This article was origianlly written in September of 2005.
It’s about that time again. It seems like the year just gets started and it’s Fall already. We barely get hot and the summer is over. Where did it all go?
It seems the retail industry can’t wait to introduce us to the next holiday. Back-to-School sales barely end before Halloween candy appears. The Halloween costumes are still on the rack when the Christmas items appear. The children are taught art of indulgence.
For Back-to-School, children do not have to make their own wish list – the school has done it for them. Parents oblige the desires of the school, and the child, by purchasing everything on the list, and a little extra.
Halloween comes and the child is taught to say, “Trick or Treat” when everyone really knows it means, “Gimme some candy.” While the child is still gorging himself on the Halloween candy we start asking them what they want for Christmas. To the undisciplined child, Christmas is just a second birthday party so they can continue to be self-absorbed.
Isn’t there something missing? What happened to Thanksgiving? What happened to stopping the whole retail driven buying spree and saying, “Thank you.”? And not saying thank you to the sky, clouds, and trees but to thank God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
What do we teach our family about the importance of giving thanks to our God? Do you spend more time, effort, and money on Halloween than on Thanksgiving? Should you? What are your children learning from your actions?
Our God desires, and deserves, our thanks – every day. Thanksgiving is a great time to show the world how a Christian appreciates the one and only God.
In New Testament Greek the word that is most often used for giving thanks is: “Eucharisteo” (yoo-khar-is-teh'-o).
The Catholic church uses the word, "Eucharist" often. They define the Eucharist as the time when the bread and wine of the mass become the literal body and blood of Christ to be sacrificed again for the sin of man. (The Second Vatican Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (December 4, 1963), esp. ch. 2, on the Eucharist).
Because of this wholesale takeover of the word Eucharisteo we as Baptists have resigned the fight and therefore the word has been redefined. If we go back to the Bible and research the word we would find there is no fight and no need to give up a perfectly biblical word.
The first use of the word Eucharisteo in the New Testament is found in Matthew 15:36 when Jesus gives thanks (Eucharisteo) to God the Father for the seven loaves and the fish he was about to feed to the more than four thousand people gathered that day.
“And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, (Eucharisteo) broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude.” Matthew 15:36
I don’t believe the Catholic church uses fish as a part of their Eucharist. Another time Eucharisteo was used was when the one leper returned to give thanks to Jesus for being healed in Luke 17:15-17.
“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?”
The term Eucharisteo is also used in a negative way as found in Luke 18:10-11: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.”
The Pharisee said thanks but was not truly thankful. His heart was corrupt and his motive in prayer was to brag and not praise or thank. In the Gospels the word Eucharisteo was most used by Jesus. Jesus thanked God for food prior to eating and for hearing His prayer prior to raising Lazarus from the dead.
This Thanksgiving why not use the occasion to launch a year of daily Biblical Eucharist. Pray daily and often. Pray a prayer of thanksgiving prior to every meal, even when you are by yourself. Pray prayers of thanksgiving for the everyday things (air, water, health, family, church, job). It has become a cliché but it can be said again, "pray and live your life with the attitude of gratitude."
First Thessalonians 5:16-18 says:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; (Eucharisteo) for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Saturday, May 20, 2006
What is Church Growth?
What is church growth? What constitutes the growth of the church?
Jesus said, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Matthew 16:18.
We understand Jesus was not going to build His Church on a human, but upon the rock of the confession Peter made: “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16
The church is built upon Jesus Christ; and not people, not government, not even hell can prevail against it. Jesus’ church continually grows. The church of Jesus Christ has been growing since it began at Pentecost and has not slowed down since.
So why don’t we experience this growth in our church?
That is the problem. Did you see it? Look at the question again because therein is the answer. The question asks why we do not experience growth in our church. In OUR church. That’s the problem.
We have taken possession of the church and made it our church. It is not ours. We belong to the church, the church does not belong to us. Jesus is the owner and the leader, we are members and followers. The church is not a club for the advancement of good feelings. The church is a spiritual place of evangelism, growth, and healing.
What if we really took the Great Commission as an order from our Commanding Officer?
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20
What if at the beginning of the year each church member deposited $100.00 into an account with the church. And what if, at the end of the year, you could get back your money by proving you went, taught, and baptized people into the church in obedience to the Great Commission. How many of our people would qualify to get their money back? Would you?
Is it your church, or do you belong to His Church? Have you been overcome by the eight myths of church membership? John S. Powers while the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Norfolk, VA wrote what he saw as eight myths of church membership. Let’s take a close look at each one and see if you have been fooled by any of them.
Myth One: The church is a volunteer organization.
The average church member has been led to believe that activity within a local church is strictly voluntary, meaning members can come, give, share and participate as they please. Church rolls have too long carried the weight of inactive and spiritually immature people who wrongly believe they may do as little as possible and still remain part of the local church.
Myth Two: We should use guilt to enlist people.
How many people have been recruited to serve by means of guilt-ridden phrases such as "If you love Jesus, you will serve in our preschool"? Any person who serves the Lord out of a sense of guilt loses the joy of ministry.
Myth Three: Membership cannot have expectations placed on it.
Expectations of involvement are regularly placed on church members through civic organizations, sports, etc. The work of the local church carries much more weight than worldly pursuits such as these! The lack of impact in our world is evident because there are little or no expectations placed on church members.
Myth Four: Discipleship and evangelism are two separate things.
This issue has yielded two extremes: the church that wins people to Christ without commitment to help them mature and the church that believes evangelism is a spiritual gift.
Myth Five: It is impossible to get people to serve today.
The truth is that members will give their efforts to exciting ministries with effective leaders. They'll commit to work that makes a difference in others and in them.
Myth Six: Programs outweigh purpose.
The calendar of a typical church reflects attitude toward ministry. If a program rolls into next year's planning without proper evaluation, people become loyal to a program at the expense of the purpose of the church. As a result, churches sacrifice the best ministries to do good ministries.
Myth Seven: The "80-20 Rule"
A common saying in churches is, "Eighty percent of the money and effort are given by 20 percent of the people." The church has long accepted actions and attitudes that allow the minority to sacrificially give in doing the work of ministry to support the majority. But this kind of behavior was not part of the first church, as seen in Acts 2:41-45. The early church was filled with involved, generous, servant-hearted, unified people.
Myth Eight: Belonging to a local church is irrelevant.
Apparently, many local church members feel this way. Every believer should participate in a local fellowship because Jesus died for the church. Should we not be willing to give ourselves to that for which Jesus sacrificed? Many inactive and nonresident members could find church membership irrelevant because we do not assimilate them properly. Statistics point to a glaring problem with how members are received into the life of a church.
Were you a believer of any or all of these myths? Do you understand the real issue? The real issue with church growth, or the lack of it, is disobedience of the church members. In the book of Acts, every Christian evangelized his family and neighbors, the Deacons and Pastors lead the church by the Word of God in doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) The church building is not to be our house of entertainment and activity, but the community center for evangelism, training, and love.
Jesus said, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Matthew 16:18.
We understand Jesus was not going to build His Church on a human, but upon the rock of the confession Peter made: “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16
The church is built upon Jesus Christ; and not people, not government, not even hell can prevail against it. Jesus’ church continually grows. The church of Jesus Christ has been growing since it began at Pentecost and has not slowed down since.
So why don’t we experience this growth in our church?
That is the problem. Did you see it? Look at the question again because therein is the answer. The question asks why we do not experience growth in our church. In OUR church. That’s the problem.
We have taken possession of the church and made it our church. It is not ours. We belong to the church, the church does not belong to us. Jesus is the owner and the leader, we are members and followers. The church is not a club for the advancement of good feelings. The church is a spiritual place of evangelism, growth, and healing.
What if we really took the Great Commission as an order from our Commanding Officer?
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20
What if at the beginning of the year each church member deposited $100.00 into an account with the church. And what if, at the end of the year, you could get back your money by proving you went, taught, and baptized people into the church in obedience to the Great Commission. How many of our people would qualify to get their money back? Would you?
Is it your church, or do you belong to His Church? Have you been overcome by the eight myths of church membership? John S. Powers while the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Norfolk, VA wrote what he saw as eight myths of church membership. Let’s take a close look at each one and see if you have been fooled by any of them.
Myth One: The church is a volunteer organization.
The average church member has been led to believe that activity within a local church is strictly voluntary, meaning members can come, give, share and participate as they please. Church rolls have too long carried the weight of inactive and spiritually immature people who wrongly believe they may do as little as possible and still remain part of the local church.
Myth Two: We should use guilt to enlist people.
How many people have been recruited to serve by means of guilt-ridden phrases such as "If you love Jesus, you will serve in our preschool"? Any person who serves the Lord out of a sense of guilt loses the joy of ministry.
Myth Three: Membership cannot have expectations placed on it.
Expectations of involvement are regularly placed on church members through civic organizations, sports, etc. The work of the local church carries much more weight than worldly pursuits such as these! The lack of impact in our world is evident because there are little or no expectations placed on church members.
Myth Four: Discipleship and evangelism are two separate things.
This issue has yielded two extremes: the church that wins people to Christ without commitment to help them mature and the church that believes evangelism is a spiritual gift.
Myth Five: It is impossible to get people to serve today.
The truth is that members will give their efforts to exciting ministries with effective leaders. They'll commit to work that makes a difference in others and in them.
Myth Six: Programs outweigh purpose.
The calendar of a typical church reflects attitude toward ministry. If a program rolls into next year's planning without proper evaluation, people become loyal to a program at the expense of the purpose of the church. As a result, churches sacrifice the best ministries to do good ministries.
Myth Seven: The "80-20 Rule"
A common saying in churches is, "Eighty percent of the money and effort are given by 20 percent of the people." The church has long accepted actions and attitudes that allow the minority to sacrificially give in doing the work of ministry to support the majority. But this kind of behavior was not part of the first church, as seen in Acts 2:41-45. The early church was filled with involved, generous, servant-hearted, unified people.
Myth Eight: Belonging to a local church is irrelevant.
Apparently, many local church members feel this way. Every believer should participate in a local fellowship because Jesus died for the church. Should we not be willing to give ourselves to that for which Jesus sacrificed? Many inactive and nonresident members could find church membership irrelevant because we do not assimilate them properly. Statistics point to a glaring problem with how members are received into the life of a church.
Were you a believer of any or all of these myths? Do you understand the real issue? The real issue with church growth, or the lack of it, is disobedience of the church members. In the book of Acts, every Christian evangelized his family and neighbors, the Deacons and Pastors lead the church by the Word of God in doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) The church building is not to be our house of entertainment and activity, but the community center for evangelism, training, and love.
Monday, May 15, 2006
What about Smoking?
If I were to say to you the word, “witchcraft,” what images would fill your mind? How about the word, “sorcery?” Would witches, ghosts, spells, demons, and satanic images be in your mind? Biblically speaking, these items would not be excluded, but there are a few important items that we left out.
Would you be surprised to learn this biblical term also includes the abuse of drugs? In this category you could include pot, hash, cocaine, heroin, and even prescription drugs taken without a doctor’s orders.
The Greek word, “pharmakia” (far-ma-key’-ah) is where we get our word, “pharmacy”. Of course our pharmacy is the place we go to purchase drugs and medicines to help us to heal and feel better. In the Bible, medicines were used often but were not referred to as “pharmakia.” This word was reserved for those drugs used in various types of demon worship and satanic rituals. These drugs were not prescribed by the doctor to help people get well. They were drugs used by ungodly worshippers to enhance their “spiritual” experience.
“And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” Revelation 9:21
In Revelation 9:21 these evil people refused to repent of their wrong use of drugs. This is probably due to the addiction they experienced. They would rather feed the addiction of the body than to give it up to God. They would rather die with the addiction than live without it.
“And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.” Revelation 18:23
Whole nations will be addicted to drugs and will be led into deception because of their use. Men’s minds will become willing puppets because of the drugs and the affect of addiction.
In the book of Galatians we have a list of nineteen works of the flesh. Among the sins of adultery, hatred, and murder is listed the sin of witchcraft, “pharmakia”. The scripture says:
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21
Those people who make addiction to drugs a priority over God do not inherit the kingdom of God. Not because of the presence of the drug, but because of the absence of God’s power to overcome. A Christian will act like a Christian. A Christian will at times do things wrong, but they can not sin continuously without repenting or dying.
Here is the real shocker. Guess what "drugs" are included in pharmakia?
Here is a hint from the Regents of the University of Minnesota web site:
“Tobacco is as addictive as heroin (as a mood & behavior altering agent).
· Nicotine is:
· 1000 times more potent than alcohol
· 10-100 times more potent than barbiturates
· 5-10 times more potent than cocaine or morphine
Additional information is found in an article titled “Smoking” by James Broomfield, MD:
“Smoking involves inhaling and absorbing nicotine into the body. Nicotine is a poisonous, addictive chemical found in tobacco.
What is going on in the body?
In the 1960s, medical research began to show that cigarette smoking was quite bad for a person's health. At least 70% of smokers in the United States have made at least one attempt to quit smoking. The nicotine in tobacco is as addictive as cocaine. It is because of this addiction that smoking cessation can be so difficult.”
He goes on to say:
“What are the long-term effects of the condition?
“The health risks from the chemicals found in tobacco are enormous. Tobacco use can cause the following diseases: · chronic bronchitis · coronary artery disease and other forms of heart disease · emphysema · gastroesophageal reflux disease · lung cancer”
Many people do not realize that tobacco is not only physically addictive, but it is also a plant with spiritual impact. At the time Paul was writing the letter to the Galatians, the only place tobacco was being grown and used was in the Americas by Native Americans for religious purposes.
“…there is no indication of habitual tobacco use in the Ancient world, on any continent save the Americas.”
©2001 Gene Borio, Tobacco BBS (212-982-4645). WebPage: tobacco.org Original Tobacco BBS material may be reprinted in any non-commercial venue if accompanied by this credit.
Pharmakia in Paul’s definition would have included tobacco because it was a drug being used to worship false gods. It is still used in the pagan worship of Native Americans (First Nations people).
“For us, tobacco is sacred. In the older teachings of what it was all about, it was very important to see that it was sacred. A lot of us have forgotten the sacred purposes of tobacco, for various reasons.”
“It is a well-documented fact: tobacco use has a long history among First Nations (American Indian) people. Tobacco has been used in the Americas in rituals, ceremonies and prayer for thousands of years. Amongst First Nations, traditional tobacco has always been, and remains to this day, sacred.”
- Dennis Nicholas, Kanehsatake Elder, March 2002”
You may be smoking for “recreation” but to the American Indian you are being sacrilegious to his religion. Tobacco has never ceased from being the pharmakia spoken by Paul to the Galatians. If a person smokes, will that make them go to hell? No, but it can make them smell like they have been there. One thing will make a person go to hell, the lack of Christ’s Salvation. Smoking Christians should stop. It is a physical and a spiritual hindrance to life, blessing, and answered prayer. Your life will improve without it.
My goal here is to teach the whole council of God and not be lacking in helping each person to grow and be used of God to their full potential. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quit. If you have tried and failed before, get more determined to stay clean through the power of Christ.
“As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16
Would you be surprised to learn this biblical term also includes the abuse of drugs? In this category you could include pot, hash, cocaine, heroin, and even prescription drugs taken without a doctor’s orders.
The Greek word, “pharmakia” (far-ma-key’-ah) is where we get our word, “pharmacy”. Of course our pharmacy is the place we go to purchase drugs and medicines to help us to heal and feel better. In the Bible, medicines were used often but were not referred to as “pharmakia.” This word was reserved for those drugs used in various types of demon worship and satanic rituals. These drugs were not prescribed by the doctor to help people get well. They were drugs used by ungodly worshippers to enhance their “spiritual” experience.
“And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” Revelation 9:21
In Revelation 9:21 these evil people refused to repent of their wrong use of drugs. This is probably due to the addiction they experienced. They would rather feed the addiction of the body than to give it up to God. They would rather die with the addiction than live without it.
“And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.” Revelation 18:23
Whole nations will be addicted to drugs and will be led into deception because of their use. Men’s minds will become willing puppets because of the drugs and the affect of addiction.
In the book of Galatians we have a list of nineteen works of the flesh. Among the sins of adultery, hatred, and murder is listed the sin of witchcraft, “pharmakia”. The scripture says:
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21
Those people who make addiction to drugs a priority over God do not inherit the kingdom of God. Not because of the presence of the drug, but because of the absence of God’s power to overcome. A Christian will act like a Christian. A Christian will at times do things wrong, but they can not sin continuously without repenting or dying.
Here is the real shocker. Guess what "drugs" are included in pharmakia?
Here is a hint from the Regents of the University of Minnesota web site:
“Tobacco is as addictive as heroin (as a mood & behavior altering agent).
· Nicotine is:
· 1000 times more potent than alcohol
· 10-100 times more potent than barbiturates
· 5-10 times more potent than cocaine or morphine
Additional information is found in an article titled “Smoking” by James Broomfield, MD:
“Smoking involves inhaling and absorbing nicotine into the body. Nicotine is a poisonous, addictive chemical found in tobacco.
What is going on in the body?
In the 1960s, medical research began to show that cigarette smoking was quite bad for a person's health. At least 70% of smokers in the United States have made at least one attempt to quit smoking. The nicotine in tobacco is as addictive as cocaine. It is because of this addiction that smoking cessation can be so difficult.”
He goes on to say:
“What are the long-term effects of the condition?
“The health risks from the chemicals found in tobacco are enormous. Tobacco use can cause the following diseases: · chronic bronchitis · coronary artery disease and other forms of heart disease · emphysema · gastroesophageal reflux disease · lung cancer”
Many people do not realize that tobacco is not only physically addictive, but it is also a plant with spiritual impact. At the time Paul was writing the letter to the Galatians, the only place tobacco was being grown and used was in the Americas by Native Americans for religious purposes.
“…there is no indication of habitual tobacco use in the Ancient world, on any continent save the Americas.”
©2001 Gene Borio, Tobacco BBS (212-982-4645). WebPage: tobacco.org Original Tobacco BBS material may be reprinted in any non-commercial venue if accompanied by this credit.
Pharmakia in Paul’s definition would have included tobacco because it was a drug being used to worship false gods. It is still used in the pagan worship of Native Americans (First Nations people).
“For us, tobacco is sacred. In the older teachings of what it was all about, it was very important to see that it was sacred. A lot of us have forgotten the sacred purposes of tobacco, for various reasons.”
“It is a well-documented fact: tobacco use has a long history among First Nations (American Indian) people. Tobacco has been used in the Americas in rituals, ceremonies and prayer for thousands of years. Amongst First Nations, traditional tobacco has always been, and remains to this day, sacred.”
- Dennis Nicholas, Kanehsatake Elder, March 2002”
You may be smoking for “recreation” but to the American Indian you are being sacrilegious to his religion. Tobacco has never ceased from being the pharmakia spoken by Paul to the Galatians. If a person smokes, will that make them go to hell? No, but it can make them smell like they have been there. One thing will make a person go to hell, the lack of Christ’s Salvation. Smoking Christians should stop. It is a physical and a spiritual hindrance to life, blessing, and answered prayer. Your life will improve without it.
My goal here is to teach the whole council of God and not be lacking in helping each person to grow and be used of God to their full potential. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quit. If you have tried and failed before, get more determined to stay clean through the power of Christ.
“As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
What about Deacons?
What is a deacon? What is their authority in the church? What are the requirements of a deacon? What are the roles and responsibilities of a deacon?
Biblically speaking we get our word “deacon” from the Greek word, “diakonos” that means, “servant.” The word diakonos was used in a variety of ways to identify a variety of occupations. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:
“Deacon primarily denotes a "servant," whether as doing servile work, or as an attendant rendering free service, without particular reference to its character. The word is probably connected with the verb dioko, "to hasten after, pursue" (perhaps originally said of a runner).
"It occurs in the NT of domestic servants, John 2:5,9; the civil ruler, Rom. 13:4; Christ, Rom. 15:8; Gal. 2:17; the followers of Christ in relation to their Lord, John 12:26; Eph. 6:21; Col. 1:7; 4:7; the followers of Christ in relation to one another, Matt. 20:26; 23:11; Mark 9:35; 10:43; the servants of Christ in the work of preaching and teaching, 1 Cor. 3:5; 2 Cor. 3:6; 6:4; 11:23; Eph. 3:7; Col. 1:23,25; 1 Thess. 3:2; 1 Tim. 4:6; those who serve in the churches, Rom. 16:1 (used of a woman TTT here only in NT); Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8,12; false apostles, servants of Satan, 2 Cor. 11:15.
Diakonos is, generally speaking, to be distinguished from doulos, "a bondservant, slave;" diakonos views a servant in relationship to his work; doulos views him in relationship to his master. See, e.g., Matt. 22:2-14; those who bring in the guests (vv. 3,4,6,8,10) are douloi; those who carry out the king’s sentence (v. 13) are diakonoi.”
In modern times we would have used the word diakonos to speak of public servants like Congressmen and Senators. We would also use the term to speak of our waiter or waitress at the restaurant. It would also be used for the office of the deacon in church. It was a very flexible term that had a variety of applications.
What is a diakonos or a deacon in a Southern Baptist Church? Are they more similar to a waiter in a restaurant or to a public servant in the Senate? Diakonos is translated in the New Testament only 4 times as “deacon,” 8 times as “servant,” and 20 times as “minister.”
Romans 16:1-2 records that Phoebe was a diakonos in the church, “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.” Be careful, just because the Bible records that there was a woman deacon does not sanction her position.
Paul points out the requirements of the position of “diakonos” in the church in 1 Timothy 3:
“Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
Notice the deacon must be the husband of one wife ruling their children and their own houses well. This can mean the deacon is to have one and only one wife in his lifetime. Usually exceptions are made in the case of a widower but a strict interpretation of the verse could rule out a widower because they do not currently have a wife. Some churches have used this verse to rule out the unmarried because they cannot be husbands of one wife. Others said this could include single men as long as they will, when married, be faithful. Some churches have also said this means if a man is married and does not have children, he is disqualified because it says he must rule his children well. There are many different interpretations for this passage but all of them require a heart of faithfulness and integrity. Leadership requires a higher lifestyle.
In a Southern Baptist Church there are only two ordained positions: the pastor and the deacon. The deacons and the pastors are given a higher responsibility in leadership. They have dedicated themselves to the service of God through the local assembly of believers. They are given authority to stand as agents of God in the ministry.
Paul says, “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
Notice in the above statement these servants labor among the people and yet they are over the people. This phrasing points to there being some in the church that have additional tasks and responsibilities. The church staff and the deacons fit this description. Not Sunday School teachers, not trustees, not the finance committee, not the choir or any one else. No one else is ordained to the task of serving in the church as are the staff and the deacons. This position of leadership biblically demands a certain level of esteem. Not for the person themselves but for the office they hold in the Kingdom of God. They deserve very high esteem for the sake of their work. And what is their work? Admonition, pointing out things that are wrong and correcting them.
Look at Acts 6:1-7 records the first deacons. Here they took the administration of the church. This included the general administration, finances, order, property, and benevolence of the church. Everything was placed under the authority of the deacons except for the spiritual guidance and leadership. Deacons biblically are given the authority to have oversight and input on every decision that would take the Pastor away from his pastoral responsibilities (i.e. prayer, Bible Study, Teaching, ministering, setting a vision, etc.)
Deacons are given significant responsibility and authority in the church today. That is one reason they are the ordained as are the pastors. They are ministers of the Gospel and have the authority to do so. Since their authority and duty flow from God we should give them the tools to do their job well and then let them do it. If they can not be trusted to do their job with integrity and honesty, they should not be in the position. We should thank God for our Deacons.
Biblically speaking we get our word “deacon” from the Greek word, “diakonos” that means, “servant.” The word diakonos was used in a variety of ways to identify a variety of occupations. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:
“Deacon primarily denotes a "servant," whether as doing servile work, or as an attendant rendering free service, without particular reference to its character. The word is probably connected with the verb dioko, "to hasten after, pursue" (perhaps originally said of a runner).
"It occurs in the NT of domestic servants, John 2:5,9; the civil ruler, Rom. 13:4; Christ, Rom. 15:8; Gal. 2:17; the followers of Christ in relation to their Lord, John 12:26; Eph. 6:21; Col. 1:7; 4:7; the followers of Christ in relation to one another, Matt. 20:26; 23:11; Mark 9:35; 10:43; the servants of Christ in the work of preaching and teaching, 1 Cor. 3:5; 2 Cor. 3:6; 6:4; 11:23; Eph. 3:7; Col. 1:23,25; 1 Thess. 3:2; 1 Tim. 4:6; those who serve in the churches, Rom. 16:1 (used of a woman TTT here only in NT); Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8,12; false apostles, servants of Satan, 2 Cor. 11:15.
Diakonos is, generally speaking, to be distinguished from doulos, "a bondservant, slave;" diakonos views a servant in relationship to his work; doulos views him in relationship to his master. See, e.g., Matt. 22:2-14; those who bring in the guests (vv. 3,4,6,8,10) are douloi; those who carry out the king’s sentence (v. 13) are diakonoi.”
In modern times we would have used the word diakonos to speak of public servants like Congressmen and Senators. We would also use the term to speak of our waiter or waitress at the restaurant. It would also be used for the office of the deacon in church. It was a very flexible term that had a variety of applications.
What is a diakonos or a deacon in a Southern Baptist Church? Are they more similar to a waiter in a restaurant or to a public servant in the Senate? Diakonos is translated in the New Testament only 4 times as “deacon,” 8 times as “servant,” and 20 times as “minister.”
Romans 16:1-2 records that Phoebe was a diakonos in the church, “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.” Be careful, just because the Bible records that there was a woman deacon does not sanction her position.
Paul points out the requirements of the position of “diakonos” in the church in 1 Timothy 3:
“Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
Notice the deacon must be the husband of one wife ruling their children and their own houses well. This can mean the deacon is to have one and only one wife in his lifetime. Usually exceptions are made in the case of a widower but a strict interpretation of the verse could rule out a widower because they do not currently have a wife. Some churches have used this verse to rule out the unmarried because they cannot be husbands of one wife. Others said this could include single men as long as they will, when married, be faithful. Some churches have also said this means if a man is married and does not have children, he is disqualified because it says he must rule his children well. There are many different interpretations for this passage but all of them require a heart of faithfulness and integrity. Leadership requires a higher lifestyle.
In a Southern Baptist Church there are only two ordained positions: the pastor and the deacon. The deacons and the pastors are given a higher responsibility in leadership. They have dedicated themselves to the service of God through the local assembly of believers. They are given authority to stand as agents of God in the ministry.
Paul says, “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
Notice in the above statement these servants labor among the people and yet they are over the people. This phrasing points to there being some in the church that have additional tasks and responsibilities. The church staff and the deacons fit this description. Not Sunday School teachers, not trustees, not the finance committee, not the choir or any one else. No one else is ordained to the task of serving in the church as are the staff and the deacons. This position of leadership biblically demands a certain level of esteem. Not for the person themselves but for the office they hold in the Kingdom of God. They deserve very high esteem for the sake of their work. And what is their work? Admonition, pointing out things that are wrong and correcting them.
Look at Acts 6:1-7 records the first deacons. Here they took the administration of the church. This included the general administration, finances, order, property, and benevolence of the church. Everything was placed under the authority of the deacons except for the spiritual guidance and leadership. Deacons biblically are given the authority to have oversight and input on every decision that would take the Pastor away from his pastoral responsibilities (i.e. prayer, Bible Study, Teaching, ministering, setting a vision, etc.)
Deacons are given significant responsibility and authority in the church today. That is one reason they are the ordained as are the pastors. They are ministers of the Gospel and have the authority to do so. Since their authority and duty flow from God we should give them the tools to do their job well and then let them do it. If they can not be trusted to do their job with integrity and honesty, they should not be in the position. We should thank God for our Deacons.
For more information see my post on "The Husband of One Wife." Click here.
What is Scientology?
I have asked, and Pastor Rice has graciously allowed me, to teach each 5th Wednesday. When there are 5 Wednesdays in a month, I will have the opportunity to teach on the 5th Wednesday. I use questions generated from the congregation for the topic of study.
On March 30, 2005, we initiated our first 5th Wednesday Q & A session and I received many interesting questions. I will use various Challenger articles to address some of these questions. If you have questions, about any topic, please feel free to write them down and mail them to me via the church, or bring them in on a 5th Wednesday. Additionally, if you feel my answer is inadequate, or in error, please let me know that too.
The question for this issue: “What is Scientology?” The basis for my information comes from several sources. I try to gain the root information from the cults themselves. I will also add information from other Christian sources, as well as my own commentary.
Scientology is best described by the Scientology website: (My comments look like this.)
Scientology information looks like this. (Bold words are highlighted for attention)
From www.scientology.org
Q: What does Scientology mean?
A: The word Scientology, conceived by L. Ron Hubbard, comes from the Latin scio which means “know” or “distinguish,” and from the Greek word logos which means “reason itself” or “inward thought.” Thus it means the study of wisdom or knowledge. It means knowing how to know. Scientology, however, is defined as the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, universes and other life. (Notice the total lack of God, Jesus Christ, Sin, Salvation, Bible, etc. This is man’s religion by man, for man, about man, centered on man. One man invented this religion.)
Q: What is Scientology about?
A: Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology is a religion that offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one’s true spiritual nature and of one’s relationship with self, family, groups, mankind, all life forms, the material universe, the spiritual universe and the Supreme Being, or infinity. (This religion is conceived by and developed by Hubbard. This one man invented this religion without God’s Word or God’s Salvation. From his limited perspective he plans on telling you your true spiritual nature? Get real. Notice how he uses the term “all life forms,” he believes in aliens from other planets. He does not say that here but he does in other writings. Also notice how he used the term “Supreme Being” on an equal basis as “infinity.” He does not believe in the God of the Bible.)
Scientology comprises a body of knowledge which extends from certain fundamental truths. Prime among these are:
Þ Man is an immortal spiritual being.
Þ His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime. (They teach Reincarnation)
Þ His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized. (They teach that you are God.)
Þ Scientology further holds man to be basically good, and that his spiritual salvation depends upon himself and his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe. (If man is “basically good” why do children do wrong from the beginning? Children will lie, steal, hurt others even if they are only taught good. “For all have sinned.” The Bible says man is sinful and is wicked prior to Salvation. Man can not save himself. Sinfulness can not become Holy without Christ.)
Þ Scientology is not a dogmatic religion in which one is asked to believe anything on faith. An individual discovers for himself that Scientology works by applying its principles (by faith) and observing or experiencing the results. (“For by grace you have been saved through faith…” Faith is absolutely necessary. Even the Scientology people want you to have faith in Hubbard and what he says. This Scientology statement is clearly a lie.)
“The Kingdom of the Cults” by Dr. Walter Martin is a wonderful book for understanding the cults. Scientology is a cult and must be treated as one. If you know someone involved with Scientology, please help them to get out and get connected to Christ. To be on the mailing list for the monthly, free, "Challenger" newsletter, please call us at the church (1-314-544-2200) mention this blog and we will be glad to add your name to the list.
On March 30, 2005, we initiated our first 5th Wednesday Q & A session and I received many interesting questions. I will use various Challenger articles to address some of these questions. If you have questions, about any topic, please feel free to write them down and mail them to me via the church, or bring them in on a 5th Wednesday. Additionally, if you feel my answer is inadequate, or in error, please let me know that too.
The question for this issue: “What is Scientology?” The basis for my information comes from several sources. I try to gain the root information from the cults themselves. I will also add information from other Christian sources, as well as my own commentary.
Scientology is best described by the Scientology website: (My comments look like this.)
Scientology information looks like this. (Bold words are highlighted for attention)
From www.scientology.org
Q: What does Scientology mean?
A: The word Scientology, conceived by L. Ron Hubbard, comes from the Latin scio which means “know” or “distinguish,” and from the Greek word logos which means “reason itself” or “inward thought.” Thus it means the study of wisdom or knowledge. It means knowing how to know. Scientology, however, is defined as the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, universes and other life. (Notice the total lack of God, Jesus Christ, Sin, Salvation, Bible, etc. This is man’s religion by man, for man, about man, centered on man. One man invented this religion.)
Q: What is Scientology about?
A: Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology is a religion that offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one’s true spiritual nature and of one’s relationship with self, family, groups, mankind, all life forms, the material universe, the spiritual universe and the Supreme Being, or infinity. (This religion is conceived by and developed by Hubbard. This one man invented this religion without God’s Word or God’s Salvation. From his limited perspective he plans on telling you your true spiritual nature? Get real. Notice how he uses the term “all life forms,” he believes in aliens from other planets. He does not say that here but he does in other writings. Also notice how he used the term “Supreme Being” on an equal basis as “infinity.” He does not believe in the God of the Bible.)
Scientology comprises a body of knowledge which extends from certain fundamental truths. Prime among these are:
Þ Man is an immortal spiritual being.
Þ His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime. (They teach Reincarnation)
Þ His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized. (They teach that you are God.)
Þ Scientology further holds man to be basically good, and that his spiritual salvation depends upon himself and his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe. (If man is “basically good” why do children do wrong from the beginning? Children will lie, steal, hurt others even if they are only taught good. “For all have sinned.” The Bible says man is sinful and is wicked prior to Salvation. Man can not save himself. Sinfulness can not become Holy without Christ.)
Þ Scientology is not a dogmatic religion in which one is asked to believe anything on faith. An individual discovers for himself that Scientology works by applying its principles (by faith) and observing or experiencing the results. (“For by grace you have been saved through faith…” Faith is absolutely necessary. Even the Scientology people want you to have faith in Hubbard and what he says. This Scientology statement is clearly a lie.)
“The Kingdom of the Cults” by Dr. Walter Martin is a wonderful book for understanding the cults. Scientology is a cult and must be treated as one. If you know someone involved with Scientology, please help them to get out and get connected to Christ. To be on the mailing list for the monthly, free, "Challenger" newsletter, please call us at the church (1-314-544-2200) mention this blog and we will be glad to add your name to the list.
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