I am writing this BLOG Post on the eve of Inauguration Day. Two reasons for this. One, I want to make some observations that have to do with the incoming Administration. Two, I am leaving the country and will not return until the day this post will be sent to the recipient list. Today is the date set aside in our calendar of Holidays as Martin Luther King Day. He is credited with the quote that serves as the title of this BLOG Post.
Historically the Clergy have been "Watchman on The Wall" of culture and nations. The incoming Administration is cited as supporting numerous social policies that are utterly and absolutely in direct and arrogant defiance of the Scripture, the Special Revelation of God to man. I am going on record as a Watchman to state publicly with clarity and grace my opposition to those policies. That opposition is rooted and grounded in the text of Scripture. This issue is not one of political affiliation, Republican or Democrat. It is not one of race; Black, White, Asian or any other ethnic derivation. We are not a hyphenated people - we are Americans! It matters not one iota what any opinion or legislative action states when such opinion or statements are in defiance of the clear declarations of Scripture. The basis for my comments is a joyful endeavor to live in alignment with the revelation the Sovereign God of the Universe has given us of Himself.
Character is an objective issue. The definition of good character is based upon Truth that is Absolute. That Truth never changes thus character and the constructs of social policy are also static and stable, not fluid and ever changing. The issues to which I refer are:
Abortion - the incoming administration supports the termination of fetal life, even fetal life outside the womb in a viable condition. That is pure and simple murder. Life begins at conception and enjoys the sacred privilege of being an Image Bearer. I stand opposed to any and all abortive procedures for this reason. The pursuit of happiness is a trite and meaningless blather when you are not granted the dignity of life.
Homosexuality - The incoming administration supports the practice of homosexuality. This conduct is condemned by Scripture and must be recognized as sin pure and simple. It should be pointed out that theft, greed, drunkenness, slander and swindling are also condemned in the same passage. As a culture we do not favorably endorse any of these other sins. Why? Because they are just that. Christians do not hate homosexuals. We in fact are one of the few elements of our culture that truly loves them by expressing with compassion, gentleness and candor the Truth about this conduct.
Socialism - I have invested 15 years in exchanges with the editorial board of our newspaper addressing this issue. When benevolence is conscripted, it is not benevolence, it is legalized plunder. Taking resources from those who have acquired those resources legally and honestly is theft even though it is sanctioned by the powers that be. The redistribution of wealth by government thuggery is theft regardless of what euphemistic labels that government may choose to disguise this fact. We live in a nation among people who have discovered that they can, in the words of Alexis de Tocqueville, 'vote themselves largess'.
I will pray for the incoming Administration as Scripture commands that I must. I do so to honor the God I serve. I also see in these policies the destruction of all that our nation was built upon and has stood for over the two centuries plus that we have existed.
I say with Habakkuk "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint (Hab. 2:1). May God sustain us and bless our land. May the Shepherds of this land raise their voices as one man in defiance of all that is sin and dishonors our God. Sola Deo!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Correlation Factor - Maturity & Unity
In the recent past I met with a Denominational figure. After considering what IUS offers to churches with genuine and serious interest, he shared the following. "Tom, I would really like to take our churches through the Transformation Process IgniteUS provides. However, I cannot do that. I invest almost all of my time serving as a referee in a variety of church squabbles. The level of conflict just continues to escalate and I see no end to that trend."
What does that tell us about the spiritual condition of those who make up those assemblies? It seems clear that persons who are embroiled in constant rancor and conflict within the church are at the very least in need of corrective discipline and very well may be flat out lost, unredeemed. Conflict is almost always the result of two sin stained people seeking to impose their agenda on others. Neither considers the word of God. Neither is receptive to a careful exegesis of the text of Scripture. Neither has any inclination to be in submission to their Leaders or to Absolute Truth. They are hell bent on getting "their way" regardless of the cost or price that must be paid to do so.
Denominational structures include entire Departments titled "Conflict Resolution". If my readers examine the content of the approaches applied by these entities, there is little or no application of the Scripture. The Number 1 reason for decline in the church in America is CONTROL. People are all sinners so the presence of conflict is not surprising. What is utterly astonishing is that there is an attempt to find resolution through a process that is not rooted and grounded in the Bible.
When Paul wrote to the Ephesians concerning the various gifted men that God gave to the church, he cited among others Pastor/Teachers (Eph. 4:12). A chief responsibility of these men is building up the Body of Christ. Then in Eph. 4:13 he equates unity - knowledge - maturity. If there is an absence of unity it may very well be that there is a definite lack of knowledge and certainly an absence of maturity.
I suspect that if we were to gather objective data on each person causing trouble in the churches of America we would find a one to one correlation between their lack of knowledge of God's Word and maturity in the fulness of the Image of Christ.
So, until the LORD returns Pastor, continue to teach and preach the text. Love people with the love of Christ. Encourage, Rebuke, Exhort, Correct and DO NOT permit anyone to despise you, to "think around you" (Titus 2:15). In doing so, God will use you to save some, even from themselves.
What does that tell us about the spiritual condition of those who make up those assemblies? It seems clear that persons who are embroiled in constant rancor and conflict within the church are at the very least in need of corrective discipline and very well may be flat out lost, unredeemed. Conflict is almost always the result of two sin stained people seeking to impose their agenda on others. Neither considers the word of God. Neither is receptive to a careful exegesis of the text of Scripture. Neither has any inclination to be in submission to their Leaders or to Absolute Truth. They are hell bent on getting "their way" regardless of the cost or price that must be paid to do so.
Denominational structures include entire Departments titled "Conflict Resolution". If my readers examine the content of the approaches applied by these entities, there is little or no application of the Scripture. The Number 1 reason for decline in the church in America is CONTROL. People are all sinners so the presence of conflict is not surprising. What is utterly astonishing is that there is an attempt to find resolution through a process that is not rooted and grounded in the Bible.
When Paul wrote to the Ephesians concerning the various gifted men that God gave to the church, he cited among others Pastor/Teachers (Eph. 4:12). A chief responsibility of these men is building up the Body of Christ. Then in Eph. 4:13 he equates unity - knowledge - maturity. If there is an absence of unity it may very well be that there is a definite lack of knowledge and certainly an absence of maturity.
I suspect that if we were to gather objective data on each person causing trouble in the churches of America we would find a one to one correlation between their lack of knowledge of God's Word and maturity in the fulness of the Image of Christ.
So, until the LORD returns Pastor, continue to teach and preach the text. Love people with the love of Christ. Encourage, Rebuke, Exhort, Correct and DO NOT permit anyone to despise you, to "think around you" (Titus 2:15). In doing so, God will use you to save some, even from themselves.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sell The Problem, Not The Solution
William Bridges, in his most helpful title, Managing Transitions, offers the sagacious wisdom - - "Sell The Problem, Not The Solution". There is a persistent mad scramble to "fix" the problem. Bridges states the obvious, but almost always ignored wisdom, essential to Transformation. There are no quick fixes. There is 'death in that pot' my brothers. The declension from passionate orthodoxy did not come upon us quickly and it will not be extricated by the application of simplistic "outside in" programs, a new method. If there is not an ethos and pathos, an emotitonal conviction that there is a problem, NO SOLUTION WILL EVER BE EMBRACED!!
When IgniteUS was founded, our Purpose was and is singular, clear and urgent. We seek the power of the Spirit of God to bring Transformation to the church in America. The need for this is obvious even to a casual observer. The decline in the institutional church is precipitous, accelerating and dramatic. So, churches will readily accept the need to change with a sense of urgency, right? WRONG!!
There is a pervasive numbness among men charged with leadership responsibilities. Notice I did not grant them the noble title "Leaders". Leadership is about effectivenss not titles. They are 'at ease in Zion'. They are much like the Scribes & Pharisees. There is most certainly a problem, but, not with us! The sense of urgency that the church in America is on the fast track to spiritual disaster is absent. Facts alone will never change values. We present data ad naseum, by volume. It has little or no impact. Their eyes glaze. They look at their watches and wonder - - 'when will this be over?'
So, we are giving humble and passionate effort to "Sell The Problem". The Problem is real, immediate and urgent. When you read this, fall to your knees and cry out to the Living God. Implore Him to awaken the church. Plead with Him to come upon us.
Transformation is an "inside out" process over time. It requires Transparency and Vulnerability. It requires repentance and humility that comes through brokeness. It begins with Leadership. It ripples out through the Leaders and makes its way through the body person by person.
So Pastor, have you "Sold the Problem"? We exist to equip and walk with you through that difficult but ever so glorious process. Where can we go Lord. You have the words of life. Bring Your Power and Grace to the church. We wait upon You with hope and anticipation.
When IgniteUS was founded, our Purpose was and is singular, clear and urgent. We seek the power of the Spirit of God to bring Transformation to the church in America. The need for this is obvious even to a casual observer. The decline in the institutional church is precipitous, accelerating and dramatic. So, churches will readily accept the need to change with a sense of urgency, right? WRONG!!
There is a pervasive numbness among men charged with leadership responsibilities. Notice I did not grant them the noble title "Leaders". Leadership is about effectivenss not titles. They are 'at ease in Zion'. They are much like the Scribes & Pharisees. There is most certainly a problem, but, not with us! The sense of urgency that the church in America is on the fast track to spiritual disaster is absent. Facts alone will never change values. We present data ad naseum, by volume. It has little or no impact. Their eyes glaze. They look at their watches and wonder - - 'when will this be over?'
So, we are giving humble and passionate effort to "Sell The Problem". The Problem is real, immediate and urgent. When you read this, fall to your knees and cry out to the Living God. Implore Him to awaken the church. Plead with Him to come upon us.
Transformation is an "inside out" process over time. It requires Transparency and Vulnerability. It requires repentance and humility that comes through brokeness. It begins with Leadership. It ripples out through the Leaders and makes its way through the body person by person.
So Pastor, have you "Sold the Problem"? We exist to equip and walk with you through that difficult but ever so glorious process. Where can we go Lord. You have the words of life. Bring Your Power and Grace to the church. We wait upon You with hope and anticipation.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
"Mother May I?"
When I was a child we played a game called "Mother May I". The trick was to execute certain commands always prefaced by the statement "Mother May I". If you failed to make that request in conjunction with the action, you were disqualified.
What does that have to do with Leadership in the local church? Much indeed.
Leadership is about change, not managing 'status quo'. Exhibit A could well be the current melt down among the Big Three US Auto Makers. They have clung to an antiquated business model that is now sinking their collective ship. They were not unaware of the issues. They were unwilling to find the courage and apply the wisdom to change that model before we arrived at this "Mother May I" groveling routine being played out on the Hill.
Status Quo is always the preferred 'modus operandi' by the majority. This requires little change and a minimum of sacrifice, at least for a time. This same mentality permeates the church. Boards, made up of people who generally recognize the cost of change, hold the assembly to 'status quo'. They offer reasons ad naseum for doing so. If those reasons are examined under the light of Scripture and an accurate and hermeneutically sound exegesis of the text, there is usually not a shred of legitimacy in their appeal.
This is where the game of 'Mother May I' begins. Rather than gathering the biblical rationale through careful exegesis and setting that before the body, Pastors engage the MMI mantra. They come with a timid and often ill-crafted proposal as to why change must take place. Their initial appeal is rejected. They retreat to their study and cry out to God about "how lonely it is at the top"! How sad.
I am not suggesting a high handed ruthlessness that would be correctly labeled 'lording it over' their people. I am stating without hesitation that Shepherds must develop and implement ministry structures that consitently result in the Transformation of the people of God into the fulness of the Image of Christ. That is Leadership. Anything less is managing status quo. This process begins with a careful and objective assessment of current reality. It requires courage and tenacity in the implementation of the changes necessary and revealed through that assessment. That is the easy portion. The real challenge is keeping the focus on our purpose - - MAKE DISCIPLES. This is a process that requires wisdom, courage and time - lots and lots of time. It is as Churck Swindoll said, Three Steps Forward & Two Steps Back.
Once this process is operative, we must measure our effectiveness. This is best accomplished in a '360' mode. Get feed back from all angles. Listen. Evaluate. Modify. Press on.
So Pastor, are you operating in the "Mother May I" mode or are you a Leader? It really does matter. I invite your response. Also, celebrate the Incarnation with the enthusiasm and passion it rightly deserves.
In Grace,
Tom
What does that have to do with Leadership in the local church? Much indeed.
Leadership is about change, not managing 'status quo'. Exhibit A could well be the current melt down among the Big Three US Auto Makers. They have clung to an antiquated business model that is now sinking their collective ship. They were not unaware of the issues. They were unwilling to find the courage and apply the wisdom to change that model before we arrived at this "Mother May I" groveling routine being played out on the Hill.
Status Quo is always the preferred 'modus operandi' by the majority. This requires little change and a minimum of sacrifice, at least for a time. This same mentality permeates the church. Boards, made up of people who generally recognize the cost of change, hold the assembly to 'status quo'. They offer reasons ad naseum for doing so. If those reasons are examined under the light of Scripture and an accurate and hermeneutically sound exegesis of the text, there is usually not a shred of legitimacy in their appeal.
This is where the game of 'Mother May I' begins. Rather than gathering the biblical rationale through careful exegesis and setting that before the body, Pastors engage the MMI mantra. They come with a timid and often ill-crafted proposal as to why change must take place. Their initial appeal is rejected. They retreat to their study and cry out to God about "how lonely it is at the top"! How sad.
I am not suggesting a high handed ruthlessness that would be correctly labeled 'lording it over' their people. I am stating without hesitation that Shepherds must develop and implement ministry structures that consitently result in the Transformation of the people of God into the fulness of the Image of Christ. That is Leadership. Anything less is managing status quo. This process begins with a careful and objective assessment of current reality. It requires courage and tenacity in the implementation of the changes necessary and revealed through that assessment. That is the easy portion. The real challenge is keeping the focus on our purpose - - MAKE DISCIPLES. This is a process that requires wisdom, courage and time - lots and lots of time. It is as Churck Swindoll said, Three Steps Forward & Two Steps Back.
Once this process is operative, we must measure our effectiveness. This is best accomplished in a '360' mode. Get feed back from all angles. Listen. Evaluate. Modify. Press on.
So Pastor, are you operating in the "Mother May I" mode or are you a Leader? It really does matter. I invite your response. Also, celebrate the Incarnation with the enthusiasm and passion it rightly deserves.
In Grace,
Tom
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Remnant Theology
God has always had a remnant. My favorite biblical and historical portrait of this principle is found in Jeremiah 35. This is the account of the Recabites. God wanted a metaphor for fidelity with perseverance. He pointed Jeremiah to the Recabite family. His instructions were to invite them to a side room in the house of the LORD and serve them wine. He did and they didn't! WHY??
"We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jonadab son of Recab gave us this command: 'Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine. Also you must never build houses, sow seed or plant vineyards; you must never have any of these things, but must always live in tents. Then you will live a long time in the land where you are nomads.'
Read the chapter. Then re-read the closing paragraph. This is where I get Remnant Theology. The Recabites obeyed a seemingly innocuous command for several hundred years. They became the metaphor for fidelity to Jehovah. Their reward?
"Jonadab son of Recab will never fail to have a man to serve me." Quite a heritage. '
Could it be that we ought to pray for this kind of zeal and joyful fidelity to God's Truth in our day? I have three adult children and thirteen grandchildren. They all give evidence of honoring the LORD. Could there be a more precious or treasured heritage than that?
Be a Recabite!
In Grace,
Tom
"We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jonadab son of Recab gave us this command: 'Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine. Also you must never build houses, sow seed or plant vineyards; you must never have any of these things, but must always live in tents. Then you will live a long time in the land where you are nomads.'
Read the chapter. Then re-read the closing paragraph. This is where I get Remnant Theology. The Recabites obeyed a seemingly innocuous command for several hundred years. They became the metaphor for fidelity to Jehovah. Their reward?
"Jonadab son of Recab will never fail to have a man to serve me." Quite a heritage. '
Could it be that we ought to pray for this kind of zeal and joyful fidelity to God's Truth in our day? I have three adult children and thirteen grandchildren. They all give evidence of honoring the LORD. Could there be a more precious or treasured heritage than that?
Be a Recabite!
In Grace,
Tom
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Expository Preaching
I recently faced a stunning reality - I am now the "other generation". Let me explain.
I had invested an entire afternoon reading, studying and writing on the topic of Expository Preaching. I enjoy a very significant library. The material I examined relfected the perspective that I know as foundational to this discipline. This includes knowing the original languages, diagramming the text, doing word studies, and consulting lexicons and commentaries as well as praying for the illumination of the Holy Spirit. In short, immersing myself in the message so that when people hear me speak it is "Truth through personality" (Phillips Brooks). They have no doubt that the message is God's and I am merely giving voice to Truth. They see me live it and what I declare is matched by the way I live (cf. 1 Cor. 4:16-17).
That evening I read an article in a popular "Christian" journal. The focus of the article was upon a gathering identified as a church plant. The "message" was impromptou drama, made up on the spot. There was no mention of Scripture. There was no mention of sin, confession, repentance, grace, forgiveness, justification or any of the other terms associated with the vicarious suffering of the Messiah, the Son of the True and Living God who propitiated our sin. There was no connection with history. There was no text and no proclamation of the Truth sealed in the text of Scripture with the blood of the prophets and the saints who died declaring the timeless message. There was no clear gospel. In the words of the hymn writer - - There is A Redeemer, Jesus God's own Son! Tell the listener this in clear and compelling terms using terms that God chose to shape this message.
I prayed that night with a particular passion. I asked God to cause me to speak with grace and kindness. I ask God to make me (and IgniteUS) a relentless champion of preaching that brings clarity, light and Applied Theology to the lives of those who hear. The objective is the transformation of redeemed sinners into the fulness of the image of Christ (Col. 1:28). Time marches on. Truth does not change. Every great movement of God thorughout church history has been charaterized by - - not drama, not programmatic extravaganza, not slef-help seminars, but Expository Preaching. Sound exegesis opens the meaning of the text and humble, passionate proclamation seals it to the lives of those listening. They are Transformed and God is glorified. May it ever be so.
This is your invitation to immerse yourself in mastering the message God has given us. Then, as Jeremiah found this message burning within his bones, declare it with compassion, weeping and great expectations as to how God will honor His word. YOU may be the spark that God uses to bring renewal to Expository Preaching in your commuinity. That my friend transcends all generations, past, present and future! I am as the 'flower that fades', my time will end, but Truth is the same through all generations. Give it voice thorugh proclamation.
I had invested an entire afternoon reading, studying and writing on the topic of Expository Preaching. I enjoy a very significant library. The material I examined relfected the perspective that I know as foundational to this discipline. This includes knowing the original languages, diagramming the text, doing word studies, and consulting lexicons and commentaries as well as praying for the illumination of the Holy Spirit. In short, immersing myself in the message so that when people hear me speak it is "Truth through personality" (Phillips Brooks). They have no doubt that the message is God's and I am merely giving voice to Truth. They see me live it and what I declare is matched by the way I live (cf. 1 Cor. 4:16-17).
That evening I read an article in a popular "Christian" journal. The focus of the article was upon a gathering identified as a church plant. The "message" was impromptou drama, made up on the spot. There was no mention of Scripture. There was no mention of sin, confession, repentance, grace, forgiveness, justification or any of the other terms associated with the vicarious suffering of the Messiah, the Son of the True and Living God who propitiated our sin. There was no connection with history. There was no text and no proclamation of the Truth sealed in the text of Scripture with the blood of the prophets and the saints who died declaring the timeless message. There was no clear gospel. In the words of the hymn writer - - There is A Redeemer, Jesus God's own Son! Tell the listener this in clear and compelling terms using terms that God chose to shape this message.
I prayed that night with a particular passion. I asked God to cause me to speak with grace and kindness. I ask God to make me (and IgniteUS) a relentless champion of preaching that brings clarity, light and Applied Theology to the lives of those who hear. The objective is the transformation of redeemed sinners into the fulness of the image of Christ (Col. 1:28). Time marches on. Truth does not change. Every great movement of God thorughout church history has been charaterized by - - not drama, not programmatic extravaganza, not slef-help seminars, but Expository Preaching. Sound exegesis opens the meaning of the text and humble, passionate proclamation seals it to the lives of those listening. They are Transformed and God is glorified. May it ever be so.
This is your invitation to immerse yourself in mastering the message God has given us. Then, as Jeremiah found this message burning within his bones, declare it with compassion, weeping and great expectations as to how God will honor His word. YOU may be the spark that God uses to bring renewal to Expository Preaching in your commuinity. That my friend transcends all generations, past, present and future! I am as the 'flower that fades', my time will end, but Truth is the same through all generations. Give it voice thorugh proclamation.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
First Things First
In 1994 Stephen Covey's title First Things First was published. His focus was getting the big rocks in the jar first, correctly ordering life's priorities.
What is the top "First Thing" priority for a Pastor? As an Image-bearer, we must love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. We must love our neighbor as ourselves. As a husband, we must love our wives as Christ loves the church. As a father, we must lead and guide our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
As a Pastor I want to suggest that the "Fisrt Thing" we must do is accurately interpret the Word of God. As Pastors we are Ambassadors, residents of another country given the sacred task of delivering the message of our Lord. We are not free to add to or detract from what God has given us in the text of Scripture. This means that we must interpret the text with precision and deliver the message to God's people with passion, compassion and in a manner that results in Applied Theology. God uses our labors to Transform his people.
Transformation is our goal. Not eloquence. Not profundity. Certainly not entertainment or placating the listener. We speak for God and our "First Thing" must be accuracy in the content of the messages we deliver. Preaching has fallen on hard times in post-modern America. Any number of issues serve as the ultimate authority in churches other than the Word of God (Tradition, A Constitution, By-Laws, Robert's Rules of Order,etc.)
Let me offer a paradigm for what should provide ultimacy in all things in the church of Jesus Christ. We embrace the Sufficiency of Scripture as a statement of faith. This must also be true in practice. Orthdoxy & Orthopraxy are inserpable postulates. Jesus said, blessed are you if you do these things, not merely have knowledge of them and offer intellectual assent.
The Word of God, correctly exegeted/interpreted and proclaimed by the man of
God under the enabling grace and power of the Spirit of God to the people of
God. They surrender unconditionally to God's message and are Transformed
by his Grace for their good and God's glory.
Here are the options we have in coming to the text under this premise.
Your interpretation is correct and mine is in error.
My interpretation is correct and yours is in error.
Both of us are incorrect.
But, both cannot be correct and claim that we have accurately interpreted the text.
This is our challenge. How do we resolve this issue? Do we attack the exegete, or, do we submit ourselves in humility to the rigors of serious exegesis? Do we level our bombastic aresenal at 'the enemy' and fire away? Do we claim 'tradition'? Do we champion the denominational or party line? This issue has serious and eternal consequences. Apply this to some of the challenging ethical and cultural challenges of our times. Difficult as they may be, we are responsible to offer a response that is shaped by exegetical and hermeneutical accuracy. What does the text say? Consider James 3:1!
The Holy Spirit had one and only one intended meaning when the human authors wrote what we now possess as God's Word. Our's is to surrender to this message rightly understood and communicate that message with grace and power. No capitulation to culture or any other source of opposition.
What is the top "First Thing" priority for a Pastor? As an Image-bearer, we must love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. We must love our neighbor as ourselves. As a husband, we must love our wives as Christ loves the church. As a father, we must lead and guide our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
As a Pastor I want to suggest that the "Fisrt Thing" we must do is accurately interpret the Word of God. As Pastors we are Ambassadors, residents of another country given the sacred task of delivering the message of our Lord. We are not free to add to or detract from what God has given us in the text of Scripture. This means that we must interpret the text with precision and deliver the message to God's people with passion, compassion and in a manner that results in Applied Theology. God uses our labors to Transform his people.
Transformation is our goal. Not eloquence. Not profundity. Certainly not entertainment or placating the listener. We speak for God and our "First Thing" must be accuracy in the content of the messages we deliver. Preaching has fallen on hard times in post-modern America. Any number of issues serve as the ultimate authority in churches other than the Word of God (Tradition, A Constitution, By-Laws, Robert's Rules of Order,etc.)
Let me offer a paradigm for what should provide ultimacy in all things in the church of Jesus Christ. We embrace the Sufficiency of Scripture as a statement of faith. This must also be true in practice. Orthdoxy & Orthopraxy are inserpable postulates. Jesus said, blessed are you if you do these things, not merely have knowledge of them and offer intellectual assent.
The Word of God, correctly exegeted/interpreted and proclaimed by the man of
God under the enabling grace and power of the Spirit of God to the people of
God. They surrender unconditionally to God's message and are Transformed
by his Grace for their good and God's glory.
Here are the options we have in coming to the text under this premise.
Your interpretation is correct and mine is in error.
My interpretation is correct and yours is in error.
Both of us are incorrect.
But, both cannot be correct and claim that we have accurately interpreted the text.
This is our challenge. How do we resolve this issue? Do we attack the exegete, or, do we submit ourselves in humility to the rigors of serious exegesis? Do we level our bombastic aresenal at 'the enemy' and fire away? Do we claim 'tradition'? Do we champion the denominational or party line? This issue has serious and eternal consequences. Apply this to some of the challenging ethical and cultural challenges of our times. Difficult as they may be, we are responsible to offer a response that is shaped by exegetical and hermeneutical accuracy. What does the text say? Consider James 3:1!
The Holy Spirit had one and only one intended meaning when the human authors wrote what we now possess as God's Word. Our's is to surrender to this message rightly understood and communicate that message with grace and power. No capitulation to culture or any other source of opposition.
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