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Page 2 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version Table of Contents: I’ve Been Forgiven? Wow; I’d Forgotten - - - - -1 Church Builders ------13 When a Pastor and His Church Don’t Agree - - - 4 Counselor’s Corner------13 The Real Answer to Sin ------5 Book Reviews------14 Exegetically Speaking------6 News Update------15 Living out the Living Word------9 Sermon Helps ------16 Points to Ponder ------10 Puzzles and ‘Toons ------18 The Story behind the Song ------12 ______I’ve Been Forgiven? Wow; I’d Forgotten By Joe Mckeever

If you had nearly died from a strange illness and the Growing up on the farm, I plowed our family’s doctors had given up hope, then suddenly you recovered mule Toby throughout the summers of my 15th, 16th, and and were able to get on with your life, could you ever, ever 17th years. This was an experience you never forget, often forget that? relish, but would not want to repeat for love or money. If you had suffered on death row at Angola Prison, Anyone who has guided a plow behind a mule will know and the prison chaplain was preparing a final prayer and the the abrupt feeling when the plow point suddenly snags an chef had laid out your last meal, when suddenly the underground root. The mule is yanked backward, the governor pardoned you and you walked outside a free man, plowboy is thrown over the crossbar, and the breath is could you ever forget it? knocked out of him. You never ever forget that feeling. Apparently some people can forget the most That’s somewhat the way it is for me with momentous events in their lives. Consider this line: “For he Scripture. I’m cruising along, enjoying the Word, and who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having suddenly a verse, a sentence, a phrase or even a word snags forgotten that he was forgiven from his past sins” (2 my attention and takes my breath away. I am captivated by Pet.1:9). It appears that some calling themselves Christians that. That’s how I know the Holy Spirit is sending me a no longer remember that they have been forgiven of their message. For the rest of the day or many days, my mind sins. How strange is that? And how does it happen? dwells on little else but that text. I think we know. The Apostle Peter saw professing “Having forgotten that [they were] forgiven from Christians around him living as though they had no past, as [their] many past sins.” How could anyone forget such a though they had dropped full-grown into the Christian life critical, life-changing event in their lives? out of heaven. It was a bizarre thought to him, as it is to us. Peter identifies qualities which make for fruitfulness and I. How We Forget Forgiveness usefulness in a believer’s life: “Applying all diligence, add Again, I think we know. There are two primary to your faith moral excellence, and to your moral ways by which professing Christians tend to forget that excellence knowledge, and to your knowledge, self- Christ forgave—wiped out, erased, washed thoroughly, and control...perseverance...godliness...brotherly completely dealt with forever—their lengthy list of sins. kindness...love” (2 Pet. 1:5-7). 1) Some refuse to let themselves believe those old Believers exhibiting such godly traits have great sins are truly forgiven. These are good church people. influence for the Lord in this world. However, some who They read the Bible and go to church. But as for the sins in call themselves believers show no evidence of moral their past, even though they have done the repenting and excellence (virtue), have no knowledge, little or no self- confessing and praying, they cannot turn loose of the guilt. control, a complete lack of perseverance, and so forth (vs. They are fearfully sure those old sins are still on God’s 8). That is, they are living in sin, ignorant of God’s word, ledgers as outstanding debts against them. indulging every passion, not staying with anything they These people are the guilt-ridden among us. They start, showing no signs of Christ-likeness or simple are self-absorbed. They grovel in their sad past, tormented kindness or a love for other believers. And yet they call by memories of what they did, and worried about what will themselves Christians. How could this be? happen to them at judgment. Somehow or other, they have Barren, unproductive, lifeless believers—could convinced themselves that God’s forgiveness is temporary, there be such a thing?—are either blind or short-sighted, conditioned on how they feel, given in installments, or and have clearly forgotten they were ever forgiven for their inadequate for their great needs. “Sure, He can forgive sins in the first place. Truly amazing. others, but I’m different.” Page 3 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version

Tell them this is unbelief, and they would be having failed and gotten back up, no knowledge of having offended. And yet it is nothing but unbelief which refuses sinned and been forgiven—will be a pain to everyone. to take at face value the cleansing power of the blood of The self-righteous Pharisee among us has blotted Jesus shed at Calvary. out the past, has deleted his failures from his memory-bank. In the hospital, a church member poured out the Thoughts of what they did previously and the humbling story of her affair with a co-worker. She was tormented by experience of repenting and receiving forgiveness are so guilt over the sad business which was long over. The stress painful they don’t think about it anymore. They made that and worry had made her ill. I was her young pastor, still choice. trying to figure out how to shepherd the Lord’s sheep. The Pharisee has no mercy toward the sinner, I said, “And have you confessed this to the Lord?” exhibits no compassion toward the needy, and feels no She had. “And has He forgiven you?” sympathy toward the addict who is going to try once more “Yes, I think He has, pastor. But I just can’t forgive —for the umpteenth time—to get back on his feet and to do myself.” right. I said, “You have higher standards than God?” Pity the church which has such a pastor, the Sunday “Pastor! What a thing to say! Of course not.” school class with such a teacher, the family with such a “That’s what you are saying. ‘Oh sure, God can parent. They are—as the Apostle Peter said—unproductive forgive. But I have higher standards. I don’t forgive so and unfruitful for the Lord, and a burden to all around them. easily.’” The upshot of all this is that Christians need to She was quiet a moment. “I never thought of it like believe and preach a) that forgiveness from the Savior is that.” We prayed and thanked God for the complete way in readily available, that it is full and free and final and which He has dealt with our sins: burying them in the available; and b) that remembering that we were forgiven deepest ocean (Mic. 7:19), separating them from us as far as does something positive and helpful in our relationship to the east is from the west (Ps. 103:14), nailing them to the God and others. cross (Col. 2:14), and then, forgetting what He has forgiven (Heb. 10:17). Accepting the Lord’s forgiveness as total II. How We Can Remember allows us to turn loose of our flawed past. “There is Let’s dwell on these two truths a moment: The Lord therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ loves to forgive and loves it when we remember that He has Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). forgiven us. One year later, a note from this lady said, “Today is 1. Jesus loves to forgive. Do not miss this. One of the anniversary of our conversation in the hospital. This has Satan’s favorite lies goes: “The Lord just might forgive been the most wonderful year of my life, just relishing the you, but He doesn’t want to. He is disgusted with you over wonderful gift from my precious Lord.” what you did. You will need to feel guilty for a long, long Imagine an adult pouring out grief to you because time before you earn His forgiveness.” And then you read of some past sin. You probe a little and are amazed to the Bible and see what a liar he is. discover your friend is tormented because in kindergarten You see Jesus forgiving the paralyzed fellow (who she hit another child. You want to shake her and say, “You has been brought to Him for healing) without the man even were a kid! Kids do that. Get over it. I’m sure the person asking (Mark 2:5). You see Jesus on the cross asking God you hit is fine and doesn’t remember it. God forgave it, if to forgive His executioners, even though they’re still in the He ever noticed it in the first place. Now, put it out of your act of killing Him (Luke 23:34). You see in Exodus 34:6-7 mind and go forward!” that God’s very nature is to “forgive iniquity, transgression Accept His forgiveness, friend, and enjoy the and sin.” He is “compassionate and gracious” and says so freedom. But don’t ever quit thanking Him (read on; more Himself. Forgiveness is not against God’s nature; it is His about this below). And don’t forget what He has done for very nature. you. The chapter in which God gives us the Ten 2. Others act as though they have not sinned Commandments (Ex. 20:1-17) also contains provisions for once in the time since they were forgiven, and sin no an altar (20:24-26). The implications of this are enormous. longer has any relevance to them. These are the Pharisees The righteous God knew from the first the kind of people among us. They are self-righteous. Given a choice between He was dealing with. He knew we could not live up to His living with the self-absorbed who cannot believe God has righteous standard. So He built in a way back into His truly erased their sins and the self-righteous who cannot presence after we had sinned. How wonderful is that? remember they ever sinned in the first place, choose the “He Himself knows our frame. He is mindful that former. we are but dust” (Ps. 103:14). When you sin, the only one The church member (or family member or co- surprised is you. God is under no illusions about you and worker) without a sense of past—with no memory of me. He knew from the first how flawed we were. Yet, “God Page 4 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version is love,” and “gave His only begotten Son that whosoever The fragrance quickly saturated every nook and believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting cranny of the house. It got into the clothing of everyone life” (John 3:16). present. Her presence could no longer be ignored. The host, You are so blessed, believer. Why aren’t you a Pharisee, was indignant that Jesus would receive worship thanking Him every day, in fact, every moment of every from a woman with such a sordid past. day? “There is therefore now no condemnation for those The Lord, knowing the man’s thoughts, said, who are in Christ Jesus.” “Simon, I have a question for you. If you forgive two 2. Remembering that He forgave us—and what debtors—one who owes you 10 dollars and the other one He forgave—instills four essential qualities in believers. owing you 10,000 dollars—which one will love you more?” A. Humility. Never again will you live in self- Simon said, “I suppose the one you forgive more.” sufficiency. You have been given a good look at yourself “Correct,” Jesus said. And then He made and see what a bum you are. You are a sinner and have not application. “See this woman? When I came into your ceased to be one since coming to Christ either. When Jesus house, you did not give me a kiss of greeting, but she has says, “Without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5), not stopped kissing my feet. You did not wash my feet (the everything inside you cries out, “So true.” You read the way hosts would care for arriving guests), but she has not story of the two men praying in the Temple (Luke 18:9-14) stopped bathing my feet in her tears. And you did not and need no prompting from anyone to find yourself in that anoint my head with oil. But she has anointed my feet with picture. this perfume.” B. Gratitude. You have lost forever your sense of “You’re wondering why, aren’t you, Simon? She entitlement. You do not want “what I deserve.” You have loves much because she has been forgiven much. It’s that been shown great mercy, you have not received the simple.” judgment you had coming, and you are overwhelmed with The Lord left unsaid what was apparent to gratitude. Your prayer is often so simple as “Thank you, everyone. Simon loved little because he had either been Jesus,” but one you find yourself praying again and again. It forgiven little, had forgotten that he had been forgiven says what you are feeling so well. anything, or perhaps had never been forgiven anything. C. Love. You have lost forever that independent Looking at your life—at the humility, the gratitude, streak that characterized your pre-forgiven life. When the love, and the obedience—how do you rate on the Christ forgave you your sins, and when you began to realize remembering-His-forgiveness factor? I used to have a man what He had done and all it means, you found your heart in my church who came to Christ at age 43 after a lifetime filled with an overwhelming love for Christ and an of proud sinning. He owned several companies and had affection for His people. You soon realized that one of the plenty of money, but his life had been tormented by best ways of loving Him is by loving His people. conflicting lusts and ambitions. Now, Jesus forgave him D. Obedience. You have lost for all time the and washed away all his sin by His precious blood. Ten resistance to the commands of God and the leadership of years later, I became his pastor. His Spirit. You know full well what that kind of What intrigued me about the man was how he headstrong-ness leads to and you want no part of it. You would pray. We would sometimes pray in my office or in love the Word and you enjoy finding out how to serve the his car after an evening of church visitation together. His Lord. You read where Jesus said “if you love me, you will prayer would begin something like this: “Thank you, Lord keep my commandments” (John 14:15 and similar places in Jesus. Oh, thank you, precious Lord Jesus.” (Long pause) that chapter and the next), and you know what it means. “Thank you, Lord. Oh, Lord, I’ll never get over thanking you.” III. How It All Plays Out I tear up just remembering. Lawrence Bryant never The woman who slipped into the house where the forgot that he had been redeemed from all his sins by the Lord Jesus dined had hoped not to disturb anyone. As the precious blood of Jesus. He never got through thanking the men reclined toward the center table, she sat behind them, wonderful Savior. And his life bore great fruit for the at the Lord’s feet and simply worshiped. Just being in His Master from the time of his salvation at age 43 until he presence was enough. went to Heaven some four decades later. As the tears dropped onto His feet, she gradually became aware of that and loosened her hair for a towel. Joe McKeever is a retired Southern Baptist pastor from Then, overcome by her volcanic emotions, she begins New Orleans, Louisiana. He blogs regularly at kissing the Lord’s feet. Soon—in for a dime, in for a dollar www.joemckeever.com. —she brings out of her pocket a small vial of perfume, breaks it open and anoints His feet (Luke 7:36-50). Page 5 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version

______When a Pastor and His Church Don’t See Eye to Eye By Justin Lonas

Originally published on the Disciple blog in April. and “…test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” (1 John 4:1). What happens when a pastor has an awakening in 3) Let the pastor know that you don’t his own relationship with Christ? When he comes to an understand or are uncomfortable with his understanding of the Word that renews his passion for the message(s). This goes back to the first point—your pastor Gospel and the work of the ministry? He is bound (and would be thrilled to know that you as his congregation are responsible) to share his discovery with his congregation as engaging with what he is teaching and desiring to an evidence of the grace of God in His life and the life of understand it better, and he most likely would graciously the local body. spend whatever time is necessary to help you understand What happens when he addresses the congregation, and bring clarity to the situation. If he rebuffs your honest however, may not be nearly so joyous as his initial (and courteous) questions, that might be a sign that he is breakthrough. Often, the substance of spiritual growth “off the reservation” in what he has been teaching. involves things (conviction of sin, deeper understanding of 4) If there are certain leaders in your church grace, shift of focus from self to Christ) that will who are trying to turn the congregation away from a necessarily step on the toes of those who are not interested faithful pastor, ask them to repent or resign. Look at the in the things of God and attend church for merely social or character qualities required of elders/overseers in Scripture. personal reasons. I’ve highlighted specific qualities that need to be considered I’ve seen far too many pastors get frustrated when in this type of situation: “An overseer, then, must be above they have a clear sense that the Lord is leading them and reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, their churches into greater obedience to His Word but their prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to congregation is either unmoved or even hostile to the teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, changes in practice that obedience might lead to. In recent peaceable, free from the love of money” (1 Tim. 3:2-3). months, a few pastors I’m acquainted with have been fired When a leader or leaders in your church fail to exhibit these or pressured to backpedal in their teaching under threat of characteristics in how they approach a doctrinal or practical dismissal. conflict with the pastor, red flags should go up. I’m not sure why the congregations of these pastors 5) Ask the Lord to bring reconciliation to your have rejected their sincere teaching, and I don’t want this to church. Since we are fallen human beings, discord, be a quibble over doctrine or semantics. What I do want is frustration, anger, misunderstanding, and partisanship come to outline a few helpful principles that churches and pastors easily to us. Repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation are should apply when this type of situation (a pastor relaying a hard, and must be worked through the Spirit in us. If your doctrinal/obedience awakening to a church that hasn’t church is embroiled in doctrinal strife, pray for healing and experienced the same awakening) arises. pray for God to be glorified through it. 6) Be willing to change if you recognize that you I. To Churches are wrong. If you follow the first five recommendations in 1) Give your pastor the benefit of the doubt. You this list and you find that your pastor is teaching you truth called your pastor to faithfully study, exposit, and proclaim in “love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a God’s Word. If he preaches concepts that you find sincere faith” (1 Tim. 1:5), then apologize for assailing him uncomfortable, don’t automatically assume that he is out to and submit to his preaching as he submits himself to the get you, but rather assume that he is merely faithfully Word of God. relaying to you that which God has taught him through Scripture. II. To Pastors 2) Listen closely to what the Spirit may be 1) Be loving in how you present truth. If God is teaching you. If your toes are stepped on by a faithful teaching you and you are growing spiritually by leaps and exposition of Scripture, perhaps they needed to be bounds, do not let that become a source of pride to you. squashed. Your impulse to reject the pastor’s teaching Don’t share the things you are learning with your and/or attempt to oust him from the pulpit may be your congregation in a way that belittles their spiritual maturity flesh rebelling against changes the Spirit is desperately or intellectual capacity. “Do not sharply rebuke an older trying to work in your heart. If the message hurts, don’t man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger reflexively shoot the messenger, but examine the message men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters in all purity” (1 Tim. 5:1-2). Page 6 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version

Your congregation will best take the medicine of hard truth your enthusiasm over a spiritual discovery has led you to when it is delivered in a spirit of loving concern and conclusions that are not in keeping with the whole of encouragement. Scripture. If faithful men and women in your body bring 2) Recognize that the Lord is working on people correction, further study reveals errors in your thought in His time-frame. Just because the Lord has given you process, and the Spirit brings conviction, do not hold tightly fresh appreciation and insight into His Word does not mean to your message. Rather repent, thank those who rebuked He has worked accordingly with your entire congregation at you, and continue in ministry with newfound humility and once. If you assume that your epiphany (which may be appreciation for the gathered Body of Christ. founded on decades of study, suffering, and prayer) has to 6) Be willing to take a stand if you know that be shared by your whole church immediately, you’re setting you are in the right. If, on the other hand, your teaching is yourself up for a crash. Be patient, and trust the Lord to use rejected by your congregation or its leaders, they may be His Word in them as He has in you. reacting to the truth of God’s Word by clinging to their own 3) When there is misunderstanding, be a sins or the “tradition of men” (Col. 2:8). If you have teacher. If your congregation balks at something you’re examined your message and your heart in proclaiming it, teaching them, listen sincerely to their concerns, patiently then speak boldly, resting in the assurance that “they have correct their doctrinal errors with truth, and endeavor to be not rejected you, but they have rejected [the Lord]” (1 Sam. as clear as possible to remove unnecessary stumbling 8:7). If you lose your pastoral position or half your church blocks from their understanding of the Word. leaves because of the truth of your message (not because of 4) Ask the Lord to confirm your ministry and error or your demeanor in delivering it), then take comfort your message. If you are certain of the Lord’s favor in your in Jesus’ words: “Blessed are those who have been study and exposition of specific passages of His Word that persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the are troubling your congregation, pray that He will open kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you their eyes to His truth. You are not standing in your own and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against speaking exegetical skills, you are standing before your you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in church in the strength of the Lord proclaiming the truth of heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the His Word. It’s up to Him (not you!) whether they respond. prophets who went before you” (Matt. 5:10-12). 5) Be willing to change if you recognize that you are wrong. If you proclaim a new insight from God’s Justin Lonas is editor of Disciple Magazine for AMG Word, and your congregation (or your elders) reject it, International in Chattanooga, Tennessee. don’t dismiss their criticisms out of hand. It could be that

______The Real Answer to Sin By Shea Oakley

We can only progress in our sanctification if we make a shipwreck of their faith, at least as far as real trust Christ to bring it about. This may seem like a spiritual sanctification is concerned. “no-brainer”, but it has become somewhat of a revelation in The fulcrum of failure in working to attain to my life of late. After over twenty years of self-limited faith Christ-likeness in our own strength is found in our patent I finally feel like I am coming to the point of viscerally inability to overcome sin. We try not to sin; we sin anyway. knowing something which I have been “preaching” for These two statements might seem like a Pauline truth about years: that Jesus is not only the center of our Salvation but the believer’s walk, but they leave out the Pauline solution the center of our Sanctification as well. to repetitive sin: Jesus Christ Himself. The answer to losing There is perhaps no greater temptation in the daily our remaining sin nature, our “old man”, is to reckon it walk of faith than to put that faith in ourselves and call it crucified with Christ. faith in God. We do this without knowing it; perhaps it Just as the resurrection of Christ made our would be more accurate to say that we do it without transformation into “new creatures” possible, His death on wanting to know it. Regardless of whether spiritual self- the cross makes possible the realized death of our sin reliance is subconscious, conscious, or a little of both, it is nature. Part of our baptism is identification with Jesus in anathema to any genuine progress in the Christian life. We His death. Our sin nature died with Him. It has been cannot overcome the flesh with the flesh. This is the crucified with Him. The answer to our ongoing sin problem essence of futility and the reason that not a few professing is to reckon ourselves dead to sin because it is part of that Christians become so frustrated and discouraged that they within us which died before we were raised, with the Son of God, to new and enduring life. Page 7 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version

The only responsibility we have as Christians is to I hope all you who read these words will be accept and internalize the fact that our old transgressing encouraged by the same revelation that is beginning to nature has been truly crucified with Christ. It is in coming possess my heart. We need not fight a futile war against sin to stand on this truth that we will finally find the power not in our own strength and know only defeat after defeat. It is to sin. Yes, we must will ourselves to believe it, but the in Christ and Christ alone that our sanctification has been power itself is a function of the presence of the crucified obtained for us. We need only to progressively believe and and risen Savior dwelling in our hearts. As we surrender to this truth. The Spirit of Christ within us will do progressively reckon our remaining “old man” as dead the rest. through the realization of our crucifixion with Jesus, we will begin to know true victory over sin. © Shea Oakley. All Rights Reserved. As with so many core truths pertaining to the Christian walk, this one will not be completely owned by us Converted from atheism in 1990, Shea Oakley has written in some kind of “flash-epiphany” that renders us completely over 350 articles for electronic and print publications since unable to sin. Our whole earthly life will likely be spent 2002, including Disciple Magazine (and Pulpit Helps living more and more in the realized death of our flesh. No Magazine), The Christian Herald, The Christian Post, one can be as utterly sinless in deed as Jesus was in this life. Christian Network and Crosshome.com. In 2003 he That said, we can come to know a growing personal graduated from Alliance Theological Seminary with a holiness that will include a radically reduced tendency Certificate of Theological Studies. Shea and his wife towards moral failure. This is part of the “re-birthright” of Kathleen make their home in West Milford, New Jersey. the Children of God, even in the here and now.

______Exegetically Speaking—by Spiros Zodhiates

Jesus Is Tried Before the Sanhedrin Matthew 26:57-68

From Exegetical Commentary on Matthew, 2006, AMG (from pseudomarturía [5577], literally, false testimony) Publishers. against Jesus, to (hópōs [3704], in order to) put him to death.” [57] Having arrested Jesus, the band from the [60, 61] Unfortunately for the Jewish leaders, they guards of the temple (John 18:3, 12) led Him to Caiaphas “found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet the high priest where the scribes and elders were assembled found they none (repeated for emphasis).” Near the end of in a meeting of the Sanhedrin. Caiaphas was the son-in-law the trial, they found the incriminating testimony they of Annas, a former high priest. The members of the family wanted: “At the last (hústeron [5305], eventually, at the were Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection. very end) came two false witnesses” that agreed with one [58] We do not know where the disciples fled to another. from the garden, but we read that one of them, Peter, These rogues quoted Jesus as saying, “I am able “followed (ēkoloúthei, the imperfect tense of akolouthéō (dúnamai [1410]) to destroy (from katalúō [2647], to throw [190], was following) him from (apó [575]) afar off down) the temple (from naós [3485], temple sanctuary) of (makróthen [3113], from a distance).” God and build it up in three days” (a.t.). Though removed from Jesus to protect himself, Ironically, by misinterpreting the “temple” Jesus Peter could see that they led Him to the high priest’s had referred to, the Jews originally wrote off such ability as “palace” (aulē [833], an open courtyard around an edifice insane, since the temple had taken forty-six years to build such as a palace). Apparently, Peter and John were the only (John 2:20). The testimony of these witnesses was not ones brave enough to follow and enter the palace area. Peter entirely consistent with each other, perhaps differing on was sitting with the servants “to see (from eídō [1492] the when or where Jesus allegedly made this statement (Mark aorist of horáō [3708], to see and perceive) the end (télos 14:59). [5056]),” that is, what would become of Jesus. His courage However, their testimony was similar to something was short-lived, however, for when he was queried, Peter Jesus actually said but not in complete agreement. In John denied that He knew Jesus. 2:19 Jesus did say, “Destroy (lúsate, the second plural [59] This was not a just court session. A court is aorist active imperative of lúō [3089], to loose, with the supposed to seek truth, but this one, on the defensive from actual significance of, ‘if you destroy,’ or ‘when you the beginning, needed and therefore “sought false witnesses Page 8 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version destroy,’ but He did not say, ‘I will destroy’) this temple This was not common among Pharisees or (from naós), and in three days I will raise it up.” Sadducees for a good reason. The Hebrew Old Testament When they misinterpreted the “temple” Jesus did not contain the singular expression, “the Son.” There is referred to, they considered it an insane boast, since the no definite article accompanying the singular “son” in the temple was immense and had taken years to build. But Aramaic phrase “son (from bar [1247, OT]) of God (from Jesus spoke of the “temple of his body” (John 2:21). He ‘elāh [426, OT])” in the original text of Daniel 3:25 (Dan. used the word naós, which always referred to the temple 2:4-7:28 in the original Hebrew OT was written in sanctuary, rather than the more normal word hierón (2411), Aramaic). The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the which usually referred to the whole temple complex. Naós original Hebrew and Aramaic Old Testament, interprets the was used several times in the Epistles to speak of the Aramaic as ággelos (32), “angel of God.” Also, there are no human body as a temple sanctuary of God (1 Cor. 3:16-17; definite articles with the plural “sons” in the Hebrew texts 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:21). of Genesis 6:2-4; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7. God calls the collective Although the leaders took naós as referring to the nation of Israel in Exodus 4:22 “my son” and the anointed temple complex and therefore accused Jesus of blasphemy, individual King in Psalm 2:7 “my Son” (identically in they actually understood that He used it as a figure of Hebrew, beniy, and in Greek, huios…mou) but neither with speech to refer to His own body. When they approached definite articles. Even Isaiah 9:6 has simply bēn (child) in Pilate to ask for a guard for Jesus’ tomb, they told him: the Hebrew and paidíon (child) in the Septuagint (Isa. 9:5), “Sir, we remember that that deceiver [Jesus] said, while he neither, again, with preceding articles. was yet alive, ‘After three days I will rise again’” (Matt. Thus, for a chief priest to qualify the Messiah as 27:63). These false accusations were irrationally evil. They “the (presumably unique) Son” reflects a messianic not only distorted or ignored facts, but they were rooted in expectation of the times that advances beyond the precise covetousness and political fear. wording of the Old Testament. [62] The high priest (usually the chairman of the [64] Jesus finally spoke, masterfully. First He said, Sanhedrin) listened to the proceedings for a while. Then he “Thou hast said (eípas, the aorist tense of légō [3004], to rose and asked Jesus, “Do You answer nothing? What is it intelligently speak).” The aorist indicates that the high that these are testifying against You?” (a.t.). Because the priest had already made the assertion (literally, “You said high priest recognized how inconclusive the inconsistent it!”), not that he believed it. Jesus just acknowledged that he testimony of the false witnesses actually was, he tried to spoke the truth. goad Jesus into a more damaging statement. But Jesus did not stop there: “Nevertheless (plēn [63] Consistent with His teachings, Jesus did not [4133], an adverb contracted from pléon or pleíōn [4119], “cast [His] pearls before swine” (Matt. 7:6). No matter more, besides, meaning He has more to say), I say to you, what reply He gave, they would turn it against Him. Once Hereafter (ap’ árti, from now; from apó [575], from; and you have determined that your opponent has an evil árti [737], now) you shall see the Son of man sitting on the character, it is senseless to continue to argue. Silence is the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven” best answer in such situations. “But Jesus was silent (a.t.). (esiōpa, the imperfect tense of siōpáō [4623], to keep The prepositional phrase ap’ árti occurs in two silence; ‘was keeping silent’).” (a.t.) other places in Matthew, and all three are eschatological Jesus was not disturbed by these proceedings. But references. In Matthew 23:39 it occurs at the end of Jesus’ the peace in His heart and responses upset the high priest; lament over Jerusalem: “For I say unto you, Ye shall not in fact, it infuriated him. He demanded an answer: “I adjure see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that (exorkízō [1844], to exact an oath; the only time this verb is cometh in the name of the Lord.” We also find the used in the NT) thee by (katá [2596], the preposition with expression in Matthew 26:29 where Jesus said He will not the genitive that replaces the accusative noun with oaths drink ap’ árti the fruit of the vine until His kingdom is representing the one who is to oversee an oath and established. guarantee its veracity: “before, or in the presence of”) the From here forward, Jesus said, they will see the Son living God (as if God were in court listening to the of man exalted and coming in clouds of glory. The phrase testimony), that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the “Son of man” occurs eighty times in the Gospels, including Son of God.” thirty times in Matthew. In humiliation, the Son of God The definite article before “Christ” implies one vacated His proper position at the right hand of the Father. Messiah, so the high priest demanded that Jesus openly In His ascension, He reassumed that position. This admit if He considered Himself to be that One. It is prediction is actually a fulfillment of Hebrew prophecies intriguing that any Jew of that period, especially a high with which the high priest would be familiar (e.g., Ps. 2:1- priest, would identify the Messiah as “the Son (huiós 12; 110:1-7; Dan. 7:13-14; Zech. 14:3-4). [5207]) of God.” Psalm 110:1 (cf. Acts 2:35; Heb. 1:13) teaches that the Father works on behalf of the Son, who remains seated Page 9 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version

“at [His] right hand,” a position of exaltation. The Jewish even the high priest sinned against the very Law he was leaders were inexcusable for treating Jesus as they did in committed to uphold. The distinctive clothes he wore (Ex. light of their thorough familiarity with these oracles 28, 39) symbolized his religious authority. The noun entrusted to them (Rom. 3:1-2). Christ predicted that He translated “clothes” (from himátion [2440]) in the King would personally occupy the throne of David promised to James Version, refers to any garments but particularly the the Messiah (Matt. 19:27, 28; 25:31; see also Luke 1:32). outer ones distinctive of the high priestly office. The verb “you shall see” is from horáō (3708), to Following this action, the high priest accused Jesus: see and perceive. The same Son of man incarnated, “He has blasphemed” (a.t.). The Greek word used here is humiliated, and killed would be exalted to the right hand of eblasphēmēse, the aorist tense of blasphēméō ([987], to the Father, “sitting (kathēmenon, the present participle of speak irreverently concerning God or holy things; derived káthēmai [2521], to sit) on the right hand of power.” from bláx [n.f.], sluggish, slow, stupid; and phēmí [5346], “Sitting” and “coming” are both present participles, arguing to say, speak, affirm). In no context, however, does the root not only that sitting and coming are not contradictory but noun bláx conjure up any pity as if a handicapped person that the coming of Christ is a process of salvation and were being addressed. Blasphemy was not a pitiful stupidity judgment that would start at the ascension (note: ap’ árti is but rather a rational, ungodly offense against God and proleptic, pointing forward—“you shall see”—to the time persons and was punishable by death (Lev. 24:15, 16). when Jesus would actually sit at the right hand of the The high priest continued, “What further (éti Father) and carries forward to the end of the age. [2089], yet, beyond, additional) need have we of “Sitting” infers that the work of redemption, the witnesses?” Previously, they had only the false witnesses, remission of sins (áphesis [859]), was accomplished (v. 28). but now they had the actual testimony of Jesus, which they What remains is the regeneration (paliggenesía [3824]; see considered blasphemy. It was on this basis that the high 19:28), justification, sanctification, and bodily redemption priest requested the Sanhedrin to condemn Jesus. of believers (Rom. 8:23; 1 Cor. 15:51-57; 1 Thess. 4:11- [66] So he asked, “What think (dokueí, the present 18). tense of dokéō [1380], to suppose, assume; lit., ‘how does it God is presented as the God of real “power” seem’ to you) ye?” What a rhetorical question! He had rent (dúnamis [1411]), a dynamic power that always energizes his garments, pronounced that Christ spoke blasphemy, all things (Rom. 11:36; Eph. 1:11)—not potential power— asked what further need they had for witnesses, and then strength (ischús [2479]; see Matt. 12:29). Christ’s ongoing noted that the audience had heard the blasphemy. Who “sitting” is not antithetical to His ongoing “coming.” would dare defy all this? Every angry word and mannerism Though the Father is subduing His enemies, Christ Himself showed he was not interested in objectivity, having signaled subdues all things (Phil. 3:21) as He promised the disciples loud and clear exactly how he wanted them to vote. Who when they pray in His name, “Because I go to my Father, I defies a high priest that breaks the Mosaic Law to make his will do it” (John 14:12, 14; a.t.). So He is not “sitting down point? on the job,” as the expression goes, but is always The response, without the deliberation of fair interceding for His own (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 4:16; 7:25; jurisprudence, came from all the other members of the 10:19-25; 1 John 2:1) and judging the rest (Matt. 19:28; Sanhedrin present. No doubt, Nicodemus and Joseph of 25:31; Mark 14:62; 2 Cor. 5:10). Arimathea were deliberately omitted from the list of The Lord Jesus is coming in the “clouds (from members receiving an invitation to attend the trial because nephélē [3507], the diminutive of néphos [3509], cloud; their honesty or loyalty to Christ was well-known (see Matt. therefore, a small cloud) of heaven” (see also Matt. 24:30; 27:57; Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50-51; John 7:50–52): “He is Mark 13:26; 14:62; Luke 21:27). These clouds showed up guilty (énochos [1777] from enéchō [1758], to have an first at Jesus’ transfiguration (Matt. 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke involvement in) of death.” 9:34) and later at His ascension (Acts 1:9). Néphos, a [67] Perhaps to visibly support their chief’s normal-sized cloud, is used metaphorically in Hebrews 12:1 garment-rending, “They spit in his [Jesus’] face, and to picture crowds of heavenly spectators watching the saints buffeted (from kolaphízō [2852], to slap with the palms of on earth. the hands) him.” What utter humiliation of the One who [65] Upon hearing Jesus’ claim to be the messianic “laid Himself down” (from tapeinóō [5013], to bring low, to Son of God, “The high priest rent (from diarrēsso or humiliate; from tápēs [n.f.], a carpet; a.t.), taking the form diarrēgnumi [1284], to tear, break, rip; from the preposition of a man and becoming “obedient unto death, even the diá [1223], denoting separation; and rhēssō/rhēgnumi death of the cross” (Phil. 2:8). [4486], to tear, rip) his clothes (outer garments; see [68] The command, “Prophesy unto us, thou below).” Christ,” was derisive. After covering His face (Mark This was strictly forbidden for a high priest (Lev. 14:65), they punched and slapped Him, saying, “Who is he 21:10). It is amazing that at Jesus’ confirmation of the truth, that smote thee?” Jesus knew who struck Him, but He was under no obligation to answer these wicked people. The Page 10 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version question showed that even unbelievers expect supernatural knowledge from a prophet. Although the action was Spiros Zodhiates (1922-2009) served as president of AMG complete: “Who hit you?”—and, therefore, the predictive International for over 40 years, was the founding editor of role of the prophet was not being called into question—as, Pulpit Helps Magazine (Disciple’s predecessor), and for example, in the question, Who will hit you?—it takes authored dozens of exegetical books. supernatural vision to see beyond a blindfold. ______Living out the Living Word—by Justin Lonas

Pastor to Pastor: Wise Counsel for Ministry 1 Timothy 4:7-16

In the first part of 1 Timothy 4, Paul exhorts trembling” (Phil. 2:12). This is the essential tension of the Timothy to cherish and preserve “the mystery of godliness” Christian life, growing in faith and obedience as God (3:16), by seeing to it that both he and the church at strengthens us through trials and we follow Him with Ephesus were “constantly nourished on the words of the discipline. faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been It almost seems that Paul adds clarification to his following” (4:6). Now he continues, directing his statement in the following verses to make sure this nuance instruction more specifically to Timothy than to the church is not missed: “It is a trustworthy statement deserving full as a whole. acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because His first encouragement flows directly from the we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior previous passage, extending Paul’s concern about the of all men, especially of believers” (4:9-10). The laboring, centrality of truth to the ministry of the Church. “But have striving, and discipline that characterize the faithful nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women” Christian’s life always flows from the fixed hope in Christ. (4:7a). In fact, this is a continuation of the previous thought, We do not labor to achieve our salvation, but we work hard presenting the obverse of being “nourished” by the truth. at obedience because we have been brought to life by Christ Paul’s warning to avoid “old wives tales,” as the KJV puts our hope, who died for the sins of all men and redeems it, refers, I think, to the message of the false teachers (the everyone who places their trust in Him. Reinforcing the “myths and endless genealogies” of 1:4) and its spread centrality of this point to the daily life of every believer, around the church at Ephesus by the gossip of certain Paul commands Timothy to “Prescribe and teach these women (5:13). things” (4:11). Paul then contrasts this warning with an admonition We know from other letters (notably Galatians) that to spiritual discipline: “On the other hand, discipline Paul’s authority and apostleship were often questioned by yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline false teachers attempting to discredit the true Gospel by is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all discrediting its messenger. In those cases Paul robustly things, since it holds promise for the present life and also refutes his detractors by appealing to his personal testimony for the life to come” (4:7b-8). and the agreement between his teaching and the Old As full-throated as Paul’s charge to the active Testament. It appears that part of the strategy of the false pursuit of godliness is here, comparing it to physical teachers at Ephesus was to disparage Timothy’s authority in training for warfare or sports (gúmnaze, the root of the a similar way, in this case by claiming he was too young English “gymnasium”), it can be easy for us to zero in on and inexperienced for his position. the hard work of sanctification and forget that the result Paul reaffirms his faith in Timothy and charges him (“godliness”) is not up to us. Remembering the work of to act and teach in such a way that none of the false Christ in bringing us to redemption is crucial, lest we accusations can stick: “Let no one look down on you burden ourselves with an unattainable task. because of your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, As Paul himself put it earlier in the letter, he was love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those “shown mercy” (1:14), “the grace of our Lord was more who believe” (4:12). When it comes to preaching the than abundant” (1:15), he “found mercy, so that…Jesus Gospel, age doesn’t matter. Maturity does, and it is defined Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience” (1:16). His by faith in the truth of God’s Word and work and the choice of terms there reflects the passive nature of discipline to lead others in that same understanding. conversion—it is something God does in us that we respond It seems that Paul intended to come back through to; we do not bring it about ourselves. In this passage, Ephesus at some point, and that he wanted to set the record however, he highlights the responsibility we have to, as he straight on Timothy’s qualification for service. In the says elsewhere, “work out [our] salvation with fear and meantime, however, he encouraged him to continue on with Page 11 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version the faithful work he was already engaged in for the sake of confidence. “Take pains with these things; be absorbed in the church: “Until I come, give attention to the public them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching” (4:13). attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in As the chapter comes to a close, Paul reminds these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation Timothy of his calling, reassuring him in his work and both for yourself and for those who hear you” (4:15-16). He helping to dispel any doubts created by the false teachers’ emphasizes the public and private pursuit of holiness that derision. “Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, characterizes faithful ministry, urging timothy to watch his which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance life and his words for the sake of the Gospel, that both his with the laying on of hands by the presbytery” (4:14). teaching and his example would lead men and women to Timothy was recognized as having a spiritual gift trust in Christ. (charísmatos), likely that of preaching, by a group of elders These are words that everyone who ministers in the (whether in Ephesus or in his hometown), and they Word should take to heart and apply completely, because commissioned him to use that gift to build up the church. the fundamentals of ministry haven’t changed at all since This commissioning is mirrored today in the ordination of Paul first wrote them and they will not change until Christ pastors and missionaries before they begin their formal returns. ministry. Paul once more reinforces his exhortations, with the Justin Lonas is editor of Disciple Magazine for AMG goal that Timothy will continue to discipline himself for International in Chattanooga, Tennessee. godliness and pursue the ministry he had been given with

______Points to Ponder—by David L. Olford

Raising the Next Generation: Directions for Dads and All Parents

Text: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to Paul begins his directions for Christian Fathers with anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the negative and then moves to the positive. the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Thought: The Apostle Paul has addressed I. What Not To Do husbands and wives concerning their mutual responsibilities “Fathers, do not provoke your children to in Ephesians 5:22-31. He has instructed children to obey anger….” This directive is given due to the potential abuse and honor their parents in the preceding section (Eph. 6:1- of authority on the part of fathers and, by implication, all 3). These words in Ephesians 6:4 are obviously directed to parents. Fathers are not to provoke, or stir up anger in a fathers specifically, although it is safe to assume that they child in such a way that deep-seated resentment and are applicable to all parents, and to all who have the discouragement could capture the child’s heart (the responsibility for the well-being and growth of children analogous passage in Colossians 3:21 reads, “Fathers, do under their care. not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged”). What is being addressed in this text is the It is not the one-time or occasional blast of an angry parent responsibility for loving attention, purposeful discipline, that is the main concern here, but the type of constant and and instruction in the Lord. This text does not address every consistent provoking that would get to the heart of a child issue that parents or children will face, but these words of and bring about anger, resentment, and discouragement. the Apostle zero in on the essential need for a commitment Seeing resistance to appropriate obedience does not to Christian child-raising and instruction as a whole. The mean that a parent has done something wrong. That is the stakes are high, because the challenge is real. sinful nature of the child. Rather, Paul is talking about the What we are thinking about is nothing less than our needless and sinful provoking of a child. How can this be part as parents in the spiritual condition of the next done? These words of Scripture warn us against any generation. Let me be very clear that there are no magic training, teaching, or parenting that is offered without the formulas to guarantee easy and effective parenting and framework of authentic love and self-control. perfect results. This is not a commercial for “5 Easy Steps When Paul writes earlier in the same letter about to Trouble-Free Parenting”. Here is the bottom-line as I Christians growing into maturity, he writes of the need to read this Scripture in context: if the next generation is going speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15-16). This is true for to be raised “in the Lord,” then we all need to grow up in parents with their children as well; we should not only Christ and fulfill our God-given responsibilities. speak in love but do all things with the love of the Lord. We need the love and self-control that are the fruit of a Page 12 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version

Spirit-filled life (Eph. 5:18). In short, we need to grow up in It starts with learning (2 Tim. 2:1-2, “the things Christ and seek the enabling grace and love through His you have heard from me…”). We must be learning as Spirit to remove any barriers between us and our children parents in order to teach what we have learned! so that we can be a blessing to our kids. It continues with showing by your own example. You cannot overestimate the importance of a good example. II. What To Do This starts by being with your children or having them with “… but bring them up in the discipline and you. What they see is what they will do. That should instruction of the Lord.” This will call for: challenge us if not scare us, as we think about the examples 1) Personal Attention. As opposed to doing those we should be setting for our children. things that cause anger, discouragement and lack of growth, Next comes teaching; you need to plan to teach we are (first of all) called to care for and nurture our your children from the Word of God. Reading the Word of children in every way that pleases the Lord. This nurturing God together, talking about the Word of God and praying and caring for children calls for training or discipline (in the together are important habits. Teach them their need of the fullest sense of the word) and instruction. Lord and the fundamentals of the Gospel that they might 2) Purposeful Education. The real focus here is on truly be born again into God’s family. Teach them to love that type of training and discipline that will help a child the Word of God. Teach them to pray. Teach them to trust grow up in the knowledge and ways of the Lord. God and depend on the Holy Spirit. Teach them to love 3) Correction (see Prov. 6:20-23; 13:1; 24; Heb. people and talk about Jesus. Teach, teach, teach! 12:5-11). We love our children, but we recognize that they We need to be telling our own stories about how have a sinful nature, and need discipline in order to live as God has worked and is working in our own lives. We need the Lord would have them live. We need to remember that to let our children know about our own faith journey, and we have a heavenly father who disciplines and instructs us why we have made the commitments and the decisions we as His children, and ultimately He is our model. (Heb. have made. 12:5b-7, 11) Playing builds relationships and also gives To refuse to discipline sinful attitudes, actions, or opportunities to learn in different ways. words is to stunt the growth of a child. Not to correct a Monitoring other influences that are impacting child in the Lord is to fail in a responsibility given by the your children is critically important as you seek to help Lord. Abuses in discipline can be avoided by parents them grow up in Christ. Whether it is friends, school, “growing up” in love, by praying first, by making sure that media, or other influences, you have a right to know and they both are united in the discipline, and by expressing protect. Allowing key people in the family or in the church love no matter what the specific act of discipline is. (Prov. to add to your children’s spiritual growth positively is also 6:20-23, 13:1, 24). Pray for wisdom. Pray for love. Pray for very important. You and I don’t know it all or model it all, the strength and fairness to discipline your children to obey, but others can add to and fill the gaps. to learn to hate what the Lord hates and to love what the What is the goal in all this? The same as God’s goal Lord loves. Decide on methods of discipline that are framed for all of us: maturity or Christ-likeness, which brings glory with helpful explanation of the wrong and the right to God. behavior that you are encouraging. Thrust: We need to embrace the call and the Discipline should not be thought of as just dealing challenge to raise the next generation “in the Lord.” In with wrong behavior. Right behavior, good attitudes, order to help our children grow up, we need to do the same. appropriate words, and helpful acts need to be encouraged Specifically, we need to walk in wisdom (Eph. 5:15-17), and affirmed. Watch out for just pointing out the wrong and depend upon the control of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18). without pointing out the right. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that the fruit 4) Instruction. Ultimately, we as fathers and of the Spirit will dominate our lives and we will be able to parents are responsible for the education of our children. walk the walk, and walk the talk, and then talk the walk. This should cause us to pray, to plan, and to participate in the growth of our children. How do you instruct your David L. Olford teaches expository preaching at Union children? Ultimately, this is instruction from God’s Word University’s Stephen Olford Center in Memphis, and based upon God’s Word (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Tennessee. Page 13 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version

______The Story behind the Song—by Lindsay Terry

In a Rented House in Mobile Song: “Ancient of Days”

“For it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every ‘Ancient of Days’ in about an hour and then made a knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall give praise to demonstration tape of it in my home studio. God’”(Rom. 14:11). “The next Sunday, I was scheduled to sing at the Jamie Harvill and Gary Sadler consider their song church where Jamie was attending. Gerrit Gustafson, the “Ancient of Days” to be a gift from God. music director of the church, was also employed in the Gary Sadler was born in 1954 in Farmville, creative department of Integrity Music, headquartered in Virginia. He was classically trained in piano and grew up in Mobile. Gerrit wanted to hear what I was planning to sing, a home where the rules for practice were strictly enforced, so I sang and played the songs for him and he loved them. sometimes to Gary’s annoyance. But when he was fifteen, “On the way out, Jamie said to me, ‘Since Gerrit his parents gave him a guitar. “That,” he said, “opened up a loves your songs, why don’t you let him hear “Ancient of whole new world for me. I fell in love with music, Days”? Maybe we could get some feedback from him.’ So I including the piano again. played it for him, and he said, ‘This is just the kind of song Gary was raised in a Christian home but admits he we’re looking for at Integrity! We need a song for Ron did not fully understand that there was a lifestyle attached Kenoly. He’s recording a new album, and this would be to it. “I was twenty-two years old,” he said, “before I really great for him. May I take it to the creative meeting?’” became a Christian.” Gary and Jamie found out in just a few days later Jamie Harvill, born in 1960 in Fullerton, California, that Integrity had decided to use “Ancient of Days.” In a and became a Christian when he was fourteen at a New Life short time, Kenoly’s album Lift Him Up had successfully Youth Crusade Bible study. “I saw the reality of God,” he helped to launch this wonderful worship song. Gary gives said, “and was introduced to praise and worship that same God the credit not only for the song but also for the perfect night.” Jamie is a graduate of the University of Mobile in timing surrounding the presentation of it to Integrity Music Mobile, Alabama. and the changes it made in his life. “I had never in fourteen Jamie recalls meeting Gary for the first time in years of writing sent a tape to a publisher,” he said, “but North Carolina while visiting his parents. “I met him at a because of this song, Integrity signed me as a writer the church just down the street from my dad’s house,” he said. following year.” Jamie has also enjoyed a good relationship “I had already heard that he was very talented. The next with the company, and he and Gary have gotten together time I returned, I invited him and his family to come to many times to write since that evening in the little rented Mobile for a visit so we could try writing some songs house in Mobile. together.” You and I can only be strong in the Lord as we A few months later, Gary’s family made the trip surrender our all to the Ancient of Days, the One to whom down to the Harvill’s small, rented home in Mobile. every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He Conditions were crowded in the little dwelling, but Gary is Lord. and Jamie’s co-writing venture began that first night with “Ancient of Days.” The song was born out of an idea given © 2008 by Lindsay Terry. Used by permission. in Daniel 7:22: “Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High ....” Lindsay Terry has been a song historian for more than 40 Gary recalls the writing process. “We got a start on years, and has written widely on the background of great some lyrics that night but didn’t finish them. I continued hymns and worship songs including the books I Could Sing playing keyboard and found a Caribbean rhythm that gave of Your Love Forever (2008), from which this piece is me an idea for the song. excerpted, and The Sacrifice of Praise (2002). “The next morning I showed Jamie my idea, and we both felt that there was merit in it for this song. We finished Page 14 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version

______Church Builders—by Bernard R. DeRemer

Robert Moffat: African Missionary Pioneer

Robert Moffat (1795-1883), born in East Lothian, Moffat spent 1839-43 on leave in England furthering the Scotland, showed religious inclinations from, a very early cause of missions in Africa. At this time, Livingstone was age. His formal education was meager (until 1814, he was inspired by Moffat to go to the dark continent; what a employed as a gardener), but after his conversion he mighty ministry was his. became interested in missions. In 1870 the aged missionaries returned to England. When he first applied to the London Missionary Edinburgh University honored him with a Doctor of Society he was refused because he lacked education. After Divinity degree. special instruction, he was accepted, and, after a period of While on the field he translated the Bible and other service at a farm near Manchester, England, sent to Cape books (notably, The Pilgrim’s Progress) into Bechuanese, Town, South Africa. There he was thrust “into the center of authored a hymn book, and wrote two books: Labors and several cannibalistic tribes.” Scenes in South Africa and Rivers of Water in a Dry Place. Next year he set out for Namaqualand, the home Moffat declared, “I have seen, at different times, region of the notorious outlaw chief known as Afrikaner. the smoke of a thousand villages...whose people are without To everyone’s surprise “he won the dreaded outlaw to Christ, without God, and without hope in the world.” This Christ.” Afrikaner died soon after, but the story of his simple statement must have mightily challenged many to conversion “has been a vibrant testimony of the work of consider the claims of Christ and the call of missions. grace on the mission field.” On August 9, 1883, the venerable old missionary In 1819, Moffat’s fiancée, Mary Smith (whom he died at Leigh in Southeastern England. “…Well done, thou had met in England) came from London to become his wife good and faithful servant…” (Matt. 25:21). and helper. The following year, they left Cape Town and set up mission stations in Griquatown (where their daughter Bernard R. DeRemer chronicled the lives of dozens Mary, who grew up to marry David Livingstone, was born), of heroes of the faith in more than a decade of writing for and Kuruman, where they lived for many years among the Pulpit Helps Magazine. He continues to serve in this Bechuana tribes. In all, the Moffats had 10 children, 8 of capacity as a volunteer contributor to Disciple. He lives in whom survived to adulthood and distinguished themselves West Liberty, Ohio. in missionary work and government. During his time in Kuruman, Moffat spent a great Reference: Who Was Who in Church History, by Elgin S. deal of time exploring neighboring areas and documenting Moyer; excerpts used by permission of Moody Publishers. his cultural findings for the Royal Geographical Society. Wikipedia, “Robert Moffat”.

______Counselor’s Corner—by James Rudy Gray

Moving On

In just over two months, my wife and I are In Philippians 3:13-14 Paul wrote, “Brethren, I do expecting to be grandparents for the first time. It is a not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one precious time, and it can’t get here soon enough for us! It thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching seems like just a couple of years ago we were having forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for children. Time moves on. Life moves on. As God’s people, the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” we must be continually moving on spiritually. The Christian life is like a marathon race, and we In 1950 Hank Snow had the number one song in need markers or goals along the course to show us the right country music, “I’m Moving On.” Forrest Gump said, “My way. Jesus is the goal. We talk about following Jesus, and mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you this is exactly what Paul is saying. The upward call begins before you can move on.” Helen Keller said, “When one when we are saved and is consummated when we meet our door closes, another opens. But often we look so long, so Lord in heaven. Between conversion and heaven, we run regretfully, upon the closed door, that we fail to see the one the race that is set before us. How? Keep moving on. The that is opened for us.” Greek scholar, A.T. Robertson wrote, “The goal (i.e., Phil. Page 15 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version

3:14) continually moves forward as we press on, but never very powerful and can be highly motivating and out of sight.” encouraging for a person who really hears it. We are always maturing and never reach full Recently, I preached a message on “Move On.” I maturity this side of heaven. Martin Luther said, “The was surprised at the number of people who contacted me Christian life is more one of taking than having. It is more after the service or during the week to tell me that was one of becoming pious than being pious.” Every child of exactly what they needed. Some were depressed and others God is called to move on. How? We must have the right were discouraged. Most of them simply just wanted to quit. priority (Matt. 6:33). We must live a consistent walk of God used His Word to help them and encourage them to faith (Luke 9:62). We must concentrate (Heb. 12:2). In fact, move on. It has been refreshing to see the renewed energy the Christian life is more about focus than effort. Finally, and enthusiasm in their walk. we must live with the right motive (1 Cor. 10:31). Wherever you are in your life, keep moving on by It is so easy to get discouraged, become distracted, focusing on Christ our Lord. He is the goal marker (Phil. or lose motivation. Our energy is simply not enough to run 3:14) and He will always be in front of us, leading us the race. God’s Spirit supplies us with more than enough through difficulty and guiding us into His purpose and will. strength (John 10:10), but we must focus on Him so we can As Christians, we are followers of the One who leads us. move on. We move on in life by following Him. When pastors, counselors, etc., are called on to counsel people, we often encounter people who simply do James Rudy Gray is certified as a professional counselor by not want to move on. They are stuck. They may have the National Board for Certified Counselors, and is a symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other issues. It is member of the American Association of Christian difficult to give advice to someone who is hurting and does Counselors. He serves as the pastor of Utica Baptist Church not want to work through the hurt at the time. Don’t in Seneca, S.C. pressure anyone. However, the message of moving on is

______Book Review—6/25/12

Editor’s Note: As we sometimes do, in this issue, One of the greatest social tragedies of our day is the due to a recent influx of books (but in the absence of time underperformance of marriage—not only marriages that and energy to read them all in depth) we are offering brief end in divorce, but also those which, while remaining overviews of several noteworthy recent releases in lieu of “intact,” become painfully strained and emotionally scarred. our usual full reviews. Surely there must be hope for something better, for something more. With profound insight and vivid Inerrancy and Worldview: Answering Modern Challenges illustrations, pastor and marriage counselor Savage helps us to the Bible, Vern Sheridan Poythress, 2012, Crossway, to realize the unlimited potential of marriage—to discover Wheaton, Ill., ISBN 9781433523878, 272 pages, $17.99, how the glory of God can infuse our relationships, increase softcover. our joy, and make us bright lights in a troubled world.

Though the Bible presents a personal and relational Kingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological God, popular modern worldviews portray an impersonal Understanding of the Covenants, Peter J. Gentry and divine force in a purely material world. Readers influenced Stephen J. Wellum, 2012, Crossway, Wheaton, Ill., ISBN by this competing worldview hold assumptions about 9781433514647, 848 pages, $45.00, hardcover. fundamental issues—like the nature of humanity, evil, and the purpose of life—that present profound obstacles to Many theological discussions come to an impasse understanding the Bible. In Inerrancy and Worldview, when parties align behind either covenant theology or Poythress offers the first worldview-based defense of dispensationalism. But Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum scriptural inerrancy, showing how worldview differences now propose a significant biblical theology of the covenants create or aggravate most perceived difficulties with the that avoids the extremes of both classical systems and holds Bible. the potential to break the theological impasse. By incorporating the latest available research from the ancient No Ordinary Marriage: Together for God’s Glory, Tim Near East and examining implications of their work for Savage, 2012, Crossway, Wheaton, Ill., ISBN Christology, ecclesiology, eschatology, and hermeneutics, 9781433530333, 192 pages, $14.99, softcover. Gentry and Wellum present a thoughtful and viable Page 16 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version alternative to both covenant theology and practical, everyday, ongoing missions designed to set dispensationalism. people free from lives headed for hopelessness.

Transformational Discipleship: How People Really Grow, Prophetic Preaching: The Preacher’s Toolbox (Book 1), Eric Geiger, Michael Kelley, and Philip Nation, 2012 B&H Craig Brian Larson, editor, 2012, Hendrickson Publishers, Publishing, Nashville, Tenn., ISBN 9781433678547, 240 Peabody, Mass., ISBN 9781598567045, 160 pages, $14.99, pages, $14.99, softcover. softcover.

A Christian’s desire to grow in faith is beautiful and The first book in Hendrickson’s new Preacher’s biblical, best illustrated in Jeremiah 17 where Scripture Toolbox series brings together group of pastors who share describes “The man who trusts in the LORD” as being “like their understanding of prophetic preaching as well as their a tree planted by water…It will not worry in a year of skills. The book is divided into two sections, The Calling of drought or cease producing fruit.” But how do people Prophetic Preaching and The Craft of Prophetic Preaching, really grow? Transformational Discipleship describes the which deliver clear themes and practical takeaways on the process that brings to life that kind of person described in art of preaching prophetically. Speaking with grace and the Bible. There’s no magic formula or mantra to recite authority, preachers such as Francis Chan, Mark Buchanan, here, but rather a substantive measure of research with John Ortberg, Mark Driscoll, Timothy Keller, and Anne churches and individuals who have wholeheartedly Graham Lotz offer Biblical and personal messages on answered the call of Jesus to make disciples. prophetic preaching while addressing commonly held questions. Subversive Kingdom: Living as Agents of Gospel Transformation, Ed Stetzer, 2012, B&H Publishers, Inspirational Preaching: The Preacher’s Toolbox (Book Nashville, Tenn., ISBN 9781433673825, 256 pages, 2), Craig Brian Larson, editor, 2012, Hendrickson $14.99, softcover. Publishers, Peabody, Mass., ISBN 9781598568592, 176 pages, $14.99, softcover. Subversive Kingdom is a personal call for Christians to reorient their thinking and lifestyle to match In this second book of the Preacher’s what Jesus described of His people in Scripture, while Toolbox series, many of today’s Christian leaders offer teaming up with other believers through their churches to advice on Inspirational Preaching that will motivate and bring light into a dying and darkening culture. Stetzer uses encourage readers to deliver more effective and the parables of Christ to unlock the “kingdom secrets” that inspirational sermons. Teachers like John Piper, Brian bring this mysterious concept within understandable reach, Wilkerson, Gordon MacDonald and John Ortberg offer while urging Christians to turn this knowledge into guidance and instruction from both personal and Biblical perspectives.

______News Update—6/25/12

India: Hindu Extremists Severely Beat Christians The government is providing security to the with Flashlights victims, who are being kept in isolation in the hospital and Forty armed Hindu radicals in India barged into the are not allowed to see visitors. ICC confirmed that many home of a convert from Hinduism to Christianity on June 9 believers in Manesor’s village have fled persecution to go to forcibly re-convert him, International Christian to safe places. Their houses were broken into, cattle were Concern reports. stolen and belongings were destroyed or looted. Christian convert Manesor Rabha had been living “While we are encouraged that the government is in hiding, aware that there was a threat on his life for his actively working to protect these victims, it is imperative conversion. His home was being protected by two fellow that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Corey believers, Michael Rabha and Prashanto Rabha. The Bailey, ICC regional manager for Asia. “Unfortunately, extremists took the two men, along with Manesor’s wife, more often than not, the radicals operate with impunity.” Mala, to the village club house, where they interrogated Religion Today Summaries them and told them to recant their faith. When they refused, the extremists beat them severely with large flashlights. All Research Shows Growing Republican, Democratic three sustained serious injuries, Prashanto left barely ‘God Gap’ breathing, and were taken to the hospital. Page 17 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version

A new report by the Pew Research Center shows Religion Today Summaries more evidence of a growing religious divide between Republicans and Democrats, the Christian Post reports. For the last 20 years, election exit polls have shown Rev. Fred Luter Elected First African-American that those who attend religious services frequently are more Southern Baptist President likely to vote Republican, while those who attend less Fred Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist frequently, or are nonreligious, have been more likely to Church in New Orleans, was elected president of the vote for Democrats—a split sometimes called the “God Southern Baptist Convention June 19, the first African- gap.” American to hold the post, Baptist Press reports. Republicans and Democrats used to be nearly David Crosby, pastor of First Baptist Church in identical in their belief in the existence of God, but New Orleans, nominated Luter and previously said the Democrats have seen a steady decline over the past decade. election would send “a great, hopeful, powerful message to While 92 percent of Republicans in 2012 say they never our city, our culture, our convention and our country.” doubt the existence of God, compared with 91 percent in Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue since 1986, 1987, the proportion of Democrats saying they never doubt became the SBC’s first African-American first vice the existence of God has dropped 11 percentage points president in 2011, and in 2001 was the first African- since 1987 to 77 percent in 2012. American to preach the convention sermon. Some observers Religion Today Summaries felt it was appropriate that Luter’s election took place on the day many celebrate Juneteenth, the anniversary of Police Chaplains Told to Stop Mentioning Jesus slavery’s end in the United States. Volunteer chaplains in North Carolina’s Charlotte- Religion Today Summaries Mecklenburg Police Department will no longer be allowed to invoke the name of Jesus in prayers at public events held Study: Fatherhood Good for Men on government property, Fox News reports. While many studies have shown that a father’s Pastor Terry Sartain, who has “prayed in the name involvement improves a child’s well-being, newer research of Jesus” for the seven years he has ministered to police finds that fatherhood affects the men, too, USA TODAY officers and their families, was scheduled to give an reports. invocation at a promotion ceremony, but received a phone “We’re finding that [fatherhood] does have mental call from his superior major before the event telling him he health, well-being and actual physical health benefits,” says could no longer use the name of Jesus. The police David DeGarmo, a research scientist at the Oregon Social department wanted him to deliver a “secular prayer,” he Learning Center. said. DeGarmo is lead author of a 2010 study that found “Even when I wasn’t a Christian—in my past—I when a father was more involved with his kids, “he had didn’t even know what a secular prayer was.” Sartain said better health, drank less and had lower substance use.” the decision put him in a difficult position—“You don’t Other recent findings have shown that “fatherhood prompts want to compromise your faith…[but] at the same time you men to be less self-centered, more giving and more want to honor those who are in charge over you”—so he outward-focused,” says Richard Settersten, Jr., professor of asked the police department to withdraw his name from human development and family sciences at Oregon State consideration for future public prayers. University. “I’m very sad about it,” he said. “Christians for the “It can prompt them to be more responsible and most part are targeted in these days that we exist in.” become more mature, especially to temper some of their According to Major John Diggs, who oversees the chaplain risks.” He says involved fathering promotes “more positive program, the policy is a “matter of respecting that people attachments and relationships.” may have different faiths” and is “not aimed at any one Religion Today Summaries religion or denomination.”

______Sermon Helps—from www.sermonhall.com

Sermon Outlines III. The Call from the Regions Below (Luke 16:27-28) The Call of Missions IV. The Call from the Regions Within (Jer. 20:9) Croft M. Pentz I. The Call to the Regions Beyond (1 Cor. 10:16) II. The Call to the Regions Above (Mark 16:15) Page 18 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version

Three Men, Three Crosses faster than misconduct. People are watching. Paul wrote: Luke 23 “You are our letter, known and read of all men. You are known to be the letter of Christ” (2 Cor. 3:2-3). I. Sarcasm—Cross of Doubt v. 37: “If thou be the king The facets of a diamond gather and reflect light of the Jews” for the purpose of giving brilliance to the stone. A A. Doubt—”If” shows lack of faith. disciple of Christ has six distinct facets for giving B. Degradation—The thieves dying for their brilliance to the Cornerstone and Rock of our salvation: sins, Christ dying for our sins! Our thoughts (which lead to actions), our looks, our C. Damnation—The doubtful thief didn’t trust speech, our attitude, our expressions, and our behavior. Christ. Wayne Nix II. Sincere—Cross of Faith v. 42: “Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom” A. Respect—Note the thief called Him “Lord.” Bulletin Inserts B. Repentance—The thief showed his General Bulletin Inserts repentance. He who controls not his youth will not enjoy his old C. Reception—Christ accepted the repentant age. thief. III. Savior—Cross of Pardon v. 43. One minute of keeping your mouth shut is worth an A. Promise of heaven (John 14:1-6). hour’s explanation. B. People of heaven (2 Cor. 5:17, Matt. 5:8). C. Peace of heaven (Rev. 21:4, 20:1-3). You have never tested God’s resources until you have Croft M. Pentz attempted the impossible.

Illustration Do what good you can today, you may not be here If It’s Doubtful, It’s Dirty tomorrow. A boy getting dressed for school. He called to his mother who was in the adjoining room. “Mom, is this Three thoughts on conversation: Is it true? Is it kind? Is shirt dirty?” it necessary? Without so much as looking she replied, “Yes, it’s dirty. Get a clean one.” When he had dressed he Give every man your ear, but few your mouth. entered his mother’s room and inquired how she knew the shirt was dirty when she had not even looked at it. When God bolts the door don’t try to get through the “If it had been clean,” she replied, “you would window. have known it and would not have asked me. Remember These seven Anonymous son, if it’s doubtful, it’s dirty.” In this little incident there is a sermon. It applies Life is a voyage that is homeward bound. to all of us who flirt with temptation and seek approval Herman Melville of others for the things we desire to do. In many cases in our Christian living, if it looks doubtful, you better leave No matter what happens, there’s always someone who it alone. knew it would. Anonymous You had better check up before you check out. Behave Yourself These two via The Old Union Reminder “Behave yourself!” These were the last words my mother would say when she left me somewhere, and Put your finger on a promise that God has made to man she was dead serious: I was to make myself behave that He hasn’t kept, and then we will talk about not properly. believing Him. “Exemplary” means serving as a worthy model D. L. Moody or example. Nothing will kill your witness as a Christian

______Puzzles and ‘Toons Page 19 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version

Church ‘Toons by Joe McKeever

Answers to last issue’s puzzles:

Father Abraham and Hidden Wisdom By Mark Oshman Originally published in Pulpit Helps, December 1995 Hidden Wisdom on next page Page 20 Disciple Magazine, Vol. 4, #12, 6/25/2012—Printer-Friendly Version

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