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.
Friday, April 21, 2006
What About Anti-Masons?
In the previous issue I exposed some information from The Entered Apprentice Handbook By J.S.M. Ward. Forward by: The Honorable Sir John A. Cockburn. It is written for men entering the first level of the Blue Lodge of the Freemasons. There are many Masonic websites that speak openly about their intentions, goals and philosophy. Here is some additional interesting information taken directly from Masonic literature and the sites where you can read it yourself. The reason I am placing the websites where you can read it yourself comes from the encouragement of James T. Tresner, II; Master Mason.
In his introduction to the book, “Is It True What They Say About Freemasonry? The Methods of Anti-Masons,” written by Art deHoyos and Brent Morris, Mr. Tresner encourages criticism and accuses “anti-masons” of misquoting their sources. That is the reason I include the website address where you can read them yourself. These quotes from http://www.srmason-sj.org/web/SRpublications/#i2 are of Mr. Tresner.
Because of space restrictions I can not quote his entire forward. I will not, as he claims, misrepresent what he or other masons teach. I have placed his quotes in red.
“It is a sense of betrayal which makes me so personally angry with some of these individuals. I came of age in a time when policemen were your friends, your father knew best, and ministers lived by high moral codes. And I still believe that. But it's getting harder. St. Luke says (16:10) "Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much." As you will see in this book, anti-Masons are often dishonest in both little and much. That's the betrayal! I don't expect a banker to steal my money, I don't expect a physician to prescribe poison, and I don't expect a minister to lie to me. And these men do lie. They are not innocently mistaken; they are not led into error; they are not merely confused. They lie.”
Suppose Brent Morris writes a letter to me, and he writes, "I don't think Art deHoyos is stupid." And, later in the letter, he writes, "I was watching one of our local politicians on television last night, and I was strongly reminded of the line by the ancient poet-philosopher, Sadi, 'Verily, he is like a jack-ass among men, a calf, a body which is bleating.'" Then I sit down and write a letter to Art deHoyos, with Brent's letter in front of me, and I write, "Dear Brother deHoyos, I got a letter today in which Brent Morris wrote, 'I . . . think Art is stupid.' 'He is like a jack-ass among men.'"
If I do that, I have told deliberate, malicious lies. And if I add to my letter, "so you can see what Brent really thinks about you," I have lied again. Bear that in mind as you read the examples of what anti-Masons do when "quoting" Masonic writers. Dishonest in little-dishonest in much.”
If Mr. Tresner is speaking of me, he is dishonest. He continues to claim the reason “anti-masons” attack masons is for profit. He claims it is good business to attack Freemasons because it sells well. He continues:
“Freemasonry, therefore, is a profitable target.
It is not that Freemasonry considers itself above criticism. It is a human institution and, like all such institutions, imperfect and open to improvement. Criticize us if you wish--most Masons do. Examine us in depth--we have nothing to hide. But do not lie about us. And, especially, do not lie about us and then dare to claim you are doing the work of God.” James T. Tresner, II, Master Mason.
I would like to say to Mr. Tresner and to any other mason reading this information, I have not lied to you. If I have misquoted or lied as Mr. Tresner claims please show me where my information is inaccurate. I am quoting valid Masonic sources and I give their web address so anyone may access their information and read it. It is sad when people misquote Masonic sources because it is not necessary. There are enough credible authentic Masonic sources that make fabrication pointless and destructive.
Mr. Tresner says, “Examine us in depth--we have nothing to hide.” I would like to remind Mr. Tresner the Masons have much to hide. It is Mr. Tresner, as do all Master Masons, who swears, “that I will always hail, ever conceal, and never reveal any of the secrets, arts, parts, point or points, of the Master Masons' Degree, to any person or persons whomsoever, except it be to a true and lawful brother of this Degree…” http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/duncans_ritual/table_of_contents.htm
For having nothing to hide Mr. Tresner sure took an oath to hide it. Freemasonry is a religion. It has it’s own plan of salvation and religious doctrines that stand against the Bible. If you are a mason – get out. Leave the Lodge! There should be no masons permitted to hold office in any Southern Baptist Church – From the Pastor to the Sunday School Teacher (this includes Deacons and Trustees).
In his introduction to the book, “Is It True What They Say About Freemasonry? The Methods of Anti-Masons,” written by Art deHoyos and Brent Morris, Mr. Tresner encourages criticism and accuses “anti-masons” of misquoting their sources. That is the reason I include the website address where you can read them yourself. These quotes from http://www.srmason-sj.org/web/SRpublications/#i2 are of Mr. Tresner.
Because of space restrictions I can not quote his entire forward. I will not, as he claims, misrepresent what he or other masons teach. I have placed his quotes in red.
“It is a sense of betrayal which makes me so personally angry with some of these individuals. I came of age in a time when policemen were your friends, your father knew best, and ministers lived by high moral codes. And I still believe that. But it's getting harder. St. Luke says (16:10) "Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much." As you will see in this book, anti-Masons are often dishonest in both little and much. That's the betrayal! I don't expect a banker to steal my money, I don't expect a physician to prescribe poison, and I don't expect a minister to lie to me. And these men do lie. They are not innocently mistaken; they are not led into error; they are not merely confused. They lie.”
Suppose Brent Morris writes a letter to me, and he writes, "I don't think Art deHoyos is stupid." And, later in the letter, he writes, "I was watching one of our local politicians on television last night, and I was strongly reminded of the line by the ancient poet-philosopher, Sadi, 'Verily, he is like a jack-ass among men, a calf, a body which is bleating.'" Then I sit down and write a letter to Art deHoyos, with Brent's letter in front of me, and I write, "Dear Brother deHoyos, I got a letter today in which Brent Morris wrote, 'I . . . think Art is stupid.' 'He is like a jack-ass among men.'"
If I do that, I have told deliberate, malicious lies. And if I add to my letter, "so you can see what Brent really thinks about you," I have lied again. Bear that in mind as you read the examples of what anti-Masons do when "quoting" Masonic writers. Dishonest in little-dishonest in much.”
If Mr. Tresner is speaking of me, he is dishonest. He continues to claim the reason “anti-masons” attack masons is for profit. He claims it is good business to attack Freemasons because it sells well. He continues:
“Freemasonry, therefore, is a profitable target.
It is not that Freemasonry considers itself above criticism. It is a human institution and, like all such institutions, imperfect and open to improvement. Criticize us if you wish--most Masons do. Examine us in depth--we have nothing to hide. But do not lie about us. And, especially, do not lie about us and then dare to claim you are doing the work of God.” James T. Tresner, II, Master Mason.
I would like to say to Mr. Tresner and to any other mason reading this information, I have not lied to you. If I have misquoted or lied as Mr. Tresner claims please show me where my information is inaccurate. I am quoting valid Masonic sources and I give their web address so anyone may access their information and read it. It is sad when people misquote Masonic sources because it is not necessary. There are enough credible authentic Masonic sources that make fabrication pointless and destructive.
Mr. Tresner says, “Examine us in depth--we have nothing to hide.” I would like to remind Mr. Tresner the Masons have much to hide. It is Mr. Tresner, as do all Master Masons, who swears, “that I will always hail, ever conceal, and never reveal any of the secrets, arts, parts, point or points, of the Master Masons' Degree, to any person or persons whomsoever, except it be to a true and lawful brother of this Degree…” http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/duncans_ritual/table_of_contents.htm
For having nothing to hide Mr. Tresner sure took an oath to hide it. Freemasonry is a religion. It has it’s own plan of salvation and religious doctrines that stand against the Bible. If you are a mason – get out. Leave the Lodge! There should be no masons permitted to hold office in any Southern Baptist Church – From the Pastor to the Sunday School Teacher (this includes Deacons and Trustees).
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Are Freemason Teachings Christian?
This issue tackles another question posed in a 5th Wednesday. We started March 30 with our first 5th Wednesday Q & A session, and this topic comes from that meeting. If you have questions, about any topic, please feel free to write and mail them to me via the church or bring them on a 5th Wednesday. If you feel my answer is inadequate, in error or just wrong, please let me know that information too.
This article's topic is really hot. There are many Southern Baptist churches involved in this organization through members of their congregation, Sunday School teachers, Deacons, or even by their Pastor. I will name this group later but for now we will just call it the “Craft”. My information comes from valid sources. The root information comes from the people actually in the “Craft”. (I will also add my own commentary using parenthesis.) I will use a different font for their own information and bold it to draw attention to various phrases or words of interest.
Here is what the “Craft” has to say:
For the Fatherhood of God implies the Brotherhood of Man, and, conversely, he who devotes himself to the service of his fellow creatures proves, through his brotherly relationship, his descent from the Father of ALL.
The Mysteries: In every race and every clime, Since the earliest days of Time,
Men have taught the Mystic Quest, Shown the Way to Peace and rest.
Bacchus died, and rose again, On the golden Asian Plain;
Osiris rose from out the grave, And thereby mankind did save:
Adonis likewise shed his blood, By the yellow Syrian flood,
Zoroaster brought to birth, Mithra from His Cave of Earth.
And to-day in Christian Lands, We with them can join hands.
(Can we really join hands with these groups? In the “Craft” you do.)
This poem is very revealing. Bacchus is the god of wine. Osiris is the Egyptian god of the dead. He was raised to life by Isis. Is this your Saviour? Adonis is a Syrian dying-and-reborn annual vegetation god. Mithras was the central savior god of Mithraism, a syncretic Hellenistic mystery religion. Hey Freemasons, these are the gods you worship.
The S.W., representing the Soul, next proves that all present have made some progress towards the light. It is only when this has been achieved that any real advancement becomes possible, and only those who have started can help those who still remain in spiritual darkness. The Soul may desire to become incarnate, but unless its time has come it is turned back at the threshold, and even if it forces itself into birth it is cut short. (Notice they believe you existed in spirit form before you were born.)
When men evolved, and the solar system of religion developed, the God of Vegetation became the Preserver. This characteristic of the J.W. is emphasised by the upright lines of his plumb, which latter reminds us of water which falls from heaven, and of the cast marks of Vishnu in India. (See poem above God of Veg. = Adonis)
The S.W., as he indicates in his reply to the W.M., represents the Sun in its setting, and so the Destructive Side of the Deity, or Shiva. He also stands for the Soul. Shiva shall close not only our mortal life, but Time itself. (Shiva is the third form of god as the Destroyer in Hinduism. The diety they speak of is not the God of the Bible.)
The W.M. represents, as his words indicate, the creative side of God and the Divine Spirit in Man. He sets us to work on earth, but delegates to another the task of calling us back whence we came. He represents the male aspect of the Deity, as is shown by the tau crosses, called levels, on his apron, and by his use of the gavel, which represents the same emblem. The Tau Cross is, of course, a phallic symbol and stands for the male and creative aspect in Man. (Again modeled after Hindu gods where Shiva is the destroyer god, Brahma the creator god and Vishnu the preserver god. Remember: the “Craft” swears they are not a religion. )
The Spirit, being active, is male; whereas both soul and body, being more or less passive, are female. The feminine side of the S.W. or Soul is deliberately emphasised later-in the first degree-by a reference to the Moon, a feminine planet, the emblem of the Soul and of the psychic nature in man. Nor can we ignore the fact that the West is known as the feminine quarter of the heavens, whereas the East is the masculine; it is also worth noticing that Shiva is often depicted with the moon. (My soul and body are NOT female! Notice again the reference to Shiva.)
The three knocks, as distinct from the one knock with which the proceedings started, indicate that the members are about to work for the union and advancement of body, soul and spirit, and not for the body only. (Not by biblical means.)
It sounds almost too incredible to be true but all of the above quotes are from The Entered Apprentice Handbook By J.S.M. Ward. Forward by: The Honorable Sir John A. Cockburn. It is written for men entering the first level of the Blue Lodge of the Freemasons. The book is available online at
http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/ward_EA_handbookfr.html
and at
http://www.freemasonsdglmadras.com/Resources/entered_apprentice_handbook.htm
If you are a member of a masonic lodge - get out. The masons are a cult leading you away from Christ and not closer to Him. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 When I die, I’m going to Heaven and be with the Creator by Grace through Faith. I will not be going to the Celestial Lodge, to see the Grand Architect of the Universe by my purity of my life and conduct. That’s truth.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
The Stewardship of the Servant
In the Great Commission Jesus said, “All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matt. 28:18-20)
We as Christians are required to teach ALL things we are taught in the Word of God. We want to be able to say with Paul: “"For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” (Acts 20:27) When we stand before the Lord we want to know we did everything we could to get the message out. We can use many methods to get out the word. Pens, pencils, tracts, flyers, brochures, business cards, movies, radio, plays, concerts, children’s programs, music, teaching, driving vans, breakfasts, dinners, yard sales, VBS, back-yard Bible clubs, personal invitations, postcards, letters, billboards, Bibles, and many more things can be used for evangelism and introducing people to the church.
The problem is not found in any of the above methods. The problem is not using our resources here for the work of the Kingdom. Each one of the above named events requires money. God has blessed us with a wonderful building and with great donations from many loving hearts. What good are they for the Kingdom of God if we do not use them to their full potential? What good is a VCR player if we never put a tape in it? What good is a balcony if we do not fill it? What good is a church nest egg? We are provided these items for ministry.
What is the purpose of a church? Remember the church is not a building. It is us. A group of people redeemed by the blood of Christ. We are servants – SLAVES – to our Risen Lord.
We place ourselves voluntarily into this service. If we are truly servants of Christ and we are truly His slaves we recognize that we own nothing. We are stewards of what the Owner (Christ) has placed into our area of responsibility. Jesus Christ made all things and He is the Owner Supreme. Even our bodies are his property we are borrowing for a short time.
What rights do we have? We have no rights. We can demand nothing from the Creator. Christ has given us many things too numerous to number. He has given and He can take them away too. It is required that we execute His will faithfully. We see that in First Corinthians 4:2 where Paul reminds us: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” Faithfulness is a requirement not a request.
In the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14-30 there are only two types of servants – good and faithful servants or wicked and slothful servants. Their status was determined by their action. Into what did they invest their money? Did they invest? The only servant with a savings account when the Lord came back was the servant called wicked and slothful. Each servant has the responsibility to put God’s finances into action. Souls are not impacted for the Kingdom by a church which tries to retain a large savings. Money is a tool to be used for God. It can be used to reach and win lost people to Christ.
Jesus admonishes us in Matthew 6:19-21 to not lay up treasures for ourselves upon the earth. Our treasure is to be laid up in heaven. Jesus warns where our treasure is there will be our heart also. Where is the treasure of our church? In the bank? In the buildings, property or furniture? Or is our investment in the people? 1 John 3:17 says, “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
Do we see the need and are not giving to it or do we just not see the need?How will we stand in judgment as a congregation? Are we a covetous church? Does our bank account say money in the bank is to be desired more than evangelism? What are we doing with what we have? Are we preparing for blessing or chastisement? We are to first consult God and see where He is leading and then by faith go there. The just shall live by faith. The church shall also live by faith not by bank. The souls in the South County area hang in the balance. What kind of servant will we be?
We as Christians are required to teach ALL things we are taught in the Word of God. We want to be able to say with Paul: “"For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” (Acts 20:27) When we stand before the Lord we want to know we did everything we could to get the message out. We can use many methods to get out the word. Pens, pencils, tracts, flyers, brochures, business cards, movies, radio, plays, concerts, children’s programs, music, teaching, driving vans, breakfasts, dinners, yard sales, VBS, back-yard Bible clubs, personal invitations, postcards, letters, billboards, Bibles, and many more things can be used for evangelism and introducing people to the church.
The problem is not found in any of the above methods. The problem is not using our resources here for the work of the Kingdom. Each one of the above named events requires money. God has blessed us with a wonderful building and with great donations from many loving hearts. What good are they for the Kingdom of God if we do not use them to their full potential? What good is a VCR player if we never put a tape in it? What good is a balcony if we do not fill it? What good is a church nest egg? We are provided these items for ministry.
What is the purpose of a church? Remember the church is not a building. It is us. A group of people redeemed by the blood of Christ. We are servants – SLAVES – to our Risen Lord.
We place ourselves voluntarily into this service. If we are truly servants of Christ and we are truly His slaves we recognize that we own nothing. We are stewards of what the Owner (Christ) has placed into our area of responsibility. Jesus Christ made all things and He is the Owner Supreme. Even our bodies are his property we are borrowing for a short time.
What rights do we have? We have no rights. We can demand nothing from the Creator. Christ has given us many things too numerous to number. He has given and He can take them away too. It is required that we execute His will faithfully. We see that in First Corinthians 4:2 where Paul reminds us: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” Faithfulness is a requirement not a request.
In the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14-30 there are only two types of servants – good and faithful servants or wicked and slothful servants. Their status was determined by their action. Into what did they invest their money? Did they invest? The only servant with a savings account when the Lord came back was the servant called wicked and slothful. Each servant has the responsibility to put God’s finances into action. Souls are not impacted for the Kingdom by a church which tries to retain a large savings. Money is a tool to be used for God. It can be used to reach and win lost people to Christ.
Jesus admonishes us in Matthew 6:19-21 to not lay up treasures for ourselves upon the earth. Our treasure is to be laid up in heaven. Jesus warns where our treasure is there will be our heart also. Where is the treasure of our church? In the bank? In the buildings, property or furniture? Or is our investment in the people? 1 John 3:17 says, “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
Do we see the need and are not giving to it or do we just not see the need?How will we stand in judgment as a congregation? Are we a covetous church? Does our bank account say money in the bank is to be desired more than evangelism? What are we doing with what we have? Are we preparing for blessing or chastisement? We are to first consult God and see where He is leading and then by faith go there. The just shall live by faith. The church shall also live by faith not by bank. The souls in the South County area hang in the balance. What kind of servant will we be?
Business Terms for Christian Ministry?
Did you ever notice how many terms and ideas from the business community have infiltrated the church? We have corporate worship, business meetings and budget to meet. Here is a few questions I have been thinking: What is the difference between a business and a ministry? Is a church a business or a ministry? Is it bad for a church to be a business? Doesn’t a church have to pay the bills? How can you pay the bills without income? How do you have income without maintaining a business?
The place for the answer is the Bible. The church was founded upon Peter’s statement to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of God.” (Matt. 16:16) This means the church is founded upon Jesus the Christ. What is the church? The word church in Greek is “ekklesia” which means the group of people who are called out of, or separate from, the world. What is our task, as the church? Our “marching orders” are found in the Great Commission: Go and teach. (teach includes: evangelization and education) (Matt. 28:19-20). And the Great Commandment: Treat others the way you want to be treated. (Matt. 22:37-40) Additional instructions order us to be witnesses to people about what Christ has done for us (Acts 1:8). In order to carry out these commands we are given several things to do: Pray, Study the Bible, Fast, Give, Love, Have Joy, Live Peaceable lives, Encourage, Rebuke, Defend, Witness, Talk, etc. Not once is the church given the task of making a profit. We are required to support the mission of the church and to provide for the burden God gives us. Too often we loose the vision of what the church is and what we do because of the vocabulary we choose. Here are a few vocabulary differences:
Business Term +++ Ministry Term
HIRE an employee +++ CALL a ministry leader
We PAY our employee +++ We SUPPORT a pastor
We go to a job to WORK +++ We go to a ministry to SERVE
This is an OCCUPATION +++ This is a VOCATION / CALLING
Work uses JOB DESCRPTIONS +++ Ministry uses AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Workers are Loyal to THE BUSINESS +++ Ministers are Loyal to CHRIST
Goal: Make the company MONEY +++ Goal: Start and Improve RELATIONSHIPS to Christ
A business SELLS things +++ A ministry OFFERS things
“What can we SELL IT for?” +++ “Who can we GIVE IT to?”
Businesses ENTICE / ENTERTAIN +++ Churches LOVE / SERVE to share Christ
tied to a BUILDING; not the PEOPLE +++ tied to the PEOPLE; not a BUILDING
Concern for PROFIT +++ Concern for PEOPLE
Employees DEMAND RIGHTS +++ Servants have NO RIGHTS only blessings
CUSTOMERS influence business decisions +++ CHRIST influences ministry leadership
MONEY is the base of the business +++ LOVE is the base of the servant relationship
What’s in it for ME? +++ What’s in it for CHRIST?
What would my BOSS do? +++ What would JESUS do?
What is the COMPANY POLICY? +++ What does the BIBLE say?
Safety first, Accidents cost money +++ Protect Physical, Mental, Spiritual health
Let’s TALK about it +++ Let’s PRAY about it
I’ll be THINKING about you +++ I’ll be PRAYING for you
Expects you to be ON TIME +++ Expects you to be EARLY
LEAVE WORK at work +++ Ministry NEVER STOPS
Working is usually stressful +++ Ministry is in the Fruit of the Spirit – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Meekness, Faith, Self-control
Keep business and ministry SEPARATE. +++ My work IS my ministry.
What is the PRICE? +++ What is the spiritual VALUE?
What does it COST? +++ What is the WORTH to the Kingdom?
People are CUSTOMERS +++ People are CREATIONS OF GOD
MANAGEMENT team +++ MINISTRY team
ON THE JOB integrity and honesty +++ LIFETIME integrity and honesty
EMPLOYEES +++ SERVANTS - MINISTERS
“What can you do for me?” +++ The church asks, “What can we do for you?”
Work is a part of my life. +++ Ministry IS my life.
It is clear from Scripture that a church is not a business. Our goal as a church family, is not a profit or even financial enhancement. Our goal is leading people into a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. We are required to give, to support the ministry of the church, but we are not to set spiritual goals based upon the “income” level of the church. We set spiritual goals based on Christ and His leadership. The provision is by Christ through the hands of obedient worshippers to do the service He has given us.
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