God having different callings for different people, meaning don't compel others to be like you, compel them to be who God has created them to be. His emphasis is on being single because the cultural norm of marriage needs no help in being defended, again, it has been the cultural norm since the beginning of time.
So why would God elevate incompleteness to the same stature as completeness? Isn't completeness through marriage the message of Genesis 2? Yes, but now that Christ has come, there is another completeness possible. Marriage is not now the only way for a person to be whole. Marriage does not have the power to make us spirutally complete. That is not Paul's intent to suggest something he surely did not believe, or worse, God declare something untrue! We must remember the audience of the 1 Corinthian letter, context is again our friend. The letter was written to believers. Whether married and devoted followers of Jesus or single and devoted followers of Jesus, both are equally complete, in Christ.
I hope this helps bring clarity to what can certainly be a confusing text.
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