PAUL’S PERSONAL TESTIMONY
“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue (I Corinthians 14:18-19).”
As mentioned earlier, Paul spoke with tongues more than all the Corinthian believers. Yet Paul declares that he would rather speak five words in the church by his own understanding, than ten thousand words in a tongue. When Paul, or any other tongue speaker, spoke the message from God it was not produced by an effort of their understanding. They understood as they spoke it, but it was a product of the Holy Spirit. What Paul is referring to in this passage is five words to be understood, as opposed to ten thousand words unintelligible to others because they are in a tongue.[1] He once again points to the necessity of edification, particularly teaching here, for the benefit of others. It is interesting to note that Paul has just spoken of tongues’ abuse not edifying the unlearned, and now declares his desire to communicate so that others may be taught.
DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT CARE ABOUT THE MIND?
“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men (I Corinthians 14:20).”
God the Holy Spirit communicates a very important truth in this verse- “Use your mind!” Christianity is not a religion of mysticism and thoughtless fanaticism. The Corinthians had plenty of local options if that was their pleasure. Ecstatic utterances were to be found in local religions, but ecstatic utterances were not the gift of tongues! God desires that His children be understanding of His truth and loving of Himself, and has given His children gifts that they may build up the body to that end. Christianity was never intended to bypass the mind. We are to be mature in our understanding. The analogy is of children and men. Be immature and unedified in malice, but not in understanding!
VERSE 28
Having studied verses 21 through 25 already in whole or in part, I now turn to one more evidence that the tongues speaker understood what he was saying. Verses 26-40 emphasize order in the worship service so that people be edified[2] and because of the character of God[3]. The believers were to have no more than two or three tongues speakers, and then they could only speak in turns.[4] There had to be an interpreter if there was to be speaking in tongues.[5] At this point we arrive at yet another conclusive proof that the tongue speaker understood what he was saying.
“But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God (I Corinthians 14:28)”
If there was no interpreter, the tongue speaker was not to publicly pronounce the message, but he was to simply speak to himself and to God. Occasionally, I talk to myself. Several times even during the writing of this booklet I have contemplated matters by talking them over in my mind, whether verbally or mentally. There has never been one time when I simply uttered gibberish when speaking to myself! There certainly has been no time when I uttered only sounds instead of words when speaking to my God!
Some say that this idea of praying to God without understanding what you are uttering is found in this verse. It is not. Once again this passage, like so many others that we have studied in this chapter, points to the fact that the speaker understood what he was saying. A person speaking to himself does not just utter mindless gibberish, and a person speaking to God certainly should not utter gibberish to his Heavenly Father![6]
[1] It is possible that here Paul is using a Greek construction known as an “objective genitive.” This would render the expression “my understanding” as “understanding of me.” This would reinforce the primacy of intelligibility that Paul is setting forth here, but it is not essential to do so. The argument is equally eloquent with the subjective genitive, which would indicate that this was five words of a message produced by Paul’s own understanding, preparation, and study for the purpose of teaching the body, particularly the unlearned.
[2] I Corinthians 14:26- “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.”
[3] I Corinthians 14:33- “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
[4] I Corinthians 14:27- “If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.”
[5] ibid
[6] Many charismatics say that the practice of uttering unintelligible sounds to God as prayer is taught in Romans 8:26- “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” They say that in times when one just doesn’t know what words to utter, praying in tongues is the Holy Spirit’s way of helping him pray. In other words, when words fail, ecstatic utterances can step in. The belief fails, like so many other charismatic arguments, in that it fails to exegete the passage. The passage plainly says that it is the Holy Spirit which makes intercessions, not us. In response to the objection that the Holy Spirit is praying through us by uttering these sounds with our vocal projection, the response is simple- “they cannot be uttered.” If sounds of any sort spill forth from the mouth, it is not the Spirit’s work of intercession. His intercession is with groanings which cannot be uttered or spoken in any way.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
The Issue of "Tongues"— Part 6
WHAT ABOUT VERSE FIFTEEN?
“What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. (I Corinthian 14:15)”
When many people who hold the position that tongues are not a gift in operation today reach this verse they are intimidated and pass over it. This verse seems to contradict what we have previously been trying to establish. Some charismatics say that this verse suggests that when Paul spoke, prayed, or sang in tongues (or “in the spirit”) he did not understand what he was saying.
Once again, we must remember the context. Paul is still stressing intelligibility for the purpose of edifying the church. He is stating the conclusion or main point of the passage- “I will minister in such a way that will be for the best for the body. I will show love by ministering in a way that builds up the church.” This is immediately obvious from the context both before and after verse fifteen.
It is important to note that Paul does not use the adjective “my” when referring to understanding. Paul is obviously not referring to his unfruitful understanding or really his understanding in any primary way at all. The understanding in view is the understanding of the body.
“Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? (I Corinthians 14:16)”
Verse sixteen proves the point just made with respect to “the understanding” in verse fifteen. Who will not understand if ministry is done in an unintelligible way? The unlearned. This speaks of the uninformed believer.[1] He will not understand, and therefore will not be edified (verse 17).
Verses sixteen and seventeen taken together also bear evidence that the tongues speaker understood what he said.
“Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified (I Corinthians 14:16-17).”
The Apostle mentions the importance of ministering in an intelligible way, using the examples of praying and singing. The point that he makes is that if these things are done in tongues it will be impossible for the unlearned to say Amen!” In fact, it would be an idle word. If the unlearned said “Amen” or “so be it” when he had no idea what was prayed or sung, it would be a useless expression. Even though you may give thanks very well, the individual hearing you is not edified.
How does this bear evidence that the tongues speaker understood what he said? He understood that he was giving thanks! If he had no knowledge of the message of the words that he said, how could he know that he was giving thanks? He would have to know what he said! How could he even have the more fundamental understanding of what type of action he was performing (i.e. praying, preaching, reciting the alphabet, etc.)?
[1] Some suggest that the uninformed are unbelievers, particularly Jews. It hardly seems likely that Paul would criticize the Corinthians for not building up an unbeliever. Furthermore, verses 23 and 24 seem to list unbelievers and uninformed ones as separate groups of people. The similar response in verse 25 does not conclusively prove that both groups are unsaved. Both groups could conceivably respond in such a fashion as described in this verse even if understood as uninformed believers and unbelievers. Both groups could be convicted by the message of prophecy and moved to worship God, understanding that God’s power is upon the ministry of the local church. Having said this, many scholars whom I greatly admire hold this position. These objections are in no way meant to belittle them or their ministries.
“What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. (I Corinthian 14:15)”
When many people who hold the position that tongues are not a gift in operation today reach this verse they are intimidated and pass over it. This verse seems to contradict what we have previously been trying to establish. Some charismatics say that this verse suggests that when Paul spoke, prayed, or sang in tongues (or “in the spirit”) he did not understand what he was saying.
Once again, we must remember the context. Paul is still stressing intelligibility for the purpose of edifying the church. He is stating the conclusion or main point of the passage- “I will minister in such a way that will be for the best for the body. I will show love by ministering in a way that builds up the church.” This is immediately obvious from the context both before and after verse fifteen.
It is important to note that Paul does not use the adjective “my” when referring to understanding. Paul is obviously not referring to his unfruitful understanding or really his understanding in any primary way at all. The understanding in view is the understanding of the body.
“Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? (I Corinthians 14:16)”
Verse sixteen proves the point just made with respect to “the understanding” in verse fifteen. Who will not understand if ministry is done in an unintelligible way? The unlearned. This speaks of the uninformed believer.[1] He will not understand, and therefore will not be edified (verse 17).
Verses sixteen and seventeen taken together also bear evidence that the tongues speaker understood what he said.
“Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified (I Corinthians 14:16-17).”
The Apostle mentions the importance of ministering in an intelligible way, using the examples of praying and singing. The point that he makes is that if these things are done in tongues it will be impossible for the unlearned to say Amen!” In fact, it would be an idle word. If the unlearned said “Amen” or “so be it” when he had no idea what was prayed or sung, it would be a useless expression. Even though you may give thanks very well, the individual hearing you is not edified.
How does this bear evidence that the tongues speaker understood what he said? He understood that he was giving thanks! If he had no knowledge of the message of the words that he said, how could he know that he was giving thanks? He would have to know what he said! How could he even have the more fundamental understanding of what type of action he was performing (i.e. praying, preaching, reciting the alphabet, etc.)?
[1] Some suggest that the uninformed are unbelievers, particularly Jews. It hardly seems likely that Paul would criticize the Corinthians for not building up an unbeliever. Furthermore, verses 23 and 24 seem to list unbelievers and uninformed ones as separate groups of people. The similar response in verse 25 does not conclusively prove that both groups are unsaved. Both groups could conceivably respond in such a fashion as described in this verse even if understood as uninformed believers and unbelievers. Both groups could be convicted by the message of prophecy and moved to worship God, understanding that God’s power is upon the ministry of the local church. Having said this, many scholars whom I greatly admire hold this position. These objections are in no way meant to belittle them or their ministries.
Monday, December 19, 2005
The Issue of "Tongues"— Part 5
PRAYING TO INTERPRET
We have already spoken about the significance of the word “interpret” in this passage. There is a point that must be drawn out of verse thirteen.
“Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.”
In verse five Paul pointed out that unless the tongues speaker was to interpret the church would not be edified by the gift. Here he goes a step further. He commands the tongues speaker to pray that he may interpret (or translate). In light of the fact that the good of the whole, the edification of the church body is in view, this is not strange. Once again, this implies, if not directly points to the fact that the tongues speaker understood what he was saying when he said it. It is most reasonable to command the one who had knowledge to pray that he may interpret as opposed to first asking someone who had no knowledge of what was said to do so.
Yet the question is asked, “Why would the person that spoke and understood the message have any need to pray that he may interpret? Why not just interpret after speaking the message in tongues while the message is still on the mind? Doesn’t this argue against your understanding of this passage?”
This is a good question and demands a reasonable response. It must be remembered that tongues, like prophecy, spoke completely infallible revelatory truths from God. In order to be true to the message, the interpretation or translation must be entirely without error as well. This would require a supernatural gift from the Holy Spirit.
Suppose that an individual who spoke both of our official languages fluently was to go the province of Quebec and there listen to an address given by a speaker. How likely do you suppose it would be that he would have the ability to stand up immediately after the speech and repeat it verbatim? It would obviously be impossible! Yet this is the accuracy that infallible revelation from God would demand. The tongues speaker did not have the liberty to just “give the gist” of the message.
Far from hurting our understanding of the gift, this actually helps it. Truth is not contradictory.
SPIRIT, UNDERSTANDING, AND FRUIT-BEARING
“For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful (I Corinthians 14:14).”
We come now to the passage that many Charismatics regard as the coupe de gras to the position promoted here. To many it seems that this indicates a certain mindlessness of the gift of tongues, as though the Holy Spirit bypassed the mind “to go straight to the heart” in this gift. Does it?
Much of the confusion is in regards to the term “my spirit.” The personal pronoun indicates that Paul is speaking hypothetically of himself as the one speaking tongues. We do know that Paul did speak in tongues; in fact, he spoke more in tongues than all the rest of the Corinthian believers! Paul’s own spirit is in view here. We must understand what a person’s “spirit” is in order to properly “divide”[1] this passage.
In order to understand what a man’s “spirit” is, we must look to the pages of Scripture. One passage is of particular importance in that it was written in reference to this very subject of a man’s “spirit” by the same human author who wrote this verse- Paul. I Corinthians 2:11 tells us, “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” Paul is speaking of our reception of the Holy Spirit’s teaching (illumination) here. The point being driven home here is this- our own spirits can remember, think upon, and know the thoughts of which we are conscious as no other human can; so the Spirit of God can know the things of God as no man can. The spirit of a man is a knowing faculty! It is the conscious, knowing, undying part of man, and is not divorced from thinking.
So often within the Charismatic movement people promote the idea that in truly spiritual people the Holy Spirit bypasses thinking to speak to the spirit or heart of man. In fact, it is often stated that God withholds blessing from those who do not let go of their minds in order to worship. However, God is a God who expects reasonableness from His people.[2] Rather than expecting us to abandon our mind in worship, He commands us to use it.[3]
There are many other passages which emphasize that the spirit of a man is an undying, conscious, knowing faculty: Matthew 26:41, Mark 2:8, Luke 1:47, Luke 23:46, Acts 7:59, Acts 17:16, I Peter 3:4, to name a few.
The next portion that must be dealt with is “my understanding is unfruitful.” Many take this to mean that the tongues speaker did not have a clue what he was saying. We must remember to interpret this verse and all others within their proper context. Paul has been stressing the importance of intelligibility so that the body may be edified. In this verse he is continuing the same train of thought.
Some suggest that this portion of the verse is saying, “My understanding is unknowing”, but that is not what is said. The understanding is said to be unfruitful, that is, it did not bring forth some kind of fruit. Now what fruit is lacking in the gift of tongues if it is left uninterpreted?- the fruit of edification! Paul is simply stating what he has been emphasizing all along. Spiritual gifts are for the good of the body, not the individual. Tongues by themselves are inferior to prophecy because they do not edify the whole church body, but only the individual. Prophecy builds up the whole body because it proclaims the infallible truth of God in an intelligible manner. Tongues have the same effect only when they are interpreted. Intelligibility is of vital importance because gifts are for the edification of the whole church. Thus the unfruitful nature of the speaker’s understanding is in its failing to bring forth the fruit of edification in the church as a whole.
[1] II Timothy 2:15- “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
[2] Isaiah 1:18- “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool”
[3] Matthew 22:36&37- “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
We have already spoken about the significance of the word “interpret” in this passage. There is a point that must be drawn out of verse thirteen.
“Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.”
In verse five Paul pointed out that unless the tongues speaker was to interpret the church would not be edified by the gift. Here he goes a step further. He commands the tongues speaker to pray that he may interpret (or translate). In light of the fact that the good of the whole, the edification of the church body is in view, this is not strange. Once again, this implies, if not directly points to the fact that the tongues speaker understood what he was saying when he said it. It is most reasonable to command the one who had knowledge to pray that he may interpret as opposed to first asking someone who had no knowledge of what was said to do so.
Yet the question is asked, “Why would the person that spoke and understood the message have any need to pray that he may interpret? Why not just interpret after speaking the message in tongues while the message is still on the mind? Doesn’t this argue against your understanding of this passage?”
This is a good question and demands a reasonable response. It must be remembered that tongues, like prophecy, spoke completely infallible revelatory truths from God. In order to be true to the message, the interpretation or translation must be entirely without error as well. This would require a supernatural gift from the Holy Spirit.
Suppose that an individual who spoke both of our official languages fluently was to go the province of Quebec and there listen to an address given by a speaker. How likely do you suppose it would be that he would have the ability to stand up immediately after the speech and repeat it verbatim? It would obviously be impossible! Yet this is the accuracy that infallible revelation from God would demand. The tongues speaker did not have the liberty to just “give the gist” of the message.
Far from hurting our understanding of the gift, this actually helps it. Truth is not contradictory.
SPIRIT, UNDERSTANDING, AND FRUIT-BEARING
“For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful (I Corinthians 14:14).”
We come now to the passage that many Charismatics regard as the coupe de gras to the position promoted here. To many it seems that this indicates a certain mindlessness of the gift of tongues, as though the Holy Spirit bypassed the mind “to go straight to the heart” in this gift. Does it?
Much of the confusion is in regards to the term “my spirit.” The personal pronoun indicates that Paul is speaking hypothetically of himself as the one speaking tongues. We do know that Paul did speak in tongues; in fact, he spoke more in tongues than all the rest of the Corinthian believers! Paul’s own spirit is in view here. We must understand what a person’s “spirit” is in order to properly “divide”[1] this passage.
In order to understand what a man’s “spirit” is, we must look to the pages of Scripture. One passage is of particular importance in that it was written in reference to this very subject of a man’s “spirit” by the same human author who wrote this verse- Paul. I Corinthians 2:11 tells us, “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” Paul is speaking of our reception of the Holy Spirit’s teaching (illumination) here. The point being driven home here is this- our own spirits can remember, think upon, and know the thoughts of which we are conscious as no other human can; so the Spirit of God can know the things of God as no man can. The spirit of a man is a knowing faculty! It is the conscious, knowing, undying part of man, and is not divorced from thinking.
So often within the Charismatic movement people promote the idea that in truly spiritual people the Holy Spirit bypasses thinking to speak to the spirit or heart of man. In fact, it is often stated that God withholds blessing from those who do not let go of their minds in order to worship. However, God is a God who expects reasonableness from His people.[2] Rather than expecting us to abandon our mind in worship, He commands us to use it.[3]
There are many other passages which emphasize that the spirit of a man is an undying, conscious, knowing faculty: Matthew 26:41, Mark 2:8, Luke 1:47, Luke 23:46, Acts 7:59, Acts 17:16, I Peter 3:4, to name a few.
The next portion that must be dealt with is “my understanding is unfruitful.” Many take this to mean that the tongues speaker did not have a clue what he was saying. We must remember to interpret this verse and all others within their proper context. Paul has been stressing the importance of intelligibility so that the body may be edified. In this verse he is continuing the same train of thought.
Some suggest that this portion of the verse is saying, “My understanding is unknowing”, but that is not what is said. The understanding is said to be unfruitful, that is, it did not bring forth some kind of fruit. Now what fruit is lacking in the gift of tongues if it is left uninterpreted?- the fruit of edification! Paul is simply stating what he has been emphasizing all along. Spiritual gifts are for the good of the body, not the individual. Tongues by themselves are inferior to prophecy because they do not edify the whole church body, but only the individual. Prophecy builds up the whole body because it proclaims the infallible truth of God in an intelligible manner. Tongues have the same effect only when they are interpreted. Intelligibility is of vital importance because gifts are for the edification of the whole church. Thus the unfruitful nature of the speaker’s understanding is in its failing to bring forth the fruit of edification in the church as a whole.
[1] II Timothy 2:15- “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
[2] Isaiah 1:18- “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool”
[3] Matthew 22:36&37- “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
Sunday, December 18, 2005
The Issue of "Tongues"— Part 4
PROPHECY, TONGUES, AND EDIFICATION
“But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church (I Corinthians 14:3-4).”
Interestingly enough, Paul claims that tongues have the same effect upon the speaker as prophecy has upon the public gathering of believers. Prophecy, infallible revelation (in this case, the gift of speaking the infallible truths of God directly from God) is said to, among other things, edify men (plural). What is in view here is the congregation of believers. The word “edify” means “to build up”. Tongues are said to do the same thing to the tongues speaker.
When I have pointed this out to many charismatic Christians, the response has often been, “So what?” The point is- what is unintelligible cannot build up! I can never be built up in any true sense by that which I have no clue about. This weighs very heavy upon me as I prepare messages to preach every week. If I speak the message in such a way that no one can understand what is being said, the congregation will not be edified. However, if I preach in language that people can understand and they apply their hearts to know the Word, with the Holy Spirit’s illuminating work, they will be built up. Indeed, the Bible is the Word of God, and particularly the Word of God the Holy Spirit.[1]
The gift of tongues was not just gibberish unintelligible to the speaker. He understood what he was saying. Though the Spirit was producing the truths in his mouth, he understood what he was saying. He was edified!
This also reinforces our understanding of the gift of tongues as speaking the definite truth of the mysteries of God. The tongues speaker would certainly be built up in speaking and understanding the great truths of the New Covenant!
“I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying (I Corinthians 14:5).”
In light of the fact that the carnal Corinthian believers desired the most “flashy” gifts for personal prominence, Paul points out again what he has previously[2] said- spiritual gifts are for the good of the whole, not simply the individual. Prophecy builds up the congregation; they hear and understand the infallible revelation of God. Tongues only build up the speaker (he speaks and understands the infallible revelation of God), but what happens when he (in context, the tongues speaker) interprets? The church is edified!
The point that tongues had definite content of revelation from God is thus emphasized. Both prophecy and tongues can edify the congregation, but tongues cannot do it alone. Interpretation is essential. When interpretation takes place, the congregation is edified.
We must also examine the word interpret (diermeneue) in this verse. This same word or a form of this word occurs three times in this chapter (v5, 13, 27). Each time it is translated “interpret”. There is good evidence to suggest that an even more exact translation would be “translate”. However, with either word a clear and valid point arises.
In order for me to either interpret or translate something, I must have knowledge of the original matter which needs that interpretation or translation. The tongues speaker in this passage was no different in this respect. He would have to have or receive knowledge of the original in order to interpret it. In light of the fact that he was edified by the message that he spoke, it is apparent that he had knowledge of the “original” when he spoke it. Once again the text teaches that the tongues speaker understood what he was saying.
“Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. (I Corinthians 14:6-12)”
These seven verses emphasize the importance of intelligibility for the edification of the church. Only that which is intelligible edifies.
Paul gives the example of a trumpeter in war. If the trumpeter does not clearly play the notes that would indicate “Charge!”, the troops are confused. They do not know whether to go forward or back. So it is with something that is unintelligible- it does not point people in the right direction. It does not build up.
We have already mentioned that Paul’s illustration of communicating with a barbarian points to the fact that real languages are in view, but the point bears repeating. Both people trying to communicate in such a situation are speaking a real language; it only sounds like gibberish.
Verse twelve records Paul’s emphasis on building up the church. He indicates that the carnal Corinthian believers are zealous for the spiritual (likely that which would bring them prominence) and says that their goal should be the building up of the church as a whole.
[1] I Peter 1:19-21- “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”; and John 16:13 (Christ’s words to His disciples, including later authors of Scripture)- “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.”, underscore this point.
[2] I Corinthians 12:7-“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man (individual) to profit withal (the whole).”
“But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church (I Corinthians 14:3-4).”
Interestingly enough, Paul claims that tongues have the same effect upon the speaker as prophecy has upon the public gathering of believers. Prophecy, infallible revelation (in this case, the gift of speaking the infallible truths of God directly from God) is said to, among other things, edify men (plural). What is in view here is the congregation of believers. The word “edify” means “to build up”. Tongues are said to do the same thing to the tongues speaker.
When I have pointed this out to many charismatic Christians, the response has often been, “So what?” The point is- what is unintelligible cannot build up! I can never be built up in any true sense by that which I have no clue about. This weighs very heavy upon me as I prepare messages to preach every week. If I speak the message in such a way that no one can understand what is being said, the congregation will not be edified. However, if I preach in language that people can understand and they apply their hearts to know the Word, with the Holy Spirit’s illuminating work, they will be built up. Indeed, the Bible is the Word of God, and particularly the Word of God the Holy Spirit.[1]
The gift of tongues was not just gibberish unintelligible to the speaker. He understood what he was saying. Though the Spirit was producing the truths in his mouth, he understood what he was saying. He was edified!
This also reinforces our understanding of the gift of tongues as speaking the definite truth of the mysteries of God. The tongues speaker would certainly be built up in speaking and understanding the great truths of the New Covenant!
“I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying (I Corinthians 14:5).”
In light of the fact that the carnal Corinthian believers desired the most “flashy” gifts for personal prominence, Paul points out again what he has previously[2] said- spiritual gifts are for the good of the whole, not simply the individual. Prophecy builds up the congregation; they hear and understand the infallible revelation of God. Tongues only build up the speaker (he speaks and understands the infallible revelation of God), but what happens when he (in context, the tongues speaker) interprets? The church is edified!
The point that tongues had definite content of revelation from God is thus emphasized. Both prophecy and tongues can edify the congregation, but tongues cannot do it alone. Interpretation is essential. When interpretation takes place, the congregation is edified.
We must also examine the word interpret (diermeneue) in this verse. This same word or a form of this word occurs three times in this chapter (v5, 13, 27). Each time it is translated “interpret”. There is good evidence to suggest that an even more exact translation would be “translate”. However, with either word a clear and valid point arises.
In order for me to either interpret or translate something, I must have knowledge of the original matter which needs that interpretation or translation. The tongues speaker in this passage was no different in this respect. He would have to have or receive knowledge of the original in order to interpret it. In light of the fact that he was edified by the message that he spoke, it is apparent that he had knowledge of the “original” when he spoke it. Once again the text teaches that the tongues speaker understood what he was saying.
“Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. (I Corinthians 14:6-12)”
These seven verses emphasize the importance of intelligibility for the edification of the church. Only that which is intelligible edifies.
Paul gives the example of a trumpeter in war. If the trumpeter does not clearly play the notes that would indicate “Charge!”, the troops are confused. They do not know whether to go forward or back. So it is with something that is unintelligible- it does not point people in the right direction. It does not build up.
We have already mentioned that Paul’s illustration of communicating with a barbarian points to the fact that real languages are in view, but the point bears repeating. Both people trying to communicate in such a situation are speaking a real language; it only sounds like gibberish.
Verse twelve records Paul’s emphasis on building up the church. He indicates that the carnal Corinthian believers are zealous for the spiritual (likely that which would bring them prominence) and says that their goal should be the building up of the church as a whole.
[1] I Peter 1:19-21- “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”; and John 16:13 (Christ’s words to His disciples, including later authors of Scripture)- “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.”, underscore this point.
[2] I Corinthians 12:7-“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man (individual) to profit withal (the whole).”
Saturday, December 17, 2005
The Issue of "Tongues"— Part 3
I CORINTHIANS 14 AND TONGUES
I have previously stated that I Corinthians 14 is the definitive chapter in the Bible with respect to the gift of tongues and their use in the church. It is to this chapter that we now turn to examine the nature of this gift. There are several points the text makes that will be emphasized. First, the tongues speaker understood what he was saying. Second, the tongues speaker spoke the truths of God. Third, the gift was edifying to the church when it was interpreted. Thus intelligibility is stressed throughout the chapter. Fourth, the gift was a sign gift indicating to the unbelieving Jewish hearer that the speaker uttered the truth of God.
VERSES ONE AND TWO
“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.”
Paul introduces this passage in light of chapter 13 by saying that in the pursuit of love, prophecy is of greater importance than tongues. As we look at the gift of prophecy throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see that it was a gift of infallible revelation from God. The speaker spoke the message of God directly from God to the hearers.[1] Paul begins to expound why prophecy is of greater importance than tongues in verse two. The individual who spoke in tongues (without interpretation) spoke not to men, but to God. The reason given for his not speaking to men is that they do not understand him.
It is important to note that Paul uses the word lalei to indicate how the tongues speaker spoke to God. This is a word for normal, logical speech. Why Paul would not use a different word to indicate a simple uttering of unintelligible sounds is an interesting question considering that Paul is just beginning to broach the subject of the gift of tongues. Why use a word indicating normal speech if it were really unintelligible speech? This certainly fits the pattern of the book of Acts. In chapter 2 as well as the other instances of the use of the gift of tongues in that book it would certainly seem to indicate that the tongues speaker understood what he was saying.
Yet another word that must be focused on is the word musteria (mysteries). This is very important to our understanding of the gift of tongues for here Paul declares exactly what the tongues speaker is uttering. Many people who promote the use of tongues in worship today simply fly by this word, giving the impression that the “mystery” is something that was unintelligible to the speaker. The intimation is that the message was “just a mystery” (in our modern use of that phrase) to everyone. Who knows what the content was, including the speaker?
However, to take such a view is to overlook an essential truth of the gift. As we look through the pages of the New Testament, we find that the word “mystery” has definite content. Several New Testament passages mention and even discuss what a mystery is— Romans 16:25-27, I Corinthians 2:7-10, I Corinthians 15:50-54, Ephesians 3:2-6, and Colossians 1:25-27.
I have previously stated that I Corinthians 14 is the definitive chapter in the Bible with respect to the gift of tongues and their use in the church. It is to this chapter that we now turn to examine the nature of this gift. There are several points the text makes that will be emphasized. First, the tongues speaker understood what he was saying. Second, the tongues speaker spoke the truths of God. Third, the gift was edifying to the church when it was interpreted. Thus intelligibility is stressed throughout the chapter. Fourth, the gift was a sign gift indicating to the unbelieving Jewish hearer that the speaker uttered the truth of God.
VERSES ONE AND TWO
“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.”
Paul introduces this passage in light of chapter 13 by saying that in the pursuit of love, prophecy is of greater importance than tongues. As we look at the gift of prophecy throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see that it was a gift of infallible revelation from God. The speaker spoke the message of God directly from God to the hearers.[1] Paul begins to expound why prophecy is of greater importance than tongues in verse two. The individual who spoke in tongues (without interpretation) spoke not to men, but to God. The reason given for his not speaking to men is that they do not understand him.
It is important to note that Paul uses the word lalei to indicate how the tongues speaker spoke to God. This is a word for normal, logical speech. Why Paul would not use a different word to indicate a simple uttering of unintelligible sounds is an interesting question considering that Paul is just beginning to broach the subject of the gift of tongues. Why use a word indicating normal speech if it were really unintelligible speech? This certainly fits the pattern of the book of Acts. In chapter 2 as well as the other instances of the use of the gift of tongues in that book it would certainly seem to indicate that the tongues speaker understood what he was saying.
Yet another word that must be focused on is the word musteria (mysteries). This is very important to our understanding of the gift of tongues for here Paul declares exactly what the tongues speaker is uttering. Many people who promote the use of tongues in worship today simply fly by this word, giving the impression that the “mystery” is something that was unintelligible to the speaker. The intimation is that the message was “just a mystery” (in our modern use of that phrase) to everyone. Who knows what the content was, including the speaker?
However, to take such a view is to overlook an essential truth of the gift. As we look through the pages of the New Testament, we find that the word “mystery” has definite content. Several New Testament passages mention and even discuss what a mystery is— Romans 16:25-27, I Corinthians 2:7-10, I Corinthians 15:50-54, Ephesians 3:2-6, and Colossians 1:25-27.
- Romans 16:25-27- “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”
- I Corinthians 2:7-10- “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”
- I Corinthians 15:51-57- “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Ephesians 3:2-6- “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:”
- Colossians 1:25-27- “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”
While it is beyond the scope and intent of this book to go into a detailed exegetical analysis of these passages, we can clearly note several truths with respect to the information they give about mysteries.
1—Each concerns some aspect of the New Covenant and its results.
2—A truth emphasized often is the inclusion of the Gentiles in the church.
3—It was a truth previously hidden (in the Old Testament) but now gloriously revealed.
There is much more that could be exegeted from these passages, but these truths give us a fuller understanding of what it was that the tongues speaker uttered. These mysteries were not unintelligible gibberish, but had definite content. When the unsaved Jew heard the mysteries, he would see the plan of God unfolding. They would have heard the truths of God’s grafting in of the Gentile nation because of their (Jewish) unbelief as a nation. When the unsaved Jew heard this message it would have been repugnant to him, as it spoke of God setting aside His people to work with the Gentiles. In a sense, it was a message of judgment, just as Paul’s illustration of the Assyrian captivity through the quotation of Isaiah 28:11 spoke of a previous judgment of the Jews for unbelief. The message was of both judgment and blessing, given during the transition period from Old to New Covenants. It was a message of blessing in that it spoke of the blessing of inclusion for the Gentiles. It was a message of judgment in that it spoke of God’s passing over the Jews because of their unbelief in order to work with those Gentiles.[2]
The “mysteries” that the tongues speaker uttered were uttered before the canon of Scripture was complete. Many of these truths had not yet been penned by the human authors. These truths were unavailable at the time in written form, but were later recorded in the pages of Scripture. With the completion of the canon of Scripture, there was certainly no need for any other revelation. This is a point to which we will return later.
[1] I am well aware that many who believe that the gift of tongues has ceased for today believe that the gift of prophecy is still in operation. A distinction is made to this effect- “Prophecy concerns not only foretelling, but forthtelling. Thus the gift is still around today in the form of the special empowerment of the preacher or evangelist.” To be sure, a study of God’s Word will reveal times when prophecy foretold the future, times when prophecy forthtold the truth, and times when both foretelling and forthtelling were involved. However, I believe that this view overlooks what appears very obvious to me from Scripture- prophecy was infallible. I have read through the pages of the Bible several times and never have I found a true prophetic utterance which was not infallible. Biblical prophecy in both Testaments was infallible revelatory truth supernaturally enabled and prompted by God. I do not know of any clear-thinking Christian who would claim infallibility for every word and portion of any sermon that he has preached, let alone all of them! As Christians today we have prophecy, but not the gift of prophecy. We have the infallible truth of God revealed to us in the Word of God. We do not have a gift of infallible revelatory utterance.
[2] John F. MacArthur, Jr., Charismatic Chaos, Zondervan, 1992, p. 282
Friday, December 16, 2005
The Issue of "Tongues"- Part 2
TONGUES AS HUMAN LANGUAGE
There are definite Biblical reasons to positively assert that tongues were real human languages.
The first is the use of terms describing the gift in both I Corinthians 14 (the definitive chapter with respect to the gift of tongues and its use in the church) and Acts 2 (the first New Testament record of the use of the gift of tongues). Throughout I Corinthians 14 the word glossa is used to describe the gift of tongues. This is exactly the same word used to describe the gift of tongues in Acts 2. In Acts 2, it is manifest that the hearers heard ordinary human language. Not only did they hear ordinary human language, but on two occasions (Acts 2:6, 8) the Bible records that the Jews gathered there from every nation heard the message in their own dialektos. The Greek word dialektos is the word from which we get our English word “dialect”, and carries precisely the same meaning. The fact that the hearers not only heard the message in their own language but even in their own dialect is incredible Biblical proof that the gift of tongues involved real human languages! Each of the Jewish hearers heard the message in his own dialect. This was not simply ecstatic utterances! The other two recorded incidents of the gift of tongues also bear this out.[1]
There is further Biblical evidence to prove that the gift involved human language rather than words unintelligible to anyone. In I Corinthians 14 Paul uses an illustration to point out the necessity of the gift of tongues edifying the whole church, rather than the loveless use of the gift to only edify the speaker. This loveless use occurred when the speaker in tongues spoke in the church without there being an interpretation of what was being said. Under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration he wrote, “So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.” Paul has real human languages in mind in this passage. The illustration involves an individual hearing someone speaking a language they do not understand. If there was no understanding of the language spoken, the speaker and hearer would be as “barbarians” to one another. Yet even “barbarians” speak to one another in ordinary human language! In fact, the Greek word for barbarian used here is barbaros. It came to popular use to describe an individual whose language was not understood by the one hearing it. To the hearer, the language sounded like “bar bar bar…”. This is how the people described language they could not understand. This is not unlike what people still do in our politically correct age when they imitate the sound of the language spoken by someone of a different origin! Once again, the point to be emphasized is that though the language sounds like gibberish, it is true human language. To the uncomprehending listener as the gift of tongues was used, the language sounded like gibberish, though it was a true human language.
Paul uses yet another reinforcing illustration in I Corinthians 14 that emphasizes the fact that tongues involved human languages. In I Corinthians 14:21 he quotes, “In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.” This quotation is from Isaiah 28:11. Once again, the King James rendering has included words that have obscured rather than illuminated the meaning of the text. The words “men of” are italicized indicating that they are not part of the original text. When we study Isaiah 27-28, we see that it is the language of the Assyrians that is in view. The Lord tells His people (Jews), in effect, “Since you did not listen to me when I sent prophets to speak of me in your own language, I will judge you and draw your attention to Myself through the speech of the Assyrians as you are in captivity to them.” The point of comparison is once again the uncomprehending listener to the gift of tongues. Even as the language of the Assyrians may have seemed like gibberish to the people of God, so the use of the gift of tongues sounds like gibberish to the uncomprehending listener! Even as the Assyrian language was a real human language, so the words uttered by the tongues speaker were real human language! Let us not fall into confusion in this area. The biblical gift of tongues involved real human languages.
[1] The only other two recorded incidents of tongues speaking are in Acts 10:44-47 (the conversion of Cornelius) and Acts 19:1-7 (Paul’s ministry to twelve Jewish men who had evidently been saved before Pentecost [evidenced by the fact that they had received the baptism of John]). Far from being normative, even in the book of Acts, the gift of tongues was rare. In every case, there were Jews present.
There are definite Biblical reasons to positively assert that tongues were real human languages.
The first is the use of terms describing the gift in both I Corinthians 14 (the definitive chapter with respect to the gift of tongues and its use in the church) and Acts 2 (the first New Testament record of the use of the gift of tongues). Throughout I Corinthians 14 the word glossa is used to describe the gift of tongues. This is exactly the same word used to describe the gift of tongues in Acts 2. In Acts 2, it is manifest that the hearers heard ordinary human language. Not only did they hear ordinary human language, but on two occasions (Acts 2:6, 8) the Bible records that the Jews gathered there from every nation heard the message in their own dialektos. The Greek word dialektos is the word from which we get our English word “dialect”, and carries precisely the same meaning. The fact that the hearers not only heard the message in their own language but even in their own dialect is incredible Biblical proof that the gift of tongues involved real human languages! Each of the Jewish hearers heard the message in his own dialect. This was not simply ecstatic utterances! The other two recorded incidents of the gift of tongues also bear this out.[1]
There is further Biblical evidence to prove that the gift involved human language rather than words unintelligible to anyone. In I Corinthians 14 Paul uses an illustration to point out the necessity of the gift of tongues edifying the whole church, rather than the loveless use of the gift to only edify the speaker. This loveless use occurred when the speaker in tongues spoke in the church without there being an interpretation of what was being said. Under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration he wrote, “So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.” Paul has real human languages in mind in this passage. The illustration involves an individual hearing someone speaking a language they do not understand. If there was no understanding of the language spoken, the speaker and hearer would be as “barbarians” to one another. Yet even “barbarians” speak to one another in ordinary human language! In fact, the Greek word for barbarian used here is barbaros. It came to popular use to describe an individual whose language was not understood by the one hearing it. To the hearer, the language sounded like “bar bar bar…”. This is how the people described language they could not understand. This is not unlike what people still do in our politically correct age when they imitate the sound of the language spoken by someone of a different origin! Once again, the point to be emphasized is that though the language sounds like gibberish, it is true human language. To the uncomprehending listener as the gift of tongues was used, the language sounded like gibberish, though it was a true human language.
Paul uses yet another reinforcing illustration in I Corinthians 14 that emphasizes the fact that tongues involved human languages. In I Corinthians 14:21 he quotes, “In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.” This quotation is from Isaiah 28:11. Once again, the King James rendering has included words that have obscured rather than illuminated the meaning of the text. The words “men of” are italicized indicating that they are not part of the original text. When we study Isaiah 27-28, we see that it is the language of the Assyrians that is in view. The Lord tells His people (Jews), in effect, “Since you did not listen to me when I sent prophets to speak of me in your own language, I will judge you and draw your attention to Myself through the speech of the Assyrians as you are in captivity to them.” The point of comparison is once again the uncomprehending listener to the gift of tongues. Even as the language of the Assyrians may have seemed like gibberish to the people of God, so the use of the gift of tongues sounds like gibberish to the uncomprehending listener! Even as the Assyrian language was a real human language, so the words uttered by the tongues speaker were real human language! Let us not fall into confusion in this area. The biblical gift of tongues involved real human languages.
[1] The only other two recorded incidents of tongues speaking are in Acts 10:44-47 (the conversion of Cornelius) and Acts 19:1-7 (Paul’s ministry to twelve Jewish men who had evidently been saved before Pentecost [evidenced by the fact that they had received the baptism of John]). Far from being normative, even in the book of Acts, the gift of tongues was rare. In every case, there were Jews present.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
The Issue of "Tongues"- Part 1
(I will state at the outset of this series that I have been very influenced by Victor Budgen's book The Charismatics and the Word of God. Many of his thoughts have become such a part of my understanding that I can write and have written upon the subject without specifically referencing any particular portion of his book. However, his work upon the subject has so helped to shape my thinking that many of the ideas mentioned in these articles will have had their source in his writing.)
The issue of tongues or glossalalia in the church is a matter of much debate in our age. Unfortunately, the debate often centers upon personal experience as the test of validity and truth. One person argues for the modern use of tongues in worship on the basis of a wonderful experience that he personally enjoyed. Another argues against the use of tongues on the basis that his experience was harmful or traumatic. In both cases, the most important focus has been missed. Our inquiry into the issue must not center upon personal experience, but upon the truth of God’s Word. It is to this end that I write this. I wish to look into the Scriptures and see what they say about the gift of tongues. May the reader come to that conclusion so essential to our walk with the Lord- I must believe what the Bible says, not what I want the Bible to say. May the Holy Spirit bless His Word.
TONGUES AND “ANGELIC” LANGUAGES
We must first understand that the Scriptures teach that tongues were real human languages. They were not simply “ecstatic utterances” devoid of earthly meaning.
Some object to this assertion on the basis that the King James translation of the Scriptures repeatedly refers to the gift of tongues as unknown tongues. For example, I Corinthians 14:2 reads- “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.” The objection is that since the gift is described as “unknown” it must not be a human language. The flaw in this argument is that the word “unknown” in this passage is an italicized word, indicating that the word is not in the original Greek language. It is obvious error to attempt to prove a biblical doctrine based on a word that is not part of the text! Even if the word was in the original Greek, it does not necessarily follow that the “unknown” would prove that the tongue was not a human language. There are many human languages in the world today. In fact, there are about 6,600! Due to the fact that I can only fluently speak English, it can be properly said that the other languages are unknown to me. I do not know how to speak them. I cannot understand them when they are spoken. I cannot read them. In a very true sense, they are “unknown tongues” to me. Yet, just because they are unknown to me does not mean that they are anything other than ordinary human languages!
Some point to I Corinthians 13:1 to prove that tongues were and are not ordinary human languages. Paul states, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” Because the words “tongues of men and of angels” are recorded, the argument is that Paul understood the gift of tongues to include a “heavenly language” that was something different from the language of men. Once again, the argument fails. What Paul is expressing is a hypothetical case, not a definitive description of the gift. Paul is pointing out the primacy of love. He is saying, “Even if I were able to do the impossible in terms of actions, if I did those actions without love it would be meaningless.” Other may object to this understanding of the passage, claiming that it is simply an attempt to explain away the teaching of Scripture. However, if we look at the very next verse, it becomes exceedingly clear that this interpretation is correct. “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” Paul states several other conditions which are clearly impossible in this verse (understanding all mysteries, having all knowledge, having all faith), theoretically stating that even if all these impossible conditions were met, without love they are meaningless. Verse three reinforces this interpretation where Paul says, “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” When read in total, as Paul intended the passage to be read, we see that Paul is supposing himself to hypothetically meet all of the conditions presented here. He is pointing out that even if he were able to do all of this (which is clearly impossible), without love it is meaningless. The point to remember is that a hypothetical statement clearly pointing out the uselessness of loveless fantastic conditions impossible to meet is no text to be using to base an entire doctrine on.
Why did Paul even mention tongues of angels? The most likely reason is rooted in the fact that the supposed glossalalia of speaking in the tongues of angels was very prevalent in various cults in the area of Corinth. It seems as though the spurious gift was even perhaps considered something to be used in the Corinthian church. Paul’s inclusion of the phrase “tongues of angels” is likely an ad hominem conditional argument based upon the fixation many had with it. This is not unheard of in Scripture.
Furthermore, there is no Biblical evidence that proves angels speak in a language different from human language. Every time they appear in Scripture, they speak in human tongue. Though it is remotely possible that they do speak a different language, it is serious error to base a doctrine upon mere conjecture.
The issue of tongues or glossalalia in the church is a matter of much debate in our age. Unfortunately, the debate often centers upon personal experience as the test of validity and truth. One person argues for the modern use of tongues in worship on the basis of a wonderful experience that he personally enjoyed. Another argues against the use of tongues on the basis that his experience was harmful or traumatic. In both cases, the most important focus has been missed. Our inquiry into the issue must not center upon personal experience, but upon the truth of God’s Word. It is to this end that I write this. I wish to look into the Scriptures and see what they say about the gift of tongues. May the reader come to that conclusion so essential to our walk with the Lord- I must believe what the Bible says, not what I want the Bible to say. May the Holy Spirit bless His Word.
TONGUES AND “ANGELIC” LANGUAGES
We must first understand that the Scriptures teach that tongues were real human languages. They were not simply “ecstatic utterances” devoid of earthly meaning.
Some object to this assertion on the basis that the King James translation of the Scriptures repeatedly refers to the gift of tongues as unknown tongues. For example, I Corinthians 14:2 reads- “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.” The objection is that since the gift is described as “unknown” it must not be a human language. The flaw in this argument is that the word “unknown” in this passage is an italicized word, indicating that the word is not in the original Greek language. It is obvious error to attempt to prove a biblical doctrine based on a word that is not part of the text! Even if the word was in the original Greek, it does not necessarily follow that the “unknown” would prove that the tongue was not a human language. There are many human languages in the world today. In fact, there are about 6,600! Due to the fact that I can only fluently speak English, it can be properly said that the other languages are unknown to me. I do not know how to speak them. I cannot understand them when they are spoken. I cannot read them. In a very true sense, they are “unknown tongues” to me. Yet, just because they are unknown to me does not mean that they are anything other than ordinary human languages!
Some point to I Corinthians 13:1 to prove that tongues were and are not ordinary human languages. Paul states, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” Because the words “tongues of men and of angels” are recorded, the argument is that Paul understood the gift of tongues to include a “heavenly language” that was something different from the language of men. Once again, the argument fails. What Paul is expressing is a hypothetical case, not a definitive description of the gift. Paul is pointing out the primacy of love. He is saying, “Even if I were able to do the impossible in terms of actions, if I did those actions without love it would be meaningless.” Other may object to this understanding of the passage, claiming that it is simply an attempt to explain away the teaching of Scripture. However, if we look at the very next verse, it becomes exceedingly clear that this interpretation is correct. “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” Paul states several other conditions which are clearly impossible in this verse (understanding all mysteries, having all knowledge, having all faith), theoretically stating that even if all these impossible conditions were met, without love they are meaningless. Verse three reinforces this interpretation where Paul says, “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” When read in total, as Paul intended the passage to be read, we see that Paul is supposing himself to hypothetically meet all of the conditions presented here. He is pointing out that even if he were able to do all of this (which is clearly impossible), without love it is meaningless. The point to remember is that a hypothetical statement clearly pointing out the uselessness of loveless fantastic conditions impossible to meet is no text to be using to base an entire doctrine on.
Why did Paul even mention tongues of angels? The most likely reason is rooted in the fact that the supposed glossalalia of speaking in the tongues of angels was very prevalent in various cults in the area of Corinth. It seems as though the spurious gift was even perhaps considered something to be used in the Corinthian church. Paul’s inclusion of the phrase “tongues of angels” is likely an ad hominem conditional argument based upon the fixation many had with it. This is not unheard of in Scripture.
Furthermore, there is no Biblical evidence that proves angels speak in a language different from human language. Every time they appear in Scripture, they speak in human tongue. Though it is remotely possible that they do speak a different language, it is serious error to base a doctrine upon mere conjecture.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
A Prayer Gem of Spurgeon
This prayer of Spurgeon was a particular blessing and challenge to me this morning.
O GOD! we would not speak to Thee as from a distance, nor stand like trembling Israel under the law at a distance from the burning mount, for we have not come unto Mount Sinai, but unto Mount Sion, and that is a place for holy joy and thankfulness, and not for terror and bondage. Blessed be Thy name, O Lord! We have learnt to call Thee "Our Father, which art in heaven"; so there is reverence, for Thou art in heaven; but there is sweet familiarity, for Thou art our Father.
We would draw very near to Thee now through Jesus Christ the Mediator, and we would make bold to speak to Thee as a man speaketh with his friend, for hast Thou not said by Thy Spirit, "Let us come boldly unto the throne of the heavenly grace." We might well start away and flee from Thy face if we only remembered our sinfulness. Lord! we do remember it with shame and sorrow; we are grieved to think we should have offended Thee, should have neglected so long Thy sweet love and tender mercy; but we have now returned unto the "shepherd and bishop of our souls." Led by such grace, we look to Him whom we crucified, and we have mourned for
Him and then have mourned for our sin.
Now, Lord, we confess our guilt before Thee with tenderness of heart, and we pray Thee seal home to every believer here that full and free, that perfect and irreversible charter of forgiveness which Thou gavest to all them that put their trust in Jesus Christ. Lord! Thou hast said it: "If we confess our sins, Thou art merciful and just to forgive us our sins and to save us from all unrighteousness." There is the sin confessed: there is the ransom accepted: we therefore know we have peace with God, and we bless that glorious one who hath come "to finish transgression, to make an end of sin," to bring in everlasting righteousness, which righteousness by faith we take unto ourselves and Thou dost impute, unto us.
Now, Lord, wilt Thou be pleased to cause all Thy children's hearts to dance within them for joy? Oh! help Thy people to come to Jesus again today. May we be looking unto Him today as we did at the first. May we never take off our eyes from His Divine person, from His infinite merit, from His finished work, from His living power, or from the expectancy of His speedy coming to "judge the world in righteousness and the peoplewith His truth."
Bless all Thy people with some special gift, and if we might make a choice of one it would be this: "Quicken us, O Lord, according to Thy Word." We have life; give it to us more abundantly. Oh, that we might have so much life that out of the midst of us there might flow rivers of living water. The Lord make us useful. Do, dear Savior, use the very least among us; take the one talent and let it be put out to interest for the great Father. May it please Thee to show each one of us what Thou wouldest have us to do. In our families, in our business, in the walks of ordinary life may we be serving the Lord, and may we often speak a word for His name, and help in some way to scatter the light amongst the ever-growing darkness; and ere we go hence may we have sown some seed which we shall bring with us on our shoulders in the form of sheaves of blessing.
O God! bless our Sunday schools, and give a greater interest in such work, that there may be no lack of men and women who shall be glad and happy in the work of teaching the young. Do impress this, we pray Thee, upon Thy people just now. Move men who have gifts and ability also to preach the Gospel. There are many that live in villages, and there is no gospel preaching near them. Lord! set them preaching themselves. Wilt Thou move some hearts so powerfully that their tongues cannot be quiet any longer, and may they attempt in some way, either personally or by supporting some one, to bring the gospel into dark benighted hamlets that the people may know the truth.
O Lord! stir up the dwellers in this great, great city. Oh! arouse us to the spiritual destitution of the masses O God, help us all by some means, by any means, by every means to get at the ears of men for Christ's sake that so we may reach their hearts. We would send up an exceeding great and bitter cry to Thee on behalf of the millions that: enter no place of worship, but rather violate its sanctity and despise its blessed message. Lord! wake up London, we beseech Thee. Send us another Jonah; send us another John the Baptist. Oh! that the Christ Himself would send forth multitudes of laborers amongst this thick standing corn, for the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. O God! save this city; save this country; save all countries; and let Thy kingdom come; may every knee bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Our most earnest prayers go up to heaven to Thee now for great sinners, for men and women that are polluted and depraved by the filthiest of sins. With sovereign mercy make a raid amongst them. Come and capture some of these that they may become great lovers of Him that shall forgive them, and may they become great champions for the cross.
Lord, look upon the multitudes of rich people in this city that know nothing about the gospel and do not wish to know. Oh! that somehow the poor rich might be rich with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And then, Lord, look upon the multitude of the poor and the working classes that think religion to be a perfectly unnecessary thing for them. Do, by some means we pray Thee, get them to think and bring them to listen that faith may come by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Above all, O Holy Spirit, descend more mightily. Would, God, Thou wouldest flood the land till there should be streams of righteousness; for is there not a promise, "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry ground." Lord, set Thy people praying; stir up the Church to greater prayerfulness.
Now, as Thou hast bidden 'us, we pray for the people among whom we dwell. We pray for those in authority in the land, asking every blessing for the Sovereign, and Thy guidance and direction to the Parliament, Thy benediction to all judges and rulers as also upon the poorest of the poor and the lowest of the low. Lord, bless the people; let the people praise Thee, O God! yea, let all the people praise Thee, for Jesus Christ's sake.
Amen and Amen.
O GOD! we would not speak to Thee as from a distance, nor stand like trembling Israel under the law at a distance from the burning mount, for we have not come unto Mount Sinai, but unto Mount Sion, and that is a place for holy joy and thankfulness, and not for terror and bondage. Blessed be Thy name, O Lord! We have learnt to call Thee "Our Father, which art in heaven"; so there is reverence, for Thou art in heaven; but there is sweet familiarity, for Thou art our Father.
We would draw very near to Thee now through Jesus Christ the Mediator, and we would make bold to speak to Thee as a man speaketh with his friend, for hast Thou not said by Thy Spirit, "Let us come boldly unto the throne of the heavenly grace." We might well start away and flee from Thy face if we only remembered our sinfulness. Lord! we do remember it with shame and sorrow; we are grieved to think we should have offended Thee, should have neglected so long Thy sweet love and tender mercy; but we have now returned unto the "shepherd and bishop of our souls." Led by such grace, we look to Him whom we crucified, and we have mourned for
Him and then have mourned for our sin.
Now, Lord, we confess our guilt before Thee with tenderness of heart, and we pray Thee seal home to every believer here that full and free, that perfect and irreversible charter of forgiveness which Thou gavest to all them that put their trust in Jesus Christ. Lord! Thou hast said it: "If we confess our sins, Thou art merciful and just to forgive us our sins and to save us from all unrighteousness." There is the sin confessed: there is the ransom accepted: we therefore know we have peace with God, and we bless that glorious one who hath come "to finish transgression, to make an end of sin," to bring in everlasting righteousness, which righteousness by faith we take unto ourselves and Thou dost impute, unto us.
Now, Lord, wilt Thou be pleased to cause all Thy children's hearts to dance within them for joy? Oh! help Thy people to come to Jesus again today. May we be looking unto Him today as we did at the first. May we never take off our eyes from His Divine person, from His infinite merit, from His finished work, from His living power, or from the expectancy of His speedy coming to "judge the world in righteousness and the peoplewith His truth."
Bless all Thy people with some special gift, and if we might make a choice of one it would be this: "Quicken us, O Lord, according to Thy Word." We have life; give it to us more abundantly. Oh, that we might have so much life that out of the midst of us there might flow rivers of living water. The Lord make us useful. Do, dear Savior, use the very least among us; take the one talent and let it be put out to interest for the great Father. May it please Thee to show each one of us what Thou wouldest have us to do. In our families, in our business, in the walks of ordinary life may we be serving the Lord, and may we often speak a word for His name, and help in some way to scatter the light amongst the ever-growing darkness; and ere we go hence may we have sown some seed which we shall bring with us on our shoulders in the form of sheaves of blessing.
O God! bless our Sunday schools, and give a greater interest in such work, that there may be no lack of men and women who shall be glad and happy in the work of teaching the young. Do impress this, we pray Thee, upon Thy people just now. Move men who have gifts and ability also to preach the Gospel. There are many that live in villages, and there is no gospel preaching near them. Lord! set them preaching themselves. Wilt Thou move some hearts so powerfully that their tongues cannot be quiet any longer, and may they attempt in some way, either personally or by supporting some one, to bring the gospel into dark benighted hamlets that the people may know the truth.
O Lord! stir up the dwellers in this great, great city. Oh! arouse us to the spiritual destitution of the masses O God, help us all by some means, by any means, by every means to get at the ears of men for Christ's sake that so we may reach their hearts. We would send up an exceeding great and bitter cry to Thee on behalf of the millions that: enter no place of worship, but rather violate its sanctity and despise its blessed message. Lord! wake up London, we beseech Thee. Send us another Jonah; send us another John the Baptist. Oh! that the Christ Himself would send forth multitudes of laborers amongst this thick standing corn, for the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. O God! save this city; save this country; save all countries; and let Thy kingdom come; may every knee bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Our most earnest prayers go up to heaven to Thee now for great sinners, for men and women that are polluted and depraved by the filthiest of sins. With sovereign mercy make a raid amongst them. Come and capture some of these that they may become great lovers of Him that shall forgive them, and may they become great champions for the cross.
Lord, look upon the multitudes of rich people in this city that know nothing about the gospel and do not wish to know. Oh! that somehow the poor rich might be rich with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And then, Lord, look upon the multitude of the poor and the working classes that think religion to be a perfectly unnecessary thing for them. Do, by some means we pray Thee, get them to think and bring them to listen that faith may come by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Above all, O Holy Spirit, descend more mightily. Would, God, Thou wouldest flood the land till there should be streams of righteousness; for is there not a promise, "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry ground." Lord, set Thy people praying; stir up the Church to greater prayerfulness.
Now, as Thou hast bidden 'us, we pray for the people among whom we dwell. We pray for those in authority in the land, asking every blessing for the Sovereign, and Thy guidance and direction to the Parliament, Thy benediction to all judges and rulers as also upon the poorest of the poor and the lowest of the low. Lord, bless the people; let the people praise Thee, O God! yea, let all the people praise Thee, for Jesus Christ's sake.
Amen and Amen.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
An Appeal to Both "Sides" of Fundamentalism
I have commented before on the state of fundamentalism in my area, but would like to appeal to the wider movement, as I see it. Of course, I will be seeing much of this through the lens of my particular experience in this area, so it might not all fit. There seems to be great debate and battle lines being drawn between the “young fundamentalists” and the “established fundamentalists.” (I will refrain from using the label “old.”) :-) I’ll refer to the groups as “YFs” and “EFs” from here on. (I recognize the limitations of any designation, so please don’t take me to task over these. If you think about it for a bit, you will probably understand what I mean by them.) This post will be name-free, though some will probably put faces to the stories and examples.
I am getting the impression that many of the “EFs” have the idea that the “YFs” are simply rebellious individuals who are questioning widely held beliefs and opinions just for the sake of questioning them and expressing their disapproval of those matters by doing so. They are also characterized as having done no real thinking on the subjects, and having nothing substantive to add to the matters debated. In short, they are not fundamentalists.
On the other hand, many of the “YFs” see the “EFs” as harsh and inflexible, holding beliefs and practices without completely substantive reasons for doing so, unwilling to truly face the objections and questions to those beliefs and practices.
I have seen examples of both. My advice to YFs is essentially what I have posted before, but…YFs—
- We need to check our attitude out. To claim that you are simply responding in kind is the argument of the second-grader on the playground! “He did it first!” Comments disparaging someone because of their hairpiece really have no place in meaningful discussion. Some of us need to grow up!
- We need to check our argumentation out. Is it really responsible? Do we have valid objections against a particular practice? Are our concerns in a matter grounded?
- We need to check our attentiveness out. Are we really hearing what the other side is saying? Are we seriously considering their points? Don’t fall into the same pattern of dismissiveness you may think you see in others. These men usually have done much thinking about and studying of the issues in question. More than some of us are willing to give them credit for.
- We need to check our application out. Do we only have pot-shots and objections, or do we have some idea of where we are going with what we are saying, how we might implement it, and what potential impact such application may have.
EFs (I am not saying that all of you do these things)—
- Please don’t jump to conclusions about our attitude. There are rebels in our number. Not all of us are, though.
- Please don’t try to intimidate us. Intimidation is the province of bullies. We don’t need your resume each time we discuss something. You have degrees and experience in ministry that we do not. Let’s get to the issues.
- Please don’t dismiss our objections and ideas out of hand. Some of our arguments are stupid and flawed. Point that out. However, some of us have done quite a bit of thinking about the issues, the Biblical texts in question, and the application of those texts.
- Please don’t misrepresent us. As I cite this example, I am not stating my personal stand on music. Most of the “YFs” who advocate a more open view of music do not claim musical styles communicate nothing. They claim that what a style of music communicates can be very subjective and may also change with time. By the way, most of us have never even considered “O That Will Be Glory for Me” as a song better suited to the roller skating rink than the choir loft or angelic hosts! :-)
- Please don’t be too quick to push us out of the fold. Some will leave. That is certain. But many of us are truly committed to an “earnest contention for the faith once for all delivered unto the saints”! In my experience, most of us are fundamentalists.
I close with a final appeal to the “YFs” who are thinking about jumping ship. Carefully consider where you are going. Don’t leave fundamentalism because of some errors you perceive in the movement and then fall for much greater errors that are found outside the movement. I for one am staying, by God’s grace. And those of you who leave fundamentalism as a movement- please do not leave fundamentalism as a philosophy. It is possible to not be associated with any segment of the current movement and still be a fundamentalist, but probably not easy!
(I agonized over publishing this one. It may place me in the middle, taking shots from both sides!) :-)
Friday, November 11, 2005
A Remembrance Meditation
This is a meditation I had the privilege to give on Remembrance Day 2002 during the Township of Innisfil ceremonies.
Remembrance Day is but one day that we set apart to dwell upon those people and events that have given to us that which we enjoy every day of the year. Simply because we set only one day aside specifically for this purpose should not mean that it is only at this time of year that we ever should think upon these matters. Unfortunately, this is the very real situation in many people’s lives today. Many of us can never really remember in any true sense the four great conflicts that this day commemorates (the Boer War, The Great War, The Second World War, and The Korean War). But we must never let this become the excuse for failing to dwell upon the sacrifice that has brought us the peace, freedom, and safety, of the world in which we live.
Remembrance Day is not a day set aside for the glorification of war. We do not relish war. We as Canadians have a reputation as peace-makers and peace-keepers. Yet we as Canadians also understand that there is a peace that can only be found at the end of a sword. It is understood that no war, in fact, no human effort no matter how noble can ever bring about infallible, everlasting peace. But this should not stop us from preserving what freedom and peace that we do have.
Today, we think of those who have done just that. We remember those who have gave of the best years of their lives. We remember those who gave of their health. We remember those who gave of their wealth and time. We think of those who paid the prices of war. Those whose physical health was taken. The strong made weak. Those whose mental health was taken. The stability of the mind left shaken and even in some cases destroyed. Those whose friends were taken. Those whose loved ones were taken. Those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their very lives.
We humbly bow before Our Holy God, knowing that every good gift, including freedom, is ultimately from His hand. We understand that He, not us, is sovereign over the affairs of this earth. Few passages explore the truth of God’s sovereignty like Psalm 33.
Psalm 33
1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
10 The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
13 The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
22 Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
And so today we stand together in awe, humility, and praise before our Almighty God.
We also stand together with a debt of gratitude to those who gave of themselves that we may be free. To those of you who stand here today as veterans of these conflicts, you are to be honoured. “Thank you.” You stand before us as a link that connects the past with the present. We who gather with you salute you.
Today, may each of us pledge that in God’s providence, we ourselves will become a link that connects the present with the future. May we pass along the memory to the next generation, that in gratefulness to those who have given of themselves so that we may be free, their memory will not be forgotten.
Remembrance Day is but one day that we set apart to dwell upon those people and events that have given to us that which we enjoy every day of the year. Simply because we set only one day aside specifically for this purpose should not mean that it is only at this time of year that we ever should think upon these matters. Unfortunately, this is the very real situation in many people’s lives today. Many of us can never really remember in any true sense the four great conflicts that this day commemorates (the Boer War, The Great War, The Second World War, and The Korean War). But we must never let this become the excuse for failing to dwell upon the sacrifice that has brought us the peace, freedom, and safety, of the world in which we live.
Remembrance Day is not a day set aside for the glorification of war. We do not relish war. We as Canadians have a reputation as peace-makers and peace-keepers. Yet we as Canadians also understand that there is a peace that can only be found at the end of a sword. It is understood that no war, in fact, no human effort no matter how noble can ever bring about infallible, everlasting peace. But this should not stop us from preserving what freedom and peace that we do have.
Today, we think of those who have done just that. We remember those who have gave of the best years of their lives. We remember those who gave of their health. We remember those who gave of their wealth and time. We think of those who paid the prices of war. Those whose physical health was taken. The strong made weak. Those whose mental health was taken. The stability of the mind left shaken and even in some cases destroyed. Those whose friends were taken. Those whose loved ones were taken. Those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their very lives.
We humbly bow before Our Holy God, knowing that every good gift, including freedom, is ultimately from His hand. We understand that He, not us, is sovereign over the affairs of this earth. Few passages explore the truth of God’s sovereignty like Psalm 33.
Psalm 33
1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
10 The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
13 The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
22 Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
And so today we stand together in awe, humility, and praise before our Almighty God.
We also stand together with a debt of gratitude to those who gave of themselves that we may be free. To those of you who stand here today as veterans of these conflicts, you are to be honoured. “Thank you.” You stand before us as a link that connects the past with the present. We who gather with you salute you.
Today, may each of us pledge that in God’s providence, we ourselves will become a link that connects the present with the future. May we pass along the memory to the next generation, that in gratefulness to those who have given of themselves so that we may be free, their memory will not be forgotten.
Friday, November 04, 2005
The Challenge of Our Culture- Part 3
The final mindset I will mention is the presence of conspiracy. This is seen in so many areas that mentioning all of them would be next to impossible. Translations and translators, denominations, banks, various ethnic groups, and UFOs are all groups that I have heard blamed for widespread conspiracy to control men and destroy the world or intentionally prepare the world for the Antichrist! If these were just the pet theories of some odd ducks in the back pew, we would face enough of a challenge. However, this is unfortunately not the case. Each of the groups mentioned above has been blamed for these widespread conspiracies by men in positions of teaching and preaching authority in my own hearing!
Conspiracy theories are hard to refute, largely because those believing them will ignore any other possibilities regarding their observations or ideas. For example, a man may believe that the Illuminati have installed the photo monitering at the local intersection so that they can track the movement of independent Baptists. When you tell him that the Department of Transportation did so he narrows his eyes and tells you they are simply pawns in the hands of the Illuminatti. When you state that the cameras are there to catch those who would speed and run traffic lights he marvels at your naive thoughts. After all, any fool could tell you that if they simply wanted to do that they would post a policeman at the intersection. Your reply that the police staff is stretched thin with the growing population and the technology in question allows them to be deployed in other important places of duty is met with disdain. Don't you know that the ratio between crimes committed and policemen in service is two to one? Surely the police can handle that much crime! Your objections that not every officer is on duty at the same time and that not every officer is "on the beat" and that investigating crime is not the only task of the staff go nowhere as well. They have officers which you are not aware of..., etc.
I do not have the answers to dealing with this mindset, except to say that I have noted the churches which have solid expositional preaching are much less likely to harbour these theories in their midst. Perhaps if our worldview is gleaned more from the Bible than the Daily Reporter or National Enquirer...?
Conspiracy theories are hard to refute, largely because those believing them will ignore any other possibilities regarding their observations or ideas. For example, a man may believe that the Illuminati have installed the photo monitering at the local intersection so that they can track the movement of independent Baptists. When you tell him that the Department of Transportation did so he narrows his eyes and tells you they are simply pawns in the hands of the Illuminatti. When you state that the cameras are there to catch those who would speed and run traffic lights he marvels at your naive thoughts. After all, any fool could tell you that if they simply wanted to do that they would post a policeman at the intersection. Your reply that the police staff is stretched thin with the growing population and the technology in question allows them to be deployed in other important places of duty is met with disdain. Don't you know that the ratio between crimes committed and policemen in service is two to one? Surely the police can handle that much crime! Your objections that not every officer is on duty at the same time and that not every officer is "on the beat" and that investigating crime is not the only task of the staff go nowhere as well. They have officers which you are not aware of..., etc.
I do not have the answers to dealing with this mindset, except to say that I have noted the churches which have solid expositional preaching are much less likely to harbour these theories in their midst. Perhaps if our worldview is gleaned more from the Bible than the Daily Reporter or National Enquirer...?
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Challenge of Our Culture- Part 2
The second cultural myth I wish to address is the inevitability of success. This myth leads many to believe that if certain conditions are met and procedures are followed, success is certain to come. One huge problem with the mindset is how "success" is defined. Unfortunately, it is often seen as something Big. Do you want to have a big church? Follow these steps. Do you want to have a big building? These are the procedures. Big offerings? Here is how it is done. Huge missions budget? This is the way to get it. Big revival? Follow this plan. So the story goes, sprinkled liberally with stories (often embellished) of how Brother Steadfast got to where his ministry is running 2,000 in attendance with 45 buses (or more), 400 saved each week, 30 baptized :-), 500 missionaries supported, etc.
So there is a significant problem with how success is defined. However, the myth states that this is possible to anyone and everyone who will just do x, y, and z. Tremendous pressure is placed on some to live up to expectations that are entirely unreasonable, and possibly undesirable! I remember one famous preacher who spoke at my home church when I was in high school. The occaission was an annual conference hosted by our church. At that time he was being invited every few years. One of those years on the final night of the conference the man spoke about building up a church. Toward the end of the message he looked out at the hearers, many of whom were pastors, and said that he would not come back if my home church was not running a certain number in two years. Now my church was and is one of the largest independent Baptist churches in Canada. Even so, it fell far short of the attendance the visiting speaker desired. I know that nearly every visiting pastor had congregations of far less. What an incredible burden to place upon a servant of God. As though only a church which ran a certain number was worth speaking at! I remember the event vividly. It left a very bad impression upon my mind. Interestingly enough, when the time had elapsed and the man was invited back he came even though we did not meet the numerical standard he had imposed! How many times has a pastor faced serious problems with discouragement that arises from comparing himself and his ministry to another man and that man's ministry? This belief in the inevitability of success encourages these unwise comparisons.
Another monumental problem with this mindset is its view of man and God. You see, this mindset suggests that God's work is really man's work! Those who espouse this mindset almost always have a small view of God and a big view of man.
We must realize that we are called to strive mightily for souls. We are to labour and toil in the work of God. But there is no man-contrived formula which can guarantee this type of "success" suggested by many! Let us return to a Biblical view of success. Let us return to a Biblical view of God and man. Let us cease from foolish comparison. And let us remember the words of Paul, "I planted, Appollos watered, But God gave the increase!"
So there is a significant problem with how success is defined. However, the myth states that this is possible to anyone and everyone who will just do x, y, and z. Tremendous pressure is placed on some to live up to expectations that are entirely unreasonable, and possibly undesirable! I remember one famous preacher who spoke at my home church when I was in high school. The occaission was an annual conference hosted by our church. At that time he was being invited every few years. One of those years on the final night of the conference the man spoke about building up a church. Toward the end of the message he looked out at the hearers, many of whom were pastors, and said that he would not come back if my home church was not running a certain number in two years. Now my church was and is one of the largest independent Baptist churches in Canada. Even so, it fell far short of the attendance the visiting speaker desired. I know that nearly every visiting pastor had congregations of far less. What an incredible burden to place upon a servant of God. As though only a church which ran a certain number was worth speaking at! I remember the event vividly. It left a very bad impression upon my mind. Interestingly enough, when the time had elapsed and the man was invited back he came even though we did not meet the numerical standard he had imposed! How many times has a pastor faced serious problems with discouragement that arises from comparing himself and his ministry to another man and that man's ministry? This belief in the inevitability of success encourages these unwise comparisons.
Another monumental problem with this mindset is its view of man and God. You see, this mindset suggests that God's work is really man's work! Those who espouse this mindset almost always have a small view of God and a big view of man.
We must realize that we are called to strive mightily for souls. We are to labour and toil in the work of God. But there is no man-contrived formula which can guarantee this type of "success" suggested by many! Let us return to a Biblical view of success. Let us return to a Biblical view of God and man. Let us cease from foolish comparison. And let us remember the words of Paul, "I planted, Appollos watered, But God gave the increase!"
Friday, October 28, 2005
Challenge of Our Culture
In an article found in the very useful compendium The Art & Craft of Biblical Preaching Rick McKinnis describes three cultural myths or mindsets that make ministering in the United States challenging at times. His article caused me to ponder the prevalence of the same or similar attitudes found in much of Canadian fundamental movement. Over the next few blogs I intend to post my thoughts on the mindsets he identifies. I will, of course, adjust or adapt them to fit the movement with which I am familiar.
It seems that within much of our movement we have the ingrained belief in the supremacy of the simplistic. This mindset reveals itself in these interrelated ways-
- The use of pithy and trite statements to speak to areas of great complexity in life. Just one example of many possible. If I had a quarter for every time I heard, “Let go, and let God,” I would be quite a bit closer to the support level I need! Not that the statement is without its truth. The problem is that it is just blurted out like so many other clichés, none of which are explained with reference to the situation at hand. What does it truly mean to “let go?” How does one go about “letting God?” Most people who hear the statement in church have absolutely no idea. I dare say that many who utter the statement in the churches have no idea. Yet this sagacious advice is tossed out to speak to just about any trial of life! Much the same could be said about the many Christian clichés in our common vocabulary.
- The sermon content in many of our pulpits. Serious exposition of the Bible is often jettisoned for the sake of a easier message for the people. Though it may retain hearers in the present, this does no favours to those hearers in the future.
- The aversion to the deeper doctrines of the Word of God. This aversion is shared by those in pulpit and pew alike. The attitude seems to filter down from the pulpit. How many times has the misuse of Scripture Itself been used to justify this attitude? “These doctrines will corrupt you from the simplicity in Christ!” You wonder how some of these individuals would articulate such doctrines as the Trinity, Virgin Birth, or the Hypostatic Union!
This mindset is incredibly damaging. I am all for stating teaching and doctrine in understandable terms. The problem is being simplistic. Comprehensibility is the key. The simplistic mindset does not promote comprehension. It misses this by treating complex matters in such a surface manner that no understanding is possible, or by assuming that a matter is not necessary to be understood. Several possible results of this mindset await. One, as people are faced with the rigors and complexities of life they find that the simplistic does not adequately address their trials. Disillusionment is a very probable consequence. Two, too much “junk food” ruins the appetite for a hearty meal. Third, the pastor and people alike have little or no grasp of fundamental doctrine. This leaves them unable to answer the objections of those who would contradict. It also leads to an incorrect understanding and application of separation. Not knowing what is truly fundamental brings a church and pastor to the point of identifying as fundamental that which is merely preferential or often political.
So what ought we do in light of this?
1. Recognize the complex nature of the “real world.”
2. Shy away from the use of trite expressions. If one is to be used that does have practical and theological merit, clearly explain what is meant rather than assume the hearers have this understanding.
3. Preach the Word! Preach it in all of its beautiful and unified, but also divisive and difficult truth. Make the truth clear to your people, don’t sacrifice it!
4. Do not despise doctrine! May your delight in it overflow into the lives of your people.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Why Don't I Post More?
In response to some who have asked and perhaps others who have wondered why I do not post more blogs on the site, I think I should explain. First, I do not want to be consumed by blogging. There are others who seem to be able to post prodigously and carry on both family and ministry life. At this point, I have not developed the talent! And to be quite honest, this is not that high a priority! Second, pre-field ministry makes blogging a difficulty. It is very difficult to spend time doing this on a different computer (your host's) from night to night. Perhaps if I had a better laptop with the whole internal wireless high speed modem thing and an attending high-speed wireless internet plan spanning North America, it would be easier. Third, every time I do blog my father's sagacious definition of a fool resounds in my memory. Don't know where he got it from, but it is good! "A fool is someone who has nothing to say and says it anyway!"
Having said this, my upcoming schedule seems to be lending itself more to spending time doing this. I plan to crank out at least three posts a week for the next couple of weeks. I hope that in doing so I do not prove myself a fool! Another of my father's sayings is "Better to remain quiet and have everyone think you a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!"
Having said this, my upcoming schedule seems to be lending itself more to spending time doing this. I plan to crank out at least three posts a week for the next couple of weeks. I hope that in doing so I do not prove myself a fool! Another of my father's sayings is "Better to remain quiet and have everyone think you a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!"
Friday, October 14, 2005
Some Thoughts from Blaise Pascal
“We never keep our minds on the present moment. We remember the past, as though we wanted to slow down the passage of time. And we look forward to the future, as though we wanted time to accelerate. We wander about in times that do not belong to us, and do not think about the only time that does. We dream of times past and future, and flee from the present. The reason is that the present is usually painful. We push it out of sight because it distresses us – only on those few occasions which are truly enjoyable are we truly sorry to see time slip away. We try to reduce present pain with joyful hopes of the future, planning how we are going to arrange things in a period over which we have no control and which we cannot be sure of reaching…The past and present are our means, and the future alone is our end. Thus we never actually live, but hope to live. We are never actually happy, but constantly planning how to become happy.”
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Hypothetical Question
Here is an email message that I sent to a number of friends several months ago. It generated some interesting responses.
Here is an entirely hypothetical question. Let’s say that you had to move and minister elsewhere. You could only take a Bible and five books. Let’s say you are going to an English speaking area. What do you bring? My list-
1. Bible- The King James Study Bible (Nelson Publishers). It has my Bible of choice for the last seven years. Excellent, conservative, and largely dispensational (derived, not imposed) study notes. Great book backgrounds. Very readable font. Excellent footnotes.
2. The New Linguistic and Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament by Cleon Rogers, Jr. It is filled with an incredible wealth of material. Really a library in itself. I have used my copy so much since I got it a few years back, that it is falling apart. And the book is not shabbily constructed!
3. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge Basically an incredibly huge book of cross-references, a few explanatory notes, and other study aids. Its value is in the vast cross-references. The Bible is the best commentary on itself!
4. A Vision for Missions by Tom Wells. A short book, but one that is rich in God-soaked theology. My favorite book on missions, and one that I am always reading. It warms my heart every time that I read it.
5. Preaching that Changes Lives by Michael Fabarez. It is not the largest book on the subject, but it is the most practical and challenging that I have encountered. One to continually read and reference.
6. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Complete in One Volume by Tolkien. I think that I would want a book for diversion, and this one is so large and complex that it would still entertain for many years of re-reads.
Some that did not make the list, but were definitely in the running-
Strong’s- the ultimate find it.
The Pleasures of God by John Piper. His best, in my opinion. Edifying, challenging, and comforting.
Another kind of list-
Bible- Either The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures or The Word on the Street
The Christian Religion by Friedrich Schleiermacher
Self-esteem: the New Reformation by Robert Schuller
Mysticism and Logic and Other Essays by Bertrand Russell
Thus Spake Zarethustra by Nietzsche
Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre
Catch the irony of Sartre and Schuller on the same list?
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Truth, Baseball, and the Postmodern Mind
"Pilate saith unto Him, 'What is truth?' (John 18:38)"
I recently read this story in the book Emergent Hope. Three umpires are discussing balls and strikes. The first umpire says, "I call them as they are." To which the second replies, "Well, I call them as I see them." Umpire three, obviously annoyed, says, "You guys are both all wrong! They ain't nothing 'til I call them!"
I recently read this story in the book Emergent Hope. Three umpires are discussing balls and strikes. The first umpire says, "I call them as they are." To which the second replies, "Well, I call them as I see them." Umpire three, obviously annoyed, says, "You guys are both all wrong! They ain't nothing 'til I call them!"
Saturday, September 24, 2005
The Wonder of His Love
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God! (I John 3:1a)"
"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)"
I will never forget the 2003 Christmas that my family and I spent with my parents. Times were very hard for them at that time. Regular, long term work was difficult to find. In fact, during the couple of weeks that we spent together my father was laid off from his job at the hardware store an hour away. With a lack of consistent employment, my parents were struggling to start a couple of businesses, hoping that one would "pan out." At the time, none of those businesses had come anywhere close to providing much more income for the family.
Christmas came, and with it the old familiar traditions- the reading of the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke, a time of expressing gratefulness to God for the wonderful Christmas gift of Jesus, prayer, and then the unwrapping of gifts. Toward the end of the giving and recieving of gifts, the time came for my mother to open her gift from my father. It was a large and surprisingly light box, wrapped beautifully. Knowing my father's lack of wrapping skills and the fact that he had personally wrapped the gift himself, I knew that he had taken extra care and attention to the gift this Christmas. As the paper and ribbons were removed and my mother opened the box, she burst out laughing. Roll after roll of toilet paper was packed neatly, apparently filling the entire box! Mom explained that Dad had told her he wouldn't have much money this Christmas and might be only able to afford toilet paper. The house filled with extra family made this gift a timely one! Mom set the box to the side, still laughing, not looking for or expecting anything else from him.
Then Dad said, "You might want to look a little deeper." At first Mom did not understand. As she realized that there was more, she reached for the gift and began removing rolls of toilet paper. One layer of rolls was removed. Another layer was removed. Yet another. The bottom of the box also held rolls of toilet paper, but in the center of that final layer a couple were missing and in their place a small box. Mom reached for the box, and as she lifted it from between the rolls of toilet paper her breath stopped. For probably a full ten seconds she did not take a breath, and the moment she finally did, the tears started. She struggled for words, but only sobs came.
Dad had realized that he was likely to be laid off that winter. He knew times were tough. He also knew that there was a beautiful Eos Rebel SLR camera at the store that Mom would really love. He had literally sacrificed time and health for love of my mother. Dad put in all the overtime he could and saved every penny he could for months just to give Mom a gift that showed her he loved her with a passion undiminished by time and circumstance. It stole her words away. The gift was great, but the love behind that gift undescribable.
My earthly memory resonates with Heavenly parallel. Explanations and proclamations of our Father's love are necessary to our Christian faith and walk. Yet how inadequate our words! How precious are those times when the wonder and the joy of it all leaves us speechless.
"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)"
I will never forget the 2003 Christmas that my family and I spent with my parents. Times were very hard for them at that time. Regular, long term work was difficult to find. In fact, during the couple of weeks that we spent together my father was laid off from his job at the hardware store an hour away. With a lack of consistent employment, my parents were struggling to start a couple of businesses, hoping that one would "pan out." At the time, none of those businesses had come anywhere close to providing much more income for the family.
Christmas came, and with it the old familiar traditions- the reading of the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke, a time of expressing gratefulness to God for the wonderful Christmas gift of Jesus, prayer, and then the unwrapping of gifts. Toward the end of the giving and recieving of gifts, the time came for my mother to open her gift from my father. It was a large and surprisingly light box, wrapped beautifully. Knowing my father's lack of wrapping skills and the fact that he had personally wrapped the gift himself, I knew that he had taken extra care and attention to the gift this Christmas. As the paper and ribbons were removed and my mother opened the box, she burst out laughing. Roll after roll of toilet paper was packed neatly, apparently filling the entire box! Mom explained that Dad had told her he wouldn't have much money this Christmas and might be only able to afford toilet paper. The house filled with extra family made this gift a timely one! Mom set the box to the side, still laughing, not looking for or expecting anything else from him.
Then Dad said, "You might want to look a little deeper." At first Mom did not understand. As she realized that there was more, she reached for the gift and began removing rolls of toilet paper. One layer of rolls was removed. Another layer was removed. Yet another. The bottom of the box also held rolls of toilet paper, but in the center of that final layer a couple were missing and in their place a small box. Mom reached for the box, and as she lifted it from between the rolls of toilet paper her breath stopped. For probably a full ten seconds she did not take a breath, and the moment she finally did, the tears started. She struggled for words, but only sobs came.
Dad had realized that he was likely to be laid off that winter. He knew times were tough. He also knew that there was a beautiful Eos Rebel SLR camera at the store that Mom would really love. He had literally sacrificed time and health for love of my mother. Dad put in all the overtime he could and saved every penny he could for months just to give Mom a gift that showed her he loved her with a passion undiminished by time and circumstance. It stole her words away. The gift was great, but the love behind that gift undescribable.
My earthly memory resonates with Heavenly parallel. Explanations and proclamations of our Father's love are necessary to our Christian faith and walk. Yet how inadequate our words! How precious are those times when the wonder and the joy of it all leaves us speechless.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Traditional Fundamentalism in My Area and My Thoughts Thereon
Traditions in Fundamentalism in my Local Experience
I have taken a little time recently to ponder the role of tradition within my own particular life and experience in the independent fundamental circles with which I fellowship in Canada. I have come to several conclusions regarding tradition in this context-
- Tradition is not simply alive, but promoted and thriving in our indy-fundy circles.
- Tradition often preserves the movement from the excessive and ungodly pragmatism rampant within professing evangelicalism.
- Tradition often promotes an excessive and ungodly pragmatism that is somewhat peculiar to indy-fundyism.
That tradition is alive within these circles is to me quite manifest. Recently I have heard a number of leaders speak out for a continuance in the exact same pattern of ministry as has been the norm for some time (30 years or so) within this segment of fundamentalism. Their appeals have been twofold. First, this is who we are. That is, our practice or belief within the recent past in this area of the world is definitional of what fundamentalism is and should be. Now they would not use the term "recent", but their illustrations of great men of the past in reference to our movement are either entirely inappropriate, using men who would never have considered themselves as part of the local movement, or are illustrations that only go back to the early 1970's. Now I can see a degree to which a movement can be identified with its pattern of ministry. The second argument is a quick utilization of "proof texts" for fundamentalism. Even in this the appeal to tradition is utilized as the Scriptures are given an assumed meaning without specific exegesis of the passages and demonstration how they interact with the time at hand or the pattern of ministry utilized. This is not to say that the traditional understanding is always wrong, but the passage is often never truly interacted with in determining why the position is held. Thus tradition replaces exegesis. Much more could be said to reinforce my belief that tradition is alive and well.
I have noted as well that our movement is to be commended for its refusal to jump into every pragmatic program that is to be found in evangelicalism today. Our movement is not driven by contemporary evangelical fads. In many cases, the preserving force is tradition. We have not done it that way before, so we should not do it now! Now as I look at the depths that many in the contemporary evangelical scene have sunk, I am thankful for the preserving force of tradition. There is a movement in evangelicalism that seeks to loose itself from all moorings in practice and even theology, it seems! The result is that much of evangelicalism has lost the evangel- the message of the Gospel itself. When I look at those extremes I am much happier to be aligned with our movement than with that element of evangelicalism! However, as I will comment on a little later, the belief that "if you are not in our group (even our specific element of fundamentalsim), you're in that one" is seriously misleading!
How is tradition a promoter of certain ungodly pragmatic elements? When the traditions are themselves pragmatic! There are certain practices within our segment of indy-fundyism that have no clear root in Biblical imperative or principle. Their driving root is largely pragmatism. Not that all the motivations for the practices were wrong. The original thought may have been- "What can we do to get more people into church?" or "What can we do to get more people saved?" Not entirely wrong motivations, but still flawed foundationally. The failure seemed to be not asking and answering all the "why's?" before proceeding with the "what's?". In this I must be careful not to be too critical. I think that we all have this tendency, to some degree or another. However, I now see certain practices (some bus ministry practices, altar call techniques, and Gospel presentation models) which are beyond evaluation in our segment for no other reason than tradition. They are "God-honouring" in people's minds simply by default of tradition, particularly when many of them are found almost exclusively within our movement! The same is held to be true with respect to certain theological beliefs.
What Now?
As a young fundamentalist, I propose that our generation respond in several ways-
- Recognize the existence of tradition. It is the reality of our movement. To suggest otherwise is to really be burying our head in the sand.
- Realize that not all tradition is wrong in and of itself. There are some who have thrown it all away, leaving the movement and everything that characterizes it behind them. The baby is laying screaming in a puddle of soapy water outside the bathroom window!
- Recognize that the "if you are not completely of us, you are against us" mentality is oversimplified and not in keeping with reality. There are many strata of fundamentalists, including some who would not claim the label. I think that in many cases the us versus them mentality has caused some of my generation to run to a ridiculous extreme because they have been taught there is no middle ground and have believed it! Having become disillusioned with our segment of the movement, they jump to the other extreme.
- Return to the truly Biblical tradition of semper reformanda. The Reformers and Christians of years past had the motto semper reformanda, "Always reforming!" Their goal was not just a continual change for its own sake, but rather a mindset that tenaciously sought to bring every thought to the captivity of Christ by honest evaluation in light of the Scripture. They did not always get it right, and neither will we. But we will be a lot closer to the right if we regularly and honestly consider every aspect of our life and ministry. This mindset will also help to guard our own hearts against erroneous adherence to traditions of our own making!
- Reach out to the lost with passionate, God-honouring proclamation of the Gospel of the glory of Christ. Just because we may have seen some approaches to evangelism that were less than God-honouring does not give us the right to simply take pot-shots at their pragmatism without obeying the imperative of Christ upon our own lives! It is our duty and priviledge to make much of Christ, and it should also be our joy. Also, the older generation of fundamentalists seems to appreciate a zeal for "soul-winning," as they call it. From my experience, they will respect and even support a zealous and evangelistic young fundamentalist even if they do not entirely agree with him.
- Realign yourselves with the original intent of the true early fundamentalists, but take the necessary steps forward. In reading the early fundamentalist writers and those who have studied their lives, the intent of early fundamentalism was to both aggresively preserve and promote Biblical Christianity. We ought not shirk from this task. It is our duty to earnestly contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints. However, there are some steps we must take beyond those already taken. We must seek to know and articulate what is truly fundamental to Christianity. This is admittedly a difficult task, but to stand for the faith we must know what is essential to the faith. We find fault with the older generation of indy-fundies for their willingness to separate over non-essentials without personally understanding what the essentials really are. It is not just enough to know what is not a fundamental, we must seriously ponder what beliefs or lack of beliefs change orthodox Christianity into non-Christianity. This leads to the next step we must take. We must then personally and/or collectively develop a separation paradigm. Separation is essential to fundamentalism. There may be differences in degree or intensity of separation, but it remains separation. And separation remains both a Biblical command and a practical necessity.
- Respectfully and Biblically articulate your position when challenged. Younger fundamentalists have sometimes been characterized as disrespectful rebels. I feel that this has often been very unjust. It has been like the impression that some people have of motorcycle riders. Because they have encountered a few donkeys riding bikes, it is assumed that all bikers are donkeys. I know that the logic is seriously askew, but that is the context in which we find ourselves! Most of the men who would challenge us are really worthy of respect, though they do not agree with us on every position. They have served God faithfully for years and been Godly examples in many areas. If we are to be prepared to give an answer to the lost with gentleness and reverence, surely we should be willing to extend the same courtesy to our brothers in Christ. However, this does not mean that you have to simply conform because of their objections and prominence in the movement. We must Biblically articulate our position. If we are convinced by the Word of God regarding a certain position, personal conformity to a different position is wrong. If you are forced to choose between conviction and conformity, conviction must be held. This is not to say that we cannot fellowship or work with those who do not share all of our beliefs. Of course, this goes back to the separation paradigm. But we cannot and must not change our position or conviction simply out of conformity to personality and tradition.
- Realistically seek peace with all men. We are admonished to pursue peace with all men. As much as lies within us, we are to live at peace with others. Peace ought to be our goal in interaction with others within fundamentalism. But that must be tempered with reality. Good men disagree. Good men sometimes disagree strongly. Sometimes good men disagree so strongly that cooperation is an impossibility. Remember Paul and Barnabus? There are times when despite our best intentions peace cannot be maintained. Let us just do our best that unless in issues of very grave theological and practical importance, the lack of peace comes from the other side. I once had a discussion with a brother whom I considered a friend (I still do) over a certain issue that is a hot one in indy-fundyism in this part of the world. The other became very upset with me. Our conversation ended on a very sour and angry note, with him essentially accusing me of a lack of love for and adherence to the Word. I knew that I would see the man again. I also knew that from my perspective he was still my friend and brother in Christ and that the issue in question was not one that made separation necessary. The next time I saw him I made a definite point to speak with him and by both my demeanor and words demonstrate my regard for him. I praise the Lord that even though we have significant disagreement over the issue in question, we remain friends. However, this does not always happen. And we have to be prepared to face that fact with courage.
- Remember the Audience of One. Our ultimate ambition is to be pleasing to Him. In light of that the importance is not really on whether another man considers us a fundamentalist or is willing to fellowship with us or is openly in favour of our lives and ministry. They do not search our hearts. They will not stand before the Bema Seat in our stead. May we take heart that if it must come down to a decision between tradition and conviction and our decision ostracizes us, we never really stand alone. Conviction, not conformity, marked the historic fundamental movement. May it ever be the same!
Friday, August 19, 2005
On the Deputation Trail
Tomorrow Sarah and I will be rising early, packing our van, bundling our two little children into that van, and taking off for a long “road trip” that will take us from our home in Canada to Michigan, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. This will be the first extended trip that we have made as a family since our little boy, John, was born. These extended trips are part and parcel of the process that we call deputation.
Deputation is essentially the process that most missionaries go through in seeking to raise the financial support that is needed to minister in the field to which they are going. This is the essence of deputation, but if a missionary looks at it from this perspective alone, I believe he will quickly become disheartened.
There are several difficulties that a missionary on deputation encounters. First, the traveling itself can be hard on a family. Sometimes trips to churches will find us traveling as much as ten hours in a day. The driver has to balance his desire to arrive at the church at the right time with the need of children to get out and run around! Second, deputation can be hard on the family physically. In traveling from church to church the family is exposed to every sickness that is out there, it sometimes seems! There is also very little physical activity and much food! I returned from a trip a couple of months ago to realize that I was weighing over 230. This was not all muscle! Thankfully, I have had a little more time at home lately with the birth of John and was able to eat a little healthier and get some exercise. I dropped over twenty pounds and feel great right now. I can expect my weight to go up a little over the next several months, but hopefully not too high! I know that some missionaries have gained over fifty pounds on deputation. Third, deputation almost always takes a missionary longer than they expected. A missionary hears stories of how some missionaries raise their support in less than a year and will sometimes secretly expect that it will not take them a whole lot longer than that. Then as months go by and the support level does not jump as quickly as they had hoped, there is a temptation to be discouraged. This is one of the reasons why a missionary should not look at deputation as a just a support-raising venture. Fourth, the family often has to sacrifice their privacy for extended periods of time. They essentially live under scrutiny for weeks at a time, not just because of staying in other people’s homes, but also because of simply being in a place of prominence in church after church and feel as though they have to be nigh unto perfect or their support may not come in!
Now if the deputation was just about the last paragraph, it would be pretty harsh! Thankfully there is a lot more to it. First (maybe not in importance), deputation does allow you to raise the money needed to work on the field. When the process is done, the missionary can devote his time to the work of the ministry, rather than having to spend most of it working in secular employment. Second, it solicits the prayers of God’s people. God accomplishes so much through the prayers of His people that we will never understand this side of Heaven. A missionary is powerless without prayer in his own life, and is incredibly aided by the prayers of others on his behalf. Third, it enables you to meet many fine men and women of God that you would not have otherwise been able to meet. Many of these people will continue in contact with you. God often uses these people to encourage you by their sending an email at a key time, just letting you know they still think and pray for you. Fourth, it allows you to regularly and publicly emphasize the needs and opportunities of the field that God has burdened you for. Fifth, deputation gives you opportunity to encourage and challenge people for the great cause of world evangelism. I often pray that God might in some way use me to encourage someone to give their life to missions. Sixth, since you are “in the spotlight” at churches it gives the incomparable privilege to show Christ as the only all-satisfying Treasure of life.
These are a few of the challenges and privileges of deputation. It has been a testing and rewarding experience in which God has shown Himself incredibly gracious over and over again. That being said, I don’t want to do the deputation thing forever! :-) It is not the end, just a means to it.
Deputation is essentially the process that most missionaries go through in seeking to raise the financial support that is needed to minister in the field to which they are going. This is the essence of deputation, but if a missionary looks at it from this perspective alone, I believe he will quickly become disheartened.
There are several difficulties that a missionary on deputation encounters. First, the traveling itself can be hard on a family. Sometimes trips to churches will find us traveling as much as ten hours in a day. The driver has to balance his desire to arrive at the church at the right time with the need of children to get out and run around! Second, deputation can be hard on the family physically. In traveling from church to church the family is exposed to every sickness that is out there, it sometimes seems! There is also very little physical activity and much food! I returned from a trip a couple of months ago to realize that I was weighing over 230. This was not all muscle! Thankfully, I have had a little more time at home lately with the birth of John and was able to eat a little healthier and get some exercise. I dropped over twenty pounds and feel great right now. I can expect my weight to go up a little over the next several months, but hopefully not too high! I know that some missionaries have gained over fifty pounds on deputation. Third, deputation almost always takes a missionary longer than they expected. A missionary hears stories of how some missionaries raise their support in less than a year and will sometimes secretly expect that it will not take them a whole lot longer than that. Then as months go by and the support level does not jump as quickly as they had hoped, there is a temptation to be discouraged. This is one of the reasons why a missionary should not look at deputation as a just a support-raising venture. Fourth, the family often has to sacrifice their privacy for extended periods of time. They essentially live under scrutiny for weeks at a time, not just because of staying in other people’s homes, but also because of simply being in a place of prominence in church after church and feel as though they have to be nigh unto perfect or their support may not come in!
Now if the deputation was just about the last paragraph, it would be pretty harsh! Thankfully there is a lot more to it. First (maybe not in importance), deputation does allow you to raise the money needed to work on the field. When the process is done, the missionary can devote his time to the work of the ministry, rather than having to spend most of it working in secular employment. Second, it solicits the prayers of God’s people. God accomplishes so much through the prayers of His people that we will never understand this side of Heaven. A missionary is powerless without prayer in his own life, and is incredibly aided by the prayers of others on his behalf. Third, it enables you to meet many fine men and women of God that you would not have otherwise been able to meet. Many of these people will continue in contact with you. God often uses these people to encourage you by their sending an email at a key time, just letting you know they still think and pray for you. Fourth, it allows you to regularly and publicly emphasize the needs and opportunities of the field that God has burdened you for. Fifth, deputation gives you opportunity to encourage and challenge people for the great cause of world evangelism. I often pray that God might in some way use me to encourage someone to give their life to missions. Sixth, since you are “in the spotlight” at churches it gives the incomparable privilege to show Christ as the only all-satisfying Treasure of life.
These are a few of the challenges and privileges of deputation. It has been a testing and rewarding experience in which God has shown Himself incredibly gracious over and over again. That being said, I don’t want to do the deputation thing forever! :-) It is not the end, just a means to it.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
The Blessing of God-centered Friends
"Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17
"I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts." Psalm 119:63
"And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God." I Samuel 23:16
I am very thankful for the influential friends that God has given me. They are not all alike in every respect. Their ages range from late teens/early twenties to late fifties. Some are athletic or interested in sports, others are not. Most hold to varying degrees of Calvinism, others are decidedly opposed to that doctrinal position. Most are Baptistic in their view of church government, some hold to a Presbyterian view. Most would hold to a form of Dispensationalism, some would be more Covenantal in their hermeneutic. Some are veterans in the field of God's service, others are preparing to give their lives in "full-time" serice, still others magnify Christ daily in secular employment. And there are many, many more contrasts that could be drawn! The number that could be listed in the group of influential friends could be counted on two hands; the closest of these on one hand.
Friends are important as "iron sharpeners," encouragers, strengtheners, and even rebukers! As I consider this, I am often a little dismayed by the types and levels of friendships that many professing Christians seek out. It is not uncommon to be among a group of Christians for an extended period of time and not hear a single element of edifying conversation. I do not suggest that every element of conversation must focus on Scripture, soul-winnin', and sanctification! It is a little troubling, however, when the spiritual and Scriptural is never spoken of. I do not claim any sort of perfection in this area. I know that too often I am fixated on the trivial, temporal, and foolish to the diminishment or exclusion of important, eternal, and wise. Yet I know the influence of friends, and by God's grace I desire to cultivate friendships with those who would influence me in the right way.
Those friends in my life that have the greatest and most meaningful influence in my life are the ones who exhibit a God-centered focus on life. These men fear God and strive to keep His precepts. They focus their lives in a passionate pursuit of His glory. And it is they who sharpen my countenance in a proper manner, and truly strengthen my hands in God by their encouragement, and even rebuke. Faithful are their woundings, examples, and encouragements, for by God's grace they encourage me along the path of sanctification for the treasure of knowing and following Jesus.
"I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts." Psalm 119:63
"And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God." I Samuel 23:16
I am very thankful for the influential friends that God has given me. They are not all alike in every respect. Their ages range from late teens/early twenties to late fifties. Some are athletic or interested in sports, others are not. Most hold to varying degrees of Calvinism, others are decidedly opposed to that doctrinal position. Most are Baptistic in their view of church government, some hold to a Presbyterian view. Most would hold to a form of Dispensationalism, some would be more Covenantal in their hermeneutic. Some are veterans in the field of God's service, others are preparing to give their lives in "full-time" serice, still others magnify Christ daily in secular employment. And there are many, many more contrasts that could be drawn! The number that could be listed in the group of influential friends could be counted on two hands; the closest of these on one hand.
Friends are important as "iron sharpeners," encouragers, strengtheners, and even rebukers! As I consider this, I am often a little dismayed by the types and levels of friendships that many professing Christians seek out. It is not uncommon to be among a group of Christians for an extended period of time and not hear a single element of edifying conversation. I do not suggest that every element of conversation must focus on Scripture, soul-winnin', and sanctification! It is a little troubling, however, when the spiritual and Scriptural is never spoken of. I do not claim any sort of perfection in this area. I know that too often I am fixated on the trivial, temporal, and foolish to the diminishment or exclusion of important, eternal, and wise. Yet I know the influence of friends, and by God's grace I desire to cultivate friendships with those who would influence me in the right way.
Those friends in my life that have the greatest and most meaningful influence in my life are the ones who exhibit a God-centered focus on life. These men fear God and strive to keep His precepts. They focus their lives in a passionate pursuit of His glory. And it is they who sharpen my countenance in a proper manner, and truly strengthen my hands in God by their encouragement, and even rebuke. Faithful are their woundings, examples, and encouragements, for by God's grace they encourage me along the path of sanctification for the treasure of knowing and following Jesus.
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