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2011-10-18T04:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends

I have been back at work for a year now! (Yes, incredibly, it was October 2010 when I started back, albeit very part-time, at HBBC.) Yet it was only today, whilst sorting out some e-mail, that I stumbled across this blog. I forgot it was here! I thought it had been deleted. So while I am hesitant to make promises, I will try to get back to blogging--at the very least posting sermon outlines, copies of handouts and any follow-up thoughts to this site.

Blessings,
Darren

Serants of God (part 1)

2010-04-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

As I was reading Titus 1 yesterday, I was arrested by the first few words, words which I have probably read dozens of times, but never really “seen”. Well yesterday, by the grace of God, I saw them. Paul writes, “ Paul, a servant of God” ( Titus 1:1 ESV). I was reminded of both the splendour and the humility of being a gospel worker.

As to humility we are servants, nothing else. Indeed the Greek word could just as well be rendered 'slaves'. I may go by the title 'Pastor', have Rev in front of my name, and even have letters after my name, but when all is said and done, I am a servant—nothing more, nothing less.

As to the splendour, I am a servant of God. When I worked as an engineer, I was told that Japanese business cards were rather different than ours. Our business cards carried our names (and titles) in big, bold letters. However, with the Japanese, their names were often printed in much smaller type. It was the business or company that they worked for that was printed in big, bold letters. It was the company that was important, the company that gave the worker his sense of honour. So it is with us, and what an honour it is. Servants, yes, but of God Almighty. Mere slaves, most certainly, but what a Master we serve, oh what an Owner we belong to. In this lies our dignity, our honour, our glory.

Some Things You Just Have To Do Yourself

2010-04-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

I have been reading JC Ryle's little booklet, 'A Call to Prayer." It is a challenging essay, written in a previous century, but just as applicable to today's believer. One thing that Ryle says that really struck me was this;

No man can eat, drink or sleep by proxy. No man can get the alphabet learned for him by
another. All these are things which everybody must do for himself, or they will not be
done at all.

Just as it is with the mind and body, so it is with the soul. There are certain things
absolutely needful to the soul's health and well-being. Each must attend to these things
for himself.

Each must attend to these things for himself. It suddenly occured to me why it is that so many Christians never grow. One can go to church every Sunday; one can listen to great preaching and enjoy wonderful worship; one can join a homegroup and attend every week, and still never grow as a Christian. Why? Because all these things are done for you and to you. Someone else preaches, someone else leads the worship and plays the music, and someone else runs the Bible study. But there are other things, very important other things, that one must do for oneself. No-one else can do our praying for us; read, memorise and apply Scripture to the particulars of our life for us. And there-in lies the rub. There are far too many Christians who hover around in the hinter land that is half-hearted commitment, hoping that someone or something else will make them spiritual. But it doesn't work like that. No-one else can do holiness and commitment for us; not the Pastor, not the deacons, not the friend that sits next to us on Sunday--Each must attend to these things for himself.

It's Catechism Time...

2010-04-13T04:16:00.000-07:00

Some time ago I handed-out a copy of Luther's shorter catechism. This was a simple document that the great Reformer produced to teach his flock the basics of the Christian faith.

I had intended for ages to go through it with the whole church family, young & old together, however I thought it best to wait until the Passion for Life Mission had come and gone. So starting this Sunday, I hope to catechize the church! Sounds painful, but it simply means to teach the foundations of the faith in such a way that people are able to remember them.

Catechisms have been part of Christian tradition for nearly as long as the church has existed. Often they consist of a series of questions and answers. However, in his Shorter Catechism, Luther put together The Ten Commandments (how we are to live), the Lord's Prayer (how we are to pray), and the Creed (what we are to believe.)

In the meantime, before Sunday, check out Luther's Wikipedia entry to get a feel of the great man. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther

Is It Worth It (or Have You Ever Felt Like Giving-Up)?

2010-04-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

Outline of Palm Sunday Sermon

Do you ever wonder if it's worth it? All the church arguments & splits; the unfriendly churches; the times other Christians hurt you; the seemingly unanswered prayers; the onslaught against Christianity in the media and the sciences?

Why do we keep going? Because...

1. We Believe It Is True
John 6v67

2. Persevering Builds Godliness
Jam 1v3f, Rom 5v3f

3. You've Got to Follow Someone or Something
Luther's great insight--the human heart requires us to obsess and worship something. If not God, then who or what? Our problems? Money?

4. The Lost Are Really Lost
Peter "There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved".

5. It Makes Sense of Life.
An accident? All by chance? Really?!!

6. It Makes Sense of Our Experience
The strange juxtaposition of beauthy and violence, order and chaos, goodness and evil, is explained by the Bible's doctrines of Creation and the Fall. Yes, the world was created good. Yes, we fell, and as a result all creation is under the curse of God. (Gen 3)

7. It's Historical Event, Not Theory.
Christianity based on actual, real historical events. There really was a bloke called Jesus, He really died on a cross, He really rose again.

8. The Reward That is Promised If We Do Carry On
The 7 Letters to the Churches in Rev--"to he who overcomes", 2v7,11, 17,26

Churchill's speech to the boys of Eton during WWII "Never give-up. Never give-up. Never, ever, ever, ever give-up."

Pastor's Easter Epistle

2010-04-05T06:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends

Just a quick blog update from me to wish you all a very happy Easter, albeit a day late. After the hecticness of Holy Week & Passion for Life, I hope you will find some time for rest and recreation over the coming week.

Speaking of Passion for Life, may I say a BIG thank you to all those who helped with the mission. A particular thanks are due to those who helped run the Mission Cafe each day. And if you invited a friend or loved-one to any P4L event, whether they came or not, then please accept my thanks--you are the star of the show, for without people like you inviting others, Passion for Life would be a waste of time. So thank you again to all of you.

I am on holiday this week. I will be about to lead Sunday morning, but I shall not be out on Sunday evening. Gabi is also on Annual Leave, so if you need to contact someone, please contact one of the deacons.

When I return from holiday, my mind will turn to 'what's next?' Already I have some initial thoughts. There will be the follow-up to Passion for Life, with ten to fifteen people having indicated that they wish to do "Christianity Explained". We have our Church Anniversary with Stephen Gaukroger to look forward to in June. We will also begin preparations to launch our Mentoring Scheme for young people and young Christians. We hope to start our Discipleship Night--one evening a week (Tuesday?) we will be running short courses to help people grow in their faith. These will include everything from "How to Read (& Understand) the Bible", to "Basic Pastoral Care".

There are two other things that are occupying my mind at the moment. One is the issue of worship. By and large you are all a good natured and kind people; there are the mumbles and grumbles about worship, but nothing nasty. However one group is definitely struggling at the moment, the children & young people and their leaders. The children are finding the first 20-30 minutes very difficult (not to mention boring). Also the teachers struggle with the fact that some services finish at 11.40 while others finish at 12.05!! We should remember what a stirling job our teachers do, and that it is not easy to the hold the attention of young people in our internet and computer game age. So I am wondering whether the time has come to have a complete rethink of Sunday morning worship, and ask what we can do to make it more meaningful for our youngsters.

Also, I have been haunted by that video we saw in church about children and young people called "Will You Make a Difference." It kept focusing on where these children would be in 10 years time. I keep asking a similar question, where will HBBC be in 10 years time? I have been here four years now. I feel I have settled-in. Perhaps it is now time to look ahead? This is 2010, perhaps it is time that we as a church answered the question "where will we be in 2020?"

So as you can see, lots to think about, and (hopefully) lots of good things ahead. I hope you have found reading some of my thoughts about the future helpful.

As a final thank you, may I return to Easter. At 7am on Easter Morning a brave band of pilgrims gathered in the driving wind and rain to celebrate Christ's resurrection. They were led in worship by our own Worship Group, fingers wet and cold, who did a grand job. So congratulations to all those who survived Easter Sunrise 2010!

Happy Easter
Your Pastor
Darren

Mother's Day & Mary

2010-03-11T05:17:00.000-08:00

Now that our series with 1 Cor 13 is over, it is back to normal on this blog. As a special treat, here is a first look at what I plan to preach this coming Sunday, Mothers' Day. I doubt that I'll preach all six points...but you never know.

First mention of Mary is in Matthew 1v16 – that long list of names.

That list is important for several reasons, but two I particularly want to highlight this morning;

God uses people; ordinary, everyday people.
God plans.

So here is this young lady Mary, possible only 15 years old (although we do not know), finding herself unexpectedly caught-up in the plan of God. We find this spelt out in Luke 1 v30 “But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God.” Literally in Greek that reads “you have found grace with God.” Of course you don’t find grace…it finds you!

So what can we learn from Mary about the sort of person God is wanting to make us:

1. Mary had an Obedient Heart

Literally she says “Behold, the slave of the Lord .” v38 & then “Be it done to me according to your word.”

2. Mary had a Heart of Humility

Mary comes from the same Hebrew root as the name Miriam and it means ‘Exalted’. Indeed, what did the Angels say, “Favoured one”.

V46 “Mary [Exalted] said, ‘My soul exalts the Lord…’”

V48 “From now on all generations will count me….blessed.”

Why? “…for the Mighty One has done great things.” (v49)

3. Mary had a Heart full of Praise

Luke 1 v46-56 The Magnificat

Now whatever else this passage is, it is most certainly a great hymn of praise and worship to God.

Mary says:

She exalts the Lord (v46) & rejoices in God (v47)
He is the Mighty One (v49), the Lord (v46) and God her Saviour (v47)
He is Holy (v49), Merciful (v50 & 55), & Faithful (v54bf)
He intervenes in the affairs of mankind, performing acts of social & political justice (v51-53).

4. Mary was well versed in the Scriptures

Her prayer is modelled on that of Hannah in 1 Sam 2v1-10, which accompanied the dedication of her young son Samuel to the Lord’s service. Mary’s hymn of praise also seems to borrow from or reflect no fewer than a dozen other OT passages. Of course, all this may have been solely by the direct inspiration of the Spirit. But it is just as possible that when the Holy Spirit wanted to inspire to such praise, He had a rich treasury of God’s Word hidden within Mary’s heart to draw upon.

Now if a humble, teenage girl can read, treasure, and remember Scripture, what about us?

5. Mary had a Reflective Heart

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2v19

“But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” Luke 2v51b

6. Mary had a Believing Heart.

“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" Luke 1v45

“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Acts 1v14

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” Gal 4v4f

Even Mary needed a Saviour. And so do you…and so do I.

Just a Reminder...

2010-02-22T11:11:00.000-08:00

Just a quick reminder to those who may be wondering why this blog has not been updated for a time. While I am preaching on "I Believe in Love", I am updating a special blog given over to that series.

You can find it on http://hbbc1cor13.blogspot.com/

It's called the 1 Corinthians 13 Blog, and I aim to update it about two or three times a week.

Blessings

The 1 Corinthians 13 Blog

2010-02-07T08:36:00.000-08:00

To help us follow-up on reading 1 Cor 13 together, I have set-up a little blog. Follow the link below for more info and to join-in the discussion.

hbbc1cor13.blogspot.com

Sermon on New Heavens & Earth from Rev

2010-02-05T04:43:00.000-08:00

A visitor at our Church Coffee Shop ("Reflections"), remarked to me today how uplifting she had found David Finch's funeral service. In fact, she stated, it had been such a blessing that she had decided to be buried at a Baptist Church and have a Baptist Preacher when she died!

To me this goes to show what an impact a truly Christian funeral can have on people--one where we celebrate the life of the person who is now with God in glory, and celebrate the gospel of Jesus that got them there.

Below is the outline of the sermon that I preached on that occasion. Several people have remarked that they found it helpful and inspiring, so I hope that the key points and references below will encourage you as you consider an oft neglected theme these days: the Wonder of Heaven.

Heaven is big enough for everyone. Rev 21:16
It’s a place of security.

Big Walls 21:12
Angels on the Gates 21:12
Gates never shut 21:25, 22:5
No sea 21:1
His name will be on them 22:4

It’s a place of restoration

No suffering, sickness or death 21:4b
Water of Life 22:1
Tree of life 22:2

Place of Community Healing, not just Individual

Healing for the nations 22:2
Guidance for the Nations 21:24
True Community 21:3

It’s Not Just a Place of Paradise, It’s Personal Relationship with God

Sons 21:7
Wipe every tear from their eye 21:4
See His face 22:4

It’s a Place You Only Get to Through Jesus “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.” 21:27

Bringing Home The Prodigals (Luke 15: 11-32)

2010-02-02T04:55:00.000-08:00

We all know a Prodigal. A son or a daughter. A friend, a loved one. Someone who used to walk with the Lord but who has now gone off the rails. Or perhaps they grew-up through church and Sunday school, but have now turned their back on the whole thing. We all know one. They test our faith, and all too often, they break our hearts. What hope have we? More to the point, what hope have they?

In these three parables, Jesus shows us God’s heart towards people who are lost. More than that, in the last parable, perhaps the most brilliant piece of story-telling ever told, Jesus shows us God’s heart towards the Prodigal.

Indeed, in this passage I want to see and learn three things:

God’s heart towards the Prodigal,
God’s work in the heart of the Prodigal, and
Our Heart, and How it Sometimes Hinders the Prodigals from Coming Home.

In the first two parables, Jesus teaches about His Father’s heart. Whether it’s the Shepherd looking for the missing sheep, or the Wife searching for her lost coin, we are told (v7 & 10) that there is much rejoicing in heaven when a sinner repents. Put in simple terms: Lost people matter to God, and He rejoices when they turn back to Him. So be in no doubt, as Paul says to Timothy, God “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth”.

In particular, in this third parable, we see how God views the Prodigal. Note what we are told;

1. His Father is watching for him (v20). That, it seems to me, is the key implication of “while he was still a long way off, his father saw him”.

2. His Father is full of compassion for him (v20).

3. His Father forgives him. Such is the fullness of this forgiveness that the sons misconduct is not even mentioned! The Father doesn’t say piously “oh my son, you have sinned so greatly, but I forgive you.” No, he doesn’t even mention it. There is no “where have you been…what have you done?” Indeed, when the son tries to appease the Father with his carefully rehearsed speech, the Father cuts him short! (v21f) He won’t hear it!

4. His Father accepts him home. And what an acceptance it is—he embraces him (v20), and kisses him. More than that, he ran to his son. In the ancient world, the father of the household was a dignified and honoured man. He didn’t run anywhere, especially not towards a supposedly disgraced and wayward son. But this Father did.

5. His Father restores the son’s honour. We’re told that the Father orders there to be a ring put on his finger, a robe on his back, and slippers on his feet. All signs of honour and dignity and respect.

6. His Father celebrates. V23

This is God’s heart towards the Prodigal, towards your prodigal.

Secondly, we see how God works in the heart of the Prodigal. It is oh so simple, and yet it is so much a work that only God can do. While the son was alone, hungry, penniless and far from home, we read “he came to his senses” (v17). He realized what a good deal he had back at his Father’s place, and he decides to head home. And that is what we need to pray, and claim in faith, that God will do His work and bring that son or daughter or friend “to their senses”.

Lastly, and this is what I want us to focus on, I want us to see how the attitude of our hearts can sometimes be a barrier.

Not everyone was happy at the wayward son’s return. We are told that the elder brother “became angry” (v28) and “refused to go in”. Notice his words to his Father “this son of yours…”(v30) Actually, these three parables all find their focus in the Elder Brother. That’s actually what they are all about. Note what we are told right at the beginning of all this “Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." Then Jesus told them this parable…”

So, who is the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost Son? It’s all these Tax Collectors and sinners that keep coming to Jesus. And who is the older brother? It’s the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law. The ones who should be joining-in the celebration with God, but refuse to.

And all too often, we can be like that older brother. We can have that same “older brother attitude” that says to Prodigals, ‘you’re not welcome’.

What are some of the marks on an Elder Brother Heart?

He wasn’t thankful for what he had. You didn’t give me anything!! V39. and what does the Father say “Everything I have is yours.” You see, the younger son had squandered his inheritance—it was all gone. Everything the Father had belonged to the elder brother, but he didn’t realize it and didn’t appreciate it. First thing, to avoid an older brother attitude be thankful for all that God has given you. Develop an attitude of gratitude.
He didn’t appreciate his relationship with the Father. “All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders” v29. ‘Slaving for you’? And the Father’s response “My Son, you are always with me.” Do we appreciate what a privilege it is to be the Father’s child? What a privilege it is to know that we are loved, forgiven and accepted? What a privilege it is to know that we carry the precious Holy Spirit in us and with us at all times, and can talk to the Father directly at any time and in any place? Do we realize that these are not privileges that non-Christians have? DO we realize how blessed we are. Isn’t it enough, if God did nothing else for us, ever, that He has forgiven us, taken us as His own, and promised that we will be with Him forever? It’s a privilege to worship; it’s a privilege to pray.
He didn’t have His Father’s heart. “…This son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' (v30). And the Father’s reply “This brother of yours”. And “we had to celebrate and be glad”…we had to. If you only knew my heart, how much I love you both, how much I have yearned to see my boy again. He may have always been with his Father, and everything the Father had may have been his, but one thing the elder brother didn’t have was his Father’s heart. “this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” And our Father is one who wants to see lost people found and dead Prodigals return home and be alive again. It’s no wonder that Care for The Family’s Rob Parsons says that if we want the Prodigals to come home we had better pray that they meet the Father before the Elder Brother!

In Memory of David Finch

2010-01-16T08:08:00.001-08:00

The following is the outline of a talk I gave in tribute to David Finch, a dearly loved brother and faithful member of our church, who died in No 09.

Six Things I Learned From David Finch

1. He Was Always Positive.

He saw stars not bars

Cricket: Brian Lara – when other players complained that the ball was moving around too much Lara said it was “easier to find the gaps in the field”

Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale: it was the book that started the whole 'positive thinking' movement, and it was full of Scripture! Christians should be positive.

2. He Never Grumbled.

If anyone had a right to grumble, David did--but he didn't.

Ex 15:24 They grumbled because they had nothing to drink

Ex 16:2 Grumbled because nothing to eat: ”if only we had died…”

Ex 17:3 Grumbled because nothing to drink (again): why did you lead us out here to die…

Num 14:29 God’s punishment on all who grumbled

Num 16:41 What do you think?

3. He Never Said a Bad Word About Anyone.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

– Phil 4:8f

Rom “Live in harmony with each other” 12:16, “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another” 14:13, “Accept one another then, as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God “ 15:7

David seemed to live by these Biblical injunctions.

4. He Kept Going

It would have been easy for David to have given-up, but he didn't.

Churchill: When you find yourself going through hell, keep going!

Another story: Churchill went to give a speech at a boy’s school. All he said was “Never give up…never, never, never…”

Not just a principle, but an action.

5. He Had a Simple But Real Faith in Jesus.

He often sang The Lord’s Prayer in Church

Toc H was a formative organization in his life. Here's some info on it:

The Four Points of the Toc H Compass

· Friendship: to love widely

· Service: to build bravely

· Fair mindedness: to think fairly

· To witness humbly

Toc H is a Christian service club that is committed to building a fairer society by working with communities to promote friendship and service, confront prejudice and practise reconciliation. Most of its work involves the betterment of children. It is based in Buckinghamshire, England and has branches throughout much of the Commonwealth of Nations and Europe.

Toc H first came into existence in 1915 during the First World War. Young Army Chaplain Rev. 'Tubby' Clayton founded a rest house in a house in the Belgian town of Poperinge, a few miles behind the front-line trenches. The house was called Talbot House (whose initials, in the army phonetic alphabet of the day, give Toc H its distinctive name) in memory of Lieutenant Gilbert W. L. Talbot, a friend of Clayton. Unlike many other contemporary establishments, it was open to all ranks. Furthermore, entrance was only allowed if one abandoned rank, making all men inside equals.

Each Branch or unit of Toc H may be issued with a lamp which can be used for the traditional 'ceremony of light' at meetings. The small wick gives off a dim, but distinctive, light. Thus, Toc H gave its name to the (now dated) British colloquialism "as dim as a Toc H lamp", meaning unintelligent.

After the War the men who survived returned to civilian life. They decided to try to recreate the Talbot House experience in peacetime. They started creating opportunities for other people to have that same experience, whether the divisions were of rank, class or any other. To begin with, they set up residential houses, called Marks, like Talbot House. Later, they started forming local branches, which met weekly. Very soon women were fully involved too. The organisation was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1922.

As well as within the United Kingdom, Toc H has branches in Australia, Gibraltar, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Bulgaria, France, and Germany

6. You Can Never Have Too Many Pens!

God bless you, David. You will be deeply missed. Until we meet again...

Long Time No Blog

2010-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Wow Ladies and Gentleman...I didn't realize that it was soooo long since I last posted to this blog. I'm afraid everything tends to stop for Christmas. So I'll get some previous messages/outlines posted ASAP.

Remember, each Sunday morning message is available to listen on-line at www.hbbconline.org.uk Just follow the links.

Oh, and Happy New Year.

Five Marks of Mission

2009-11-02T05:16:00.000-08:00

Having considered the Why of Mission, let us now consider the What.

Key Text: Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:21-22)

In essence, mission is being sent by Jesus into the world in the power of the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus Himself was sent by the Father under the Spirit's anointing. Yes...but sent by Jesus to do WHAT?

The Church of England got some of its finest thinkers together to attempt an answer to this. They came up with 5 Marks of Mission. These 5 key tasks or activities describe in broad terms what Christ has sent us to be and to do in the world in His Name.

To proclaim the good news of the kingdom (TELL)
To teach, baptise and nurture new believers (TEACH)
To respond to human need by loving service (TEND)
To seek to transform unjust structures of society (TRANSFORM)
To safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth (TREASURE)

Bible Sunday 2009: The What, Why and How on Scripture

2009-10-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

As far as evangelical Christians are concerned, the Doctrine of Scripture is probably the most important of all Christian beliefs. Why? Because all our other doctrines flow from it. What one believes about Scripture will determine the content of one’s Christian faith. Even further, it will also determine the shape of one’s Christian life.

I. The Necessity of Scripture.

1. God is beyond natural human knowing.

Consider passages like Genesis 1, Exodus 3, Exodus 34, Isa 6.

2. Creation only tells us so much about God. (Rom 1)

3. Our human sin suppresses and distorts what may be known about God (Rom 1)

So given both the majesty of God’s being and the distortion caused by human sinfulness, we cannot know God if left to our own devices.

Therefore God must reveal Himself.

Scripture says that this is indeed what God has done.

Exodus 3, Exodus 30, Psa 19, Psa 119, John 1, Col 1, Hebrews 1

God’s supreme revelation was in His eternal Word made flesh, Jesus. However, how do we know about this Jesus? The only Jesus we have is the Jesus of the Bible! The one who the gospels declare, the Old Testament predicts and foreshadows, and the rest of the New Testament explains, clarifies and applies. There is no Jesus other than the Jesus of the Bible.

So God has revealed Himself: by His eternal Word Jesus, and His written word, Scripture.

Indeed, the written word reveals the eternal Word.

II. The Inspiration of Scripture.

More accurately, the expiration of Scripture! That is, Scripture is breathed-out by God. 2 Tim 3:16

III. The Inerrancy of Scripture.

If Scripture is indeed breathed-out by God, if it is His revelation of Himself, supremely through His Son, Jesus Christ, if it contains the message of salvation, then it stands to reason that God is not going to lie, nor is He going to mislead, nor is He going to speak errors.

The inerrancy of Scripture is really saying that the Bible tells the truth and that it does not mislead. It is not saying that every statement in the Bible has the same degree of accuracy as one would find in an academic text book!!

IV. The Authority of Scripture.

If the only final and reliable revelation of God is Jesus, and the only true revelation of Jesus is in the Bible, then it follows that the Bible must be our ultimate and final authority for deciding what we do and do not believe about Jesus. It also follows, giving the centrality of Jesus for the Christian faith, that the Bible effectively becomes our final authority in all matters of faith.

Put another way, one cannot say “Jesus is Lord” without swearing allegiance to the Bible!

V. The Sufficiency of Scripture.

If the Bible is the ultimate authority, then it also follows that one cannot demand as being necessary for salvation or for faithful Christian living anything that is not clearly taught in the Scriptures or may be obviously deduced from them. This is what is meant by the Sufficiency of Scripture.

VI. The Clarity of Scripture.

This, again, can be misunderstood. It does not mean that every passage of the Bible is blindingly obvious in its meaning! Rather, it means that the Bible’s central message—the gospel—is clear to anyone who reads it. Thus even an uneducated person could read from Genesis to Revelation and understand the basic Christian framework of;

Creation by God --> Mankind’s Rebellion and Fall --> God’s Rescue Mission through Abraham and the Jewish Nation --> The Coming of Jesus as the Fulfilment of God’s Rescue --> Jesus’ Death, Resurrection, Ascension and Pouring Out of the Holy Spirit --> The Call to Repent and Believe --> The Mission of the Church to Proclaim and Model this Message --> The Return of Christ at the End of Time --> Final & Eternal Judgement --> The New Heavens & Earth.

VII. The Power (Or Usefulness) of Scripture.

Let us consider 2 Tim 3 – 4.

3:15 Scripture is able to make us wise for salvation. How?

>>It predicts Christ (Luke 24)

>>It convicts us of our sin and need (Gal 3:22-25)

>>It contains the gospel (Luke 24)

3:16 Scripture is useful for

>>Teaching (=> correct doctrine)

>>Reproof (=> false doctrine)

>>Correction (=> wrong morality/lifestyle)

>>Training in righteousness (=> correct or godly living)

So Scripture enlightens us to Christ, and then equips us to think and to live for Him.

HOWEVER…

Scripture itself does not save us! (John 5:39f)

Scripture itself is not God!

Thus we do not worship the Bible.

But we do worship the God of the Bible.

How Can We Best Use The Bible Today?

Remember, until the time of the Reformation and the printing press, people did not have copies of the Bible for themselves. Thus, for the first 1600 years of the Christian faith, personal Bible reading was not a requirement for faithful, godly living!!!

1. They LISTENED to the Bible.

The Bible is not so much to be read, as it is to be heard.

Consider Rom 10:17, Col 4:16

2. They MEMORIZED the Bible.

Consider Jesus’ experience of being tempted in the wilderness.

3. They MEDITATED on the Bible. Joshua 1, Psa 1

4. They PRAYED the Bible.

Especially the Psalms, but also other parts too.

5. They did many of these things TOGETHER not as Individuals.

During the Reformation there were services every day and they all included expositional teaching from the Bible. The 1662 Book of Common Prayer expected Daily Church worship and made provision for an OT reading, Gospel reading, other NT reading, and a Psalm for every day. Thus “seven whole days not one day in seven will we praise God.”

6. They were TAUGHT the Bible.

Why Are We So Poor Today When It Comes To Bible Knowledge?

· Loss of confidence in the Bible

· Never been taught how to read and study the Bible

· Evangelicals have been over intellectual in their use of the Bible

· Loss of daily, corporate worship

· Our salvation does not demand it

· Change in pattern of services and patterns of attendance

Mission Minded #1: Why Should We Be Involved in Mission?

2009-10-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

It might seem logical to start with 'what is mission?' However, I want to begin with our motivation--the why.

1. Because God Himself is a missionary. In Genesis 1 we see the Father, The Word, and the Spirit, working together in Creation. In John 1 we see the Father, The Word and The Spirit working together in Salvation. The Triune God who brought the world into being, is the same Triune God who works to redeem it. The Father sends His Son in the power of the Spirit.

Thus God is profoundly missionary, not just in His heart, but in His very Being. We are never more 'God-like', and never nearer His heart, than when we too engage in mission, sending or being sent into the world.

2. Because God's glory demands it. We believe that God is the most glorious, most holy, most awesome being that there ever has been, is, or will be. He is magnificent, merciful, gracious and faithful. He both commands worship and demands it. He alone is truly worthy of all obedience, trust, thanksgiving, honour and praise. Well if we believe all that, don't we also believe that other people need to know about Him, so that they can worship Him too? How can they worship Him when they know nothing about Him? As one author has put it, "Mission exists because worship doesn't."

3. Because it is Our Destiny. Eph 2:10 tells us that we are God's workmanship, literally His 'poetry', created in Christ to do good works, which God has ordained in advance that we should walk in them. In other words, God has saved us for service. God has a life of serving Him in the service of others already prepared for us. We need to walk in it. Put another way, it is our destiny to live lives as His missionaries.

4. Because the Gospel requires it...but that is our next message.

Mission Minded

2009-10-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

It is good to be bloging again after the (long) Summer break. We have started a new series on Mission, following on from our Church Weekend Away at Carroty Wood which was on the same theme. So let's get started...

Should Christians Be Rich? (1 Tim 6)

2009-07-21T01:46:00.000-07:00

One third of the world's population lives on less than $2 a day

By global standards, we are the rich!

Paul gives us a series of challenges and warnings when it comes to our attitudes to money.

Be Content v7f

Take the Long View! (v7)

Learn Contentment (v8)

Be Careful v9f

Notice the path of destruction that Paul lays out

Fall v9a (lit. repeatedly or continually falling) =>

Multiply v9b of desires and temptations =>

Ruin v9c

Results are tragic: v10b left the faith, v10c pierced w many griefs

Be Humble v17a

Avoid the arrogance that wealth brings

Be Thankful v17b

Our guilt should not lie with being rich but with how we got rich and with what we are doing with our riches!

Be Responsible v18

Be Generous v18b

Be a Wise Investor v19

Gk trans “amassing a fund” Invest in things that will bring a heavenly reward.

Key Warning: v10a “The love…”

Key Question: v17 “Where is your hope?”

My Latest Article for Baptist Times

2009-07-17T06:41:00.002-07:00

AS I WRITE this, I am holed up in a small hotel on the Brighton seafront. I have made my annual trip down to the south coast for the New Frontiers' leadership conference.

This year, as well as discussing some of the longer-term future of the movement, there has been talk of goals and vision. The goals include the commitment to plant 1,000 new churches, with a particular emphasis on the world's 50 largest cities. The vision involved recasting the dream that has been at the heart of New Frontiers (NF) for many years now, and which it sees as essential to its God-given mandate. It is to change the expression of Christianity across the world.

Now that is bold. For a movement that started a generation ago with about 30 churches, mainly in the Sussex area, it is extremely bold! Some would even say that it was arrogant. The question I find myself asking is, arrogant or not, can they do it?

When I go to an NF church, as I do every now and again, I tend to find much the same thing. Firstly there is a commitment to lively, mainly contemporary worship (What a friend of mine describes as 30 minutes of compulsory happiness). Then 40 to 50 minutes of Bible-based preaching is the norm. There is also a shared approach to leadership, government by elders, and a belief in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

But to be frank with you, I see a great deal of that in many evangelical churches today. There isn't anything particularly different or unique about it. So how exactly are they changing the expression of Christianity?

Where I find NF to be unique, at least in my own limited experience, is not in what they offer in their church, but in what they offer inter-church.

It shows up in their identity; they see themselves as part of a movement, rather than as part of a denomination. They view themselves as being 'a family of churches together on a mission'. That has been their slogan, official or unofficial, for many years now, and unlike the mission statements printed on glossy brochures by many companies, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.

It shows up in their actions. When NF plants a church in an area, other NF churches seem eagerly to throw their lot in, and everyone shares in the success. They give generously of their best people and seem to think it an everyday occurrence when ordinary people sell up their homes and move to a new area to help support a church plant. Increasingly they see people relocate to Africa, India and the Pacific Rim in order to start new works.

It shows up in their giving. Given the number of churches they have, their abundant financial support is impressive. Further, they see this giving not as a fee to be paid or an obligation to be met, but as a privilege that allows them to help take the Gospel to the corners of the earth.

It shows up in their attitudes, their expectations and in their language. I was reminded while I was here last year that they really do see themselves as an 'ends of the earth' movement. If anything that conviction is bigger and bolder and brighter this year than ever.

It seems to me that the best word to sum this up, if not too controversial a choice, is that NF is apostolic. It is apostolic in its leadership, in its outlook, in its thinking, in its vision.

I remember David Coffey saying at the start of the Relating and Resourcing debate many years ago, that he wanted the Baptist Union to become a missionary movement. We could do a lot worse than look at New Frontiers to see one example of what that might look like.

Reflections from New Frontiers' Leadership Conference 09

2009-07-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post a few good quotes and key thoughts from this year's conference, just to give you a flavor of what went on and what I learned.

“If Jesus had led by consensus he'd never have got to the Cross”

“If you take the lead out of 'leadership', you end-up with 'er...ship'.”

“Keeping the ship running is not leadership, it's now-ship.”

“When advancing, the pace must be set by the apostles, not the pastors.”

“Elephants don't do steering committees.”

- PJ Smyth

“It's not just what you believe that's important, it's what you emphasize.” - DA Carson

“We like to look humble, we just don't want to be humble” - Joel Virgo

Compared to the world...“Christians have thought that we should look different, but in our hearts we have ended-up being the same. It should be the opposite.” - Dave Stroud

Exploring New Frontiers

2009-07-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

I am away for the next few days at the New Frontiers' "Together On A Mission" Conference down in Brighton. Why do I go there?

1. It is the best Bible-based teaching for leaders that I have yet come across.
2. It is very encouraging being with 1500 other leaders, all of whom are sold out for Jesus.
3. I find I get a large infusion of faith and vision.
4. The fellowship is real, being with others who know the joys, pains and stresses of leadership.
5. It is a huge blessing being around a movement that is focused on mission.

You can follow my adventures at TOAM via Twitter, as I shall be Tweeting the highlights of various sessions and happenings throughout the day.

Seeing is Believing!

2009-07-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

For those of you who were at HBBC on Sunday to hear my "Wheelbarrow of Faith" talk...here is a rare photo of Blondin actually pushing his wheelbarrow across Niagara Falls.

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?...You see that his [Abraham's] faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
James 2:14 & 22

Leadership in the Local Church--part 3

2009-06-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

Having considered the Elders and Deacons, now it is the turn of the Pastor! What does a godly Pastoral ministry look like?

(With thanks to John MacArthur of Grace Community Church for first opening my eyes to the teaching in this chapter of 1 Timothy)

The Marks of a New Testament Pastor. The effective, obedient Pastor...

1. Warns his people of error (v6)

2. is a Faithful student of Scripture (v6)

3. Avoids godless chatter & false teaching (v7)

4. is Disciplined in godliness (v7b)

5. is Committed to hard work (v10)

6. Teaches with authority (v11)

7. a Model of Christian virtue (v12)

8. Maintains a thoroughly Biblical ministry (v13f)

It is in explaining, interpreting and applying the text that the Pastor has

authority.

9. Employs his spiritual gift (v14)

10. is Passionate about his work (v15)

11. Visibly grows in godliness (v15f)

12. Perseveres (v16)

13. Practices Wisdom & Integrity in all his relationships (5v1-2)

What do you think is the relationship between Pastor and Elders?

How am I doing as a New Testament Pastor? This sermon gives you 13 specific things that you can pray for me. Please pray them ever deeper into my life.

Remember, you don’t get the Pastor you pay for, you get the Pastor you pray for.

Timothy, Titus & Dates for Your Diary

2009-06-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

I have been asked whether we will be going on to study Titus and 2 Timothy on Sunday mornings. Well the answer is YES...and NO. Yes, we will do Titus, but No (sadly) I don't think we will have time to do 2 Timothy. The Summer will catch-up with us, and then it will be September and time to start a new series.

Here's how I think the dates will work out.

28th June 1 Tim 3:14 - 4:16 The Excellent Minister (part 3)
5th July Family Service
12th July 1 Tim 5:1 - 6:2 Being A Church of Integrity
19th July 1 Tim 6:3-21 Can You Be A Rich Christian?
26th July Titus (Overview) Titus & God's Mission for Today's Church
2nd Aug Post Holiday Club & Re:Act Family Service--Jungle Jamboree
9th Aug Titus 1 Appointing Blameless Stewards
16th Aug Titus 2 Teaching What is True
23rd Aug Titus 3 Doing What is Right

Leadership in the Local Church II

2009-06-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

What requirements are laid down in the Bible for a leader? This passage offers 5 key areas that God is looking for in Elders/Overseers.

1. His Maturity.

Temperate (v2) No drunkenness (v3)

Self-controlled (v2) No lover of money (v3)

Gentle (v3)

2. His Family (This does not preclude single people from Eldership)

One wife (v2) Hospitable (v2)

Manages household well (v4) Instils discipline in children (v4)

3. His Relationships.

Gentle (v3) Not quarrelsome (v3)

4. His Reputation.

A good reputation with outsiders (v7)

Respectable and beyond reproach (v2)

5. His Faith.

Able to teach (v2). This implies that like a deacon, he must first have a sound knowledge of that faith in order to teach it (v9)

What about Deacons? The requirements for deacons are not quite as strenuous, but still demanding. They must;

Hold to the deep truths of the faith (9)
Have an exemplary home life (v12)
Set an example (v8)—especially in areas of motivation (v9), money (v9), alcohol (v9), and speech (v11)

It seems that whether one is talking about Elders or Deacons one cannot get away from the heart of the matter, namely that they are to be people “worthy of respect”. (v8) So who are the people in our church who fit this description?

Leadership in the Local Church part 1

2009-06-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

1. The Three Forms of Leadership.

Inter-church leadership (as in Eph 4, Apostles, evangelists, etc)
Elders/Overseers (v1-7)
Deacons (v8-12)

2. The Functions of Local Leadership

If we look closely at the differences in the requirements for Deacons and Elders we get some clues as to their different functions.

Elders: hospitable (v2), able to teach (v2), good reputation with outsiders (v7). Implies Elders hosted the church in their homes, led or oversaw the meetings (hence the title), took responsibility for teaching, and were the ‘public face’ of the church when it came to relating to those outside, such as the Roman authorities.

Deacons: traditionally Deacons assisted the elders. The emphasis on not indulging in much wine (v8) and not pursuing dishonest gain (v8) may refer to helping distribute the bread and wine and having responsibility for the finances. The call for Deaconesses (Gk “the women”) not to be malicious talkers but to be trustworthy in everything (v11) may refer to their duties in visiting, which could easily become a cause for gossip.

3. The Foundation of Leadership.

What is abundantly clear from this passage is that the foundation of leadership is godly character. In a world obsessed with personality and giftedness, God is obsessed with character.

Some Questions:

a) How do you respond to the Pastor’s statement that there is no Biblical basis for a Deaconate? How do you think such a thing developed?

b) What about the need for inter-church leaders (like prophets)? How might we benefit from their ministry?

c) How can we grow character in people?

d) The Pastor said that the church should be producing leaders of integrity for the wider society? Should we? How could we if we wanted to?

Q12. Am I a 1950's Bigot?

2009-06-17T02:22:00.000-07:00

12) You referred to yourself as a 1950's bigot. Is that a recognition that those opinions are equally culturally situated rather than being biblical constants?

No. I think that my comment was something along the lines of how aware I was that such opinions made me sound like a 1950's bigot. Indeed to some people that is what I will be seen as. I accept that. However I remain convinced of my case on the grounds of the teaching of Scripture. I also readily acknowledge that many who disagree with me also claim to be following the teaching of Scripture. In the end it comes down to what hermeneutics one uses (principles of Bible interpretation) and what presuppositions one has about the cultural conditioning of Scripture.

Q11. Male Disobedience and Female Deception?

2009-06-15T03:49:00.000-07:00

11) Regarding male disobedience and women being deceived (i) who produced survey referred to? Could one of the reasons for data be that within CofE was initially liberal parishes putting women forward for ordination and so theology will reflect that. What are male equivalent percentages?

The survey was produced by Christian Research, and I believe that they may have done it for the CofE as part of wider research done by the Anglicans to see how the influx of female clergy was shaping their Church.

Yes, you are quite right--the stats may well reflect that liberal parishes were amongst the first to put women forward for ordination. I do not know of any male equivalent research, but presumably it is out there somewhere. It would be most interesting to see the results.

Question 9: Doubtful Interpretations

2009-06-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

9) Household reasoning problematic in terms of equating with modern housegroup. However, think you were right in that situation of some of the reasons why silence was instructed. Modern interpretation doubtful.

There are two points here. You are right in saying that the New Testament household cannot be equated exactly with the current day homegroup. However, in terms of the church gathering for worship and teaching, what happens in today's homegroups is far more like what happened in the NT church than our modern day congregation-in-a-building-sitting-in-rows-led-from-the-front type service. Therefore some equating of the two is possible.

Secondly, one simply cannot say "modern interpretation doubtful." One must say why it is doubtful So my questions are, in what way is it doubtful and on what basis does one assert that it is doubtful?

Question 8: Women Learning?

2009-06-08T02:47:00.001-07:00

8) Point then made about value of women was fair enough. Good you believe women should learn.

My concern is how little anyone today seems to want to learn about the faith. And I am talking about Christians!!! Whether male or female, young or old, there seems to be a real dearth of interest in learning about God's Word...or about doctrine, history, how to pray, how to witness, how to build a Christian family, etc.

Most Christians seem to think that listening to a sermon once a week is enough to grow them and equip them. Well it's not.

I even doubt that attending a homegroup regularly is that much help in equipping people to live the Christian life. I think homegroups are good for 'maintaining' people in their faith and they help people feel that they belong. However we are in danger of raising a whole generation of believers who are largely ignorant of their Bibles, of major Christian beliefs, and of essential Christian lifeskills.

I believe the basic church model of Sunday + Homegroup + Daily Devotions is no longer up to the job. However, I don't know how to replace it or what to replace it with.

Question 7: The Birka?

2009-06-08T01:51:00.000-07:00

7) The statement about then disagreeing with Birka could be interpreted as slipping in anti-Islamic sentiment when the reasons that it is worn are exactly the same as you were referring to in terms of women needing to be modest due to lust of males. If your problem is men controlling what women wear what are you saying that differs from those who encourage Birka?

One must be able to criticise something within an organization, faith or philosophy without being labelled as being anti- the whole thing. For instance, is everyone who criticises Israel for their building of their giant wall anti-Semitic? Is everyone who criticises the flagrant promiscuity present in much (but not all) homosexual practice homophobic? If I criticise New Labour for its immigration policy does that make me a Fascist? (Or indeed an old fashioned Communist?)

I think that what I am advocating is what the Scriptures advocate--namely, dressing with due modesty. Most people would agree that the Birka goes too far. I believe it demeans women by making them totally responsible for the lusts of men, as if it were sinful for a woman to have a body. However, I also acknowledge that many women feel protected and empowered by the Birka. If that is so, then they should wear it, but the choice should be theirs.

The Bible's line is that women have a responsibility to consider how their appearance will effect men, especially those gathered for worship, and to dress appropriately and with due modesty. It also makes clear that men have a responsibility to train their eyes and to stop gauping! If my preaching did not reflect that balance it is because I perceive that at the moment the issue is more with some of the ladies and how they are dressing.

Question 6: Temple Prostitues & Dress?

2009-06-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

6) The temple prostitutes were giving the wrong gospel. Agree with that. One of the reasons for this was not how they chose to dress but rather how the males expected them to behave. Totally agree with you what defines us is godliness not dress.

I agree with you, up to a point. The Temple Prostitutes did not believe the gospel at all; their religion had nothing what-so-ever to do with the Biblical message. And yes, the men were just as guilty--probably more so--for expecting (even demanding perhaps) such behaviour. However, although what defines us is godliness not dress, the two cannot be totally separated. It is possible to dress in a totally ungodly way. If one is truly godly within, one will give some thought to one's appearance and the message it may be sending.

Question 5: Clevage?

2009-06-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

5) Re. the "cleavage problem" comment it suggests that there is a problem with lust in the congregation amongst the men and that is one thing that needs to be considered. Are men objectifying women? Nakedness was part of the condition prior to the fall, shame about our bodies comes afterwards. However, modesty is a fair enough thing to encourage people to think about for own respect.

Most men in my opinion struggle with lust; it is a particularly (though not exclusively) male besetting sin. The question is, what is an appropriate response to men who might struggle with this issue? The Bible makes it clear that I am my brothers keeper, and that I have a responsibility for not causing a brother or sister to stumble. Indeed my 'freedom' in Christ must not be used as an excuse to damage another.

There are whole sections of Scripture, not just individual verses, that deal with this responsibility. Let us consider 1 Cor 8:4-13, which is about the issue of eating meat that has been sacrificed to idols. Paul can say "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." (v9) And even "if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall." (v13, where the reference is almost certainly to church meals, not what one eats in the privacy of one's own home.)

Also we have Romans 14:1 - 15:4. This too is a discussion around food, but also about Sabbaths and holy days. Paul says "... make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." (v14) It should be readily seen that Paul's discussion around food, drink and special days is just as applicable to matters of dress and decorum. Paul says " If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love." No doubt he would also say "if your brother is distressed because of what you wear (or how little you wear!) you are no longer acting in love."

Lastly, yes we were naked before the fall. But there is nothing in Scripture that suggests that this aspect of the fall is reversed this side of glory. Indeed the covering of the more sexual areas is a theme running through the Bible. As an example, you recall that the angels in Isa 6 covered their faces and their feet? Well, it probably wasn't their feet that they were covering! Most commentators believe that this is a Hebrew euphemism for the sexual organs! If you think about it, in the Bible when one was in God's presence one uncovered one's feet, not cover them up.

Question 4: Biblical Sexism?

2009-06-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

4) You refer to biblical sexism. How does that work bearing in mind that the bible, particularly the gospels point to Christianity being counter cultural in its anti-sexist attitude?

Christianity is profoundly counter cultural, especially in its anti-sexist attitudes. However by that one means that the Bible teaches that women share with men in being made in God's image, that they are of equal value, and must be treated with dignity and respect, being co-heirs in salvation, equal inheritors of the Kingdom to come, and partners in marriage. However, that does not mean that the Bible teaches that men and women have the same roles. Biblical sexism upholds equal value but different functions. This is profoundly counter cultural as it teaches that a woman does not have to do everything that a man does to be his equal; she is already his equal through being a woman.

Question 3: Why Be a Baptist When...

2009-06-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

3) Baptists were the earliest of the larger denominations to allow women ministers. Accept that it depends upon the congregation but strange knowing that you chose to join the Baptist denomination if such an issue.

This is not as straight-forward as it may seem. The fact is that no denomination is perfect, and whatever denomination one is in, one has to accept that there will be things that one struggles with or does not agree with. Thus there are Pentecostals who don't accept tongue-speaking as the only proof of Spirit baptism, Anglicans that struggle with the three cord approach to authority (Scripture, Tradition and Reason), Catholics that believe in contraception, and Salvation Army folk who believe in the sacrament of Communion. And, yes, Baptists who do not believe in Women Elders. At least with the Baptists each local church is free to interpret Scripture on this issue as it believes right.

Furthermore, it should be noted that there are now no major denominations (aside from RC) who do not have women priests/ministers/pastors. There would simply be nowhere to go!

At the time I considered training the only two denominations that did not ordain women were the RC and the Anglicans. I was far too Protestant (and married) to consider the Roman Catholic Priesthood. It was widely acknowledged that it was only a matter of time before the Anglicans ordained women, and there were the other matters of infant verses believer's baptism, the widespread liberalism in the CofE, and the nature of authority--all of which were far bigger issues in my mind.

Question #2 "Male Headship"

2009-05-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

Is there a move to re-introduce male headship into policy of the church?

This question could be understood in two ways--that is, refering to the church's policy on church leadership, or refering to the church's policy on family leadership. Let me take the church leadership one first. Since HBBC has never had a female Pastor, it could be argued that the church has always believed & practised male headship. However, as far as I understand it, there is nothing in our church rules or Trust Deeds that forbids female pastors or elders.

Obviously, though, while I remain as Pastor it is very unlikely that a female elder will be appointed, as I simply do not believe that it is allowed by the New Testament. I know others disagree with me, and perhaps under a future pastor it might be different.

It is also possible that the church may decide not to appoint any elders at all, feeling that there is no-one in the fellowship who fits the qualifications at the moment, or that the timing is not quite right.

As regards families in the church, I have no desire to start poking my nose into how each couple organizes their relationship. No serious student of the Bible denies that the Scriptures clearly teach male headship. The debate is about a) what it means, and b) how it applies today. Different couples will work this out for themselves in different ways, and should be given the freedom to do so. My concern is not that our church is full of domineering men suppressing their women, but rather that there may be many godly women who wish that their husbands would step-up to the plate and give more of a lead in the home.

Question #1: Did Paul Write Them?

2009-05-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, there is a consensus of skepticism amongst modern scholars as to whether Paul wrote the Pastoral Epistles. However, modern scholars do sometimes claim more for their theories than the evidence really supports, and there are still strong reasons for believing in Pauline authorship.

Yes, there are questions. However, it seems to me that the non-Pauline view actually raises more problems than it solves. I deal with these arguments more fully in an earlier post, so please check-out the entry from Tuesday 28th April, entitled "Overview of the Pastoral Epistles." (Please note, that post is an updated version of the handout that I used on Sun evening 26th April and contains some extra information.)

Responses to 1 Tim 2 Sermon: Role of Women

2009-05-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday (26th April) I was somewhat controversial as I preached on the Role of Women from 1 Tim 2.

The first thing to say is that what I outlined was the standard evangelical opinion 25 years ago (when I was converted), but would now be considered a minority opinion. This is worrying. Has evangelical opinion changed on the basis of new exegetical insights into the New Testament text? I don't think so. So either we were wrong in the first place, which is serious, or else we have changed our views because of the pressure of the culture, which is equally serious!

Putting that aside, a good friend of mine sent me 18 Questions by way of response in order to stimulate discussion and understanding. They are good questions and I post them below. I shall attempt to answer them one by one over the coming weeks. Here they are;

1). You start by putting the later Pauline epistles into context of being written before Pauls death. There is serious debate about whether this is the case or whether they were written by others after Pauls death.

2) You goes on to put series in context of discussions over re-introduction of eldership. This needs to be put in that context. There is a move to re-introduce male headship into policy of the church?

3) Baptists were the earliest of the larger denominations to allow women ministers. Accept that it depends upon the congregation but strange knowing that you chose to join the Baptist denomination if such an issue.

4) You refer to biblical sexism. How does that work bearing in mind that the bible, particularly the gospels point to Christianity being counter cultural in its anti-sexist attitude?

5) Re. the "cleavage problem" comment it suggests that there is a problem with lust in the congregation amongst the men and that is one thing that needs to be considered. Are men objectifying women? Nakedness was part of the condition prior to the fall, shame about our bodies comes afterwards. However, modesty is a fair enough thing to encourage people to think about for own respect.

6) The temple prostitutes were giving the wrong gospel. Agree with that. One of the reasons for this was not how they chose to dress but rather how the males expected them to behave. Totally agree with you what defines us is godliness not dress.

7) The statement about then disagreeing with Birka could be interpreted as slipping in anti-Islamic sentiment when the reasons that it is worn are exactly the same as you were referring to in terms of women needing to be modest due to lust of males. If your problem is men controlling what women wear what are you saying that differs from those who encourage Birka?

8) Point then made about value of women was fair enough. Good you believe women should learn.

9) Household reasoning problematic in terms of equating with modern housegroup. However, think you were right in that situation of some of the reasons why silence was instructed. Modern interpretation doubtful.

10) Regarding women not being supposed to teach and Adam being formed first it depends upon which creation narrative you choose to go with. Gen 1 which sees both created equal and in the image of God comes first.

11) Regarding male disobedience and women being decieved (i) who produced survey referred to? Could one of the reasons for data be that within CofE was initially liberal parishes putting women forward for ordination and so theology will reflect that. What are male equivilent percentages?

12) You referred to yourself as 1950's bigot. Is that a recognition that those opinions are equally culturally situated rather than being biblical constants?

13) Modern sexual equality. Isses around men and women wanting to be the same - I agree with you to one extent. However, by imposing ideas about biblical masculinity and femininty and linking femininty to child bearing isn't that denying the uniqueness of all humanity and the fact we all have different gifts. Women shouldn't be seeking just to be like other women either.

14) Totally agree that the way sexuality has evolved in our society means men and women aren't respecting themselves. However, difference between promoscuity and people in faithful relationships having sex whether married or not.

15) Emphasis on role of women as wives and mothers. How does this relate to single women and childless women. There was no recognition of how what you were saying may sound to / impact them. This was insensitive or crass depending on way listened to.

16) Seperating "spiritual life" out from all other forms of life. Not sure that this is biblical if we feel God is Lord over all.

17) Where does this leave single women who don't have man to take lead, particularly as Paul also describes singleness as a gift.

18) Your sermon equates all forms of feminism as wanting equality between genders. Biblical (evangelical feminism) doesn't. This not recognised.

Overview of the Pastoral Epistles: Who Wrote Them and Why?

2009-04-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

I. What is Unusual or Difficult About These Letters?

Language—many words occur only in these letters; many normal Pauline words don’t occur.
Use of Certain Words
Style—very similar to the Greek of Luke-Acts
History—does not fit in with Paul’s journeys in Acts
Church Structure—too advanced for the lifetime of Paul, seems more like 2^nd Century
Doctrine—Some of it is unPauline

This has led many to believe that Paul did not write these letters.

However, Paul has been the accepted author of these letters for nearly 1800 years!

II. How Might We Explain These Difficulties?

a) History

Early Church tradition states that Paul was released from his imprisonment at the end of Acts 28. His letters from about that time seem to hint that this was what he expected. The tradition then states that he went on a fourth missionary journey, although they disagree as to where he went! There does not seem any way to fit these letters into the Acts itinerary report, but a fourth missionary journey means that we do not have to.

b) Church Structure

It is very easy to read our understanding of contemporary church structure back into these letters. There is actually nothing in these letters that could not have come from a church in the second half of the first century.

c) Doctrine

It is true that some of the statements made in these letters are made in unPauline ways. However, much of that is because of the author’s desire to quote from known sources, probably accepted sayings, hymns and creeds of the early church. A better question is, would Paul have endorsed the theology of these letters? To which the answer is ‘yes’.

d) Language/Style/Use of Words

If we are correct in a) above, then this is Paul writing several years later, at the end of his life, writing more personal letters to his closest colleagues, passing on to them those things that he deems to be the most significant for them to know before he departs. This change of setting, audience and subject matter may go a long way to explaining the differences in language, style and use of words.

There is another intriguing explanation…

e) The Use of an Active Amanuensis

How intriguing that the Greek of these letters more closely resembles that of Luke/Acts than anything else! If these letters were written close to Paul’s death at the end of his fourth missionary trip, whilst under arrest in Rome, was the great Apostle denied the freedoms of his previous Roman imprisonment? Did he have to rely much more on the help of a friend-cum-secretary? Was that man Luke?

III. Keys to the Letters.

1 Timothy.

Verses: 1v3, 3v14-15

Subject Areas: how to battle false doctrine (and why it is important), the importance of prayer, the role of women, the proper qualifications for leaders, caring for the poor, the role of the Pastor.

In-A-Sentence: Reforming the Household of God

Titus.

Verses: 2v11-14

Subject Areas: Qualifications for leaders, danger

of false teaching, a Christian’s duties at home,

the Christian in public life, important doctrines.

In-A-Sentence; The Truth that Leads to Godliness

2 Timothy.

Verses: 2v1-2

Subject Areas: mainly focused around the need to

guard, protect, proclaim and suffer for, the gospel

In-A-Sentence: Guard the Gospel

IV. What Concerns Emerge Throughout These Letters?

I would say that there are three.

1. Faithful Leaders

2. Trustworthy (or Healthy) Doctrine

3. Godly Believers

V. A Final Point.
As a final comment it should be added that the idea of a latter author, other than Paul, writing in the early second century--which is many scholars belief about these letters--raises more problems than it solves. If this is a forgery, why invent so many personal details and comments that do not fit-in with the Book of Acts? Furthermore, church history informs us that the church in Ephesus during the early second century is nothing like the church that Paul writes to in these letters. So why invent a letter to a church to meet a problem that doesn't exist? And why forge three letters? What is gained by doing that?

Ultimately the view that sees Paul as the writer of these letters, writing near the end of his life, and using an Amanuensis, is the best fit to all the evidence.

Deliberating Over Doctrine (Part 1)

2009-03-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

Doctrine is going out of fashion, isn't it? Increasingly today we talk about people or churches who 'love the Lord' or 'follow Jesus' or who 'want to spread the Kingdom in the area.' We talk the language of experiences and of common values or shared goals, far more than we do that of agreement over doctrine.

Yet doctrine simply means statements of belief. And for the Christian that means statements of truth about God. To say that 'God is love', or 'Jesus saves', or that 'God answers prayer' are all actually statements of doctrine. Indeed, as soon as we articulate our faith in any clear way, we are talking doctrine. (And once someone starts trying to put his or her different beliefs together in some way, they are talking about theology.)

So the issue is not whether we have doctrine or not. The issue is whether we have good doctrine or bad doctrine. Or, put another way, do we believe the truth about God, or do we believe falsehood. When you put it like that, doctrine is important, possibly the most important thing in the world.

However, does that mean two Christians (or indeed, two churches) have to agree about absolutely everything before they can co-operate or enjoy fellowship together? Surely not--for are there any two Christians anywhere in the world who absolutely agree 100% on absolutely every piece of doctrine? Well, maybe a few. However it does sound like a recipe for splits and isolation. Indeed, many would say that that is precisely what has happened.

So is there some sort of middle-way? Is there some core of Christian belief that would enable believers' and churches to work together with integrity without demanding that we all agree on everything?

That is one of the issues that I want to resolve this week.

A Valid Baptism?

2009-03-30T02:49:00.000-07:00

My first task on my week long study leave is to wrestle with the question "what constitutes a valid baptism?" (Many of you will know that this issue was raised, in a slightly different form, at the last Members' Meeting.)

It seems to me that to be valid in NT terms a Baptism requires FOUR things;

1. The person being baptized to have a personal faith in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

2. That person to confess that faith out loud in some way. (That might seem odd, but think about it.)

3. Water--preferably enough for total immersion, but necessarily always so.

4. A Christian to perform the baptism, who uses an appropriate form of words; either baptizing "in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit", or simply "in the name of Jesus."