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9-1-1993 Preacher's Magazine Volume 69 Number 01 Randal E. Denny (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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A NEW LOOK AT JUSTIFICATION

TRANSLATING THE LANGUAGE OF THEOLOGY

JESUS PREACHED DIRECTLY

HURTING PARENTS (People today need to have their faith reinforcedj they need to have their hope renewed, and they need to have their Cove restored\

— ‘-Riek 9v(c‘Danief u EDITORIAL RESTORING GENTLY r- o ' ^tot, "2 ■£} by Randal E. Denny A C -5 ^ Spokane, Wash. 93 O 1b

± he church has been accused of hurts, it should bring no joy to the is in the wrong” (v. 1, TLB). The shooting its own wounded. other members. Greek word for “humility” or “meek­ However, I witnessed the op­ Let the church family resist the urge ness” is not a sissy, weak word. It de­ Tposite today. A group of ordainedto el­ reveal the hurting one who has scribes “power under control.” A doc­ ders to which I belong has brought a stumbled. When Noah got drunk and tor setting a broken bone restores brother through the process of stretched out naked on the ground, gently. He doesn’t use a crowbar or a restoration. Appropriate disciplines his son, Ham, laughed at his father’s pipe wrench. He uses power under guided him back to a place of whole­ error. But the other two sons took a control. In restoring a brother, if we ness. He willingly submitted to his garment, backed into his tent, and cov­ lack humility—power under con­ peers. His passage progressed through ered Noah. “Love covers a multitude trol—we may hurt him even more. stages of repentance, loneliness, sub­ of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8, NASB)—it doesn’t Jesus emphasized, “Treat others as missiveness, emotional and spiritual rejoice in revealing them. you want them to treat you. This is healing, and loving guidance by a su­ Let the church family resist re­ what the Law and the Prophets are all perior officer and the gentle, caring sponding with rejection. Instead, Paul about” (Matt. 7:12, CEV). touch of a loving pastor. As the elders says, “Restore him gently.” The Greek “I could have sinned too; it could prayed with words of encouragement, word for “restore” describes a doctor have been me who fell or stumbled.” I felt the delight of seeing restoration setting a broken bone. When a broth­ If you can admit that, you will restore made complete. My brother in the er stumbles and falls, it’s like having a the person who has stumbled—with Lord hugged me, letting me sense the bone broken. It needs to be reset ten­ humility and gentleness. intimacy of his deep joy in that em­ derly. Fishermen used the word to de­ “That could never happen to me! I brace. Restoration is beautiful—a pro­ scribe “mending their nets.” If nets would never do such a thing!” If you found celebration of God’s grace. aren’t mended, you can’t use them think like that, you will probably hurt Paul wrote, “You obey the law of successfully. You will lose a lot the one who needs to be restored Christ when you offer each other a through the broken places. I wonder gently. You will never be able to re­ helping hand” (Gal. 6:2, CEV). He how many we let slip through the store a fallen brother until you gain a said that in the context of restoring a cracks because we failed to restore deep sense of your own unworthi­ Christian brother who has been those who stumbled and fell! ness to be called a child of God. Paul tempted and failed. Paul urges the Second, we should carry one an­ wrote, “At one time we too were Christian family to assume responsi­ other’s burdens out of love. Paul said, foolish, disobedient, deceived and en­ bility to help him bear that heavy bur­ “Carry each other’s burdens, and in slaved by all kinds of passions and den. Three principles guide us in car­ this way you will fulfill the law of pleasures. . . . But when the kindness rying the burden with someone who Christ” (v. 2). What is the law of and love of God our Savior appeared, has stumbled and fallen. Christ? Jesus said, “A new command I he saved us, not because of righteous First, we should carry one anoth­ give you: Love one another” (John things we had done, but because of er’s burdens in order to restore. Paul 13:34). Restoration is a family matter: his mercy” (Titus 3:3-5). instructed, “Brothers, if someone is “Therefore, as we have opportunity, A little child strayed away. A search caught in a sin, you who are spiritual let us do good to all people, especial­ was organized, but after two days, should restore him gently” (Gal. 6:1). ly to those who belong to the family the child was not found. Finally A carpenter who has hit his thumb of believers” (Gal. 6:10). If we love searchers joined hands and walked with a hammer gets very protective our fallen brother, we can carry his carefully through the open fields so of that injured member. He grabs that burden and help restore him gently. that no area would be overlooked. sore thumb and sticks it in his mouth. Third, we should carry one anoth­ They came upon the dead body of Other fingers curl around that injured er’s burdens with genuine humility. the child. When the mother received member to help ease the pain. His Paul said, “You who are godly should her dead baby, she cried out, “Why feet head for an ice pack or cold wa­ gently and humbly help him back on­ didn’t you join hands sooner?” ter. His tongue and lips form sympa­ to the right path, remembering that We are family. Couldn’t we join thetic sounds! When one member next time it might be one of you who hands to help a fallen brother? ■

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 1 EDITORIAL MAGAZINE Restoring Gently 1 Volume 69 Number 1 Randal E. Denny September/October/November 1993 Editor THEOLOGY Randal E. Denny

Assistant Editor A New Look at Justification 4 Cindy Osso H. Ray Dunning Consulting Editors Bill M. Sullivan Translating the Language of Theology 8 Director of Larry R. Hughes Church Growth Division Church of the Nazarene Can Reading Contemporary Theology Wilbur W. Brannon Director of 12 Pastoral Ministries Make a Difference? Church of the Nazarene Henry W. Spaulding II Norman G. Wilson General Editor Worship and Sacraments 16 The Wesleyan Church Kent E. Brower Contributing Editors General Superintendents One Person’s View of Emerging Trends Church of the Nazarene Eugene L. Stowe in Church Music 21 Jerald D. Johnson John A. Knight Joe Seaborn Raymond W. Hurn William J. Prince Donald D. Owens PREACHING General Superintendents The Wesleyan Church Jesus Preached Directly 26 Earle L. Wilson Lee Haines Morris Chalfant H. C. Wilson Superintendents Faith 27 Evangelical Friends Church Bonnie K. Hallman Stanley Perisho Maurice Roberts John P. Williams, Jr. Howard E. Harmon PASTORAL CARE General Superintendent Churches of Christ Helping People Avoid Bereavement Mistakes 28 in Christian Union Dan Tipton Victor M. Parachin General Conference Secretary Brethren in Christ Church R. Donald Shafer EVANGELISM

Cover Photo: Anthony Beaverson The Bible and Cross-cultural Ministries 30 All unidentified Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version* (NlV). Copyright © Steven Kasambalis 1973,1978,1984 by International Bible Society. Used by per­ mission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Quotations from the following versions are used by MINISTER’S MATE permission: The Amplified Bible (Amp.). The Amplified Old Testa­ ment, copyright © 1962, 1964 by Zondervan Publishing We’re Moving Again 33 House. The Amplified New Testament. © 1958 by the Lockman Foundation. Carol McGarry The American Standard Version (ASV). copyright 1929 by International Council of Religious Education. The Contemporary English Version (CEV), copyright © Thoughts on an Empty Nest 34 1992 by Thomas Nelson. The New American Standard Bible (NASB), © The Diana Cox Lockm an Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968. 1971, 1972,1973, 1975, 1977. The New Testament in Modern English (Phillips), Re­ vised Edition © J. B. Phillips, 1958, 1960, 1972. By permis­ PASTOR. BE ENCOURAGED sion of the Macmillan Publishing Co. The Revised Standard Version of the Bible (RSV), copyrighted 1946,1952,© 1971, 1973. Do the Best You Can 35 The Living Bible (TLB), © 1971 by Tyndale House Pub­ lishers, Wheaton, III. C. Neil Strait King James Version (KJV). The Preacher's Magazine Is published quarterly by Bea­ con Hill Press o f Kansas City, 2923 Troost Ave., Kansas PASTOR’S PERSONAL GROWTH City, MO 64109. Editorial offices a t 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. Address all correspondence con­ cerning subscriptions to your denominational publishing Hurting Parents 36 house. Copyright 1993 by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, Canadian GST No. R129017471. Andrew and Rachel Hanners

2 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE PASTOR’S PROFESSIONAL GROWTH Pastoring Our Town 38 Bob Johnson

TODAY’S BOOKS FOR TODAY’S PREACHERS 39 CHURCH ADMINISTRATION How Does Your Church Select Its Leaders? 40 Velva Lorenz Prayer for a Church Board Meeting 41 Preacher's John Hay, Jr. Exchange

STEWARDSHIP FOR SALE: Parsonage or Housing Allowance? 42 Complete set, 1909 edition of The Biblical Illustrator. Some bindings Board o f Pensions and Benefits USA worn. Make me an offer. o f the Church o f the Nazarene CONTACT: Barry J. Beverage HOLINESS HERITAGE 2347 Wisconsin S.W. Life-Shortening Soul Passion—James B. Chapman 44 Huron, SD 57350 605-352-8111 J. Ray Shadowens

HINDERING HANG-UPS WANTED: I would like to locate a copy of Dr. The Hang-up of Overcaution 46 R. T. Williams’ book on Attitudes and Relations, published many years ago. Raymond C. Kratzer I believe that it was republished dur­ ing the early PALCON days. I would CHRISTIAN HOLIDAYS be happy to obtain either the old or new copy. Thanksgiving Praise Service 48 PLEASE CONTACT: Betty B. Robertson Charles C. Powers 5100 Cherrywood Dr. CHURCH GROWTH REVISITED Nashville, TN 37211 615-833-7749 Simeon Searsites 49 L. Wayne Sears

CHAPLAINCY Ministry Opportunities in Law Enforcement 50 Wally Johnston

ARK ROCKER Pastoral Interview 52

WORSHIP AND PREACHING HELPS 53 W. Donald Wellman

Authors should address all articles and correspondence to Editor, The Preacher's Magazine, 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane, WA 99206. Self-addressed, stamped envelopes should accompany all manuscripts.

SEPTEMBERAXrrOBER/NOVEMBER 3 Theolo

A ” %f New Look at Justification

by H. R ay Dunning Nashville

ne o f the central salvation The quotation above reflects the tion. Even though he precisely identi­ metaphors used by Christian fact that the doctrine of justification fied the difference between the two theology is “justification.” It has been interpreted in two major (he defined justification as a relative Oplays a less prominent role inways, the partly as a result of a semantic change and sanctification as a real New Testament than in the history of debate. Does the original term mean change), in application he wrestled to Western Christian thought, since it “to declare holy” or “to make holy”? keep them separate. A careful reading appears almost exclusively in Romans Although I am not equipped to enter of his sermon on “The Lord Our Righ­ and Galatians with minimal attention into this linguistic debate, we may teousness” reveals a subtle sliding elsewhere. The preoccupation of note later that, when rightly under­ back and forth between the two ideas theologians in the Western church stood theologically and biblically, as he attempted to avoid the fallacies with this metaphor, especially since both meanings may be valid, and the of each position. the Protestant Reformation, has thus debate could dissolve into thin air. We are more fortunate, since the been considerably out of proportion In the Protestant wing of the Chris­ advance of biblical studies in our day to scriptural emphasis. While there tian church, the preponderance of has discerned more clearly the bibli­ are historical and cultural .reasons for sympathy has held it as meaning “to cal background for the term and this, it still remains that the history of declare holy.” As the theologian says, made possible an understanding that theologizing about salvation in the this means it is a forensic term. But avoids all the pitfalls Wesley sensed in West has revolved around the at­ the Catholic view tends to see it as the prevailing interpretations. (See tempt to understand this metaphor. “making holy.” The result is two anti­ note 9.) In recent years it has emerged in the thetical ways of interpreting justifica­ The fundamental fallacy of the tra­ forefront of theological discussion tion. ditional views hangs on a simple er­ due to the fact that this doctrine still For our purposes it is important to ror. Almost any popular treatment of stands as one of the major differences note that John Wesley was unhappy justification will state that the between Catholic and Protestant the­ with both these proposed interpreta­ metaphor is derived from the law- ology. The concern for ecumenical di­ tions and struggled with them. But, court. In a word it is declared to be a alogue has been the catalyst for this unfortunately, he could not find a legal term.3 From that point the path new interest in the topic.' way through the impasse he felt. In leads in a diverging direction from The work of Karl Barth has been a fact, the absence of a solution to his biblical faith and eventually results in major factor in the present discus­ dilemma resulted in a bit of confusion a lopsided teaching. The courtroom sion. This has been intensified by the in his discussions of the subject. He thus becomes the point of departure claim of Roman Catholic theologian was quite clear in what it did not for interpreting both the Atonement Hans Kung that, with Barth, the dif­ mean, but when he attempted to ex­ and the divine-human relation. ference between Protestant thought plain what it did mean, he had diffi­ Theologians have, from the begin­ and the contemporary Catholic un­ culty distinguishing it from sanctifica­ ning, recognized that “justification” is derstanding has disappeared, and the really a derivative of the more basic reason for the Reformation no longer term, “righteousness.” It could more exists. However, A. E. McGrath has properly be called “righteousfica- pointed out that Kung has been too tion,” but that’s awfully awkward. selective in his research, and the ma­ The same development just referred jor disagreement still stands. “For to follows from misinterpreting “righ­ Barth, [man s] righteousness is always teousness” in this context as legal or alien, outside man; the Western ethical righteousness and thus rein­ Catholic tradition, as a whole, insists forcing the courtroom mentality. As that man becomes righteous in justifi­ we shall see, it is a far more personal cation.”2 concept than this.

4 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE h i m In order to see the significance of most stringent implications, but that times. He does attempt to get out of the more biblical (and derivatively God accepts one “as i f ’ he were righ­ the muddle by seeking to rehabilitate Wesleyan*) understanding, we need teous in terms of an “alien righteous­ the ideas of imputed and imparted to review in more detail the two ma­ ness." This simply means that the eth­ righteousness. But these concepts jor ways in which justification has ical righteousness of Christ is simply assume one or the other of the been interpreted in the history of accounted to the believer. Luther’s fa­ traditional views. Standard Protestant Christian thought. As noted above, mous formula (simul, justus, pecca- textbooks spend much time distin­ the history of the doctrine of justifica­ tore, meaning the believer is simulta­ guishing between these and arguing tion has been directly related to the neously a sinner and justified) for one or the other, depending on understanding of righteousness as embodies this teaching. the theologian’s point of view. “Im­ ethical conformity to law. Calvin, who is most articulate here, puted” righteousness refers to the Beginning with Augustine in the is clearly correct in arguing that righteousness of Christ credited to fourth and fifth centuries, it was be­ when a human being is judged by the the account of the believer, whereas lieved that actual ethical righteous­ full outward and inward implications “imparted” righteousness suggests ness was required of human persons of the law (see his exposition of the that the believer is truly sanctified or in order for them to be accepted by Ten Commandments in the Institutes really righteous in himself, even if God. For Augustine, this righteous­ of the Christian Religion), no one conceived as a gift. ness was a gift of grace, but in the can measure up. Hence, if anyone is The classical Protestant Reformers, course of time the view emerged that to be saved, it must be on the basis of Martin Luther and John Calvin, made this righteousness was the result of another’s satisfaction of God’s justice central use of the concept of imputed good works. This development be­ in our place. righteousness in order to avoid the came the basis for the medieval works righteousness of the prevailing Catholic penitential system. Accord­ views on salvation. In his comments ing to this interpretation, justification on Gal. 3:6, Luther says: is defined as making one righteous These two things make Christian ethically and is thus confused with righteousness perfect: The first is sanctification. faith in the heart, which is a divine­ The inevitable result of holding In recent years ly granted gift and which formally that one must be ethically righteous believes in Christ; the second is in order to be ready for heaven was justification has that God reckons this imperfect the doctrine of purgatory. Very few faith as perfect righteousness for people could expect to so perfectly emerged in the the sake of Christ, His Son, who keep the law in order to reach the suffered for the sins of the world goal of perfect holiness in this life. forefront of and in whom I begin to believe. On Thus, for good Catholics, there was account of this faith in Christ, God the provision for an additional period theological does not see the sin that still re­ of probation to complete the process mains in me. For so long as I go on of becoming ethically holy—in purga­ discussion. living in the flesh, there is certainly tory. Some such conclusion is logical­ sin in me. But meanwhile, Christ ly entailed by any position that holds protects me under the shadow of ethical holiness to be essential for en­ His wings and spreads over me the trance into heaven. wide heaven of the forgiveness of Wesley vigorously rejected this sins, under which I live in safety. way of interpreting justification, This prevents God from seeing the denying that a person must be sancti­ Wesley fully concurred with the sins that still cling to my flesh. My fied before he can be justified. As he judgment that the law in its full impli­ flesh distrusts God, is angry with put it, “It is not a saint but a sinner cations puts self-salvation beyond Him, does not rejoice in Him, etc. that is forgiven, and under the notion possibility for any human being if But God overlooks these sins, and of a sinner. God justifieth not the god­ conformity to the law is the prerequi­ in His sight they are as though they ly, but the ungodly; not those that are site. (See his sermon on “The Righ­ were not sins. This is accomplished holy already, but the unholy.”5 teousness of Faith.”) But he reserves by imputation on account of the The second view was introduced some of his sharpest criticism for the faith by which I begin to take hold centrally by the Protestant Reformers idea that God “is deceived in those of Christ; and on His account God Martin Luther and John Calvin and whom He justifies; that He thinks reckons imperfect righteousness as continues to be propagated by their them to be what, in fact, they are not; perfect righteousness and sin as successors to the present day, includ­ that He accounts them to be other­ not sin, even though it really is sin.7 ing such popular religious writers as wise than they are.”6 Calvin, in much more stilted lan­ Charles Swindoll and R. C. Sproul. Having thus rejected both tradition­ guage, relates the same idea to justifi­ This way of understanding justifica­ al options, Wesley is left with a dilem­ cation by faith: “It is evident, that we tion, or righteousness, suggests that it ma from which he is unable to extri­ obtain justification before God, solely is impossible to be ethically righteous cate himself. In attempting to straddle by the intervention of the righteous­ when one is judged by the law in its the fence, he falls into confusion at ness of Christ. Which is equivalent to

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 5 saying, that a man is righteous, not in One of the prime meanings really is upon being exposed as the father, he himself, but because the righteous­ ethical conformity to the law, but confessed, “She is more righteous ness of Christ is communicated to there are others just as important. than I” (Gen. 38:26). The relation him by imputation.”” Calvin, howev­ The “righteousness of God” refers to within which each stood called for a er, is not quite as bold as Luther in His compassion for the needy and certain action that Judah had refused celebrating the continuing sinfulness consequent action to deliver them as to follow. Therefore he was unfaith­ of the justified person, since he, un­ illustrated by the Exodus. It was this ful (unrighteous), whereas Tamar did like the German Reformer, holds that meaning that Luther discovered in not violate the requirements of the re­ the law has a function in the believ­ preparing his lectures on Romans and lation and thus was more righteous. er’s life to give him guidance in devel­ with which he was able to achieve a Few, if any, would suggest that ei- oping his Christian life. In fact, he breakthrough to the gospel. His ther’s action was ethical. speaks in glowing words of the words are still as thrilling today as growth in holiness that should char­ over 400 years ago: acterize genuine faith but always At last, by the mercy o f God, stops short of claiming the possibility meditating day and night, I gave of entire sanctification in this life be­ heed to the context of the words, cause he sees “perfection” as flawless namely, “In it the righteousness of conformity to the law of God—and God is revealed, as it is written, ‘He Having rejected this no finite human can attain in the who through faith is righteous shall flesh. live.’” There I began to understand both traditional that the righteousness of God is that by which the righteous lives options, Wesley by a gift of God, namely by faith. And this is the meaning: the righ­ is left with a teousness of God is revealed by the gospel, namely, the passive righ­ dilemma from teousness with which merciful God John Wesley justifies us by faith, as it is written, which he is wrestled to keep “He who through faith is righteous shall live.” Here I felt that I was al­ unable to justification and together born again and had en­ tered paradise itself through open extricate himself. sanctification gates. There a totally other face of the entire Scripture showed itself separate. to me.9 Another nuance of the term “righ­ teousness” suggests the idea of faith­ fulness, keeping one’s word or acting in accordance with one’s nature. This principle defines the divine- However, the understanding of righ­ human relation, which must now be teousness that becomes the key to understood in personal terms. God unraveling the dilemma surrounding has given His Word. He has offered Holiness theologians have entered justification is that it is relational in full and free acceptance. His part in the fray from time to time on this is­ nature. Righteousness is a term o f re­ the relation is faithfulness to His com­ sue, of course arguing for imparted lation. 10 mitment. Humanity’s part is to simply righteousness on the same grounds as In a word, one is righteous if he accept God’s proffered forgiveness. the Calvinists and other classical conforms to the requirements of the That acceptance is the meaning of Protestant theologians and thus have relation within which he stands. That faith in the Pauline sense. Thus, be­ lost the case before it is argued. this does not necessarily entail ethical lieving God, taking Him at His Word, As suggested earlier, modem bibli­ conduct is seen in the infamous story makes one “righteous” in this rela­ cal studies have made us aware that in Genesis 38 about Judah and Tamar. tional sense, even though ethical there is another understanding of The Levirate law called for a brother transformation is not involved. In a righteousness—and thus justification to enter into a marriage relation with word, the believer is “justified (righ- —in the Scripture that is quite differ­ the widow of his deceased sibling. Ju­ teous-fied) by faith.” ent from these classical views and dah balked at giving his third son to This soundly biblical interpretation thus transcends all the arguments and twice-widowed Tamar, so she played provides a way out of the impasse debates that have cluttered the theo­ the prostitute and lured Judah into that is created when righteousness is logical scene for centuries. What is her tent and became pregnant by understood in a legalistic way. Let us that view? him. Upon learning that his daughter- notice a few of the problems now The clue lies in the multiple mean­ in-law was with child, Judah was avoided. ings of the key Old Testament term “righteously” indignant and insisted The dilemmas created in connec­ usually translated as “righteousness.” that she be executed by burning. But tion with the justice of God now dis­

6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE appear. O f course, Old Testament believes in Jesus [has faith] ” (Rom. takes me “just as I am" and at that scholar Norman Snaith points out 3:26, author’s paraphase). moment begins the process of trans­ that the term “justice” is really not John's words now become crystal forming me into the kind of holy per­ found in the New Testament and clear when he says, “If we confess son He wants me to be. No matter rarely in the Old Testament. He tells our sins, he is faithful and just [righ­ where I am in that pilgrimage toward us that the “emphasis in much Chris­ teous in the sense of being faithful to Christlikeness, I still stand in need of tian teaching, which tends to put jus­ His promise] and will forgive” (1 John tice first and mercy afterwards, is due 1:9). largely to the fact that in the Vulgate The whole complex of issues sur­ the Latin ju stitia is used most fre­ rounding the debate over imputed quently where the E W have righ­ and imparted righteousness disap­ teousness,’ and the Latin ju stu s pears, since both assume the necessi­ where the E W have ‘righteous.’”11 ty o f ethical righteousness as a re­ The implication is that it may be in­ quirement for God’s acceptance. The whole correct to refer to justice in the Ro­ With that understanding now cleared man legal sense as a biblical attribute up, there is no longer any need to uti­ complex of issues of God. lize these ploys. Of course, the ques­ tion of the possibility of “imparted” surrounding the righteousness ethically still remains. Can a fallen person really be holy in debate this life? The holiness movement, sharing John Wesley’s “optimism of disappears. grace,” has always insisted that God Modern biblical can indeed create a “holy heart” and requires a “holy life.” But this is a dif­ studies have ferent issue, since biblically these are not the basis for justification but the made us aware fruit of justification. More on this lat­ er. His grace. But as long as I trust His that there Another debate that is addressed promise, His faithfulness to His own by this biblical view of righteousness nature and Word assures me that I am is another is the linguistic one referred to above. “accepted in the beloved” (Eph. 1:6, If God declares a person righteous in KJV). ■ understanding of the relational sense, that declaration makes it true, not as a legal fiction 1. See, e.g., George Tavard, Justification (N ew righteousness. but in a real, though nonethical, York: Paulist Press, 1983); G. C. Berkouwer, Faith sense. and Justification (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1954); and Hans Kung, Justification In the context of this article anoth­ (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1964). All empha­ er issue needs to be mentioned: the size the ecumenical dimensions of the discussion. relation between justification and 2. A. E. McGrath, “Justification: Barth, Trent, and Kung,” Scottish Journal o f Theology 35 (1981): 521. sanctification. Popular folk piety has 3. Even my own discussion o f the topic falls into so closely identified “being saved” this error in an earlier work. See Introduction to Wes­ leyan Theology. with a change of life-style that they 4. I use the term Wesleyan here to refer to a posi­ But taking the traditional view of have virtually become identical. Thus tion that is systematically consistent with the central legal justice as an attribute of God, it is extremely difficult to sort out the commitments of a Wesleyan perspective, which in­ cludes adjusting any theory in the light o f Scripture, what is the dilemma? If God is just, necessary distinctions. That is, for all and not necessarily the exact views o f John Wesley He cannot allow sin to go unpun­ practical purposes, this gets the cart himself, who was not a systematic theologian and also before the horse or, in more sophisti­ lived before the day o f scientific biblical scholarship. ished. He cannot merely ignore sin 5. “Justification by Faith,” in The Standard Ser­ and treat the person as if he had nev­ cated theological language, sanctifica­ mons o f John Wesley, ed. E. H. Sugden (London: Ep- er sinned. But since the sinner is in­ tion is confused with justification or worth Press, 1961), 1:122. 6. Ibid., 120. deed guilty, apparently the only way perhaps even made the basis for justi­ 7. Jaroslav Pelican and Walter A. Hanson, Luther’s of pronouncing him righteous (inno­ fication. Works, 55 volumes (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing cent) is to “impute” another’s righ­ But holiness theologians have al­ House, 1963), 26:231-32. 8. Institutes o f the Christian Religion 3.11.23. teousness to his account. But this too ways declared that while justification 9. Preface to Latin Writings, from Martin Luther is unjust, argues H. Orton Wiley. and sanctification are chronologically (selections), ed. John Dillenberger (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday and Co., 1961). If “just” or “justice” as applied to simultaneous, justification is logically 10. See Bernhard Anderson, O ut o f the Depths God actually means righteous in the prior. Hence, while “being saved” (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983), 98-102; sense of faithfulness to His Word, or is—or should be—accompanied by George Eldon Ladd, A Theology o f the New Testa­ m ent (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing nature as merciful, then when God an ethical reorientation, that is not Co., 1975), 439-41; Norman H. Snaith, “Just, Justify, keeps His promise of forgiveness, He the basis of acceptance by God. Thus Justification,” in A Theological Wordbook of the Bi­ ble, ed. Alan Richardson (N ew York: Macmillan Co., is “both just [righteous] and the justi- sanctification, whether outward or in­ 1964). fier [righteous-fieri of the one who ward, is the result of acceptance. God I 11. Snaith, “Justice,” in Wordbook.

SHFrHMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 7 Translating the Language of Theology

by Larry R. Hughes Bartlesville, Okla.

nd another thing, Pastor,” his multifaceted biblical truth of sanctifica­ ment “sharing times,” where comment voice fairly crackled over the tion. Do I, however, have to use the is more important than content. ALtelephone, “y ° u stand up in word “sanctification” in order to Historically church music concen­ that pulpit and use all those big words!”preach the truth of sanctification?1 trated on the great doctrines of the Now that accusation hurt! I was a And, of course, the broader question church, but contemporary Christian young pastor, and I was being royally is, how do we translate the language of music, especially choruses and specials, chewed out by a member of the con­ theology into the understandable lan­ appears to be devoid of theological gregation who was enumerating a list guage of persons in the pew who have content in favor of relational, emotional of his grievances, which seemed to me not been raised in an environment themes. In many instances the newer to be grossly inaccurate and unfair. Ob­ where the language has meaning? The songs are even devoid of much lan­ viously the man was full of pent-up question is further complicated for the guage in favor of one or two phrases re­ anger, as he often was. True to my pastor who ministers where theologi­ peated over and over, ad infinitum. So, training and experience, I was simply cal language is revered and expected if our people are going to be exposed trying to accept his feelings of anger as a part of a regular diet. to the “weightier matters of the law, without resistance or defense so that I want to make it very clear that this justice and mercy and faith” (Matt. perhaps he could rid himself of them is not an appeal for less theological or 23:23, RSV) and other great themes of and go on to more positive things. doctrinal preaching. I am using the the gospel, it is going to have to come But the charge of using big words word “doctrine" in the sense of indi­ from those who occupy our pulpits. in the pulpit especially stung. My vidual teachings and the word “theol­ There are those who say, “We don’t ministry up to that time had been ogy” to refer to the larger framework need to hear doctrinal preaching; we largely concentrated on churches re­ or schematic of Christian teachings. need to hear about Jesus.” Taken liter­ cently planted where new Christians Indeed, there appears to be consider­ ally, that statement is extremely contra­ needed discipling. I was very intent able spiritual anemia in our churches dictory. Doctrine simply means teach­ on, even sensitive about, communi­ today due to people not being certain ings. It is impossible to “preach Jesus” cating the gospel in understandable of what they believe and why. That without talking about His origin, His terms. So, for the first time, I inter­ theological uncertainty, even confu­ life and ministry, and His death and res­ rupted his tirade with a defensive sion, is further exacerbated by the as­ urrection, all of which are salted with question, “What big words, Bill?” sault from all sides via various kinds of claims or teachings—doctrines—made “Well,” his answer came after some “Christian” and sometimes question­ by Him or about Him. So it is impos­ hesitation, “words like sanctification.’” able doctrines. More theological sible to have nondoctrinal “Jesus” My rejoinder was quick: “I have no teaching is needed, not less. preaching. The only choice is whether choice in that matter, Bill; sanctifica­ It also appears that the preaching you communicate accurate, clear doc­ tion’ is a biblical word!” pulpit is the cornerstone of any hope trines or confused, inaccurate ones. There, I felt smugly justified! I not for the necessary meat and potatoes in­ Probably the statement that places only had protected myself with the struction in Christian doctrine. It used “doctrine” and “Jesus” in opposition Bible but also privately noted he had to be thought that the adult Sunday is not intended to be taken literally. probably diagnosed his own central School hour was an important supple­ Usually it seems to mean we should problem. For his part, he simply ment to the church’s teaching mission, not be emphasizing the fine points of changed the subject and began a new but the trend now for that hour is mov­ doctrinal distinctives to the neglect of list of my considerable faults. Within ing more in the direction of life adjust­ the central core of the gospel mes­ a week or two, Bill came weeping sage. If that is its meaning, then I can and apologizing. We were able to re­ affirm the intent, though there is a solve our differences, renew our time and place to talk about distinc­ brotherhood in Christ, and move to a tives. The great, central truths must new level of fellowship. be proclaimed. The burden of this However, I have never forgotten the missive is that we proclaim them ac­ challenge of that one accusation. I am curately, inspirationally, and in terms not as sure of my answer as I was on all audiences can understand. that long-ago day. Certainly I did and There are compelling reasons for do have an obligation to preach the giving attention to the translation of

8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE theological language. The first and know, to refer to heavenly things but by Greek philosophy, which was most elementary reason is that Jesus such as the “throne of God,” for in­ highly analytical, extremely abstract, defined the mission of the Church as stance, what part of the earthly mean­ and conceptual.3 From that collision one of reaching out to the world. He ing is carried over to the celestial between philosophy and Christian evidently understood that the world truth and what part is not? Is it the teaching, there emerged the great sys­ would not spontaneously reach for physical repose that a throne repre­ tems of theology and the tradition of the Church. “ [You] go into all the sents? And how can it be, since God systematizing Christian truth. Systems world” (Mark 16:15), Jesus said, and is Spirit? Or is it the authority and of theology, like systems of anything, His first assignment was the home majesty of the earthly figure that the even computers, have their own eso­ base with the native language. expression is communicating? And teric nomenclature. Those persons Therefore, if we are going to com­ will it communicate effectively in a trained in the systems are naturally true municate “words about God,” the re­ democracy that was born out of re­ to their training and its specialized lan­ sponsibility of clear, meaningful lan­ bellion to monarchical authority? guage. Besides that, the language be­ guage rests on the side of the com­ That particular figure may be fairly comes their comfort zone, their instru­ municator, not the listeners. easy to translate into meaning, but it ment for going deep into the truth of In my seminary days, I heard a lec­ is indicative of some of the problems God where lesser-trained people can­ ture on preaching by one of America’s of the dynamic and even analogical not see or, at least, communicate. Us­ greatest and most recognized pastoral quality of language. ing their beloved technical language, preachers. In the course of the lecture theologians can lock other people out he referred to a great preacher from of the treasure room. the past who was asked what were Look at the big picture of what’s the three most important things in a happened to God’s truth. What start­ sermon. The great man answered, How do ed out as a channeled but unorga­ “One, lucidity! Two, lucidity! Three, nized “water of life” flow through the lucidity!” Ironically, I had to find a dic­ we translate Old Testament into and through the tionary afterward to discover that he theology into New Testament becomes the careful­ was talking about clarity or trans­ ly calibrated, if not symmetrical, parency of communication. understandable “blocks of ice” typical of systematic His point is well taken if not demon­ theology. It’s the same substance in strated; only after we have communi­ language? two different forms. cated clearly in the power of the Spirit The preacher’s task is to somehow does the message become the respon­ return the truth from its preservative sibility of the listeners. Jesus encap- form—blocks of ice—back into its suled profound truths in simple stories drinkable and life-giving form. That is, so that those who had ears could hear. Indeed, if we are going to be trans­ unless you enjoy dropping chunks of A peculiar expression, but obviously lators of theological language, it is ice on people’s heads, or, perhaps, meaning that the truth once clearly mandatory that we give some thought you have some carcasses lying about taught was then left to the will to to the history of the language that needing to be packed in ice. know on the part of the listeners. gave us Christian theology. The Old Seriously, given the dynamic quality A second compelling reason to give Testament, written in the Hebrew of language and the tendency of theol­ attention to the translation of theologi­ language, was so concrete in its ex­ ogy to be closed into its own ver­ cal language lies in the amazing capaci­ pression that some call it an “optical biage, it is a fantastic challenge for the ty of this strange medium of expres­ language.” That is, they took things preacher to find tools for handling sion we call language. If language is they saw to communicate things that these great truths with language that anything, it is dynamic or changeable. they felt: “As a hart longs for flowing conveys meaning without compromis­ D. Elton Trueblood observes, “Our streams, so longs my soul for thee, O ing truth. The following suggestions century has witnessed a remarkable God” (Ps. 42:1, RSV). By the time the bear the limitation of all “how to” sug­ change in the language of Christian New Testament is written, a second gestions, similar to trying to wear faith.”2 What he observes about the language is being used, Greek. Greek someone else’s shoes. But they are somewhat specialized language of faith retains the ability to convey concrete starting places. Hopefully they will is true of the so-called popular lan­ images but adds an analytical, ab­ stimulate ideas for other approaches guage as well. Words that meant one stract quality that was not nearly so that are specifically fitted for you. thing some years back have changed present in the Hebrew Old Testa­ There is a customary requirement meanings completely (e.g., rap). Some ment. Paul is most adept at using this for those who translate the Bible into words, primarily colloquialisms, that I abstraction of truth in long doctrinal other languages that has some applica­ heard in my childhood have passed out passages. That may be the reason Pe­ tion to translating theological lan­ of existence. The question for the ter observes that Paul’s letters have guage into the vernacular. A success­ preacher is this, “When words change, “some things in them hard to under­ ful translator of the Bible must have where do meanings go?” stand” (2 Pet. 3:16, RSV). an extensive understanding of the lan­ A part of the challenge of the dy­ In the time o f the Middle Ages, guages in which the Bible was writ­ namism of language is that when we Christian teaching was tremendously ten. He must have a good understand­ use earthly figures, for that is all we impacted not just by Greek language ing of the language into which it is

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 9 being translated and must have a clear tures record that in Ephesus Paul for master theological truths, our person­ understanding of the message the Bi­ two years “argued daily in the hall of al ministry to people will be enriched ble conveys. The application here is Tyrannus” (Acts 19:9, RSV). and considerably more substantive. that the preacher must have a firm Second, study doctrine in its histori­ To really understand doctrine, or grasp of the theology he hopes to cal context. Penetrating insights into anything else for that matter, you must translate. He must know something doctrines are gained where there is teach it to someone else. A pastor who about the comprehension level of the knowledge of the circumstances that wants to be a translator in the pulpit people to whom he hopes to commu­ surrounded the life struggle of theolo­ must schedule himself into teaching nicate. Of course, there must be the gians. Who can understand Augustine’s opportunities outside the pulpit. Our heart-deep conviction of the truth of view of sin and evil without knowing tradition, unfortunately, has no formal the message his theology conveys. something about his early struggle over catechism opportunities, but a pastor the apparent contradiction of a suppos­ can find similar openings somewhere edly good Creator and a creation that in the life of the youth. One of the had obviously gone awry? No one fully most productive learning and ministry The preaching appreciates Luther’s liberating discov­ experiences I had as a pastor was ery of justification by faith until he teaching a doctrinal series to junior pulpit is the knows about his desperately intense high youth for their God and Church search for some kind of peace with badge in the Crusader program. Teach­ cornerstone of God. Wesley’s emphasis on the doc­ ing new convert classes, membership trine of assurance is taken for granted classes, discipleship classes, where any hope for the until you understand how unique and there is exchange with people of no significant it was in the theological mi­ theological background as well as peo­ necessary meat lieu of his day. If theology is to be ple from a variety of theological back­ grasped thoroughly, even to the point grounds, are excellent opportunities and potatoes of coming alive, it must be studied in to discuss, clarify, and communicate its living context. theological concepts in a variety of instruction in A third step in mastering theology nontraditional and challenging set­ is the most difficult one of all; it is to tings. Such stimulating experiences in­ Christian doctrine. rewrite the doctrines in your own form your pulpit work and sometimes words. Rewrite it for yourself and for even afford the opportunity to intro­ your files, but don’t limit it to that. duce the language of theology in a Most churches of any size have some way you wouldn’t dare from the pul­ You must have a superior under­ kind of church paper. Most church pit. My educated opinion is that those standing of the theology you hope to papers have some kind of pastor’s kind of exchanges with people would communicate. As a college professor, column. Why not try to sneak some show you a surprising capacity for the­ I am well acquainted with the myth theology in popular terms into the ological curiosity and understanding that excuses application to study be­ column occasionally? A title like among your people. cause the less known the better the “When God Takes Us into His Family” rapport with those who know noth­ could talk about the great privileges ing. Unfortunately it doesn’t work of adoption without mentioning the that way. It is, of course, possible to term. Or, if you really wanted to help Only after we have know theology really well and not be your people with both life issues and able to communicate its truth on a current theological pressures, do a communicated popular level. However, it is impossi­ carefully researched piece on “How ble to communicate its truth on a to Think Biblically About Divine Heal­ clearly in the popular level without knowing it ing,” a topic that is especially mud­ well. To know it well takes plain old died in today’s religious currents. But, power of the Spirit hard work and application. whether you publish or not, submit There are some approaches that your own questions and understand­ does the message are very helpful in mastering theolo­ ing of theology to the discipline of gy. First, not only read theology from the pen; it will pay dividends. become the the books that present it in a sympa­ What I suggest does take time and thetic manner, but also, after you are effort. I hear the echo of pastor responsibility of indoctrinated through and through, friends of mine who laugh at me read from those who disagree or dis­ when I make such suggestions for the listeners. pute the doctrine in various modify­ study. They tell me they are too busy ing ways. It is often on the grindstone running the church and ministering to of debate and dialogue that our grasp people. I have pastored. I have cer­ of truth becomes the sharpest. It is in­ tainly been aware of the constraints of A suggestion that combines master­ structive that the Book of Acts refers time. I also know that most of us usu­ ing theology and learning to translate to the gospel being presented in argu­ ally find time for what we want to do. it into understandable terms is to se­ mentation form. Indeed, the Scrip­ If we will pay the price of effort to lect models who do it well and read af­

10 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE ter them. There certainly are pitfalls to Testament. He could see the relation­ It is my belief that the pastorate is this approach, given the temptation to ship between theology and a road the one true place of evangelism. In a slavish kind of imitation that cancels map. A map isn’t like being there, but the life of the local church Christiani­ out the development o f your own it is the record of “the experience of ty rubs elbows daily with the mun­ unique gifts. But if you can resist the hundreds of people who really were daneness of life as well as the tragedy “take over” tendency, reading after in touch with God,”' and so very im­ of sin in the lives of people. What we those who have developed their abili­ portant if you want to find your way. call “evangelists” in our tradition are ties in this vein is an excellent way to The difference between theories of really revivalists who strengthen the grasp theology and learn to translate it. the Atonement and the reality of its church. The “televangelists,” except efficacy is like the difference be­ those who serve as pastors, are well tween a good meal when you are insulated from the realities of every­ hungry and theories about vitamins day, tough application of living Chris­ and proteins. The power of life in tian principles in a recalcitrant world. Using their Christ is similar to a “good infection” The theologians minister to us all and you will inevitably catch if you are in enhance our worship with their deep beloved technical His presence often. insights into the greatness and glory When people asked a question like, of God. But the pastor lives daily pa­ language, “Why did God make a creature of trolling the border between strug­ such rotten stuff that it went wrong?” gling, vulnerable faith and paralyzing, theologians can Lewis had the insight to point out, smothering secularism. It is he, if “The better stuff a creature is made faith is to be born and nurtured, who lock other people of—the cleverer and stronger and must feed his people the great truths freer it is—then the better it will be if of God in digestible bites. out of the it goes right, but also the worse it will be if it goes wrong. ”6 treasure room. When Lewis was roundly criticized by a theologian about his efforts to communicate the gospel, he rapped The pastorate is all of us across the knuckles with his Each person will have his own pref­ reply: the one true place erences when it comes to models. To When I began, Christianity came my knowledge there are no such pub­ before the great mass of my unbeliev­ of evangelism. lished models in the Wesleyan tradi­ ing fellow-countrymen either in the tion, but there are some in other evan­ highly emotional form offered by re­ gelical traditions who are biblical/ vivalists or in the unintelligible lan­ doctrinal preachers and are gladly guage of highly cultured clergymen. heard by the common man. Charles Most men were reached by neither. The pastor must be a translator of Swindoll is the most obvious current My task was, therefore, simply that theological language. The task is his example. Lloyd Ogilvie has a very cre­ of a translator—one turning Christian challenge; it is also his great opportu­ ative, singular way of communicating doctrine, or what he believed to be nity. ■ the teachings of the Bible and the such, into the vernacular, into lan­ Church. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was al­ guage that unscholarly people would 1. There is an excellent discussion o f usable lan­ most ponderous in his detailed doctri­ attend to and could understand. . . . guage for preaching Christian holiness in a paper writ­ ten by Dr. Lee M. Haines, general superintendent of nal teaching/preaching but command­ One thing at least is sure. If the real The Wesleyan Church. The paper is titled “Articulat­ ed sizable, appreciative audiences for theologians had tackled this labori­ ing and Living Christian Holiness in a Pluralistic both his spoken and written efforts. ous work of translation about a hun­ World.” Copies could probably be obtained from Wesleyan World Headquarters in Indianapolis. My own personal favorite as a the­ dred years ago, when they began to 2. D. Elton Trueblood, “The Center o f Certitude,” ology translator, C. S. Lewis, was not lose touch with the people (for Faculty Dialogue: Journal of the Institute fo r Chris­ a preacher or a trained theologian. whom Christ died), there would tian Leadership, no. 16 (Winter 1992): 1. Institute for Christian Leadership, 9733 S.E. French Acres Dr., Lewis, with a sharply honed analyti­ have been no place for me.7 Portland, OR 972666911. cal mind and a remarkable facility of Whether Lewis’ accusation still 3- An interesting example o f the effect o f Greek philosophy on Bible truths is that Christian theology language, became, according to one holds, I do not know. I agree that the ended up with the Platonic concept o f the soul rather newsmagazine, the leading inter­ difficult work of theology translation than the Hebrew one. For a further easily understood preter of Christianity to this modern is absolutely crucial if we are going to discussion o f that matter see John H. Hick, Philoso­ phy o f Religion, 4th ed. (Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Pren­ age.4 I am still startled sometimes at reach the world for Christ. Where I tice Hall, 1990), 120-25. his nontheological language but also disagree with him is that the profes­ 4. “C. S. Lewis Goes Marching On,” Tim e 110 at how easily and simply he is able to sional theologian is to be the transla­ (Dec. 5, 1977), 92. 5. C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: go to the heart of theological matters tor. It is my strong conviction—call it Macmillan Publishing Co., 1962), 136. and make them understandable. a prejudice if you like—that if this 6. Ibid., 53. 7. C. S. Lewis, God in the Dock: Essays on Theolo­ His ability at analogy is reminiscent work is going to be done effectively, gy and Ethics, ed. Walter Hooper (Grand Rapids: of the optical language of the Old it must be done in the pastorate. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1970), 183.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 11 Can Reading Contemporary Theology Make a Difference?

by Henry W. Spaulding II Woodbridge, Va.

ntil recently I have been in­ Second, modem theology refers to Lack o f Time volved in teaching theology theology done since Schleiermacher One possible reason that pastors at Eastern Nazarene College. in the 19th century. Otto Heick sum­ dismiss theology is lack of time. Re­ UIn this position, the question was of­ marizes this theology as the attempt cently returning to parish ministry ten posed to me: “Can reading con­ “to synthesize God and the world, has reminded me of the many time temporary theology make a differ­ culture and religion, philosophy and demands placed on a pastor. There ence?” The not-so-subtle implication is theology, intuition and feeling, expe­ are sermons to prepare and budgets that a pastor must certainly have more rience and history.”1 This period is to plan. There are people to see in important things to do than settle in characterized by an attempt to re­ the hospital and at home. The tele- | for an afternoon of reading theology, spond creatively to modern culture phone rings both at the parsonage especially contemporary theology. and takes experience seriously. and at the office. This is to say noth­ I remember one occasion when a Third, contemporary theology usu­ ing of board meetings, counseling, pastor who was enrolled in a gradu­ ally refers to theology done in the weddings, funerals, and much more. ate program in religion decided to 20th century. It is in this latter sense Reading theology takes time and, for switch to a program in pastoral coun­ that I use the term. many pastors, there is already too lit­ seling. He made it clear that pastoral Since my very first days in formal tle time. Consequently, theological counseling was where he saw the preparation for the ministry, theology reading is an easy thing to cut from need; theology was just so much has captivated my imagination. I was one’s life. head knowledge. As a professor of enthralled by reading the work of W. Theology Can Be Threatening theology I disagreed with him. As a T. Purkiser, H. Orton Wiley, and senior pastor I certainly disagree with Ralph Earle. During college my theo­ Many do not read theology because him. I’ll tell you why a pastor cannot logical vision was expanded by read­ it appears to be too difficult. It is afford to avoid reading contemporary ing Luther and Wesley. People like painful to exercise those theological theology. Barth, Bultmann, Tillich, Brunner, muscles that worked so well in college We will consider reasons why some and others taught me to think about and seminary. What makes things do not read contemporary theology. God in fresh ways. All of this and worse is that so much theology has Then we will suggest some reasons more has driven me to read theology been written, it is difficult to know why reading contemporary theology with an eye toward spiritual growth where to begin. Does one begin with ; may be beneficial. Next we will look as often as toward intellectual reading Wesley or Tillich? Besides that, at some major themes in contempo­ growth. Therefore, the importance of where do you start in Wesley or rary theology and suggest ways in theology has never been a question Tillich? Would it be better to read which some of these themes intersect for me. Yet many pastors do not read from Augustine or Barth? And when with parish ministry. Finally, we will any theology. you read is it possible to understand look at some good places to begin Next we will consider some rea­ the point being made? Theology does reading contemporary theology. sons why pastors fail to explore con­ not lend itself to 15-minute blocks of temporary theology. time. Understanding theology is a re­ Contemporary Theology: sult of a lifetime’s effort. It will require Pros and Cons that the reader look at books about A few definitions might help clari­ theology—secondary sources. It might fy. First, theology should be under­ also mean that we will need to talk to stood as the general term that applies professors of theology or others who to the process of faith seeking under­ are reading theology with us. But, standing. Therefore, theology is for most of all, it will mean that we must all people of faith and an evidence of read and perhaps reread the theolo­ spiritual maturity. All theology, gians themselves—primary sources. whether it is biblical, historical, or Some may only read enough to be left systematic, falls under this heading. feeling lost in the wilderness. Let me

12 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE suggest that the Promised Land awaits would do well to heed the words of the sole definition of truth. Ogden re­ those who persevere. Gabriel Fackre: “The task of Christian sponds to this by suggesting “that the Theology Seems Removed from Life Story-telling is to keep alive this set of primary use or function of ‘God’ is to Some pastors might neglect theolo­ counter-perceptions so the Church refer to the objective ground in reality gy because it seems so far removed may be what it is and see what it is itself of our ineradicable confidence from where real people live. Who are called to see, rather than be made in the final worth of our existence.”6 these eggheaded theologians anyway? over in the image of the regnant cul­ The problem that this suggests is to A student in one of my theology ture.”4 Reading any theology, espe­ define exactly what we mean by the classes asked what studying the cially those modern theologians, re­ word “God.” “death of God” theologian had to do minds us that unless we know where Many contemporary theologians, in­ with anything. It was a legitimate we stand, we might be caught stand­ cluding Ogden, see that the basic question. I explained that at least ing alone. Such a discipline helps us problem has been that, for classical some “death of God” theology turned claim no more and no less than our theology, God has been defined in the on the proposition that God was ab­ tradition allows. philosophical language of Aristotle. Such a God is more like a Supreme Be­ sent in the modern world. I further Helps to See the Relation Between ing or idea than the God of Abraham, asked him to reflect upon what might Faith and Thinking Isaac, and Jacob. Theology in this tra­ be happening in the mind of a little Reading theology will remind us dition emphasizes the transcendence girl who is sexually abused as she that our faith does not exist apart of God. This means that God has been prays that God w ill take the pain from the hard work of thinking. It understood by many to be unaffected away. What must it feel like as the girl teaches that it is possible to love God by our suffering and pain. While grows up with questions about the with our mind as well as heart. Theol­ Aquinas is the best example of this seeming “absence” of God? Modern ogy reminds me that preaching can way of thinking about God, it is a gen­ Western society has with relative ease and should address the issues that eral characteristic of Christian theolo­ and occasional celebration witnessed people really confront. A teacher of a gy, according to Ogden. the disappearance of God. When it is senior high Sunday School class told Some contemporary theologians put this way, it is easy to see that the­ me once that his students would not have decided to talk about God using ology, especially contemporary theol­ allow him to be less than honest. We the language and categories of Alfred ogy, is all about life. It comes out of can expect no less of ourselves as we North Whitehead. Theology from this the visceral questions that people of stand before God’s people to minister perspective emphasizes the transcen­ faith are asking. the Word of God. Perhaps people in dence of God but also places empha­ Let’s look at some reasons why it the church have been entertained sis upon immanence. Here the essen­ might be advisable for the pastor to enough by Sunday. Maybe they are tial relation between God and the read theology. ready to hear the good Word of God world is defined as dynamic. In fact, preached by a person who has not Discipline God is, in many ways, dependent up­ only prayed about it but thought Reading theology disciplines the on the world. This means that God is about it as well. mind to grapple with concepts and is­ affected by us. This general discus­ sues that might be easy to ignore. It Major Themes in sion has revolutionized the way that allows one to have a discussion with Contemporary Theology many people think about God. a great theologian at almost any time. We will examine three general Many issues need to be discussed The very nature of theology as faith themes that have captivated the inter­ in order to fully understand what is at seeking understanding reminds us est of contemporary theology. Other stake in this debate. Those theolo­ that others are on this journey as issues could be raised, but these gians who unite the immanence and well. I might not agree with George three are representative. transcendence of God have helped us Lindbeck, but it might be good for God all see God’s relation to humankind me to struggle with him for a while.2 It may not sound like much to say more clearly. One can talk about the It might be easy to dismiss the work that interest in God has captivated the relation between God and the world of David Tracy, but reading it will minds of contemporary theologians, in terms of the Spirit. Wesleyan theol­ help me see what a great many men but it is the nature of the discussion ogy seems to be a natural way o f and women are thinking.' Reading that sets it apart. Schubert Ogden says proposing that God is affected by the theology is worthwhile for the disci­ in a celebrated essay that “the reality world, by us. The parish minister pline it can bring. of God has now become the central needs to hear the pleas of the world Encourages Us to Know theological problem.”' The problem when it is suggested that a God who Our Tradition of God has taken center stage due to is not involved will not serve the Reading theology forces us to un­ the general direction of Western civi­ needs of hurting humanity. This is derstand our theological tradition bet­ lization. One aspect of this has been one way in which contemporary the­ ter. It does so because it reminds us the rise of modem science. The rise of ology can help the parish minister— that our traditions exist. Beyond this, modem science has led to an attempt by pointing out the importance of it suggests that we need to know the to make it the self-sufficient resource God for spiritual life. faith “once for all entrusted to the for all of life. Perhaps unwittingly the Reexamination o f Culture saints” (Jude 3), lest we unwittingly theologian has allowed the culture Many efforts of contemporary the­ surrender it to counterfeits. We that has risen around science to be ology have focused on ways to under­

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 13 stand culture. This general direction cover what has and always is the America are moving along a distinct can be noted in the work of Paul van case—that the church, as those called path. They remind the church of its Buren, The Secular Meaning o f the out by God, embodies a social alterna­ responsibilities in regard to the poor Gospel, John A. T. Robinson, Honest tive that the world cannot on its own and oppressed. They remind us that to God, and even Paul Tillich, System­ terms know.”9 Essentially, they are God identifies with the oppressed in atic Theology. Robinson sums it up suggesting that the church has al­ the Scripture. clearly: “For I am convinced that lowed the world to set the agenda, to These theologians will not allow there is a growing gulf between the define the terms, and, to a large ex­ the church to sit by and watch the traditional orthodox supernaturalism tent, to stipulate the answers. They poor die unchallenged. They want in which our faith has been framed want the church to be more vigorous the church to respond to these peo­ and the categories which the lay’ in its attempt to define itself as an al­ ple with its resources, its theology, finds meaningful today.”7 Paul Tillich ternative to secularism instead of try­ and its values. They suggest that peo­ went so far as to say that his entire ing to be like it. They are very critical ple like Wesley wrote medical hand­ work was an attempt to bring Chris­ of the work of people like Tillich and books out of a concern for the poor. tianity and Western humanism closer Robinson, who sought to accommo­ These theologians are quick to point together.11 He even sought to define date the secular and the sacred. out that the church should not “spiri­ theology in terms of a correlation be­ All of this suggests that the parish tualize” these issues at the expense of tween human questions and divine minister is in a position to help peo­ looking at tough issues. answers. For a decade or two, liberal ple begin to make sense out of cul­ A parish minister must deal with theology sought to accommodate the­ ture. Perhaps it will be possible to these issues on a daily basis. People ology to culture with mixed results. find a path between a complete rejec­ who are homeless, without food, and tion or acceptance of culture. It have no access to health care and the might serve as a call to transform cul­ like are more than ideas to the parish ture through the grace of God. Read­ minister. Women who have been ing contemporary theology could abused and, in some cases, aban­ A pastor cannot serve as a catalyst for doing just that. doned walk in the church office. The A parish minister will confront this is­ church cannot turn its back on these avoid reading sue at eye level. More often than not people as it seeks to minister to the it will be a question on heavy metal so-called spiritual needs of people. contemporary music that forces the pastor to recon­ Liberation theologians confront the sider culture. Will the path be a com­ church with its responsibilities in theology. plete rejection of culture or an uncrit­ these areas. In fact, the parish minis­ ical acceptance? Contemporary ter determines the response of the theology may be a way of seeing the church. Reading contemporary the­ issue in a broader context. ologians who deal with these issues can help the parish minister think The Role o f the Church The area where this has the most through the social issues. Some contemporary theologians importance for parish ministry is the have forced the church to reexamine need to look very seriously at the hu­ its role in the world. People like Elisa­ man dilemma. It is dangerous to al­ beth Schussler Fiorenza, in her book low culture to set the agenda and de­ In Memory of Her, have attempted to fine the Christian response. But it is confront the church with its partici­ Theology is for all equally dangerous to deny the validity pation in the oppression of women. of the question. Theology and the James Cone in God o f the Oppressed people of faith ministry that comes out of it must be has asked similar questions in refer­ able to look deep in the eyes of the ence to the plight of black people. an evidence of world’s hurt and pain with the hope Jose Miguez-Bonino in Doing Theolo­ of the gospel. Sometimes we want to gy in a Revolutionary Situation rais­ spiritual maturity. restrict the kinds of questions we will es questions about the role of the allow to be asked, because more than church in third world countries. often it is uncomfortable to really lis­ Scores of contemporary theologians ten. Contemporary theology illus­ are not so much interested in the trates some of the dangers of such lis­ metaphysical issues that surround The three issues shared in this sec­ tening, but it also shows us some of God-talk. Neither are they interested tion in no way exhaust the multi­ the possibilities as well. It suggests in the accommodation or rejection of faceted arena of contemporary theol­ that we find a way of creatively deal­ culture by theology. They are con­ ogy. The feminists’ critique is widely ing with the world without losing our cerned about social justice, that is, represented in the literature. These soul. racism, sexism, poverty, hunger, and wom en and men are forcing the One response to this is emerging so on. These theologians call our at­ church to reexamine its dealing with out of the work of Stanley Hauerwas tention to the oppressed people of women. The work of the deconstruc­ and William Willimon. They suggest the earth. These people who are in tionists deserves attention. They are that “we have an opportunity to dis­ Latin America, Africa, and North changing the face of contemporary

14 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE theology. The work of David Tracy is contemporary theology was born. thing seems to be that we begin to di­ well worth our time as he emphasizes Alasdair I. C. Heron, A Century o f gest some of them. It is important the hermeneutical dimension of the­ Protestant Theology (Philadelphia: that we do not neglect the reading of ology. Theologians who represent the Westminster Press, 1980), has writ­ standard theological books from our gay and lesbian groups are vocal and ten a very useful book that looks at own tradition that will acquaint us sometimes very influential on semi­ some of the major theological voices with major doctrinal issues. nary campuses. Then there is the in the last century. Both o f these phenomenon of evangelical theology books will be useful to anyone who and even dominion theology. All of wants to understand contemporary this suggests that a wise parish minis­ theology. ter will spend some portion of time Let me suggest a few books that reading and trying to understand the will give a new reader a little flavor of All theology is contemporary theological scene. It is contemporary theology. First, Paul contemporary; if it as alive and diverse as the world in Tillich, Shaking o f the Foundations which we are ministering. (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, doesn't happen Some Suggestions for Beginning 1948), is a book of sermons preached to Read Contemporary Theology by Tillich at Union Theological Semi­ now, it really You might be convinced after read­ nary. In a very readable fashion, the ing this article that contemporary the­ sermons reflect some of the theologi­ doesn't matter. ology is worth some of your time. But cal concerns in America after World you might be wondering where to be­ War II. David Tracy, The Blessed Rage gin reading. First, it is important that fo r Order: The New Pluralism in The­ you decide to read more than con­ ology (N ew York: Seabury Press, temporary theology. While it is cru­ 1978), presents some of the ideas of Can reading contemporary theolo­ cial to allow time for reading other this influential theologian. He clearly gy make a difference? The clear an­ theology as well, the point of this arti­ presents the modern dilemma and swer is yes. The task of understand­ cle is to suggest the importance of some theological alternatives in this ing even some of these rather strange reading contemporary theology. situation. Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza, theologians is significant. I would like In Memory o f Her: A Feminist Theo­ to think that the effort will pay richly. logical Reconstruction of Christian Perhaps all of this stems from my be­ O rigins (New York: Crossroads, lief that all theology is contemporary; 1989), is a book that presents the fem­ if it does not happen now, then it re­ inists’ critique very powerfully. She ar­ ally does not matter. We believe that, Reading theology gues that the pattern of male domina­ in order for faith to be meaningful, it tion has colored all Christian theology must be a continuous activity. Theo­ will help reveal and must come to an end. Jurgen logical thinking in another sense must Moltmann, God in Creation: A New be continuous. Contemporary theolo­ what a great many Theology o f Creation and the Spirit gy helps remind us of that fact. ■ o f God (San Francisco: Harper and men and women Row, Publishers, 1985), is interesting 1. Otto Heick, A History of Christian Thought because it is a major theological re­ (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1966), 2:150. are thinking. 2. George A. Lindbeck, The Nature o f Doctrine: sponse to the so-called ecological con­ Religion and Theology in a Postliberal Age (Philadel­ cern. A great deal of discussion is go­ phia: Westminster Press, 1984). He indicates his view ing on in the international media by the following comment: “This general way o f con­ ceptualizing religion will be called in what follows a about this issue. It might be interest­ ‘cultural-linguistic’ approach and the implied view of ing to approach these issues through church doctrine will be referred to as a ‘regulative’ or A good place to begin is with a the eyes of a major theologian. Paul ‘rule’ theory” (18). 3. David Tracy, The Analogical Imagination: book about contemporary theology. Jewett, God, Creation, and Revela­ Christian Theology and the Culture of Pluralism This helps you get a broad perspec­ tion: A Neo-Evangelical Theology (N ew York: Crossroads, 1987). He argues in this book that Christian theology should be understood as pri­ tive on issues that have captivated the (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub­ marily hermeneutical. interest of theology in this century. lishing Co., 1991), is a significant con­ 4. Gabriel Fackre, The Christian Story (Grand Jeffrey Hooper, Understanding Mod­ tribution by an evangelical. The inter­ Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1987), 2:2. 5. Schubert Ogden, The Reality o f God, and Other ern Theology (Philadelphia: Fortress esting thing about Jewett’s book is Essays (San Francisco: Harper and Row, Publishers, Press, 1987), has in two volumes that it will acquaint the reader with 1963, 1965, 1966, 1977), 1. done a good job of discussing the how evangelical theology has re­ 6. Ibid., 37. 7. John A. T. Robinson, Honest to God (Philadel­ main issues in contemporary theolo­ sponded to some of these issues. phia: Westminster Press, 1963), 8. gy. He begins by looking at the cul­ These books are only suggestions. 8. Paul Tillich, My Search fo r Absolutes (N ew York: Simon and Schuster, 1967), 35. tural and intellectual revolutions that Literally dozens of highly significant 9. Stanley Hauerwas and William H. Willimon, Resi­ served to create the climate in which books are available. The important dent Aliens (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1989), 17-18.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 15 Worship and Sacra merits

by Kent E. Brower Manchester, England

from Wesley in this matter. Several reasons for this could be advanced. At the theological level, P. M. Bas­ sett has pointed out that some late 19th-century holiness theologians held a rather low view of the sacra­ ments. It was only a short step from low estimate to neglect. On a practical level, holiness peo­ ple feared a return to “dead formal­ ism,” seeing “liturgy” as the enemy of spiritual worship. (See Rob L. Staples, Outward Sign and Inward Grace: The Place of Sacraments in Wes­ leyan Spirituality [Kansas City: Bea­ con Hill Press of Kansas City, 1991], esp. chap. 1.) When this fear was mixed with the growing dislike of anything that smacked of the nonra- tional or with a virulent anti-Catholi­ The Problem of the Sacraments ed by infant dedication. Adult bap­ cism that confused attention to the udging from the increase in pub­ tism was scarcely mentioned, appar­ sacraments as “pandering to Rome,” lications devoted to worship ently seen as an optional extra. Peo­ the lack of attention to the sacra­ and the plethora o f worship ple could have been forgiven if they ments in worship soon followed. J thought that the two important But there was a price to pay for choruses and courses on worship, it appears as if modern evangelicalism “sacraments” were infant dedication this. Ole Borgen contends that by los­ has rediscovered the importance of and joining the church. ing the balance in worship between worship. Holy Communion fared somewhat word and sacrament, This renewed interest in worship is better. We held—celebrated would the theologically impoverished to be commended. One dimension of be the wrong word—Communion heirs of Wesley, without realizing this reflection should be a fresh look once a quarter because it was de­ the consequences, open the road at the sacraments o f baptism and manded in the Manual. It was essen­ to a future revivalism in danger of Holy Communion. If practice is any tially an affair for an inner circle of shallowness; to conceptions of ho­ indication of theology, some minis­ adult church members who had ex­ liness that have lost the Wesleyan ters are confused and uncertain about amined themselves with exceedingly anchorage in the eternal wonder of the place in our worship of these ap­ great scrupulosity. While this after­ Christ’s atonement; and to a prag­ pointed means of grace. Consequent­ service went on, the rest of us were matic activism where the motivat­ ly, the sacraments are sometimes rele­ asked to wait quietly out in the foyer ing force is materialistic and subjec- gated to a low priority in the wor­ of the church. tivistic rather than the flowing shiping community. It was not always so in holiness cir­ from lives filled with the love of For some of us, the lack of empha­ cles. Wesley himself preached a ser­ God, and, as a consequence, of all sis on the sacraments is part of our mon titled “The Duty of Constant men. (Ole E. Borgen, John Wesley heritage. Baptisms were rare. Infant Communion.” But, for the most part, on the Sacraments [Grand Rapids: baptism had been virtually supplant­ the holiness movement departed Francis Asbury, 1985], 16)

16 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Issues in Worship covering the Wesleyan balance, at those who will receive it and enter in­ Worship that does not have a prop­ least in theory. to the personal relationship God is of­ er sacramental dimension is at risk. This article makes no claim to say­ fering in His grace. The sign is direct­ The primary danger is that worship ing anything new or to being an ad­ ly related to the thing signified, will become human-centered and vance on anything already stated by namely, the grace of God. shallow. No congregation or minister these scholars. Its aim is far more The Theological Context modest, namely, to reap some of the ever deliberately sets out on the path o f the Sacraments fruits of their work and that of others of human-centered worship. But peo­ In order to understand the place of in the hope that it might have a posi­ ple may demand a higher emotional sacraments in worship, we need to temperature than comes from Word- tive impact on our thinking about set them in their appropriate theolog­ worship and sacraments. centered service. When this demand ical context. There are many ways in is linked with Western individualism, The Sacraments and Worship which this context could be ex­ worship can be squeezed in the direc­ What Is a Sacrament? pressed; this article wishes to high­ tion of a “me-centered” emotionalism. The standard definition of sacra­ light five points that are crucial for a But worship must always be corpo­ ment in Wesleyanism is “an outward correct understanding of sacraments rate and God-centered. The sacra­ sign of inward grace, and a means and worship. ments contribute to both aspects. whereby we receive the same.” But First, sacraments are Christ-cen- A similar danger arises from our this definition is not as straightfor­ tered. They come from Christ and ever-increasing technological sophis­ ward as it might appear. The crucial point directly and objectively to the tication and professionalism. The terms to understand are “sign” and life and work of Christ. They do not quality of our sound and light system, “means.” focus on the individual who is receiv­ our choral presentations, our special ing them nor on the minister who is musicians can make us satisfied spec­ administering them. They point to tators rather than involved partici­ Christ and to Him alone. pants. People who come to partici­ I------1 Second, sacraments are grace-cen- pate in worship o f God in the tered. They are always at God’s initia­ community of faith become mere If practice is tive. Grace is the unmotivated favor spectators and critics. of God whereby a person is brought The third danger is that of taming any indication into a right relationship with God and God—and then ignoring Him. God is enabled to live in that relationship a God of mystery and awe. We are of theology, through the Holy Spirit. In that sense, not very comfortable with mystery; gospel and sacrament are identified. we much prefer explanations. This some ministers In this, classic Wesleyan thought is leads to the situation described by identical with classic evangelical Staples: “To many devout persons j are confused j thought: “The reception of the thing deeply committed to the Christian signified depends upon the faith of faith, there is something strange and and uncertain, i i the receiver, for without faith it can­ incomprehensible in the phenome­ i______i not be received. But the sacrament is non of sacramental practice in the life the seal of donation nevertheless. . . . of the church” (p. 25). But when we Man’s faith does not make the grace reduce the sacraments to terms we In this definition, “sign” has the of God” (Tim Bradshaw, The Olive can fully understand, we strip them connotation of “symbol” in modern Branch: An Evangelical Anglican of their mystery. Alternatively, we theological thought. That is, a sign Doctrine of the Church [Carlisle, run the risk of arguing that because signifies the thing to which it refers, Eng.: Paternoster, 1992], 182). we cannot fully explain how the points to it, and participates in it. It is Third, sacraments are covenant-ori- sacraments become means of grace, more than a spiritual road sign that ented. That means that they are or­ perhaps they really aren’t. merely points. Its true character is dained as the means of grace within At the root of these problems, of most clearly seen in the Last Supper, the community of believers, the Body course, is inadequate theology. This where the bread and wine not only of Christ. They are signs and symbols inevitably leads to the neglect of the pointed to Christ’s death and the new of the corporate salvation in which sacraments. Sadly, we can thereby covenant community but also, in we individually participate. rob the church of a richness of wor­ some senses, brought them about. Fourth, sacraments are mysterious. ship and limit the experience of the At times, the definition has been Just as the precise way in which the risen Christ in our midst. understood in a minimalist sense. But Atonement works is unexplainable, There are encouraging signs. With­ such a reading ignores the last phrase so the precise way in which the in my own denomination, classic of the definition. A sacrament is a sacraments are means of grace is be­ Wesleyan understandings of sacra­ physical sign that is a means of grace yond our explanation. ments are being proclaimed with in­ to the receiver. Finally, the sacraments are eschato- creasing clarity. Bassett, Dunning, “Means” of grace draws attention logical. That means that they extend Greathouse, Grider, and especially to the fact that the sacraments are the backward and forward and are active Staples are among those who have ordinary way by which the Holy Spir­ in the present. They can only be un­ started us on the long road back to re­ it makes the grace of God available to derstood fully in the context of the

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 17 hope of the Church based on the minion and power of sin and rises to tended to lose their nerve in the face cross o f Christ and present now the Lordship of Christ. Thus, baptism of the individualism in some evangeli­ through the work of the Holy Spirit. can never be separated from the cal circles, a process that has aptly Both sacraments share these char­ cross of Christ. Staples puts the case been termed the “baptistification of acteristics. But each also has some well: the holiness movement.” (Staples significant individual points that help When the water of baptism is points to the earlier Anabaptist tradi­ us understand more fully their proper separated from the blood of the tion as the origin of this thinking.) place in the worshiping community. Cross, baptism loses its significance The theological issues seem clear, however. They center on two ques­ Baptism for many Christians, and the focus tions. First, is baptism an objective First, baptism is the sign of the new of attention wanders from Christ to sign of God’s grace or a testimony to covenant community. Paul makes this the skill of the minister, or the the faith of the recipient? Classic link between baptism and the structure of the baptistery, or the Wesleyanism would affirm with clas­ covenant explicit in Col. 2:11-14. wet clothing after immersion, or, in sic evangelicalism that it is primarily When one is baptized, one becomes a the case of infant baptism, the an objective sign of God’s grace. To member of the new community. beauty (or crying) of the baby, or be sure, baptism at whatever age Thus, it is initiatory and unrepeatable, the religiosity of the parents. Such must be accompanied by a response, drawing attention to the unity in the missing o f the mark is nothing sooner or later, in the heart of the Body of Christ. Just as the Jewish boy short of tragic. (P. 134) baptizand. who was circumcised on the eighth Third, baptism is a sign of God’s day became a member of the prevenient and saving grace. God has covenant community by the grace of taken the initiative in providing the God, so the “baptizand” is incorporat­ means of our salvation. The focus of I------1 ed into the new covenant community baptism is the objective grace, the act wholly on the basis of the grace of of the crucified Lord. “It heralds Sacraments \ God. In that sense, the sacrament is Christ’s commitment and atonement, also anticipatory, for it requires the the root of our salvation” (Bradshaw, point directly to : response of the recipient, whether Olive Branch, 186). Although faith is immediately (adult baptism) or later a condition of regeneration, it is not [ the life and j (infant baptism—compare circumci­ the cause of it, so baptism is not pri­ sion and bar mitzvah) to witness to marily the response of the believer. work of Christ. ] Before we ever respond to the grace the personal work of God. Baptism, i______i then, is the mark of Christ that the of God, He has acted. Baptism is not baptizand bears, identifying him or primarily our witness to God’s grace her as Christ’s (see Staples, 122-23). but a gift of God himself. Second, is the newborn a member Fourth, baptism is the sign of our of the new covenant community of community solidarity (see esp. Eph. salvation or not? It would be quite 4:4-6). Christ’s death has created a consistent for those who hold to a I------1 new race of those who are in Him doctrine of double predestination, Holiness people (2:11-22). Baptism signifies the trans­ whereby some children are bom with fer of lordship from that old corpo­ no hope of salvation, to deny baptism feared a return rate solidarity of being in Adam to the to anyone who has not already shown new solidarity of being in Christ (see that they are part of God’s elect. On ! to "dead ! Rom. 6:5-14). the basis of the universal Atonement Fifth, baptism is the sign of receiv­ and God’s prevenient grace, however, formalism/ ing the Holy Spirit. Baptism and the Wesley held that salvation was already reception of the Spirit stand in close accomplished and, therefore, available seeing "liturgy" connection in the New Testament. for all, including the newborn, The New Testament knows of no whether baptized or not. If, as Wes- as the enemy such thing as a Christian who has not leyans hold, the child is part of the received the Spirit (see Rom. 8:9). new covenant community, baptism is of spiritual Wesley and Paul are entirely in agree­ appropriate as the sign of incorpora­ ment at this point. tion by the grace of God into that new worship, Classic evangelicalism and classic covenant community. Baptism for Wesleyanism are together in their ba­ adults and children is the sign of i______i sic theological understanding of the God’s grace, not the baptizand’s faith. sacrament of baptism. And for both, As Staples has so poignantly observed, infant baptism is the preferred means “In a sense, all baptisms are really in­ Second, baptism is the sign of dy­ by which children of Christian fami­ fant’ baptisms” (p. 181). ing and rising with Christ (see Rom. lies are incorporated into the church. Tim Bradshaw has summarized the 6:3-4). When one is baptized, one Sectors of the Wesleyan tradition classic evangelical position as fol­ identifies fully with Christ in His within the holiness movement have lows: death. The baptizand dies to the do­ not always appreciated this and have In brief, the children of the peo-

18 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE pie of God, people who profess the ways be Christ-centered. It always torically centered on the real pres­ faith and are themselves baptized finds its focus in the cross, resurrec­ ence of Christ in the sacrament. Un­ and partakers in the covenant tion, presence, and coming of our derstood in biblical terms, the Lord’s meal, should be sealed by the sign Lord Jesus Christ. It always is a sign of Supper is the sign of Christ’s pres­ of baptism. They should be the finished work of Christ, a sign of ence among His people. It is a real, brought up within the covenant, His victory over death, a sign of His not merely a symbolic, presence. The learning to pray with parents and continued presence with us through Lord’s Supper “mediates communion the church, appropriating the the Holy Spirit, and a sign of His com­ with the crucified one in the pres­ promises of God sealed on them at ing again. ence of the risen one” (J. Moltmann, baptism, growing into the Christian Second, the Last Supper and the The Church in the Power o f the Spir­ faith. Their unbelief can make the Lord’s Supper were community-based it [London: SCM, 1977], 250). Pre­ . . . seal of no account. But that is from the start. Jesus’ words and ac­ cisely how He is present in the sacra­ not the expectation of the prayer­ tions at the Last Supper were like sim­ ment is a mystery. ful family of the church. There is ilar combinations familiar to us from Fourth, the Lord’s Supper is an of­ such a thing as an infant Christian, the Old Testament. By sharing this fering. This does not mean that the church is not catholic without last meal with His disciples, breaking Christ’s sacrifice is being repeated by all age-groups, and there must be bread with them and passing the cup the minister. Christ died once for all no confusion between knowledge to them, He was affecting the new and ever intercedes on our behalf. on the one hand and faith of a covenant community in His blood. To Thus/ “we do not offer up Christ; He childlike kind on the other. (P. be sure, the Cross was yet in front, offers up himself” (Staples,. 238), a 190) founding the new covenant com­ thought expressed eloquently in Wes­ munity through participation in His ley’s hymn: death. Five bleeding wounds He bears, The metaphor o f the messianic Received on Calvary. banquet uniquely captures this com­ They pour effectual prayers; We cannot fully munal aspect. It reminds us of our They strongly plead fo r me. solidarity with all who are in Christ. It “Forgive him, oh, forgive, ” they cry, explain how stretches back; we are one with that “Nor let that ransomed sinner die. ” great company of witnesses, which the sacraments no one can number, who are already the dead in Christ. And so, we recitd become means the creed, that expression of our his­ I toric, common faith. We eat and Is baptism an I of grace. drink with them, as it were. At the I same time, through the hymns and objective sign L anthems of praise, we join with that great throng in glorifying the One of God's grace who sits upon the throne and the This suggests that a certain distor­ Lamb. or a testimony tion has crept into our theology of It also has a present, “home and adult baptism as well. Frequently, it is abroad” axis. It affirms our solidarity to the faith of implicitly seen as a dramatic witness with all who are brothers and sisters to the believer’s faith. But, however in Christ, wherever they may be. the recipient? full of drama a baptismal service Third, the Lord’s Supper is a re­ might be, it is a drama that ought to membrance. Here the memorialist focus on the grace of God, the cross view is on the right lines, but it does of Christ, and God’s action in incor­ not go far enough. A clue may be porating the new member into the gleaned from the fact that the Last The bread and wine are also gifts of covenant community. Supper occurred during Passover. our hand, symbolizing our renewed One final note: God is not depen­ Passover was more than a memorial; offering of ourselves completely and dent upon baptism for incorporation it was a reenactment of the deliver­ wholly to God. Here is the sense in into the new covenant community, ance by Yahweh. It was thus a living which Wesley understood the Lord’s although this is the ordinary sacra­ drama that each family was to experi­ Supper as the sanctifying sacrament. ment for it. ence as if it were the original Staples sums up this aspect by re­ Lord’s Supper Passover. The same pattern applied in minding us that in the Eucharist, “We Each Christian is baptized only the covenant renewal festival in Israel are invited for repentance, for self-ex- once but participates repeatedly in (see Deut. 5:4). Through the sacra­ amination, for renewal, for spiritual the Lord’s Supper. But what view ment we participate in and continue sustenance, for thanksgiving, for fel­ ought one to take of this means of our participation in the death of our lowship, for anticipation of the heav­ grace that the Lord commands us to Lord and our mutual participation enly kingdom, and for celebration in celebrate? one with the other. our pilgrimage toward perfection” (p. First, the Lord’s Supper must al­ The debate over remembrance his­ 202). We offer ourselves in response

SEPrEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 19 to Christ’s once-for-all offering of him­ themselves to the Christian nurturing reexamination. For instance, if a wed­ self. of this newly incorporated member. ding service is to include a celebration Fifth, the Lord’s Supper is the sign But they alone are not responsible for of the Lord’s Supper—something that of the Messianic age. It points back to the child’s nurturing in the faith; that is appropriate—it needs to be for all the cross of Christ; in the Lord’s Sup­ is the corporate responsibility of the the gathered community. Or, when per, based on the grace of God whole covenant community and es­ Communion is celebrated with those supremely offered to all on the cross pecially its local expression. Precisely in hospital or with shut-ins, the com­ o f His Son, we participate in that the same obligation is laid on the munity connection needs especially to once-for-all death. It is this dimension community at an adult baptism. be stressed. It is always a fellowship that makes the Lord’s Supper a sacra­ Second, baptism for adults who with Christ and with fellow Christians. ment of invitation even to those who come to faith and who have not been have not yet trusted fully in Christ. baptized as infants should not be de­ Through the Holy Spirit, we experi­ layed. Baptism is a sign of God’s I------1 ence the living presence of the living grace, not of human faith. There is no Christ in our midst, incorporating us reason to wait until the candidate has It is not how into His body and making us one. The proven his or her faith. God is incor­ Lord’s Supper also points forward to porating that one into the new much of the ! that great marriage supper o f the covenant community. Lamb, when all things are consum­ individual is mated in the Messianic kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. I------1 covered by The Worship Context o f the Sacraments ! The Lord's ! water in i There are two nonnegotiables in the worship context o f the sacra­ Supper is an baptism that ments. First, worship and sacraments must always be God-/Christ-centered, ! offering. ! is significant. * not human-centered. Second, the sacraments are always community- i______i based, not individual-based. Third, the mode is not important; Third, our form of celebration the sacrament is. Whether baptism is needs further reflection. Because the I------1 by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling sacrament is a sign of our oneness The Lord's is quite irrelevant. It is not how much with all Christians, the recitation of of the individual that is covered by the creed, preferably the Nicene Supper is a water that is significant; it is the grace Creed, is a fitting reminder of our inti­ of God completely incorporating the mate connection with the disciples of sign of the individual into Christ’s death and res­ Christ throughout history, while urrection and the full identification of singing of anthems of praise points finished work the individual with the community of forward to that day when we will join faith that is significant. the hosts of heaven in worship. [ of Christ. [ Lord’s Supper and Worship Fourth, as a sign of our unity with The Lord’s Supper is the repeatable Christians everywhere, an offering for i______i and appointed means of grace. There the poor—Hunger and Disaster are implications to this point that are Fund?—may be a fitting token of our Baptism and Worship often missed. solidarity with those who suffer. First, baptisms should always be First, “once per quarter” is too in­ Conclusion held in the context of a worship ser­ frequent. At the very least, such an in­ Several years ago, Donald Dayton vice in which the community of be­ frequent celebration tends to mini­ wrote a book titled Discovering an lievers plays an integral part. Baptism mize the importance of the sacra­ Evangelical Heritage. Dayton fo­ is the sign of God’s incorporation of ment. It may imply that we have sev­ cused on the rediscovery of social the individual into the new covenant ered the link between Holy Commu­ concern at the heart of Wesleyan community. Hence, there is a respon­ nion and the sanctified life. Or, it may piety. A similar discovery, this time sibility laid upon the covenant com­ be an unconscious signal that our focused on the importance of the munity that welcomes the new mem­ preference for informal worship is sacraments of baptism and Eucharist, ber, whether infant or adult, into its more important than following the may now be occurring within the ho­ midst. Here is the reason for the pres­ pattern of the Early Church and the liness movement. My prayer is that ence of godparents at an infant bap­ command of Holy Scripture. the discovery will bear fruit in our tism. Like the parents, they commit Second, current practice may need congregations. ■

2 0 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE One Person’s View of Emerging Trends in Church Music

by Joe Seaborn Marion, Ind.

n many areas of church life today style for church music. From our time through the bars of a prison (Acts the tide is turning away from tra­ forward, it must stand as a founda­ 16:25). But these instances only high­ dition. Whether this spirit ex­ tional premise that church music will light the fact that people in the Early Ipresses itself in the osmosis betweennecessarily remain diverse and free, Church viewed songs as a natural denominations, or in a kind of reli­ employing, on the one hand, the component of their daily praise to gious restlessness that seeks spiritual great musical traditions of the past, God. These references do not carry contentment without much regard while creating its own styles in coop­ with them any explicit theological in­ for questions of orthodoxy, or by a eration with the culture of the times. terpretation. vernacular liturgy, ours is a genera­ When we turn to the Scriptures in The writings o f Paul furnish us tion that might arguably be called search of guidelines for shaping the with at least three key passages that “The Iconoclastic Controversy Revis­ content and style of Christian music offer insights into the character of ited.” for our own times, we meet with an music that might properly be called Perhaps in no arena of church life amazing openness. In part this may “Christian.” is this movement toward di­ In 1 Cor. 14:15, Paul is ad­ versity more pronounced dressing the need for clarity than in our worship music. of communication in public Certainly if one considers worship. In order for others creative conflict as a valid to be built up in Christ or signal of substantive redirec­ “edified” (v. 17), the person tion, the chronic struggle in who speaks in a tongue or many of our congregations who sings or who offers for a balanced musical pack­ thanksgiving must commu­ age that meets the needs of nicate a clear message that most, while at the same others can understand and time offending the least, affirm. hints that music is experi­ In this passage Paul sets encing nothing short of a forth a central characteristic revolution. of music that can qualify as For the people who are Christian: (1) It must pre­ called upon to decide the musical be due to the relative scarcity of ref­ sent a clear message that builds up combinations that appear in our wor­ erences to music that carry with the fa ith o f the hearers. The Wes­ ship services, the challenge to catch them any theological explanation. We leyan Bible Commentary adds these just the right dynamic between bibli­ read of Mary magnifying the Lord af­ words: cal soundness and cultural currency, ter discovering that she was carrying Paul makes clear in verses 14-17 and to do so every week, is every bit an unusual baby (Luke 1:46-55). Or that the Christian religion is intelli­ as demanding as preaching relevant we read about that Baby, now grown, gent as well as emotional, social as sermons. The medium is different, singing a psalm or hymn with His dis­ well as personal. . . . On the practical but the mental investment necessary ciples in the Upper Room (Matt. side Morris remarks: “All too often for choosing the best music in the 26:30), or of Paul and Silas singing prayers are offered in a kind of emo­ best order ranks right alongside the tional jargon, and hymns are chosen preparations of sermons as a task re­ on the basis of attractive tunes rather quiring a well-disciplined and sensi­ than sound theology.” (Charles tive human spirit. Carter, ed., The Wesleyan Bible Com­ When you scan the variety of mu­ mentary [Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerd- sic styles that can be employed in mans Publishing Co., 1965], 5:218) worship—jazz, hymnic, classical, Along with Paul’s emphasis on the chant, pop, gospel, folk, rock, and need for a clear message through our electronic—it is easy to see why we music, another feature of Christian must reject the rather simple notion music emerges from this verse: Paul that we will ever achieve a unified also teaches (2) that our singing

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 21 must bring together both intelligibil­ tians also saw music (4) as a means Paul observes that, no matter which ity and emotional involvement. for instructing or admonishing be­ of these is used, the purpose of the Along with the mental acceptance, lievers in proper Christian behavior. music must be that of bringing honor there must be the emotional involve­ Though the terms are not exclusive, to God and causing others to increase ment. Here Paul is emphasizing the “teaching” here refers to the transmis­ in their love and respect fo r Him. need for the full extent of human per- sion of doctrine or beliefs, whereas In summary, these three passages “admonishing” focuses more on be­ establish this set of criteria for music havior (both KjV). that can be characterized as “Chris­ “Spiritual songs” to which Paul tian.” (1) It must communicate a mes­ sage with clarity so that others can comprehend it and mature in their faith as a result of hearing it. (2) It must allow for a full engagement of the whole person in the worship event. The mind, emotion, and will should be moved toward God by the music. (3) It must shape the life of the church so as to reinforce proper beliefs and inculcate moral behavior. refers here were written by creative (4) It must focus attention on God sonality to be influenced and affected individuals in the church and are be­ and the thanks that is due Him for His by participation in worship. Our Wes­ lieved by scholars to have been com­ help and blessings in our lives. leyan tradition is replete with unfor­ parable to our modern-day ballads or With these four foundational prin­ tunate instances from the past when folk songs. A good example of a spiri­ ciples before us, we can now exam­ only one or two aspects of the human tual song is found in 1 Tim. 3:16, ine a number of ways in which these personality were addressed by wor­ where Paul gives us these lyrics: “He truths help us analyze current trends ship, and the results ran the gamut appeared in a body, was vindicated and trajectories in church music. For from emotional extremism to a thor­ by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was all of their brevity, these guidelines oughly secular socialism. preached among the nations, was be­ serve as powerful directives and cor­ lieved on in the world, was taken up rectives to the evolving shape of in glory.” church music today. Consider these A third characteristic of Christian statements that serve to interface music is suggested by Paul in Eph. these biblical principles with what 5:19-20. Paul says, “Speak to one an­ In no arena of we are seeing develop in the area of other with psalms, hymns and spiritu­ church music today. church life is the al songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving movement toward thanks to God the Father for every­ thing.” In this verse Paul declares that diversity more our music must (5) be a worthy vehi­ cle for praise and thanksgiving to Songs were pronounced than God. By implication Christian music will not draw attention to the singer a natural in worship music. but will point beyond the singer to the God who gave the singer the abil­ component of ity to sing. F. F. Bruce, quoted in The Wes­ daily praise in the leyan Bible Commentary, discrimi­ Along with a need for clarity, Paul nates these three types of music in Early Church. offers another characteristic that will this way: be true of music that is approved by If we are to distinguish between God. In Col. 3:16, Paul suggests that the three kinds of musical composi­ psalms and hymns and spiritual songs tion, “psalms” may refer to the Old OBSERVATION 1 are useful for didactic purposes. (3) Testament Psalter, which has pro­ Music that God affirms is that which vided a perennial source of Chris­ INTENSE WORSHIP EXPERIENCES inculcates Christian truth. The as­ tian praise from ancient times; ARE UNPREDICTABLE sortment of musical forms mentioned “hymns” may denote Christian can­ When we open ourselves up to the in this verse was used by the Early ticles such as have been recognized energy of God, we can never fully Church as a means for instructing be­ in several places in the New Testa­ predict what our reaction to that en­ lievers in the great truths o f the ment; “spiritual songs” may be un­ ergy will be. Vance Havner used to Church. premeditated words sung “in the say, “Where there’s holy fire, there’s Along with the transferring of Spirit” voicing praise and holy aspi­ usually wild fire, but, O God, give us truths through music, the early Chris­ rations. fire.”

22 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Whether by its quiet intensity or tain types of music such as rock or OBSERVATION 2 excessive decibels, music has a way country or jazz have an inherent ten­ ALL TYPES OF MUSIC of evoking a physical reaction. That, dency to draw attention to the per­ HAVE A LESSER OR GREATER or course, is as it should be. Dancing former and away from God. The one DEGREE OF CLARITY in the Spirit and clapping that accom­ sharing music through those medi­ We must dismiss outright any sug­ panied Old Testament worship were ums must be especially cautious that physical manifestations of an inward he seeks to keep the congregation fo­ gestion that there are certain types of music that God categorically cannot grace. The people were experiencing cused on God rather than on himself. use to His glory. If we truly believe an inner change and, in appreciation that God’s Word is communicable to to God, were rejoicing with the full measure of their personalities. any culture, we must also agree that In our own day such physical ex­ God can use the media specific to that culture in order to convey His pressions as the raising of hands or "O God, truth. closing the eyes or clapping along At this point much argumentation with a chorus are commonly demon­ give us fire!" occurs. Some declare outright that strated behaviors in times of worship. certain types of music such as jazz or As with any type of behavior that can be imitated, all o f these physical rock can never be the vehicle for God’s message. But there is a crucial movements at one time or another If we have to make a choice, it is consideration that must be noted. have been abused. Many critics of more in keeping with the biblical One of the reasons why there is such expressions, in fact, cite these guidelines suggested above to have disagreement over what music styles abuses as reason for dispensing with an inferior singer whose heart is at­ God can and cannot use is because the privilege. But that is to deprecate tuned toward God leading the wor­ certain musical styles are not as intel­ the individuality of expression that ship than it is to have a gifted singer ligible to one group as they are to an­ God has built into the members of whose attention is focused on his per­ the human family. What rather needs other. Granted, several musical forms formance, with God a dim shadow in are understandable to most if not all to occur is the regular affirmation the distance. As far as I could discov­ people. For example, take hymns. that all types of outward expression er from my study, the Bible never They are usually sung with an organ be commensurate with the disposi­ highlights the giftedness of a singer, or piano providing the melodic line. tion of the person exhibiting them. but it does refer to the devotion of They are typically written so that the That may mean great diversity within the singer’s heart. individual words are clear and easily even one worship service and, for As far as the Bible is concerned, understood by a person who might some, a measure of distraction. But a when it comes to genuine worship of celebration of our uniqueness before be listening for the first time. That is God, the quality of the worship being God urges that we affirm our diversi­ not universally true of hymns, but it is offered by the worshiper ranks above ty of expression from a common largely true. For that reason, people any talents or lack of them that the faith. with a multiplicity of musical tastes, worshiper does or does not possess. even those who have no personal ap­ In both your experience and mine, preciation for the hymnic tradition, that truth is confirmed by the experi­ can, if they desire to, appreciate and ences we have had in services when understand the hymns. If clarity of Christian music we were required to compare the message is an issue, according to 1 two. Cor. 14:15, then the hymn will long will point It is a rare and lovely privilege in­ stand as a musical form worthy of deed when we are guided in song by perpetual use in the church. beyond the a person of superior vocal ability whose heart is clearly merged with singer to God. God’s. The closer to God the musi­ cian, the more lofty and enriching will be the song. The Bible never But whether we grimace because a singer has brought the focus of his highlights the One of the principles outlined from music down from the majesty of Paul’s writing insists that the atten­ heaven or experience embarrassment giftedness of tion of our music be focused on God because an otherwise wonderful per­ and not on the worshiper turned per­ son has momentarily lost himself in a the singer. former. There is a precarious balance cloud of egotism, the point remains between the two, of course. There the same: worship is intensely per­ must at the same time be freedom of sonal and any form, such as music, expression on the part of the individ­ that is so intense and mysterious at There are other music styles that, ual, but not to the point where that the same time will have its unpre­ though less understandable to one expression directs attention away dictable moments. That is a point for group of people, are quite clearly from God and onto the person. Cer­ both extra caution as well as joy. comprehended by another. A number

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 23 of people who prefer country gospel votes: mind, body, and will. It is hard many people despise traditional music are often ridiculed by those to argue from the Scripture that God forms, which they see as little more who believe that their more classical is concerned about the sequence in than one generation imposing its or hymnic preferences focus more on which these three proceed. More im­ preferences upon another. God, while country gospel focuses portant, read the people with whom more on man. you are worshiping. Engage them at their point of greatest interest, whether it be intellectual or emotion­ al. Then lead them from that point to The words of a biblical balance in which the full To one who finds spectrum of the personality is en­ songs are human gaged in the adoration of God. country gospel OBSERVATION 3 creations inspirational, the WHATEVER COMBINATION designed to reflect OF MUSIC WE CHOOSE FOR lyrics are as clear OUR CHURCH, IT SHOULD the character of REINFORCE THE GREAT as the hymns DOCTRINES AND ETHICAL God and the TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH were to Charles It is invigorating for a congregation ethical purity of to sing together using contemporary Wesley. music forms that resonate with cur­ His children. rent culture. However, a congrega­ tion should also maintain its continu­ ity with the past through traditional musical forms for one great reason— Certainly in a sense that is true. But the truths of God come to us through Properly understood, the tradition­ it is also true that much of the criti­ continuity with our past, not in sepa­ al forms of church music gather up cism leveled at those who like coun­ ration from it. the experiences of the church from try music arises because the critic has Bible times until now and give us a not been trained to appreciate coun­ sense of continuity with our past. It is try gospel and perhaps finds it rather foolish to discard forms and practices unintelligible. To one who finds with which the church has prayed country gospel the common coin of Many people and praised for centuries. In the musi­ his culture, however, the lyrics are as cal area such forms as the Gregorian clear as the hymns were to Charles see traditional chant, the oratorio, the hymn, and an- Wesley. tiphonal singing have been used by By the same token, a person who forms of music God to nourish the life of the church enjoys Christian rock music and who for many years. We are wise if, from can mouth the words along with the as one time to time, we employ these forms singer is often surprised by a person which have been tried and tested who claims that the music seems to generation over the generations. To discount have no message. For many people them outright is tantamount to ex­ who have grown up in that culture, imposing its hibiting what C. S. Lewis properly the rock or jazz style of music is the called a kind of “chronological snob­ most comfortable idiom in which preferences bery,” which treats anything from the they can both find and express their past as inherently inferior. faith. upon another. OBSERVATION 4 Granted, the overlap of intelligibili­ ty across several cultural subgroups is NO MATTER WHAT not as great with country gospel or MUSICAL FORM, jazz or rock as it might be with THE CONTENT OR LYRICS hymns. But just because a person There is a proper sense in which NEED TO BE EVALUATED from one generation or culture can­ many people resist “traditional mu­ FOR BIBLICAL ACCURACY not understand the music of another sic.” Often “traditional” means noth­ Someone has said, “The sung word does not invalidate that music as a po­ ing more than what was done four or is the remembered word. ” When Arius, tential avenue for God’s grace. five years ago. One little boy illustrat­ the presbyter from Alexandria in the One man commented, “Any music ed this limited definition when he fourth century, set about spreading his that appeals to the heels before it ap­ was asked to write a history of the teaching, which taught that Jesus was a peals to the head is not worthy of church, tracing it back as far as he kind of inferior second God, he did a God.” According to Paul’s criteria, in could. He wrote, “My pastor was clever thing. He translated his beliefs genuine worship the whole person bom in 1945. . . Little wonder that into street songs and had the children

24 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE singing his theology into the hearts of a he will, in time, either leave that lustrate the sovereignty of God using whole generation. When the Wesleys church or else struggle with a chasm a 39c water pistol, so it is inappropri­ wanted to spread scriptural holiness, between the world o f life and the ate to use certain musical composi­ they allowed 6,000-plus hymns to help world of worship. tions because they simply are not of them achieve their goal. For worship to be valid for a wor­ sufficient quality to exalt their sub­ Because we tend to repeat musical shiper, it needs to assume the neutral ject. There is a profound distance in lines over and over again, we need to cultural forms in which he lives and quality between the words and music keep a vigilant eye on the lyrics of the fill them with biblical truth. That pat­ of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” songs that we allow into our church tern has been in place for genera­ and the little song quoted below. repertoire. No type of music should tions. Many people in Daniel’s world I want to be an angel be excluded from this scrutiny. Are were having false dreams. But God, And with the angels stand, the words of the hymn true to bibli­ adapting the mode of dreaming for A crown upon my forehead, cal ideas and teachings? Does the higher purposes, gave Daniel true A harp upon my hand. hymn bring glory to God? Does the dreams. The form was neutral. The gospel song admonish the congrega­ content was not. Paul’s principle suggests that God tion toward a self­ should be the focal ish or unselfish life­ point of our wor­ style? ship unless, of The words of course, w e are songs are not the teaching or admon­ inspired words of ishing. The ditty God. They are hu­ above falls short on man creations that, both counts. Not all for the most part, songs are born were designed to equal. reflect the charac­ As professionals ter of God and the who have been ethical purity of His trained in theology children. Not every and good judgment, line in every musi­ we are responsible cal composition for helping to sort keeps to that noble through the vol­ purpose. To the de­ umes of music that gree that musical are available to us pieces do not glori­ today and to make fy God, teach the judgments about truths of the Bible, them based on such or admonish peo­ criteria as excel­ ple to righteous liv­ lence, nobility, and ing, they fall short faithfulness to the of their best de­ Word of God. signs and biblical norms and may Some will hold that with rock mu­ Justin Martyr, the great second-cen- need to be left out of the musical pro­ sic even the form is unholy and there­ tury apologist, noted in his Second gramming of the church. fore useless as a means for communi­ Apology, “All that has been said well cating God’s grace. OBSERVATION 5 belongs to us Christians.” Through When we require people to leave the rich diversity of musical forms IN ORDER FOR THE WHOLE behind their culture in order to wor­ available to us today, God has more PERSON TO BE ENGAGED IN THE ship God through forms that are for­ languages than ever through which to MUSICAL EXPRESSION OF FAITH, eign to them, we run the risk of turn­ speak to the generations. The forms HE MUST FEEL THAT THE MUSIC ing them away from God altogether. are so diverse, in fact, that many of us LINKS WITH THE REAL WORLD IN Their sense of God can become stiff have difficulty appreciating the full WHICH HE CURRENTLY LIVES and inflexible and dry, not because spectrum of possibilities. When we When a worshiper of God is called God is, but because we are. stand before God at the end of things, upon regularly to leave behind the and “in a nobler, sweeter song [we] OBSERVATION 6 contours of his culture in order to sing [His] power to save,” we will be worship God, there will come a time EXCELLENT CHRISTIAN MUSIC glad that we grappled with the di­ when that worshiper will sense that WILL POSSESS A QUALITY AND verse range of musical styles of our the God of his worship is not relevant MAGNIFICENCE WITH THE own time and to the best of our abili­ to his culture. If a person is used to SUBJECT MATTER BEING ty filled them with the truths of God classical music and enters a church in DESCRIBED and sent them out to shape the souls which the music is country gospel, Just as it would be ridiculous to il­ of men and women for God. ■

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 25 Jesus Preached Directly

by Morris Chalfant Bourbonnais, III.

clergyman was called in salvation is theirs. Jesus used plain the middle of the night by terms— “lust,” “adultery,” “fornica­ a woman in his congrega­ tion,” “evil thoughts,” “covetous­ Ation. ness.” He called scribes and Phar­ “Well, friend,” he said, “so you are isees “hypocrites” and “whited ill and feel need for the consolation sepulchres” (Matt. 23:27, KJV). He of religion? What in particular can I said, “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! . . . do for you?” Bethsaida!” (11:21, KJV). “O Jerusa­ “No,” replied the lady. “I’m just lem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the nervous and can’t sleep.” prophets, and stonest them which “But how can I help that?” asked are sent unto thee” (23:37, KJV). To the astonished preacher. the Jews He deliberately said, “Ye The lady answered, “Sir, you al­ are of your father the devil, and the ways put me to sleep so nicely at Hangers-on would be either prayed in lusts of your father ye will do” (John church that I thought you might or out of the church. Her ministers 8:44, KJV). preach me a little sermon over the brought out the Atonement, with the Today has become a day of diplo­ phone just now.” circumstances of Jesus’ death for sin macy. Where diplomacy ends and Today’s church needs the thrust of and the sinner, in such a way as to compromise begins, only God knows. preaching that will keep people make sin appear “exceeding sinful” John the Baptist was once a very awake! Many laymen cry out that (Rom. 7:13, KJV). popular man. Large crowds attended they are bored stiff. They can hardly Jesus preached directly. He did not his revival. “Then went out to him Je­ stand the services, yet they feel oblig­ spend His time discoursing about rusalem, and all Judaea, and all the re­ ated to show up and they do—even imaginary characters or talking to per­ gion round about Jordan, and were putting their money in the offering sons not present, some vague third baptized of him in Jordan” (Matt. 3:5- plates. However, many congregations person, but He employed the second 6, KJV). What a crowd! But few men are ready to go to sleep when it person—“Thou art the man!” (See 2 can handle outstanding success in his comes to the Sunday morning ser­ Sam. 12:7, KJV.) He singled out sin field and not show some trace of mon. and people in His preaching so that pride. John was one of those rare men. We have church growth seminars they knew of what He spoke and to Though they had come to hear and lovely church plants and trained whom He spoke. Jesus was unlike John preach, it was his privilege to in­ personnel. We have up-to-date equip­ that church in a large city that pro­ troduce Jesus to that crowd: “He ment—intercoms, public-address sys­ fesses to represent Him, whose pas­ must increase, but I must decrease” tems, movie projectors, slide shows tor assures hearers by advance an­ (John 3:30, KJV) showed the caliber —you name it! We have fancy clothes nouncement that they may attend of the man. and badges and colorful brochures. services there with the assurance that John the Baptist could have avoid­ But we lack the most important ingre­ they will not be made uncomfortable ed truth and ignored the act of adul­ dient of all—the gripping message or put in an embarrassing position. tery by Herod living with his broth­ that truly gets hold of the heart every But indeed, just that embarrassment er’s wife. He could have condemned Sunday. or discomfort must take place before sin in a general way, but this preach­ Pioneer preachers of the holiness er was specific. movement at the turn of the 20th I went to the dentist, and he was century called sin “sin” and named rough on one of my teeth! Yet, I real­ sinful practices. Fearful denunciations ize that he had to get rough before of sin, the exactions of divine righ­ my tooth could be normal again. teousness, and the certainty of Judg­ Many a person will never be at ment Day with the perdition of un­ peace with God and himself until godly men to follow, furnished a bed some preacher has the courage to of thorns for such men upon which preach to him the judgment of God, rest was made impossible. Holiness tempered with pure love. churches were a hotbed of prayer. Often — much too often — we

26 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE preachers preach what appears to be tion. Such ministers apparently con­ irrelevant, or we miss the mark by a ceive of themselves as assistants to mile. Successful prophets, pastors, Congress: “Get a bill through, and the and preachers of yesteryears could in­ world is in good shape.” Other minis­ terpret the fine print of men’s hearts. ters, who have gotten a little beyond They knew the particular truth that sociology, regard themselves as the­ would point up the occasion. They ologians and probe deeply the mys­ fearlessly declared truth. teries of the universe. But where does The apostle Paul tells us that “per­ all this leave the poor souls who sit in ilous times shall come . . . in the last the congregation? days” (2 Tim. 3:1, KJV). It will be dan­ Undoubtedly Jesus would shock gerous in those times for men’s souls. many modern congregations. What We must arise and proclaim without an uproar He might cause in some fear the time-worn message of “repent seminaries! He wasn’t a conventional or perish.” Only the biblical preaching pulpiteer. His style would shake some of repentance will produce sin-killing, people today. His first message in soul-saving, restitution revivals. Lack of some pulpits would be His last. conviction and failure to repent has Yet, Jesus would get today what He produced “painless births.” Awaken to got in His day: response. People did the fact that worldliness in the church not sleep when He spoke. Some of has taken and is taking a great toll of His listeners voted for His execution. Faith spiritual stamina, weakening the testi­ Others went out and died for Him. mony of many Christians and silencing But indifference did not characterize by Bonnie K. Hallman the testimony o f His congregations. Harrisburg, Pa. many others. Mainly Jesus’ We stand at the speaking put God crossroads. Will we in human focus. He With the trials and the worries follow the crowd or made God awe­ That we have from day to day, Christ? Will we seek somely real. He We often feel as if the Lord out “the old paths, Many a person awakened people Is very far away. where is the good to their immense way” around our will never be lostness apart from But He is looking down and old-fashioned altars God—whether or Watching us with care. “and walk therein” at peace with not they acted on And, if we take the time to pray, (Jer. 6:16, KJV), or that wakening. He We'll feel His presence there. will we be deluded God and himself made those who by a religious phi­ had ears to hear to We take the time to worry losophy that tends until some want God until they Over what a day may bring, to eliminate the abandoned all for But often do not thank Him need o f an altar? preacher has Him. For the many little things. “Beware lest any Should we, in our man spoil you the courage to .time, shy away God feels our every sorrow. through philosophy from Jesus’ simplis­ And He’ll dry our every tear and vain deceit, . . . preach to him tic and direct tech­ If we will truly trust Him, after the rudiments nique, rather than And in our hearts keep Him near. o f the world, and the judqment standing in awe at not after Christ” the force of it? (Col. 2:8, KJV). “Cry of God. Let’s emphasize aloud, spare not, lift in our message that up thy voice like a man is born a sin­ trumpet, and shew ner, destined for my people their hell, but that Jesus transgression” (Isa. died and rose to 58:1, KJV). save him. Salvation, “For if the trumpet give an uncer­ therefore, is free to all who will re­ tain sound, who shall prepare himself ceive Christ by faith. to the battle?” (1 Cor. 14:8, KJV). My appeal is for simple, direct com­ Today, some religious leaders seem munication, not for superficial study to look down on simplicity and di­ or shallow preaching. Dig deep, but rectness. They infer that a sermon don’t come up dry. Use your profes­ should be a profound utterance upon sional tools at home, but take the in­ some sociological or political ques­ spired Word into the pulpit. ■

SEPTHMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2 7 Pastoral Care

Helping People Avoid bereavement Mistakes

by Victor M. Parach in Virginia Beach, Va.

Here is Tip O’Neill’s death of his adopted daughter is par­ account of what tran­ ticularly worth noting. In 1815 Tous­ spired: “When the doll saint’s sister gave birth to a girl whom arrived, I was told lat­ she named Euphemia. Within 60 days er, the girl lit up and the mother died and the father aban­ started to talk again. doned the child. So Toussaint and his Years later, after a wife adopted the infant. speech I gave at a col­ Since Toussaint and his wife could lege in my district, a not have children of their own, little woman came up to Euphemia was viewed as a special gift me and said, ‘I’m the from God. Her presence in their little girl you sent that home provided the Toussaints the doll to. It meant so happiest period of their lives. much to me, and I’ve always wanted to thank you.’” The fact is that the majority of people recover from loss n his autobiography, Man o f the and can begin to enjoy life. However, House, former Congressman Tip some people experience a grief that Bereaved O’Neill tells of a Boston neigh­ becomes arrested. The hurt from loss Ibor who suffered a heart attack and remains constant over many years. people may died. His young daughter was so trau­ They simply never move from pain to matized that she refused to speak in peace. Consequently, they are unable need to be the weeks following. The mother, to reenter the mainstream of living. alarmed by her daughter’s withdraw­ They remain permanent grievers. reminded often al, asked Mr. O’Neill to help take her At the time of loss, a person’s reli­ to a nearby hospital. gious leader can be tremendously that they are not Of course, the congressman was helpful in guiding him through grief. eager to help and drove the little girl Here are common bereavement mis­ lacking in faith to the hospital. That act o f mercy takes for people to avoid. made him late for a New York meet­ because they ing. When he arrived there, other Grief and Faith Are Incompatible committee members waiting for Some people assume incorrectly are grieving. O’Neill asked why he was late. The that the presence of grief is the ab­ congressman explained that a little sence of faith. In various subtle ways, girl had lost her father and was un­ the bereaved come to believe, “If I able to speak because of her trauma. had more faith, I would not feel this Other people who heard O’Neill’s badly.” Many people with deep, abid­ account were moved with compas­ ing faith experience the pain of loss. sion. One o f them suggested they It should never be forgotten that Je­ Lovingly, Pierre Toussaint watched take up a collection and buy the child sus wept when He learned that His the little girl mature. He hired a tutor a gift. A hat was passed, and Tip close friend, Lazarus, had died. to teach her English and French and O’Neill went to a toy store and pur­ Another example is that of former employed another teacher to give her chased the biggest stuffed animal he slave Pierre Toussaint, whose name music lessons. After work he felt a could find. They then shipped it back has been submitted recently for can­ rush of joy when he caught sight of to the hospital where the girl was onization. While his entire life is in­ his daughter waiting for him by the confined. spiring, Toussaint’s response to the entrance to their home.

2 8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Then, when Euphemia was 14, she successive telephone conversations women and men who were able to contracted tuberculosis. The best of endless length, a continuous forge new beginnings out of painful doctors were consulted, but Eu­ round of breakfast, luncheon, cock­ endings. phemia continued to lose weight and tail or dinner meetings or all-day or One such example is Barbara J. strength. She died at 14 years o f age. all-night bridge or poker games . . . Hargrove. As a child, she was raised Pierre Toussaint, the man who is this is a dangerous game. on a farm and then married a Col­ now nominated for sainthood, could One Year Heals All orado dairy farmer. Together, they not hide either his anger or his de­ Many people operate under the farmed for 17 years. Her husband pression. While notes poured in and mistaken notion that after 12 months died while in his mid-30s, and she friends came to bring comfort, the fa­ the bereaved should be fully recov­ was left alone to raise their four chil­ ther withdrew and was inconsolable. ered. In grief support groups, a com­ dren. Pierre Toussaint was so devastated mon concern expressed is the pres­ While dealing with her own loss, that he suspended his charitable ac­ sure the bereaved feel to be “perfect” Hargrove continued to operate the tivities and did not return to work for after 12 months. Others naively say to farm, be a single parent, and she re­ several months. Later, of course, he them: “It’s been a year now; don’t turned to college. Eight years later resumed both and went on to live un­ you think you should be over this?” the woman who had always been on til he was 87 years of age. “It’s been over a year now; I think a farm earned both a master’s degree This one important point emerges you’re just feeling sorry for yourself.” and a doctorate. She moved from the from Toussaint’s life and his grief— Actually the first year is just the be­ farm to teaching, first at Yale and lat­ that he was a man of faith did not ginning. er at the Illif School of Theology in prevent him from feeling the impact Colorado. of loss. Bereaved people may need to Grieving individuals may occasion­ be reminded often that they are not ally need reminders that there is life lacking in faith because they are after loss. While life will certainly be grieving. different, it can also be rewarding and Withdrawal fulfilling. While pain usually causes people It is Tranquilizers, Sleeping Pills, to withdraw, such retreat should only and Alcohol be temporary. Grieving women and impossible Many grieving people seek relief men should be encouraged to remain through artificial means. For men it is active. This is the advice offered by to escape often alcohol, and for women it is psychologist Dr. Joyce Brothers. usually sleeping pills or tranquilizers. When her husband, Milt, died follow­ grief. While medication and alcohol can ing an 18-month battle with cancer, block pain initially, the end result is Dr. Brothers subsequently wrote the grief delayed. book Widowed. In it she advises: Informed clergy and psychiatrists Get out of the house. Do any­ caution against the use of drugs in thing to get out, even if you do not any form. Beverly Raphael, an Aus­ For example, one woman, whose want to. Get involved in a club or tralian psychiatrist and author of The husband was killed in an automobile in local politics; take a first-aid Anatomy of Bereavement, says, accident, reports: “I thought that if I class; volunteer at a library, hospi­ “Drugs do little to improve outcome could just get through one year, I tal, or museum. Get a paying job. in such bereavements and may even would be all right again. I set my jaw Whatever you do, do not give in to become a further factor hampering and held on. At the end of the year, I the inertia that will keep you in­ resolution.” doors. suddenly found myself almost more And Rev. John Hewett, author of miserable than on the day my hus­ Flight into Activity After Suicide, advises the bereaved to band died. What a fool I had been to Where some people are tempted to “beware of simplistic medical treat­ expect an instant cure at the end of a withdraw from living, other grieving ment. Drugs may certainly serve a year’s widowhood!” individuals can become overly in­ purpose in your situation, but they It is important for the bereaved as volved with activities. This is a danger won’t cure your grief. In fact, they well as their family and friends to un­ because such involvement can be a may complicate the healing process derstand that a loss to death creates a thinly disguised attempt to run away as much as they aid it. Tranquilizers deep, deep wound, one which takes from grief. It is impossible to escape won’t end the pain. They’ll only mask between three and five years to heal. grief. Endless activity only prolongs it for a while.” Patience on everyone’s part is the and delays grief recovery. Dr. James P. Finally, by avoiding these common key. People do recover but it is a Cattell, M.D., assistant clinical profes­ bereavement mistakes, grieving slow, gradual process. sor of psychiatry at Columbia Univer­ women and men will heal from loss. sity, cautions against overinvolvement The “My Life Is Over” Syndrome As they recover, a time will come as an escape mechanism: A loss to death is usually accompa­ when they will experience the truth The active avoidance of being nied by strong feelings that life in of poet George Herbert’s words, alone, a desperate search for social general has come to a grinding halt. “Grief melts away, like snow in May.” distraction at any cost can include Yet, history is filled with examples of

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2 9 The Bible and Cross-cultural Ministries

by Steven Kasambalis Enmore, N.S.W., Australia

he Bible gives us the their faculties freely, yet model for cross-cul- not distort the divine tural work and min­ message. Christians want istries. W e find a message of to assert something simi­ what w e ought to say and lar about the Incarnation, how to say it. The Bible the climax of the self- T communicating God. announces the gospel. Through the Bible, God “The Word became flesh” himself actually crosses hu­ Qohn 1:14). That is God man culture and effectively through whom the uni­ touches lives. The Bible verse was created, be­ communicates the Good came a human being, News to the world. We re­ with all the particularity call Paul’s statement that o f a first century Palestin­ “the scripture . . . preached ian Jew. He became little, the gospel beforehand to weak, poor, and vulnera­ Abraham” (Gal. 3:8, RSV). ble. He experienced pain God communicates and and hunger, and exposed evangelizes through all the himself to temptation. All Scriptures. Since Scripture is this was included in the divine evangelization, we “flesh,” the human being can learn how to preach the He became. Yet when He gospel by considering how became one of us, He did God has done it. He has giv­ not cease to be Himself. en us in the process of bibli­ He remained forever the cal inspiration a beautiful eternal Word or Son of evangelistic model of His God. . . . He identified condescension. His sublime with us, though without truth reveals himself and His Christ, God spoke. Men spoke from God surrendering His own identity. And His mercy and His justice, and His full (2 Pet. 1:21) and God spoke this principle of “identification salvation. He chose to make this dis­ through men (Heb. 1:1). The without loss of identity” is the closure through the vocabulary and words spoken were equally His and model for all evangelism, especially grammar of human languages, theirs. He decided what He wanted cross-cultural evangelism.' through human beings, human im­ to say, yet He did not smother their Churches in Australia have been of ages, and human cultures. human personalities. They used very little influence to migrants for What a lesson w e learn from God the simple reason that they have re­ himself about effective communica­ fused to identify with the people they tion. John R. W. Stott w rote in his claim to be serving. They remain chapter of The Bible in World Evan­ themselves and never become like gelism: them. They stay aloof. They hold on Yet through this lowly medium desperately to their own cultural in­ o f human words and images, God heritance in the mistaken notion that was speaking His own word. Our it is an indispensable part of their evangelical doctrine of the inspira­ identity. They’re unwilling to let it tion of Scripture emphasizes its go. But this was not the way o f Jesus, double authorship. Men spoke and who emptied himself of His glory and

3 0 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE humbled himself to serve. New Testament and Models of ward those who were despised for On the other hand, they must be Cross-cultural Ministries racial, religious, and social differ­ careful not to go to the other extreme Rev. C. E. Wilcox, in his disserta­ ences. The story of the Good Samari­ and make the opposite mistake. Some tion on The Ethnic Church in Aus­ tan answered the simple question of are so determined to identify with the tralia,” observes these models about who our neighbor is. people in cross-cultural ministry that cultural communication through Je­ When God spoke to us in Scrip­ they are willing to surrender even sus, Peter, and Paul. ture, He used human language. When their Christian standards and values. 1. Jesus He spoke to us in Christ, He assumed Again, this was not Jesus’ way. In be­ human flesh. In order to reveal him­ Jesus is our Leader in cross-cultural coming human, He remained truly di­ self, He emptied and humbled him­ communication. He set the example vine. W e must be careful that w e’re self. That is the model of effective for us on how to minister to other not so willing to serve others that we communication that the Bible sup­ people with different culture, reli­ lose our personal authenticity. plies. There is self-emptying and self- gions, and traditions. In His en­ counter with the Samaritan woman at humbling in all authentic evangelism; without that we contradict our the w ell (John 4), Jesus gives us a gospel and misrepresent the Christ model for a cross-cultural approach w e proclaim. Jesus showed us that Some people to personal evangelism. He is the Model to follow so that we The Samaritan woman was con­ reject the can overcome wrong attitudes, preju­ scious of social, racial, and religious dices, and cultural differences. gospel, not barriers. The reaction of Jesus’ disci­ ples indicates that the social barrier 2. Peter because they was more significant than that of Peter had quite a few racial, reli­ race. gious, and cultural hang ups to over­ perceive it to Jesus broke through the barriers come. In Acts 10:1-10 w e are intro­ and communicated effectively with duced to Cornelius, a centurion of be false, but her. He showed that she mattered as the Italian Cohort. He is called “a de­ a person much more than the cultural vout man” (RSV), that is, he wor­ because they prejudice He could have been expect­ shiped the God of the Jews. An angel ed to have as a Jew. Jesus did not ask appeared to him one day and told perceive it her to leave her culture, tradition, him to send for Peter, an apostle of and country in order to be acceptable Jesus Christ, who would give him fur­ to be alien. but, rather, to leave her sinful manner ther instructions. o f living. Jesus humbled himself and asked her for a drink o f water and drank out We have to wrestle with the rea­ of a bucket handled by a sinful Samar­ sons why so many migrant people re­ itan woman. Paul E. Little noted, Jesus is Lord ject the gospel, and we need to give It is fascinating to see this of every due weight to the cultural factors. woman’s curiosity kindle and be­ Some people reject the gospel, not ginning to bum as our Lord draws because they perceive it to be false, her along. First He came to her person and but because they perceive it to be where she was. Second, He alien. showed an interest in her con­ every culture. Others reject the gospel because cerns. He is using His reactions and they perceive it to be a threat to their His words to arouse a positive re­ own culture. O f course Jesus chal­ sponse to Himself and His message lenges every culture. Whenever we o f truth . . . by this simple act of Meanwhile, the Lord was working present the gospel to Hindus or Bud­ talking with the woman, He demol­ on Peter and preparing him for a very dhists, Jews or Muslims, Orthodox or ishes social, religious, and racial important assignment. Peter was not Catholics, secularists or Marxists, Je­ and political barriers. As a man He prepared for this great assignment, so sus Christ confronts them with His speaks to her as a woman. As a God had to use some object lessons demand to dislodge whatever has se­ Rabbi He speaks to her as an im­ to get His message through to Peter. cured their allegiance and replace it moral woman. As a Jew He speaks Peter realized that God wanted him with himself. He is Lord o f every per­ to her a Samaritan. Thus He startles to reach out to the Gentiles. He had son and every culture. His threat, His her while she can’t quite grasp His to leave behind him all his religious confrontation cannot be avoided. significance. She can sense the prejudice, bigotry, and culture to Does the gospel w e proclaim present deeper dimension in His life by His reach out in love to lost Gentiles. Pe­ people with other threats that are un­ refusal to discriminate against her. ter was ready to defend his action to necessary, such as calls for the aboli­ He is accepting her.2 the culture-bound church leaders in tion o f harmless customs, national art, Consider Jesus’ answer to the ques­ Jerusalem (Acts 11:1-18). It is hard for architecture, music, and festivals? Are tion: “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke us to realize now what a revolution­ we culture-proud and culture-blind? 10:29). It crystallized His attitude to­ ary idea it was to them then.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 31 3. Paul 1. The extension of the gospel and 3. The Christian cross-cultural Paul previously persecuted Chris­ the salvation of persons determines worker must be prepared to adjust to tians and later was converted miracu­ the attitude to culture that is to be the culture of those to whom he lously. He became the greatest re­ taken by the Christian worker. goes. He should not expect them to porter of the centuries for his faith in adjust to his. C. E. Wilcox insisted, Christ Jesus. After Christ, Paul is our It is necessary to add that this in­ second most important model for volves what is essentially a heart at­ cross-cultural ministries. Paul had to titude towards others and their overcome his own cultural, religious, way o f life, and not a mere imita­ and ethnic awareness so that he Evangelical tion of externals of their culture, could be more effective for his Lord. adopting their dress and food. In his letter to the Philippians Paul outreach has What is needed is that empathy records o f himself: and real identification with the oth­ Circumcised on the eighth day, suffered by er person in the way in which he of the people o f Israel, of the tribe sees and feels things.3 of Benjamin, a Hebrew of He­ missionary- Study of the Scriptures and of peo­ brews; in regard to the law, a Phar­ ple in their cultural contexts must go isee; as for zeal, persecuting the evangelists hand in hand. Evangelical outreach has church; as for legalistic righteous­ suffered by missionary-evangelists with ness, faultless (3:5-6). with good good intentions and pure motives who In his Corinthian correspondence, knew theology but not people. Others Paul sets out the implications in his intentions and may know people but not theology. cross-cultural ministry: Still others may know neither! To the Jews I became as a Jew, pure motives The study o f cross-cultural meth­ in order to win Jews; to those un­ ods, intercultural relationships, and der the law I became as one under who knew multicultural facets must be done the law—though not being myself side by side with biblical principles in under the law— that I might win theology but order to produce effective communi­ those under the law. To those out­ cators. side the law I became as one out­ not people. The Bible and study o f human be­ side the law—not being without havior must go hand in hand for Aus­ law toward God but under the law tralian Christians in order to be most o f Christ— that I might win those effective in sharing the message of Je­ outside the law. To the weak I be­ sus Christ. ■ came weak, that I might win the 2. It is necessary to distinguish be­ weak. I have become all things to tween that which is essentially part of all men, that I might by all means our Christian faith and that which is 1. A Recorder, Perspectives on the World Chris­ not, and then hold on to the essential. tian Movement (b y the Institute o f International Stud­ save some. I do it all for the sake of ies, Sierra Bonita Ave., Pasadena, Calif., 1981), 6. the gospel, that I may share in its We must be prepared to set aside 2. Paul E. Little, How to Give Away Your Faith blessings (1 Cor. 9:20-23, RSV). those things that are not essentially (D owners Grove, 111.: InterVarsity Press, 1972), 36. 3. C. E. Wilcox, “The Ethnic Church in Australia” Out o f this passage w e observe at part o f our Christian faith but are only (Diss., Baptist Theological College o f Queensland, least three principles: cultural adherence. Brisbane, 1979), 35.

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32 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Minister's Mate

We're Moving Again

by Carol McGarry Boswell, Pa.

never get used to the nomad Here are the rooms where precious leaving a piece o f ourselves behind. existence of parsonage life. grandchildren slept when they stayed W e take with us only our possessions I Whether a year or 10, the time overnight at Gramma’s. Two of these and the memories we have collected. you spend at each pastorate goes by precious grandchildren will be left The door closes on this part o f our much too quickly. Just when you behind as we make this move. Too life, never to be opened again. think you have settled in, God calls many hours and too many miles will Traveling down the road behind you to another place, another church. prevent us from seeing them often. the U-haul that my husband is driving, The packing is finished. Everything The dining room is where we en­ an overwhelming thought strikes me: we own, except the furniture, is neat­ tertained our beloved people. Church all our earthly possessions are in that ly packed and labeled in boxes. I wait meetings were held there and friends truck! I wonder what would it be like for the U-haul truck to arrive. gathered. I remember the Bible stud­ to stay in the same place—the same I remember the day we arrived. ies around the table and the many house all my life! I think o f the securi­ Men from the congregation were lined cups o f coffee shared with love and ty of having a home of my own. up, and each piece o f furniture was laughter, and those who sat there in When a pastor retires, he doesn’t unpacked and put in its new place. tears needing comfort. have a house to live in. If he dies, his Ladies brought food and an eager an­ Walking through the front door for wife has even less. I have no regrets, ticipation to get to know the new par­ the last time, I see the swing that was however. The ministry is our life. Our sonage family. They welcomed us the center of great times of fellow­ Lord Jesus had no place to call home with opened arms, pitching in to make ship. The ladies would stop by in the either, except heaven. I am suddenly quick work of the mountain of boxes summer to sit with me, sipping iced overjoyed—God has given us the op­ that contained our cherished posses­ tea, while sharing their hurts, victo­ portunity, not only to visit places all sions. Where are they now? ries, and everyday talk. What a over the United States but to actually We prayed sincerely concerning blessed place that gentle old swing live there. The God we serve always this move, asking the Lord to make was! The Lord was always there. I presents new challenges, new places the hurt minimal to our precious peo­ will miss that old swing, but most of to see, and new things to do. ple. Even so, some find it difficult to all, I w ill miss the people who sat All at once, I notice the turn signal say good-bye. Don’t they realize we there with me. o f the U-haul is blinking, and w e are still need their help and comfort, My eyes fill with tears— I can hard­ turning into a driveway. We must be even though we are leaving? ly see. As we drive away, I whisper a at our new pastorate! I notice many I shall miss these loving people prayer to our blessed Lord, thanking men and ladies eagerly waiting to who opened their hearts, homes, and Him for the privilege of living in this welcome us to our new place of ser­ lives to the strangers who had come house, serving this church, and vice, our new home. to fill their parsonage and pulpit. knowing these wonderful, caring I am suddenly excited about the They loved our children and prayed, people. days, months, and years ahead. I get comforted, cried, and rejoiced with Moving is not easy for a pastor and out o f the car, and I’m embraced by us as one by one they left home for his family. Each move means tearing several ladies I don’t even know. I lives of their own. These same people up roots and starting over, always feel I have come home—or is it a will open their hearts and arms to our new door opening? New adventures successor. lie ahead. New roads to explore, new The U-haul is packed and ready to people to love, a new home to deco­ leave. One last time I walk through rate. this house that was my home for sev­ I feel so fortunate, as I go through en years. There’s the room that was the door of this new parsonage, that my office with its sunny window over­ God has called us to this new place of looking my husband’s office.. I think of service, this new life—these new the stories and articles written here, sheep to shepherd. And I thank the the church work and bulletin I loving­ Lord for making this move just a little ly labored over each week. easier. ■

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 3 3 Thoughts on an Empty Nest

by Diana Cox Spokane, Wash.

their father and I have done ways mean more to parents than par­ our job. ents mean to children.’’ I’m also glad I know that So where do we go from here? We it is normal to grieve. A have time for my husband and me. I part of my life is over. A am free from many household tasks, precious relationship has so w e are spending more time togeth­ changed, never to be the er. W e’re even dating again. W e take same. So when the tears time to develop friendships and to flow and the heart aches, it reach out to other people through is all right to experience ministries in the church. We have that pain. God assures me more time with the Lord in Bible that when they have estab­ study and prayer. lished their own identities, One day I found a little card. I sent separate from me, they will it to my youngest child. come home as dear and “What Parent Says”: precious friends. Already You’re going out without a jacket? this is happening with our oldest child. “What Parent Means”: The Lord brings little If you go out without a jacket, you gems into my life from might catch cold and get sick and die, many sources—encourage­ and I’ll miss you. ment from friends, a beauti­ “What Parent Says”: ful article in Guideposts No, you can’t stay out late! Magazine called “Turning Loose.” I sobbed through it “What Parent Means”: but felt a healing afterward. If you stay out too late, you w on’t An article in the newspaper get enough sleep, and you’ll get sick explained how important it and die, and I’ll miss you. is for parents to understand “What Parent Says”: that they can never be re­ Do your homework! paid for the time, effort, ver 20 years o f mothering and money, and worry that they pour into “What Parent Means”: nurturing— and suddenly their children. A deep insight came If you don’t do your homework, the job is at an end. It’s time from that same article: “Children al­ you’ll grow up to be a bum, get sick Oto be a friend and a resource person and die, and I’ll miss you. if needed. But the days o f feeding, “What Parent Says”: laundering, setting limits, disciplin­ I love you. ing, tucking in, comforting in illness, listening for the key in the lock, after­ “What Parent Means”: school snacks, unexpected dinner I love you. guests, and a hundred other things Then I wrote: “You are on your are gone—forever. own now, and you’re doing just fine. I’m glad that I know this is God’s So the nagging has stopped. But I’ll plan. This is how it is meant to be. If never stop saying, ‘I love you,’ be­ they have gone off to build their own cause I do and always will.” lives and dreams, if they are becom­ ing confident, productive adults, then — Mom ■

34 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE Do the Best You Can

by C. Neil Strait Grand Rapids, Mich.

lan Cox, in his book Straight deteriorate, and crises build. One way positive deterrent to the critic and Talk for Monday Morning, to keep encouraged is to keep the ap­ the crisis. W e should understand, of AL tells the story o f Carl Lewis, proval of God on your ministry. course, that one cannot be assured U.S. Olympics star. Lewis, at the 1984 Two, we have the approval o f our­ that our best will always be enough— Olympics in Los Angeles, was victor selves. Our most discouraging times for some people. But where w e have and hero o f the U.S. team and hoped are when w e know w e have not done such assurance in our own hearts, we to repeat his feats in 1988. our best. Our self-esteem is damaged, are better equipped to answer our The goal o f Carl Lewis in the 1988 and our motivation to journey on­ critics, resolve the crisis, and move Olympics was to win the 100-meter ward is deterred. In such circum­ on with meaningful ministry. sprint and win over his archrival, stances w e are our own worst ene­ Five, we are more open to growth, Canada’s Ben Johnson. He had pre­ mies. Where we are doing battle with learning, and success where w e have pared well and went into the ourselves, there is conflict that done our best. To do one’s best Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, with spreads to other areas of life—in our means there must be stretching o f the his mind set on winning. But on the marriages, our ministries, our rela­ mind and heart; there must be learn­ September day the race was run, Ben tionships, to name a few. ing o f the new and better ways; and Johnson set a new world record by Three, we have the approval of there must be a deep dependence on running the 100-meter in 9.79 sec­ those whom we serve. People, for God where one pursues the best. onds. Lewis had to settle for second. the most part, do not want, nor ex­ Such pursuits stretch life, expanding Lewis set an American record even pect, perfection. They do, however, its abilities, deepening its character, in defeat. While Lewis was not always want—and have a right to expect— and broadening its potential. Through a good loser, his perspective on this that we give our best. Ninety-five per­ such growth processes, one is better occasion was gracious. He said, “I ran cent (or better) o f laypersons are gra­ equipped, not only to give excellence the best I could, and now it’s on to cious, supportive, understanding, and to ministry but also to have resources the next race.” He further added, encouraging of their pastor. They go for the rough times. “The Olympics is about performing the extra mile more than they are of­ Six, w e re recipients o f the benefits the best you can, and I did” (Alan ten given credit for. They love their from giving our best in ministry. Cox, Straight Talk for Monday pastor. They are disappointed, how­ From such an involvement with ex­ Morning [New York: John Wiley and ever, when their pastor lets them cellence the pastor sees lives changed Sons, 1990], 295-96). down. And well they should be. But in exciting ways. Such pastors see Pastor, ministry is about perform­ for the pastor who does his best, and growth in those whom they serve, ing the best you can! That is all we gives his best, they are waiting to en­ since their pursuit o f excellence is a are responsible for. But w e are re­ courage, support, and give applause challenge to others. They have oppor­ sponsible for that. When we can rest for such a servant. tunities to disciple others. our heads at night or walk through Four, we are more equipped to Pastor, be encouraged! Be intent the crises, knowing we have done face the critics and the crises if w e on doing your best in ministry. Give our best, we can be at peace with have done our best. Too often the in­ time to preparation, prayer, plan­ ourselves. W e can do no more than dividuals who have compromised ning— those activities that will deep­ give ministry our best. with the best, be they pastor or en your excellence and equip you for What are the benefits of giving layperson, respond out o f guilt in the greater ministry. Guard your time so one’s best? time of crisis. Their self-esteem is that you give yourself to priority min­ One, w e have the approval of God. low; hence, their security is threat­ istry, rather than letting the precious What more does one need? If we have ened by a critic or a crisis. In such moments slip away with trivia and God’s approval for ministry, we have times, emotions are churned and de­ nonessentials. A pastor can be his inner peace and assurance to face any fense strategies are used, rather than best encourager by giving his/her battle, endure any crisis, or pursue reason and damage-control words. best to ministry. The heart responds any task. To settle for less is to begin Most o f the time it stems from failure to such service with satisfaction and the descent to the lowlands when the of excellence. Where our goal is to peace. This is motivation for future inner turmoil increases, relationships do, and give, our best, it becomes a ministry and growth. ■

SEPTHMBHR/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 3 5 Pastor's Personal Growth

Hurting Parents

by Andrew and Rachel Hanners Clackamas, Oreg.

e live in a day in which from the Lord, it is easy to respond in In 1975 Rachel suffered a terrible many o f the old rules sim­ one of two ways: either to criticize stroke, which followed a series of dif­ ply do not seem to apply. endlessly or act as if it is not happen­ ficult surgeries. She was in a coma for WMany parents who love God with all ing. five days. She came out of it blind and o f their hearts are discovering alco­ If you really desire to bring them paralyzed. During that time o f testing, holism, drug addiction, sexual mis­ back to God, then the family, espe­ God became very personal to me, as­ conduct, stealing, lying, homosexuali­ cially parents, must find a thousand suring that He loved Rachel even ty, suicide, AIDS, and other tragic ways to say, “I love you!” Do it in more than I could love her. God was problems right at their own doors in­ your actions, in your deeds, in your able to make even this tragedy work stead o f out in the world where we letters—in every way. The parent out for His glory and for Rachel’s thought they were. must find ways to say, “There is noth­ good. Billy Graham said, “God has no ing in the world that you can do that Oh, what a powerful lesson! What grandchildren.” Every person must will cause me to stop loving you!” a release that gave me! have his or her own relationship with That is the kind o f unconditional love But it also carried over into the Jesus Christ. However, God is a par­ that Jesus offers us. We must do no area of pain concerning our girls. God ent. He suffered 100% failure with His less to our children if our real goal is showed us that, in spite o f what it first “offspring,” Adam. God knows restoration! looked like on the outside, He was what it is like to have His heart break. If our goal is to impress them with working; He loved our girls. God had He hurts with us when our children their sin—the error of their ways or some wonderful things He was doing drift away from Him. Parents can try how much better we are than they— in His own time and in His own way to do everything right in nurturing then by all means, constantly preach to bring them back! and training their children, but still at them. In our search for answers and un­ those children can make self-destruc­ Some of the pitfalls are a bit diffi­ derstanding, Rachel and I had to go tive choices. cult to recognize in ourselves when back and examine some o f our basic What do you do when your daugh­ our children are young. For instance, “templates,” those strong, inner con­ ter runs away? Or you discover that the attitude of smugness is a problem. victions, the things w e believe to be she has moved in with a boyfriend? Our children were raised in the true. I suppose everyone has them. Or your son is an alcoholic, a drug church. Our home had family w or­ Let me give a few nonrelevant exam­ user, has AIDS, or is in jail? How do ship, prayer before meals, and usually ples: (1) Life by the yard is hard; by you respond when you fear that a cer­ Rachel, my wife, would pray with our the inch it’s a cinch. (2) I can change tain life-style is leading your loved girls before they left the house for my feelings by what I tell myself. (3) ones away from God, away from the school. We tithed our income and of­ God loves me just the way I am. (4) church, and away from your family? ten paid double tithe. Since we were There is nothing that is going to hap­ Do you preach at them? Do you pre­ a praying, Bible-honoring family, we pen to me today, Lord, that You and I tend it is not happening? Do you “knew” that none of those problems cannot handle. Such a list is endless. avoid talking about it at church or that other people had with their chil­ W e all have them. with Christian friends? These things dren growing up would ever come to A relevant belief is that God loves can and do happen to Christian fami­ us. How smug w e were! We did not our children even more than we love lies. recognize it in ourselves at the time. our children. We are not confessing our chil­ There were times when friends Or, God created us all with free dren’s sins. Our daughters went would ask questions about our girls. will—the right to make whatever through enough of these tragedies for They asked in such a way that im­ choices w e want, regardless o f rela­ us to know something about them. plied w e must have done something tives or the prayers of others. We wish to share the joy that we terribly wrong to have our girls make Or, in spite of our prayers, our chil­ now feel with our daughters and some of their choices. There were dren can choose to make all the their families serving the Lord. There times that the devil sat on our shoul­ wrong decisions and ultimately go to are some pitfalls to avoid along the ders to accuse us and to remind us hell. That was a hard one! way to restoration. that w e must be terrible parents for Or, to make some wrong decisions If your children are drifting away these things to have happened. to go out into sin does not lock our

36 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE children into that sin. We love them for bringing such disgrace to you and reached five years of sobriety, holds a and God loves them. your family. It is a world-shaking mo­ position at a university, and is work­ Or, our children are not really ours. ment when you can acknowledge ing on a master’s degree in counsel­ They belong to God or to themselves, that, at least, part o f the problem is ing. Our middle daughter has four depending on their decisions. They totally selfish—you want others to years o f sobriety. She and her hus­ are only ours in the sense o f a stew­ praise you for successful parenting! band, a former alcoholic and drug ardship for a little while. The more you feel others have placed user, get up at 5 a . m . to share an hour From this background came not on­ you on some kind o f a pedestal, the of Bible reading and prayer. Our ly what we thought and believed but greater your temptation to yield to youngest girl leads the children’s min­ also how w e responded to the things this reaction. istries at a large church. Her husband happening in our family. I have been in the Church o f the serves on the church board. At one time, I thought our three Nazarene since I was a teenager in Pastor Earl Lee gave the following girls were “ours” until they left home. Fairbury, Nebr. It was my privilege to from an unknown author: Thus, I thought that I could order serve as a pastor for many years as them and control their lives and be­ well as training in alcohol-drug work “Letting Go” havior. From this perspective, howev­ at such schools as The Yale School of To let go doesn’t mean to stop car­ er, I think we parents probably have Alcohol Studies and Rutgers Center of ing, it means I can’t do it for some­ considerable control until children Alcohol and Drug Studies. These were one else. are around 10 to 12 or 14. However, valuable in many ways. One of the To let go is not to cut myself off, it’s there is a point at which we either most insidious things that happens the realization that I can’t control an­ gracefully change our posture and be­ when your son or daughter gets into other. come consultants (as if our children difficult behaviors is what happens to To let go is not to enable, but to al­ want our help), or we simply force us as parents in almost automatic re­ low learning from natural conse­ them to become more devious. It is sponse. I learned it in the classroom, quences. easy for children to find out the an­ but I saw it in my own life and in the swers that we want to hear or the be­ lives of others. For instance, it is easi­ To let go is to admit powerlessness, havior we want to see. Then behind er to change churches than to find an­ which means, the outcome is not in our back they can do whatever they other Christian to share your pain. It my hands. want! Almost with each passing year, is easier to fall into the pattern of nev­ To let go is not to try to change or in our society, parents have less and er mentioning our children to others blame another, I can only change less impact upon children, especially in the church. It is too painful. It is myself. upon teens. easier to lie, to deliberately say some­ To let go is not to care for, but to Rachel and I found tension devel­ thing untrue, than to tell the truth care about. oping between us over some of the about what is happening. So w e con­ things our girls were doing. How verse in ways to avoid talking about To let go is not to fix, but to be sup­ much do we step in and bail our chil­ what our children are doing. portive. dren out o f problems they are creat­ I also learned that there is healing To let go is not to judge, but to allow ing? Sometimes we were so preoccu­ in telling the truth to compassionate, another to be a human being. pied over the problems that we caring, understanding friends! If I can To let go is not to be in the middle, would live with the “noose o f hurt get it outside o f me, I can examine it, arranging all the outcomes, but to al­ and pain and frustration” ever tight­ look at it, and maybe make changes. low others to effect their own out­ ening around us. We not only saw the Besides that, I do not have to allow comes. heartbreak but also could see ahead the problems to cause me to have ul­ To let go is not to be protective, it is what problems they would have to cers. I don’t have to let resentments to permit another to face reality. live with—and we as well. fester within me. There is healing in We decided that, with God’s help, getting the problems on the outside To let go is not to deny, but to accept. we would not let this heartbreak com­ instead of letting them fester on the To let go is not to nag, scold, or ar­ pletely dominate our lives or our inside. gue, but to search out my own short­ thinking. It is easy to be overwhelmed Many years ago at a meeting in Port­ comings and correct them. by such tragedies! It is easy to begin land, Oreg., where Dr. James Dobson To let go is not to adjust everything to see ourselves as “victims.” For ex­ was speaking, I had a chance to share to my desires, but to take each day ample, “How could our daughter love some o f my hurt with him. He encour­ as it comes, and to cherish the mo­ us and bring this disgrace on us?” aged me a great deal. He seemed to be ment. But w e also remembered that w e aware that these kinds of tragedies are To let go is not to criticize and regu­ had become “happy survivors” o f can­ happening in the religious world late anyone, but to become the best I cer. Rachel had two different cancer among ministers and church leaders. can be. surgeries, one in 1954 and the other Later, he sent me a copy o f the book in 1968. Only we could determine if Parents in Pain, written by an ac­ To let go is not to regret the past, but we would be victims or happy sur­ quaintance of his, Dr. John White. It to grow and live for the future. vivors. We chose an attitude of joy. changed the way we approached our To let go is to fear less, trust in Christ We learned another lesson. It is too girls and their problems. more, and freely give the love He’s easy to get angry at your loved one And now? Our oldest daughter has given to me. ■

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 3 7 Pastor's Professional Growth ______

by Bob Johnson Kaiserslautern, Germany

everal years ago I read On to munity to know you, your philosophy there for them. The children will be Alaska, by M. R. Korody, who o f ministry, and your interests. You thrilled to see you at their games, S served as pastor building the can do this through the newspaper. choir, or band presentations. Their Church of the Nazarene in Anchor­ Second, check to see if any of the ra­ parents will accept your presence as age, Alaska, from 1949 to 1963. He dio stations allow time for on-air devo­ approval of their children’s activities. ministered in a frontier town, in an­ tions in the morning or evening. Several You will also meet new people from other time and era. But he left his pastors have used the radio as a means your school district. footprints on the streets of that city. to reach new families with the gospel of Fifth, if you or your wife get a chance Most of us will never pastor in a Jesus Christ. One pastor had a Saturday to substitute teach, do it. You will get a frontier town. But w e can leave our morning musical/call-in program from chance to meet the teaching staff and footprints on the streets of the town which he built a pioneer church. principals in the schools where you w e’ve been called to serve. We make Third, join one o f the fraternal or­ work. The more exposure you get in an impact for Christ and the church. ganizations: the Lions, Kiwanis, Toast­ the community, the more opportunities Jerry’s family were farmers for sev­ masters, etc., which will give you you will have to reach new people. eral generations. They were all mem­ contacts with a new group of people Sixth, offer your services to the su­ bers o f an established church. Jerry you would never meet normally. perintendent of schools of your felt the need to make a change. He Dr. William J. Prince tells of joining school district to participate on com­ felt that he was not getting fed spiri­ the Lions organization during his first mittees. Take time to talk with the tually, so he began attending a holi­ small-church assignment. He also tells mayor of your town and offer your­ ness church. His family felt he had de­ how he affected the organization and self to serve on any committee where serted them. For a few months they how it helped him break down some he feels you could help to accomplish were treated as though they were o f the barriers in the town he had his goals for the city. traitors. Jerry went through the battle been called to serve. It’s important that we become o f rejection and won the victory. Fourth, become a part o f athletic available to the needs of the commu­ Sixty-four percent of holiness events in your school, whether or not nity. O f course our church and its churches are in communities with un­ you have children in their programs. members must always come first! We der 15,000 population. In most of these If any o f your church children are in­ must schedule our time for the maxi­ towns the religious lines of the commu­ volved in any kind o f a program, be mum effort o f our church. Then the nity have already been drawn. If this is clubs, committees, and boards can fit true, how do we reach its residents? into our work schedule. The pastor o f a small community Far too often our churches survive church has many opportunities not in almost complete obscurity within available to everyone else in the min­ thriving communities simply because istry. Let’s examine some of the things we have failed to minister to the en­ we can do to build Christ’s Church. tire community. As pastors, servants First, contact the editor of the local of Christ, we have the privilege of newspaper to see if you can write a leaving our footprints on the streets pastor’s column. You want your com­ of our community. ■

3 8 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE Today's Books for Today's Preachers

Thanh God and Take Courage: Grace” in a local church revival. “In a him, in time, to the presidencies o f How the Holy Spirit few seconds,’’ he says, “I sensed an in­ Northwest Nazarene College and Naz­ Worked in My Life ner cleansing of my motives and a deep arene Theological Seminary. by Lewis T. Corlett consciousness of a peace and calmness Those o f us associated with Naza­ I had never felt before which has con­ rene colleges can identify with much edited/annotated by Frank G. Carver tinued to this day. I realized I was en­ in the chapters devoted to these years, (San Diego: Point Loma Press, 1992) joying what John Wesley spoke o f as for Corlett honestly describes the This publication leaves us an im­ being sanctified wholly’” (p. 3). tough times as well as the triumphs he portant legacy from one o f the signifi­ In addition to this clear testimony to experienced. In the midst of one of his cant early leaders in the Church of the sanctifying grace instantly experi­ darkest hours, while heading NTS, he the Nazarene. This book fuses Cor­ enced in his youth, throughout the found strength in a phrase of the apos­ lett s autobiographical memories with book Corlett explains how the Spirit tle Paul’s, “Thank God and take cour­ theological meditations. Equally im­ enabled him to grow in grace, to be­ age” (see Acts 28:15). portant: it is bolstered by the meticu­ come a more Christlike person. Early Amazingly, one of the most fruitful lous, extensive, and illuminating foot­ on “the Spirit enabled me to make an phases of Corlett’s ministry began notes provided by Frank Carver. honest evaluation of myself. My heart when he and his wife moved into Royal The book grew out of a “Panoramic was pure in motives but my mind was Oaks Manor, a retirement complex. Vision" given Corlett, which prodded warped regarding my mental powers, Here they supported the established re­ him to write his life story. As he de­ my actions, and reactions” (p. 16). ligious activities, and in time he became scribes it, sitting in his recliner after Consequently he still tended to be something of a pastor to that communi­ an evening spent talking with his critical, blunt, undisciplined, and cyni­ ty of senior citizens, counseling, pray­ brother, Shelby, “I sensed the moving cal. Then “the Spirit showed me that ing, teaching, and caring for them. o f the Spirit in my mind. As I listened these attitudes or moods were not on­ In addition to his autobiographical I noted that the Holy Spirit was giving ly hindering me in spiritual progress, chapters, Corlett discusses the Holy me a Panoramic Review o f His deal­ they also often blocked His efforts to Spirit’s help in counseling, leader­ ings with me from early youth to that use me in His Kingdom” (p. 17). So he ship, and guidance. While short and day” (pp. ix-x). discovered the need for self-discipline, succinct, these sections compress a Impressed to share it with others, for an on-going consecration, for learn­ lifetime’s learning into wise words to he began writing with hopes of ing even in the “dark night of the soul” digest and exemplify. Then, in a final memorializing his insights in print. His difficult times, so as to allow the Spirit chapter, “Development in Sensitivity good friend Frank Carver thought it to refine him more perfectly. to the Holy Spirit,” he sums up what needed to be published and devoted In time he felt called to the min­ he learned in a lifetime, confessing part of his recent sabbatical to getting istry, attended several colleges (meet­ that “all that I have become and ac­ it prepared for this publication. On ing his wife at Arkansas Holiness Col­ complished in over sixty years o f ser­ January 1, 1992, Corlett died, at the lege), and associated with some of vice for God and His Kingdom was age of 95, while this book was going the great leaders of the young denom­ done through the abiding presence of to print—comforted by the knowl­ ination. One o f them, J. B. Chapman, the Holy Spirit as I gave wholeheart­ edge that his vision would be shared. whom he met during his senior year ed obedience to His wisdom, power, Reared in a devout home in Pennsyl­ at Peniel College, “was the most bal­ and grace” (p. 80). vania, Corlett early attended a anced Christian I had ever met, a We who seek to follow Corlett’s Methodist church. But his parents, hun­ clear Bible expositor, a wise adminis­ Lord can learn much from what he gry for clear holiness preaching, joined trator and effective preacher” (p. 7). learned, listening as he did to the the Church of the Nazarene in 1910. As Following brief pastorates in Califor­ Spirit. This fine book can be pur­ a youngster he responded to revivalistic nia, Montana, New Jersey, and Texas, chased for $6.00 from PLNC’s book­ invitations and tried to live a Christian Corlett was called to teach at Bethany- store or the Point Loma Press, 3900 life, but it was not until 1915 that Cor­ Peniel College. Here he began an edu­ Lomaland, San Diego, CA 92106. lett discovered God’s “Establishing cational career of 32 years, which led —Gerard Reed

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 39 Church Administration ■■■■■ u ' -______i______I

How Does Your Church Select Its Leaders?

by Velva Lorenz Stockton, Calif.

ow carefully do you select inating committee member, scoffed, bership book of all baptized and voting church leaders? Is spiritual “It’s no big deal. All you do is take members.” She lamented, “If only I had background considered notes at church business meetings.” known in the beginning what I was Hprominently in the decision? Do they supposed to do and how to do it, all receive sufficient training? Most cru­ the confusion and doubt I experienced cial of all, how much time and could have been avoided.” thought is given to the people who If people who Rick, an executive with many em­ compose the nominating committee? ployees working under him, hard dri­ These questions need to be regard­ are asked to ving and efficient, was considered the ed thoughtfully and prayerfully if the perfect choice for evangelism chairman mission of the church is realized and serve do not because of his organizing ability. Almost carried out effectively. Leader train­ immediately after his election, howev­ ing is a key function of every church. have spiritual er, it became clear that he did not ftilly Donald A. Abdom, who has held understand what evangelism meant. His Parish Leadership Seminars in almost qualifications, program for the year consisted of only every state, says in his book Training social events, good as fellowship gather­ and Equipping the Saints, “A congre­ the ministry of ings but lacking the commitment of gation will be no more effective than spreading the Good News. its leaders.” the church will Finally and fortunately, he was Churches include people of diverse made aware of the inadequacy of his and special gifts with different per­ be harmed. concept o f evangelism. Precious time sonalities and backgrounds. From this had been wasted. A job description body of believers leaders are selected. with training given by the nominating These Christians, however, serve in the So she consented and was subse­ committee would have eliminated task of leading, not in exercising pow­ quently elected by the congregation. any misunderstanding. er and authority. Among other things, She told o f the experience later: “It The nominating committee must each one must be “blameless . . . a was the most frustrating time of my assume the critical role in the lover of goodness, master of himself, life. I discovered, all too soon, it wasn’t process. On this function, Abdom has upright, holy, and self-controlled; he a simple position. I had to not only this to say, “How the nominating must hold firm to the sure word as take minutes but also keep an accurate committee is chosen and the people taught” (Titus 1:7-9, RSV). record. I was required to carry on cor­ who make it up are the crucial factors The New Testament provides a cri­ respondence ordered by the congrega­ in the whole ministry of the church.” terion for the kind o f leaders needed. tion, which had no church secretary, This is not made clear to all congre­ If people who are asked to serve do and notify the person or persons re­ gations. John, a member o f a small­ not have spiritual qualifications, the sponsible for carrying out the motion town church, was asked to serve on ministry of the church will be involved. I also had to maintain a mem­ the nominating committee, but with harmed. no definite idea of what to do. He Many persons have essential qualifi­ thought the purpose was just to get cations, but they are handicapped if people to serve in each office. asked to lead without a clear idea of After numerous telephone calls and the duties o f a particular office and as many refusals, he began to realize without needed training. the enormity of getting the “quota,” Janet had been a member of a which was two people for each of­ small town congregation for only a fice. Excuses ran from “I’ve done my few months when asked to be a nom­ part,” “Let someone else do it,” to a inee for the office of secretary. She curt, “No way!” was hesitant at first, but Harry, a nom- Neither John nor his fellow com-

4 0 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE mittee members had the knowledge to evaluate each person according to his spiritual credentials. That is, did the potential leader participate regu­ larly, attend worship services and Sunday School, and maintain good moral character? John’s committee did manage to get a slate of nominees by sheer, desper­ ate measures. Frustrated again and again by refusals, they felt ecstatically Prayer for a grateful when anyone, however grudg­ ingly, accepted a leadership position. It may be difficult to associate this lack of religious consideration to a Church Board church event o f such importance; but it actually happens. Unfamiliarity with biblical admoni­ tions might be one reason. It could al­ Meeting so be that ideal leadership qualifica­ tions, pointed out by Paul to both by John Hay, Jr. Titus and Timothy (1 Tim. 3:1-13), Indianapolis are not considered an imperative in today’s world. Whatever the reasons, Lord, both church members and staff share the responsibility for the difficulties Everything is ready for the church board meeting but me. experienced by John, Rick, and Janet. Agenda, reports, recommendations, documentations all in order. These familiar problems lead back Now, O God, prepare my heart and mind to be very present tonight. to the value of a nominating commit­ Let me lead but not drive. tee. The members o f the nominating Let me direct but not circumvent. committee must have the same re­ Let me guide, but with clarity of vision. quirements as the individuals they choose for leaders. They must also Help me listen without having to put in my own word. have the capability and astuteness for Help me trust Your Spirit to prompt us together to do what is best matching a person’s talents and spiri­ in Your church. tual gifts with the job he is asked to Help us act unhastily and not “do” just because something needs to be All. The money management skills of done. a banker will not necessarily be enough to qualify him as chairman of Teach us how to be led in the way of Your Son; the stewardship committee if his spir­ How to build up the church, not become bogged down by numbers itual background is unacceptable. nor overly impressed by programs; Consideration of a person’s back­ How to give clear witness to Your life, not squander our opportunities; ground and qualifications must never How to do not just the right things, but the right things in a redemp­ be done in a critical way, but only in tive way. light of God’s Word. The nominating committee should Somehow, by Your Spirit and presence, make us one in You tonight. make certain each nominee is alerted to And give us grace to lead together to Your glory. what is expected of him. After election, or before if possible, a detailed job de­ Amen. scription should be made available and intensive training begun immediately. Led by Christ-dedicated people with proven character, adequate preparation, thorough knowledge of the task ahead, enthusiasm for the Lord’s Word, and love for fellow Christians, the church can become a vibrant living force in its mission to spread the gospel to the world. ■

All incidents related are true. Names have been changed. Permission was granted for Abdom’s quota­ tions.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 41 Stewardship

Parsonage or Housing Allowance? Submitted by the Board of Pensions and Benefits USA of the Church of the Nazarene

hould we continue to provide a maintenance parsonage and utilities or on the par­ should we change to a cash sonage, thus 5 freeing the housing allowance and let our pas­ tor buy his own home?" Many minister from churches are asking this difficult these time- question, often out of genuine con­ c o n s u m in g cern for the pastor’s dilemma at re­ worries and tirement, when he has no real estate expenses. investment built up for a retirement 5. Often a par­ home. The question becomes even sonage is nicer more difficult to answer with the than what a shift in the nation’s economy and in minister could each local economic situation. While afford to buy there is no absolute, authoritative in the commu­ answer, the following list o f advan­ nity. tages and disadvantages, which have 6. Making a become apparent to pastors and pastoral churches through actual experience, change is easi­ is offered to stimulate careful think­ er when mov­ ing and evaluation. ing from parsonage to parsonage, free o f trouble, but awkward situa­ since securing temporary quarters is tions have developed! Pro Parsonage and unnecessary for house hunting or 11. Many homes appropriate for the Con Housing Allowance waiting for occupancy. minister’s needs are out of price 1. In some situations, there really is 7. When the parsonage is sold, the range for his salary. little choice. The parsonage may be church loses a traditional and mean­ 12. Very often the church cannot af­ connected to or adjoining the church ingful way of showing love and con­ ford a housing allowance that fully cov­ building with no alternative for sell­ cern for the parsonage family. ers all expenses including real estate ing or renting. Unless used for Sunday 8. Many ministers do not have suffi­ taxes, fire and casualty insurance, up­ School rooms, it remains the pastor’s cient funds for a down payment on a keep, etc. It takes constant review and home. home. appropriate board action to keep pace 2. Churches owning a parsonage 9. The church that enters the loan with these increasing, inflationary costs. may strengthen their ability to attract business to “give” the pastor the 13. Some pastors do not have the ex­ the pastoral candidate of their choice down payment often bears the cost tra time, money, and expertise to who may not be able or willing to o f low interest and little or no pay­ handle such a real estate investment, buy a home. ment on the principal. There may be which includes the added responsibil­ 3. In some areas, there are no prop­ tax implications as well. State non­ ity to maintain and repair “his” home. erty taxes due on a church-owned profit corporation laws must be fol­ 14. In some locations, real estate can parsonage, which may mean less ex­ lowed carefully. Some states may move very slowly if at all! Adequate pense is involved. even prohibit such loans. housing may not be available for pur­ 4. The church handles repairs and 10. The loan situation is hopefully chase when needed. Likewise, a

4 2 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE home may not sell when it comes taxes on them, he may include all sold to him at a value below the fair time for a pastoral change. those previous tax-deferred gains or market value. The church may con­ 15. If the minister is the one who “rollovers” up to the $125,000 maxi­ tend this is a “gift” and is not com­ purchases the parsonage, any differ­ mum. (IRS has specific regulations pensation. However, it is likely this ence between purchase price and ap­ controlling how this may be done.) would be challenged, forcing the praised value may be considered tax­ 10. In the event o f disability, death, minister to pay taxes or take the issue able as ordinary income. or retirement, home ownership with to a tax court. 16. Appreciation of property is as­ adequate insurance generally means b. Here the church does make such a sumed, but depreciation can be a re­ an immediate move is unnecessary. considerable “gift” to their minister, ality due to natural and man-made dis­ the church may be jeopardizing or asters or economic conditions. calling into question its tax-exempt Homeowners do not always sell at a status. In order to have such status, profit. This potential is not a concern the assets o f the corporation cannot for the minister in a parsonage. accrue to the personal benefit of an 17. A minister who sells at a profit individual other than as reportable and moves to a parsonage can lose a compensation. substantial percentage o f his profit to c. Another concern involves the sale taxes if he does not reinvest in a pri­ The local church or rental of the parsonage. The mary residence within a given time. church can be subject to taxation Pro Housing Allowance and board should when it receives “unrelated business Con Parsonage income.” This possible interpretation 1. A housing allowance may solve explore the tax o f the tax laws should not go unex­ the problem of having to build a new plored before a final decision is parsonage at today’s costs, while at implications made. Such a decision should be pre­ the same time help the pastor plan ceded by careful evaluation by the for his retirement. thoroughly church in consultation with its 2. With a housing allowance, some church advisers and tax advisers. feel that compensation planning may before any For those church boards who de­ be more flexible, easier to compare, cide to maintain a parsonage for their and simpler to budget. decision is minister’s use, there still is an alterna­ 3. Home ownership suggests perma­ tive for caring for the retirement nency and may encourage longer pas­ made. needs of their pastor’s future. This al­ torates. ternative can materialize when the 4. Since a homeowner pays real es­ original question is rephrased as fol­ tate taxes, he has more voice in com­ lows, “How can we provide the pas­ munity affairs. tor with an adequate salary now 5. A minister buying a home gets to and also an adequate retirement choose the kind, style, and location. nest egg without selling the parson­ 6. The minister’s family may deco­ age?” For many local churches, the rate as they wish — even remodel answer is in starting a Retirement without board action. 11. Often the pastor can proceed to Housing Fund for their pastor by con­ 7. Home ownership becomes an im­ get repairs and maintenance done tributing into a Tax-sheltered Annuity portant investment for the future, as­ without bureaucratic delay in the Plan. Such plans are made possible suming, o f course, each property ap­ church board. under provisions of the federal in­ preciates in value and appropriate 12. Often the pastor’s housing can come tax law and are sometimes re­ equity is established. be nicer and more on a par with the ferred to as 403(b) plans. Especially 8. Home-owning ministers get a tax membership and community than designed for nonprofit organizations, break. Within certain limits, the hous­ some parsonages. they usually provide more flexibility ing allowance used to provide and The above lists are not intended to than the common IRA plans marketed furnish a home is nontaxable income. be exhaustive. Hopefully, they will to the general public. If the plan is (Refer to current IRS regulations for stimulate thinking in this com plex properly recognized as a “church, specific details, especially with regard area. Many statements are similar but plan,” certain distributions may be to housing allowance and the item­ have opposite impact when phrased made as “housing allowance.” Local ized deductions o f mortgage interest from a different perspective. In addi­ churches who are interested in this and real estate taxes.) tion to the above considerations, the alternative should contact their de­ 9. After reaching age 55, a home­ local church board should insist that nomination’s pension administration owner can sell his principal residence the tax implications be explored thor­ office for more details. ■ and generally is not required to pay oughly before any decision is made. Af­ any tax on the first $125,000 of prof­ ter talking with several IRS offices, the The information contained in this article is o f a gen­ it. (This is a onetime, lifetime exemp­ following examples became apparent: eral nature. It is not offered as specific legal o r tax ad­ tion only.) If on previous home sales vice. Each person, local church board, and district a. There is a concern where a par­ should evaluate their own unique situation in consul­ he has made gains and deferred the sonage is to be given to a minister or tation with their own local legal and tax advisers.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 4 3 Holiness Heritaae

Life-Shortening Soul Passion —James B- Chapman

by J. Ray Shadowens Spring, Tex.

he great lack among us is . . . gelist of the camp meeting circuit and our want of life-shortening at close proximity as an administra­ soul passion. We take the tor, D. S. Corlett, former editor o f the easy way.” 1 Dr. James Blaine Chap­ Herald of Holiness, succinctly de­ man’s poignant words have to be scribes him: “The simplicity o f his Tconsidered as the very heart and core faith, the ruggedness of his spirit, the of his unforgettable message titled ability he possessed to remain close “All Out for Souls.” It was delivered in to the “grass roots’ of the movement Kansas City on January 9, 1946, be­ distinguished him as leader and exam­ fore a group o f denominational lead­ ple o f faith, spirit, and genius.”2 To ers. This marked the first such gather­ this Corlett added: “Several referred ing following the cessation of to him as the Great Commoner of the hostilities ending a long, bloody war. Nazarene Movement.”3 Such qualities There was no mistaking the purpose are worthy of emulation by current of this incomparable address. It and coming overseers of the Church served notice to these responsible o f Jesus Christ. clergymen and to the entire church As significant as these characteriza­ that a “business as usual” attitude tions are to a proper understanding of would not meet the challenges of the the native o f Illinois stock, his person­ postwar world. event in the history o f this Christian al knowledge of, and relation to, the This Spirit-filled man was born in holiness movement as the launching Almighty One transcends demonstrat­ southern Illinois on August 30, 1884. of the most spiritually fruitful thrust ed virtues and strengths. Without His death came suddenly on July 30, this communion has experienced. reservation, he declares, “I do have 1947, in his home at Indian Lake, The impact o f this high moment lives, an understanding with God.”* He Mich. He “finished his course with in some degree, into the closing seemed to be on the same spiritual joy” 18 months and 21 days following decade o f the 20th century. wavelength with Brother Lawrence, what must be regarded as the most im­ What explanation is advanced for Christian mystic o f the 17th century. passioned plea for evangelism ever the distinctive quality that character­ In his dying moments, he said, “I am registered by a spokesman of the ized this transitional leader from the doing that which I shall be doing young Wesleyan body. Not one person P. F. Bresee/Hiram F. Reynolds era through eternity, thanking God, prais­ in attendance at that assembly of Naza­ through the second generation of ing God, adoring God, offering Him rene ministers even suspected his people called Nazarene? After years the love that fills my heart.” demise was less than two years away. of observing Chapman as fellow evan­ In “My Creed for Today,” former The fact that his life would come to an evangelist-editor-administrator J. B. end before his 63rd birthday doubtless Chapman summarizes some essentials never entered his mind. His copious o f his faith: writings do reflect a conscious aware­ I believe that God is a person of ness of his own mortality. infinite power, knowledge and The powerful effect of this spiritual love. . . . I believe that God will see giant’s message made an indelible im­ that all things work together for my print on my mind. I had enrolled in good because I love Him. . . . the Nazarene Theological Seminary’s I believe that I myself am an im­ first class the previous fall and had mortal spirit come from God, and slipped unnoticed into the evange­ that I shall live with Him forever.. . . lism conference. I believe that to live the good There are those who point to this life, I must think as little as possible

4 4 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE o f myself that I may think of God, 20th-century proponent o f Christian To portray Chapman as simply con­ my friends, and those I can help.’ holiness as he preached his first ser­ templative would not do justice to O f course, this is not to be regard­ mon as a teenager in Oklahoma. Fol­ him or his dedicated service to the ed as expressing all the articles o f low him across the intervening years cause of the Lord Jesus Christ. He ex­ faith in his creed. to the final message he delivered be­ celled as a preacher o f the Word. His What higher tribute could a spiritu­ fore returning to his inviting homeset- proficiency, while recognized in ally minded wife pay her spouse than ting for physical and spiritual revital­ Christian holiness circles, would have that which Mrs. Louise Chapman has izing. What he preached and what he as readily been acclaimed outside by written: “When I thought of God and wider exposure. He was one of the godliness, I thought of Dr. Chapman. most prolific writers that the holiness And now since he has gone I under­ movement has produced. He was a stand so much better many things I master in the use of meaningful fig­ read in the Bible.”6 ures of speech. He was, indeed, a If mortal man can indeed “have an most respected church administrator. understanding with God,” J. B. Chap­ Together with his colleague, Dr. R. T. man did enjoy such a relationship. When I thought Williams, who differed in personality From his saving encounter with the and in style, they jointly served their “God of all grace” as an adolescent in of God and denomination in a remarkable man­ Oklahoma, through years o f struggle ner. This Wesleyan body will always and conquest, he forged a faith in the godliness, I be grateful that, in the providence of Divine that provided him an unshak­ God, these two stalwarts were at the able foundation for his earthly pil­ thought of Dr. helm of this young church through­ grimage. So sure was he o f the reality out a decisive era. o f the divine-human alliance that he Chapman. Would there have been a “Mid-Cen- spoke and wrote with the confidence tury Crusade for Souls” apart from the o f the supematurally assured. anointed messenger’s memorable Valiant men and women, from Paul message a generation ago? The grati­ to David Brainerd, held back nothing fying facts are that this evangelical fel­ to fulfill an all-consuming passion to lowship did arise to the occasion and reach the unconverted of their gener­ made some of its best gains in mem­ ation. They were ready and willing to bership and stewardship. lay their lives on the line for the practiced synchronized convincingly. The dynamic nature o f the Great gospel’s sake. They were so intent on He had nothing to prove to cynics. Commission, coupled with the Pente­ reclaiming the wretched o f the world It is not at all surprising that the costal empowerment, teaches us that from Satan’s grasp that they seemed Chapman’s Choice Outlines and Il­ as glorious as our heritage has been to give little thought to preservation lustrations includes a section titled because of the likes of James B. Chap­ o f physical and emotional energies. “Soul Travail.” Ten saints who have man, those of the Wesleyan persua­ Never write off their selfless sacrifices left their marks on Christian history sion must enter the 21st century pray­ as foolheartedness. because o f their examples of prevail­ ing that God will make them equal to The Holy Spirit’s appeal through ing prayer come in for consideration the task. Bearers of the banner of full Dr. Chapman to enlist his fellow ser­ in this brief treatment. Three persons salvation can be counted upon to be vants in a self-giving ministry of inter­ represent this group o f prayer war­ in the vanguard of those Christian cessory prayer for a new vision and riors: “The overhead closet supplica­ forces engaged in winning for Christ fresh enduement of Pentecostal pow­ tions of George Whitefield was, ‘Give many o f the world’s newly liberated er was genuine. Let none judge it to me souls, or take my soul!’ John peoples. Willing to live by their com­ be the overzealous overture of one Welch, who was found weeping and mitments to free, full, and final salva­ possessed by a martyr complex. Like praying on the ground on a cold tion, they can be a vital force in driv­ Samuel Logan Brengle, he was the night, was pressed for an explanation ing back encroaching evil and win a embodiment o f “sane sanctity and for his distress. His reply was, ‘I have host of disciples through the win­ sanctified sanity.” Chapman would be the souls o f three thousand to answer someness of their spiritual testi­ the last person to propose some wild­ for, while I know not how it is with monies and victorious living. ■ eyed course of religious activity that them.’ Brainerd could say of himself: intellectually and spiritually would ‘I cared not where I lived, or what 1. J. B. Chapman, All Out fo r Souls (Kansas City: Nazarene Publishing House, n.d.), pages unnumbered. lead blind followers in a fanatical ef­ hardships I went through so that I 2. D. S. Corlett, Spirit Filled (Kansas City: Beacon fort to whip up unscriptural piety. could gain souls for Christ. All my de­ Hill Press, n.d ), 171. Some may misjudge his earnest ap­ sire was for the conversion of the 3. Ibid., 172. 4. Chapman, unnumbered. peal to “life-shortening soul passion,” heathen, and all my hope was in 5. Corlett, 171-72. followed as it was by his untimely God.’”7 Chapman identified in com­ 6. Ibid., 173. death, as an example o f extremism. 7. J. B. Chapman, Chapman’s Choice Outlines and passion and concern with these disci­ Illustrations (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing Scrutinize the life and work of the ples o f the Way. House, 1947), 46-47.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 4 5 Hindering Hang-ups

The Hang-up of Overcaution

by Raymond C. Kratzer Yakima, Wash.

This is a parable o f (1 Kings 17). many efforts in the min­ The preacher must refuse to be istry. Fear grips the heart overcautious. He must learn to chal­ o f the pastor, and many lenge people to sacrifice beyond potential successes are what seems judicious if there is a aborted. For example, the need. God has promised to “supply pastor of a struggling all your need according to his riches church was assigned a in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19, proportional share of bud­ KJV). gets for “others.” He I assisted in a dedication service in look ed at them and one o f our churches. Along with the thought of his “poor” p e o dedication of new pews, carpeting, pie. Soon his courage to etc., was the burning of the mort­ challenge them to pay in gage. A lovely congregation was pres­ full was extinguished be­ ent, the pastor was being paid a good neath the blanket o f over­ salary, and all bills were being met. caution. He reasoned that One of the laymen said to me: “Re­ his people were doing all member when you came to us a few they could and that it was years ago and gave us a pep talk. We unkind to ask for m ore were so discouraged with no money from them. to do anything. Since that time things His love for his people have turned around. We have no should be commended, money problems.” n building God’s kingdom, there but what he failed to see is that he Another layman continued: “We is a need for a certain kind of was doing them a disservice, inhibit­ decided to take 10% o f our income spiritual abandon. Not that one ing their spiritual development by and give it for others, later raising it I feeling sorry for them. Likewise, they to 15%. Since w e began paying our throws caution to the wind, but rather that we do not get hung up on were not being trained in the best fair share to others in full, w e have the spike o f “overcaution.” Failure, if kind of churchmanship. had no money problems.” not disaster, awaits those who hesi­ Most of us reading for the first time Needless to say, I was almost shout­ tate too much in moving forward in the episode of Elijah and the widow ing, “Glory!” I remembered how dis­ the Lord’s work. with her starving son, with only one couraged they had been and how fi­ Boys stood at the edge o f a ditch more meal left in her larder, felt the nances were always meager. on a farm. One o f the lads ran and prophet was cruel to ask her for a do­ Likewise, it was impossible, accord­ jumped the “huge chasm.” Another nation first before she paid her own ing to their “scientific calculations,” boy was dared to follow his example. dues. But he was doing her a favor in to meet their financial obligations. Awed by the width of the waterway, asking her to invest in God’s work— They could count their members and he walked back several feet. Then for others— so that God could per­ what they could give, and it just screwing up his courage, he ran as form a miracle for her and her family didn’t add up. In fact, when they fast as he could toward the flowing called a new pastor, they told me to “Amazon.” Just before he was to tell him they couldn’t pay their bills, jump, and after he had committed they didn’t have enough workers in himself to the challenge, he hesitated the church, and that if he wanted to momentarily, then tried to regain his come under such circumstances, that speed. When he jumped, this hesitan­ was the chance he would have to cy was sufficient to spoil his effort. take. He landed in the middle o f the ditch I praise God for a pastor who re­ to the hilarity o f all but himself. He fused to be stymied on the hang-up of could easily have made it had he not overcaution. Because he followed the been overcautious. call o f a “great big God” and was not

46 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE afraid to tackle a hard job, his sancti­ spot in the area o f church growth. off.” The banker replied that it would fied brashness opened up a gate of They are weighted down with fears be impossible to do that. He knew miracles that will not stop! and apprehensions that obscure the the people and the circumstances. In many ways the preacher must vistas awaiting them. But this godly pastor, with caution not be deterred by overcaution. Often thrown to the wind, said: “Please give people are left to flounder in their spir­ me a chance as their new pastor.” itual struggles because a pastor is The banker was persuaded. This afraid to come to grips with their sal­ pastor began to pray, to trust, to vation. To be sure, w e must exercise scratch his head, and to get his sancti­ wisdom in dealing with people’s spiri­ fied imagination working. God in­ tual problems. But so often we fail to Eternity alone spired him with a plan. He talked it realize that many folk are ripe for sal­ over with his church board. They vation now. Oh, for the wisdom and will reveal were shocked at first, because the courage to move in and deal with plan was what he called the “90-10 prospective Christians when their how many Plan.” The idea was to give 90% of “tide is surfing ”! Eternity alone will re­ one’s income to the church for a veal how many opportunities w e have opportunities specified time and live on the 10% missed because w e were overcautious. balance to meet this emergency. Usually, when an unsaved person we have After the initial shock had sub­ comes to church for the first time, he sided, the board accepted the chal­ is open to the gospel. He should be missed because lenge. Many in the congregation like­ contacted soon. With wisdom and wise joined this “Gideon Army.” tact, an effort should be made to help we were Miracles began to happen. Extra him find Christ. In times o f grief or ill­ work came to some businessmen un­ ness, people are wide-open to the overcautious. expectedly. A lost son was marvelous­ gospel. Too much caution here will ly saved in one o f these cooperating allow the awareness o f need to sub­ families. When the 90 days were up, side. Who knows when such an op­ the money was on hand to pay the portunity will arise again? debt. In the matter of a building program “There is that scattereth, and yet in- there is a “time” to marshal the forces creaseth; and there is that withhold- to get the job done. When a church is A wise pastor will make certain eth more than is meet, but it tendeth on the rise and needs appear, an alert that he is not o f their same mind, to poverty. The liberal soul shall be pastor will begin to set things in mo­ knowing that growth involves daring made fat: and he that watereth shall tion before an ebbing time comes. It and sacrifice. Consequently, he will be watered also himself’ (Prov. 11:24- is amazing how enthusiasm builds en­ attempt to manifest an efficacious op­ 25, KJV). thusiasm. On the other hand, if timism, born of vision and faith, May we ask God for a double por­ progress gets thwarted on the hang­ which is bound to spill over onto oth­ tion o f His Holy Spirit to be poured up of overcaution, the ground gained ers. upon us until we will realize that He may soon be lost. It w ill be doubly A pastor recently took a new has “not given us the spirit o f fear; hard to generate a new thrust. charge in a lovely church with a real but o f power” (2 Tim. 1:7, KJV). Let In almost every church there are opportunity for growth. However, us get unhooked from over caution conservative members who like upon a closer inspection he discov­ and be possessed with a holy reck­ things as they are. To make necessary ered they had overextended them­ lessness. Who knows but that w e will changes for progress causes them selves in a recent remodeling pro­ discover hidden springs o f supply and pain. Expense is involved and their gram and owed a note to the bank. It a new awareness of the unsearchable patterns o f life w ill be upset. Many was overdue. He went to the banker riches o f God through Christ Jesus times these are well-intentioned folk and said: “If you will renew this note our Lord. With Him, “all things are who love God, but who have a blind for 90 days, I believe we can pay it possible” (Matt. 19:26, KJV). ■

J WHY DfD I SEE YoU TAIW1O6 ] ■ (pirn rev. s.i'oose'? You Don r • ATTEND rtiS CHORCH. K 1

COR fftSTbRS BEEN PREACH IN6 A6AINST EVERVIH1N6 I m ToY.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 4 7 Christian Holidays

Thanksgiving Praise Service

by Betty B. Robertson St. Louis

he “All" parts will be written “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”— Narrator: “Give thanks to the Lord, on overhead transparency. Hymn 65, verses 1 and 2 for he is good; his love endures forev­ The congregation reads this “He Leadeth Me”— Hymn 484, verses er” (Ps. 118:1). in unison. 1 and 3 All: W e praise You, God, for Your Where testimonies are listed, ONE r Testimony goodness to us. person is to stand and give a praise testimony. Narrator: “Your word, O Lord, is “God Is So Good”— Chorus 65, verse Hymns are from WORSHIP IN eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. 1— sing twice. SONG. Choruses are from MASTER Your faithfulness continues through Testimony CHORUS BOOK. all generations” (Ps. 119:89-90). Narrator: “In the year that King Uzzi- “Let’s Just Praise the Lord”—Chorus All: W e praise You, God, for Your ah died, I saw the Lord seated on a 57 faithfulness. throne, high and exalted, and the Narrator: “Through Him then, let us “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”— Hymn train o f his robe filled the temple. continually offer up a sacrifice of 86, verses 1 and 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they cov­ praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips Testimony that give thanks to His name” (Heb. ered their faces, with two they cov­ 13:15, NASB). Narrator: “His wisdom is profound, ered their feet, and with two they His power is vast. . . . He moves were flying. And they were calling to “It’s Time to Praise the Lord”—Cho­ mountains without their knowing it one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the rus 26 and overturns them in his anger. He Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full Narrator: “The Lord reigns; he is shakes the earth from its place and o f his glory ” (Isa. 6:1-3). robed in majesty” (Ps. 93:1, RSV). makes its pillars tremble. He speaks All: We praise You, God, for Your ab­ to the sun and it does not shine; he All: We praise You, God, for Your solute holiness. seals off the light of the stars. He majesty. alone stretches out the heavens and “Holy, Holy”—Chorus 74 “Thou Art Worthy”— Chorus 70 treads on the waves of the sea. . . . He “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Testimony performs wonders that cannot be Almighty”— Hymn 8, verses 1 and 4 fathomed, miracles that cannot be Narrator: “In the beginning God cre­ counted” (Job 9:4-8, 10). Testimony ated the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1, NASB). All: W e praise You, God, for Your Narrator: “He who dwells in the universal power. shelter of the Most High will rest in All: We praise You, God, for Your the shadow o f the Almighty. I will say “He Rolled the Sea Away”—Hymn creativity, which gave birth to all cre­ o f the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my 321, verse 1 ation. fortress’” (Ps. 91:1-2). “How Great Thou Art!”—Hymn 5, Testimony All: We praise You, God, for Your verses 1 and 2 protection. Testimony “A Mighty Fortess Is Our God”— Narrator: All through Scripture God’s Hymn 4, verse 1 guidance is evident. In the Old Testa­ “God Will Take Care o f You”—Hymn ment, He guided by outward signs. Je­ 450, all verses sus guided by His own life and words. The Holy Spirit guides by promise, in­ Testimony ner voice, and providence. Narrator: “Now unto him that is able All: We praise You, God, for Your to do exceeding abundantly above all guidance. that we ask or think, according to the

4 8 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE power that worketh in us, unto him be glory” (Eph. 3:20-21, KJV). All: We praise You, God, for Your sufficiency. Simeon “He’s Able”— Chorus 212 Testimony Narrator: “The Lord gives strength Searsites to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace” (Ps. 29:11). by L. Wayne Sears All: We praise You, God, for Your Chicago abiding peace. “It Is Mine”— Hymn 380, all verses Testimony have recently discovered, and artistic talent and blessed with a Narrator: “I have seen you in the sanc­ translated, a hitherto unknown shrewd mind to handle both artists tuary and beheld your power and your I fragment of Paul’s letter to and materials. Have her begin imme­ glory. Because your love is better than Rome. It gives the real reasons for the diately on the windows, and see that life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise apostle’s strong desire to go there. no expense is spared. W e want our you as long as I live, and in your name I This fragment should be inserted be­ cathedral to exceed in every way, will lift up my hands” (Ps. 63:2-4). tween verses 12 and 13 o f the first both in arches and apses, altars and chapter. It reads like this: enclaves the little cobblestone chapel All: We praise You, God, for Your “I am very grateful to the official that the followers of Peter have hasti­ love. board of the First Church at Rome for ly thrown up! I would also make sure “The Love of God”— Chorus 38— sing your invitation to become your senior that the manse be large and well-ap- twice. pastor. I hereby accept the call and pointed for comfort. It will impress Testimony will get there as soon as I possibly even Seneca, a man whom I know can. I read with a great deal of interest but slightly, but whose influence is Narrator: “For as the heaven is high your description of the city o f Rome. wide because of well-polished phras­ above the earth, so great is his mercy You stated with proper pride that it es for every occasion. toward them that fear him” (Ps. not only is the capital city of the em­ “When I come, I plan to bring the 103:11, KJV). pire but also leads the world in all entire pastoral staff that has worked All: We praise You, God, for Your forms o f education, philosophy, sci­ w ell with me here in Ephesus First mercy. ence, and democratic institutions. It Church. Timotheus w ill be my first should be an ideal field for the propa­ assistant and will have charge of the “At Calvary”—Hymn 391, verse 2 and Education Departments. Titus is a chorus gation of the gospel. All the world has heard o f the deep concern that the master of music and will choose the Testimony excellent Caesars have always shown choir, the organist, and direct the an­ Narrator: “For it is by grace you have for the general population. No doubt thems. One of my young men is Mar­ been saved, through faith— and this we will be able to extend our ministry cus, a nephew of our old friend Bar­ not from yourselves, it is the gift of in the form of missions to those less nabas o f blessed memory. Marcus has God” (Eph. 2:8). fortunate than ourselves. settled down now, and I use him for “I also read with interest your plan errands o f all sorts. Tell the present All: We praise You, God, for Your to locate your new cathedral in one ministers that they are welcome to at­ grace. o f the more affluent suburbs. You tend the worship services, and I may “Grace Greater than Our Sin”—Hymn have chosen well to find a place with let some o f them teach from time to 213, verse 1—chorus twice so much to favor it. I am sure that the time. You need not be concerned for Testimony edifice you erect will have a very salu­ my health, for my personal physician, tary effect on the people. I hereby Dr. Luke, will also be with us. Narrator: “Praise the Lord, O my soul; give my wholehearted approval for “One further suggestion: let Aquila all my inmost being, praise his holy you to begin construction immediate­ be the general contractor for the proj­ name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and ly. We will use appropriate measures ect. He will keep all the subcontrac­ forget not all his benefits—who for­ for financing when the need arises. tors in line, and his wife, Priscilla, will gives all your sins” (Ps. 103:1-3). “As a word of advice, which you take charge o f all the questions o f All: We praise You, God, for Your may already have apprehended, make decorations. abundant forgiveness. sure that all the exterior elevations “I have long looked forward to “A New Name in Glory”—Hymn 410, are imposing and indicative o f suc­ coming to Rome, and intend to make all verses cess. The entire building should be this my last permanent pastorate from constructed of the finest marble. I which we may sound the gospel to Testimony would urge you to engage the ser­ the rest o f the world. I am sure that “Doxology”— Back cover o f hymnal vices of Lydia, of Philippi, a great you and I can strengthen one another friend of mine. She is a lady of great for this mighty work.” ■

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 4 9 Ministry Opportunities in Law Enforcement

by Wally Johnston Abingdon, III.

ou see people at their worst. ship. Unfortunately, this caus­ On rare occasions, you see es them to turn to peer coun­ them at their best. You are seling whenever they face a Yconstantly dealing with human na­ problem. So they confide in ture. When you think you’ve seen persons who experience the everything, someone does something same difficulties and are them­ to surprise you. You see people in life selves without answers. It and in death. You try to piece togeth­ causes an ingrown fellowship, er broken relationships. Am I talking which hopefully would never about serving as a pastor? Yes. I am happen in the church! Police also talking about police work. The have department psycholo­ correlation between the two is amaz­ gists, but psychologists don’t ing. Police chaplaincy provides the ride in the car with them. Offi­ clergy and the church a wonderful cers don’t always need “pro­ opportunity for ministry. Serving as a fessional” help (as if a minister law enforcement chaplain has some isn’t professional!) but just wonderful blessings. You probably need a friend, a listening ear. won’t build a superchurch by the in­ 2. Death notifications. creased attendance of police officers. Some things about any job we Most will not darken the walls o f your don’t like. One o f those things church. So why become a police for police officers is notifying chaplain? family members of a death in their o f situation. Thanks for helping me You Are Needed household. out, chaplain.” As a concerned clergy, you are While serving as chaplain in Santa 3. Liaison between the police de­ needed as a police chaplain for the Monica, Calif., we were summoned partment and community. A chaplain following and many more reasons: to a “DB” call (dead body.) A man has the opportunity of representing was found dead in bed by his garden­ 1. Law officers aren’t noted for the department in a positive light. er. The family was contacted. When Many chaplain departments work out their trust in people. Very few people they arrived, I comforted and prayed of the community relations office. can they confide in. As a chaplain, with the family, while the officer you must earn the right to be their You will also serve as the contact per­ took care of policing details. He told son to other clergy in the community. friend. In our department, one way of me later, “It sure helped for you to be knowing you were accepted by the As the key person, you provide a there. Officers can’t always spend community network of support to “troops” was to find yourself in a car­ much time with families in this type toon. One of the officers was an artist the department. You will be called and decided to draw a cartoon of the upon to represent the department chaplain. He drew me with curly and city at public functions. Though hair, mustache, a pager in my belt, the purpose is not to promote your standing outside a bank with a bur­ church, when you receive recogni­ glar alarm going off. I had the suspect tion, your church receives recogni­ down on the pavement, and I was tion. In a sense, chaplaincy becomes banging him in the head with a cross! an extension of your church’s out­ Needless to say, I captured the crook reach to the community. and the stolen loot. 4. Officers and their families need Police work is a closed shop. Very you. Once I got a call on a Sunday af­ few people are let in to the fellow- ternoon. A motorcycle cop was hav­

5 0 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE ing some personal problems. A few I’ll never forget how our neighbor­ Let him know you are there as an as­ minutes later I met him in an aban­ hood realized our involvement. We set to him, not a liability. He must feel doned parking lot. We walked around prepared dinner at the church on secure about your position. In my and talked for over an hour. Then I Thanksgiving Day and served all the first assignment, the chief was an presented the gospel to him, and he on-duty police personnel. We had atheist. He wasn’t comfortable having prayed to receive Jesus Christ. squad cars and police motorcycles all a chaplain, but neighboring agencies 5. Law enforcement has a special day long coming in and out o f the bragged on their programs. He place in society. Read Rom. 13:1-5, church. The next day, as I was walk­ thought it would make the depart­ particularly in The Living Bible. ing to the office, a neighbor asked ment look good. Because his heart me, “I know that it’s none of my busi­ wasn’t in the program, political and You Need the Chaplaincy ness, but did you have a homicide at ecumenical elements caused him to 1. The chaplaincy provides a break church yesterday!” I decided from cut back on my involvement. Do your in your routine. You can only take so then on I would let the neighborhood best to win the chief over. many committee and board meetings. know about our special event and de­ Sermon writing sometimes gives you crease their anxiety. writer’s block. Some pastors golf; 2. We opened up our sanctuary to some like Peter say, “I go a fishing” organize a Neighborhood Watch pro­ 0ohn 21:3, KJV). A ride along in a pa­ gram. Before long we became the mod­ trol car can give you that break. That el program for the city. We were fea­ Your may sound strange, but for so many tured on the local television news, and chaplains, it really does. our church was presented an award of involvement in 2. You get positive strokes from appreciation by our city council. Doors police personnel. Sometimes you get in the neighborhood were opened up chaplaincy more compliments paid by police of­ to us that never were before. ficers than most folks in your church! helps build How to Get Started They know you have gone out of Here are some things that will get your way to minister to them. When bridges to the you started: you help an officer deal with a shoot­ ing, marital problem, or a difficult as­ 1. Check with your police depart­ community. signment, you are often rewarded ment to see if there is an existing with a “thank you” or “You really chaplain program. If so, ask how you helped me, chaplain.” might get involved. 2. If your department doesn’t have a program, submit a proposal to the Things to Remember chief. Let him know the benefits of a 1. Get your church and church chaplaincy program by informing him board behind you. This is critical. Ask Police of neighboring agencies who have a for their input on how much time program. Get recommendations from and energy you should devote to po­ chaplaincy the neighboring chiefs to your chief. lice ministry. Once you are a chap­ lain, don’t talk too much about your 3. Contact the International Con­ provides the involvement. Members of the church ference o f Police Chaplains, Rte. 5, might get the perception that you are Box 310, No. 82, Livingston, TX clergy and the spending too much time chasing the 77351. Their telephone number is bad guys instead of performing your 409-327-2332. This professional po­ church a church duties. lice chaplaincy training organization wonderful can supply you with much informa­ 2. Get some prayer partners from tion. By joining such an organization, your church who will support you opportunity for it gives you professional credentials and the department in prayer. No and a greater respect with enforce­ ministry is effective without prayer ministry. ment people. They provide regional warriors. and national training seminars. In or­ 3. When an officer comes to Jesus, der to join, you must have ecclesiasti­ try to get him to your church to give cal endorsement from the general a brief testimony in a service. This church of your denomination. Your Church Needs You will help the congregation feel in­ in Chaplaincy 4. Talk to other chaplains about volved and will also guide their 1. Your involvement in chaplaincy their programs. Each agency operates prayers for police families. helps build bridges to the communi­ differently and has various needs. There is so much more that can be ty. When you receive recognition, What works in one department might said about the blessings of police your church does also. Your church not work in yours, but you can use chaplaincy, but I’ve told you enough. becomes known in the community as what works for your situation. Now you’ll have to find out for your­ a church that cares. 5. Get the full support of the chief. self! ' ■

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 51 Ark Rocker Pastoral Interview

Waylon: I’m ready to go Narrator: He means, “The pastor does to work. it.” Narrator: What he D.S: They have a Sunday bulletin. means is, “H ow many Narrator: The pastor does it too. days off do I get?” D.S.: They even have a nursing home D.S.: The parsonage is ministry. District Superintendent (D.S.): I am better than most on the district. Narrator: Yes, the pastor does it also. glad to meet you. My name is I. M. Narrator: What he’s not saying is that D.S.: They are in the midst of a renova­ Pius, D.S. of the Piney Woods District. this one has indoor plumbing. tion program. Waylon: My name is Waylon Rant. I’m D.S.: They even furnish you a vehicle Narrator: He means, “The building very interested in going to the Piney to drive. has been about to fall down for the last Woods District. Narrator: He didn’t tell him it was a five years.” Narrator: What he is really saying is school bus. Waylon: I’m experienced in construc­ that all the other districts have turned D.S.: You can rise to great heights in tion. him down, and he’s scraping the bot­ this church. Narrator: What he means is, “I was a tom of the barrel. Narrator: He meant, “The steeple plumber’s helper for four weeks.” D.S.: Well, you look like the kind of needs painting.” D.S.: You will, of course, lead them in man we need on our district. D.S.: They aren’t able to pay very the payment of their budgets. Narrator: What he means is that if he much right now. Narrator: He didn’t tell him that is warm, breathes, and is willing to they’ve never paid their budgets in full come—he’ll do fine. Narrator: In other words, it’s peanuts and has been for 30 years. before. D.S.: I notice here that you made very D.S: Budgets are important, you know. good grades at Preacher Tech. Waylon: That’s O.K. We can manage. Narrator: What he means is, “Especially Waylon: Yes. Actually, it came quite Narrator: What he didn’t say was, “If the District Budget. It pays my salary.” easily. we can’t—w e’re outta here!” Waylon: I really believe in paying bud­ Narrator: What he should have said D.S.: The church is located in a solid gets. was, “My wife did all my homework community. for me.” Narrator: What he meant was, “You Narrator: What he said was, “At least until I get ordained.” D.S.: We have some of the finest lay­ couldn’t change them with a stick of men in the world on the Piney Woods dynamite.” Waylon: If I come to your district, I’d District. D.S.: You have some children, I under­ like to move right away. Narrator: What he didn’t go on to say stand. Narrator: What he means is, “I’m be­ was, “However, none of them are in Waylon: Yes, four beautiful daughters. hind on my rent.” the church I’m going to offer you.” Narrator: What he was thinking was, D.S.: I’d like to get a pastor into this D.S.: I have one church in mind that Beauty is only skin deep. church as soon as possible. you might be well suited for. D.S.: And your wife agrees with your Narrator: What he means is, “I Narrator: What he means is “Nobody call to the ministry? haven’t been able to get anyone down there in six months.” else will take it.” Waylon: Oh, yes. D.S.: Do you have any questions? D.S.: It is one of the steadiest congre­ Narrator: What he means is, “She gations on the district. agrees that I’m out o f my mind.” Narrator: What he is thinking is, I hope not, I’ve got to get rid of this coffee. Narrator: This means, “It hasn’t done D.S.: You know, it is very important No. anything for 20 years.” that your wife support your ministry. Waylon: D.S. (shaking Waylon’s hand): I will Waylon: I just want a place to serve. Narrator: What he really said was, ask you to pray about this assignment. Narrator: What he means is, “How “She has to play the piano, teach Sun­ much does it pay?” day School, be the NWMS president, Narrator: What he means is, “I pray to D.S.: This church is a real opportunity. and work full-time.” God you’ll accept.” Narrator: What he is saying is, “If you D.S.: The church I want to offer you is Waylon: Yes, I will. can make this albatross fly, you can very efficient. They even have a volun­ Narrator: What he didn’t say was, make it anywhere.” teer system of cleaning the building. “My wife is already packing.” M

52 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE WORSHIP & PREACHING HELPS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NO VHMBER 53 W. Donald Wellman

September/October/November 1993 Prepared by W. Donald Wellman

INTRODUCTION

I would like to relate to two areas as we begin this three-month sermon series. They deal with what is popularly called the Worship portion and the Preaching or Teaching portion o f the service. Worship means different things to dif­ ferent people. The truth is, most of the styles of worship emerge from our backgrounds, which are affected primarily by our culture. Several years ago, in one o f my extended personal prayer retreats, the Lord seemed to solidify in my heart an ap­ proach to worship that has been meaningful to me and, I believe, effective for many others. I had been studying the life and times of the Early Church. Four words emerged that seemed to explain to me the worship experience o f these ear­ ly Christians. These four words are Praising, Praying, Paying, and Preaching/Teaching. It is not that other things could not be a part o f worship for you, but only that these are the major elements on which most of us could, or perhaps already, fo­ cus. Defending these tenets would be rather simple. However, they seem to provide a form that enhances our corpo­ rate experience and allows for “freedom with dignity.” The service examples that I have given in this project will further explain the goal for which I strive in a worship service. It creates an atmosphere for both worship and evangelism. Response to spiritual growth, as well as decisions to accept God’s saving or sanctifying grace, are all natural in this approach. As you will notice in the following sermon outlines, my approach to preaching/teaching could probably be best described as a combination of exegesis and exposition. Not being a professional scholar, I have sought to develop a style o f preaching/teaching in a simple manner by the use of somewhat detailed outlines. This manner, hopefully, makes it easy for the people to follow, take notes, and, later in the week, to study. As I look back over 38 years of serving as pastor, I am convinced that most people want and need a strong diet of biblical studies that will instruct and inspire them to make decisions, not only to accept Christ but also to grow in grace and to carry out the Great Commission. When w e look at the great churches in our world that have emerged on the scene across hundreds o f years, they have always been led by strong pulpits. This is certainly not the full reason, but it is clearly one o f the major reasons. As w e walk together through this series on Pentecost and James, my prayer is that you will be blessed as you pray, study, and, perhaps, use portions of them in your ministry.

5 4 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE THIS IS OUR MOMENT by W. Donald Wellman Acts 2:1 September 5, 1993

INTRO: day, 1 billion people are hearing the gospel via radio The account in Acts o f the Christians in the Early and television! Church holds a strategic message for us. Just as Jesus B. They had a spectacular program. What did they “turned the light on” for the Christians of the Early have? Their program included everything needed to Church and the power of Pentecost became “their mo­ fulfill the Great Commission: preaching, teaching, ment,” this, too, is “our moment” in 20th century church­ praising, and fellowshipping. Every day they went to es o f today in reaching our world with the claims o f the the Temple courts. There were few, if any, without gospel. friends. This spectacular program, outlined specifically Four fundamental facts faced the early Christians, for us in Acts 2:42, can be ours for our churches today. which are spelled out for us in the Book of Acts: The Mo­ ment of Pentecost, the Motive of Pentecost, the Miracles C. They had a superlative staff. Their staff included of Pentecost, and the Message o f Pentecost. Impetuous Peter, the singer; Andrew, the young soul Could there be, in our churches today, a similarity to winner; Gentle John, the counselor; and all the rest of these four fundamental facts that faced the Early Church? the Twelve! Are there specific guidelines for us in approaching our Yes, this was their moment. They had everything that moment with the power that was available to those early was needed. Can we identify in any way with that mo­ Christians? ment? What are the advantages w e have today in our I. This Was a Crushing Moment in the Life of churches with our people, programs, staff, and beautiful the Church new buildings? Jesus had been crucified, and the apostles bewildered- ly asked themselves, “Was all this true? Was it a dream? III. It Was a Challenging Moment in the Life of Has He really been resurrected?” Now, after spending 10 the Church (Acts 1:1-8) days in prayer, the emptiness they felt within seemed A. Jesus had shown to them many convincing overwhelming. Four words describe this emptiness. proofs. “After his suffering, he showed himself to these A. They were discouraged. Their Savior and Leader men and gave many convincing proofs that he was had left them. They were bewildered and lonely. The alive. He appeared to them over a period o f forty days Early Church had begun with at least 500 believers; and spoke about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). We 380 had already left. Discouragement etched their very have all seen God perform miracles in our churches. beings as they realized that only 120 remained. B. Jesus shared with them a marvelous promise. “On B. They were dejected. Although they had been a part one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave o f Jesus’ earthly ministry and experienced His pres­ them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait ence with them, they needed more than a revered for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard memory o f Jesus. They needed a rousing message: me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit’” and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28, KJV). (1:4-5). What a promise! Yes, they were discouraged, C. They were disabled. A vision without vitality dejected, disabled, and depressed—but, in the midst of ridicules our disability. Our mission statement is, “Con­ all that, Jesus showed them His marvelous promise. front every man, woman, and child in our city with the That is the way He deals with us today. claims of the gospel!” C. Jesus shared with them a meaningful perspective. D. They were depressed. Why? Because of their sense “So when they met together, they asked him, Lord, are of inadequacy. They could not face the future in their you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ own strength. He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you II. It Was a Crucial Moment in the Life of the will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; Church and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all A. They were a special people. Judea and Samaria, and to the ends o f the earth ” (1:6- 1. They were called o f God. 8). We cannot convince our world by magnificent And so are we. choirs, great sermons, or beautiful sanctuaries. That 2. They had a covenant with God. was their moment—when they received the power o f And so do we. the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses. This is our mo­ 3. They had a commission from God. ment—to reach our world with the claims of the We, too, have a commission. Across our world to­ gospel by this same power.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 55 IV. It Was a Committed Moment in the Life of the Church SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Choral Call to Worship “Bless His Holy Name” A. They stayed together in one place. Three-fourths of Welcome by the Pastor the crowd o f early Christians said, “I w on’t pay the PRAISING AND PRAYING price.” And they left. But, do you know, God doesn’t Praise Choruses (7 to 10 Minutes) need a majority. He is the majority! In the Early “The Name of the Lord” Church, only 120 out of 500 “stayed by the stuff.” “Bless the Name of Jesus” Think of the great move God could bring in our “Let the Redeemed” churches today with the total commitment of the peo­ “Because He Lives” ple in our congregations—large or small! When that Pastoral Prayer crowd of 120 paid the price, 5,000 were saved in one Preprayer Chorus “Alleluia, Alleluia” Open Altar Invitation week! How about that! Do you suppose they were say­ Choir Special “We Are Standing on Holy Ground” ing, as we would, “Where will we put the crowd?” Oh, Congregational Hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” wouldn’t it be great to have that kind of logistical prob­ Cultivation of Friendship Cards lem? PAYING II They stayed together fo r one purpose. This is our Announcements/Offering moment. Here is what divides the winners from the Special Song whiners— one purpose. Have you seen some people PREACHING who, if they can’t sing a solo or sing in a special group, Message by the Pastor “THIS IS OUR MOMENT” won’t sing at all? If they don’t play, they don’t stay! If Acts 2:1 they don’t do something special, they go somewhere else! If there is an entertainer scheduled for Sunday Creative Worship Ideas night, they might come! Pastoral Prayer C. They stayed together in one partnership. This con­ As you begin to move into the prayer period, share cept, in the Greek, is “one ownership.” “All the believ­ a challenging scripture that points toward Pentecost. Also, invite the entire congregation to quote together ers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that the scripture, “And I, if I be lifted up . . . will draw all any o f his possessions was his own, but they shared men unto me” (John 12:32, KJV). everything they had” (4:32). They didn’t care who was Praising “right” or who got the credit. This period is designed for at least two reasons: CONCLUSION: (1) Gathering people of all ages from various levels If this is going to be our moment in reaching our world and interests to an experience of guiding them into with the claims of the gospel, w e must stay together in the reality of lifting up Jesus. Allow the name of Je­ one place, for one purpose, in one partnership. sus to provoke in them the message of the songs. This is truly “our moment.” Say it aloud together! Paying The apostle Paul quoted Jesus as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Can you imagine what this could provide in the lives of your worshipers if this truth became a reality? Preaching Printing the outline of your message on one sec­ tion of your bulletin or a separate insert would en­ courage your people to record the specific truths that apply to them.

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5 6 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE MOTIVE OF PENTECOST by W. Donald Wellman Acts 2:1-4 September 12, 1993

INTRO: ours today. They had the Sadducees, who didn’t believe The “moment” the early Christians were facing was to in the resurrection. Then, there were the Pharisees who settle for mediocrity or move to the miraculous! believed Jesus’ death was His doom. But in spite of their Then, when the “Moment of Pentecost” came, only problems, they pressed forward. God’s Word says, “With 120, including 11 staff members, stayed to pray! You see, great power” they proclaimed the gospel. they were facing mediocrity or the miraculous. A. They taught with great power. The Greek word for “When the day o f Pentecost came, they were all to­ “power” is dunamei (v. 33). It means “efficacy,” “ap­ gether in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of propriate,” “fitting,” “proper.” This is the kind o f pow­ a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole er they experienced. So the question is, “Was this pow­ house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:1-2). This was er only for a few?” “Was it magical?” “Was it mystical?” “their moment”— “when the Day of Pentecost came.” The answer is simple. These people were ordinary and “Their motive”— “all together in one place”! average. They were fishermen, businessmen, doctors— One scholar has said that there was “one psyche and just good people. 120 bodies.” The Greek word homou in this text means B. They taught with a certain presence. “Much grace “the spirit o f unity.” Another scholar said of this passage, was upon them all” (v. 33). Don’t you just love that? “All unitedly— in one place.” This word “grace” is not a theological term. This was a The clearest picture of Pentecost is given to us in Acts “warm fellowship,” a fellowship available to all o f us. 4:32: “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No The New Testament word is translated “winsome,” “at­ one claimed that any o f his possessions was his own, but tractive,” “excited,” “gracious.” There was this “gra­ they shared everything they had.” The Greek word kar- cious” atmosphere upon the Church; therefore, they (heart) means the “seat of the moral character.” dia taught, preached, and fellowshipped with this grace! (mind) means the “seat of human conduct.” They Psyche Do you see the picture? Because their motive was were moving from the moment to the motive. This is a pure, they were open to God and open to all men. picture o f what the church was meant to be. In this passage, Luke is calling for the “irreducible max­ III. They Became Tenders imum”— spiritual and psychological unity. There is no “There were no needy persons among them. For from more pressing item on God’s agenda for us than this kind time to time those w ho owned lands or houses sold o f unity. This is our moment; this should be our motive. them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the This motive took three distinct directions in the Early apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had Church. need” (w . 34-35). You might be thinking, Are there really needy people among us? When w e tend to the needs of I. They Became Trustees the Body o f Christ, as w e teach, it always “takes on a Acts 4:32 has an incredible concept! Legally, they were form of compassion and contrast.” owners. Lovingly, they were trustees. A. Those who owned land, houses, or fields sold A. What is the purpose o f a trustee? A trustee “is un­ them and brought the money to be distributed to der the duty” to the beneficiary to administer that anyone as he had need (vv. 34-37). trust. An illustration of this is the fact that all w e are B. What a contrast to the story o f Ananias and Sap- and have is God’s. We are to administer what w e’ve phira in Acts 5:1-11. Here, they kept back part o f the been given. There is an interesting twist in the law. A money for themselves and lied to God and to the trustee cannot delegate that trust. “Then Jesus came to Church. them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me’” (Matt. 28:18). CONCLUSION: B. What is the practice o f a trustee? “They shared What was the motive of those who experienced Pente­ everything they had” (Acts 4:32). Another interesting cost? “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No twist is, “If it is a business, you cannot ‘shut it down. ” one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but Do you see their motive? They shared all they had. they shared everything they had” (v. 32). As a result, they were trustees. All they had was God’s. II. They Became Teachers They were teachers. They taught with great power. And “With great power the apostles continued to testify to they were tenders. Grace was abundant all about them. the resurrection o f the Lord Jesus, and much grace was Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” upon them all” (4:33). Their problems were the same as (Acts 20:35).

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 5 7 SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Creative Worship Ideas Choral Call to Worship “All People of God” Welcome by the Pastor Pastoral Prayer If you have a youth ensemble strong enough to PRAISING AND PRAYING sing a two- or three-minute song before prayer, this Prayer Choruses (7 to 10 minutes) “Great and Mighty” could make a meaningful transition. Here I would “The Beauty of That Name” suggest you use either your youth leader or some­ “Oh, How I Love Jesus” one who has great credence with the youth to pray. “I Love You, Lord” Pastoral Prayer Praising Preprayer Chorus “God Is So Good” Combine the children, youth, and adult choirs for Open Altar Invitation this praising period. This period should last between Choir Special “That the World May Know” 7-10 minutes. Then your children’s choir could move Congregational Hymn “And Can It Be?” to its separate church area. Cultivation of Friendship Cards Paying PAYING One of the most meaningful stewardship experi­ Announcements/Offering ences I have used is having a person who is well Special Song loved and respected to share a 60-second state­ ment about God’s blessing of his stewardship just PREACHING before he prays for the offering. Message by the Pastor “THE MOTIVE OF PENTECOST” Acts 2:1 -4

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5 8 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE THE MIRACLES OF PENTECOST by W. Donald Wellman Acts 2:1-13 September 19, 1993

INTRO: A. Clearly they were symbols. Scripture says they saw In the previous two messages, w e have talked about “what seemed to be tongues of fire.” Just picture “The Moment of Pentecost” and “The Motive of Pente­ this—a big red tongue hovering above and over the cost.” What do you think o f when you think o f “The Mir­ people. Obviously, this was a miracle. Have you ever acles o f Pentecost”? seen this? What was “The Moment o f Pentecost”? It was a crush­ B. Clearly they were separated. Most scholars say it ing moment. It was a crucial moment. It was a challeng­ was one large tongue that then was separated into ing moment, and it was a committed moment. many tongues. Whether it was one or not, it was super­ What was “The Motive of Pentecost”? It is described: natural. “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any o f his possessions was his own, but they C. Clearly they were resting. The tongues of fire were shared everything they had” (Acts 4:32). As a result, they resting on each person— 120 tongues o f fire in that became trustees; no one claimed ownership. They be­ room! Thus, each one experienced that miracle per­ came teachers; they testified with great power. They be­ sonally. came tenders; there were no needy among them. The question is, “Have you ever experienced that mira­ Someone has said that the Book of Acts is the most ex­ cle?” No! The wind is a symbol of the Spirit of God. The citing book ever written. As we study it, there is little or no fire is a symbol of the cleansing of our heart by the pow ­ controversy regarding the moment or motive. Unfortunate- ■ er of God. ly, there are great differences o f opinion about miracles. III. There Is the Miracle of the Spirit I believe God has given to me an insight “exceptionally “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit” (2:4). noncontroversial” on this subject. Please take your How many? One hundred twenty. But, more importantly, Bibles, open to Acts 2, and follow closely. In verses 1-13, “all of them.” They were filled with a spiritual power, not there arefour miracles andfou r miracles only. They are: brains or brawn. 1. The Miracle o f Sound. Now, let the context o f Acts 1:4-5 explain this verse: 2. The Miracle o f Sight. 3. The Miracle of the Spirit. A. The promise is given. “But you will receive power 4. The Miracle of Speech. when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (1:8). You might ask, “Why do you call this a promise?” Look at Acts 1:4- I. There Is the Miracle of Sound 5: “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, “Suddenly a sound like the blowing o f a violent wind he gave them this command: Do not leave Jerusalem, came from heaven and filled the whole house where they but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you were sitting” (Acts 2:2). have heard me speak about. For John baptized with A. What is the sound o f a violent wind? This was a re­ water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the verberating or tornado-like type of wind. Having been Holy Spirit. ” in 10 intensive days o f prayer and heart-searching, they B. The purity is given. “God, who knows the heart, no doubt had to be drowsy. Do you see how this type showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit o f wind would have affected them in this state? It to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction be­ made them alert! tween us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith” B. What is the source o f a violent wind? It clearly (Acts 15:8-9). God did not differentiate between the came from heaven; it was supernatural. In other Jews and the Gentiles when He gave the Holy Spirit. words, it was a physical miracle. C. The power is given. “But you will receive power C. What is the scope o f this violent wind? It “filled the when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (1:8). Many peo­ whole house where they were sitting,” according to ple are interested in power. But look at the order: the Scripture. Most scholars agree that this was the 1. The Wind—the Breath of God “birth o f the New Testament Church.” The real ques­ 2. The Tongues o f Fire—the Cleansing of the Heart tion is this: “Why was there such a miracle?” “When 3. The Miracle o f the Spirit— the Infilling of His Holy they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewil­ Spirit derment, because each one heard them speaking in his IV. There Is the Miracle of Speech own language” (2:6). “. . . and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit II. There Is the Miracle of Sight enabled them” (Acts 2:4). Did you notice that there was “They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that sepa­ no teaching or coaching; no instructional videos—just rated and came to rest on each o f them” (2:3). There are the Holy Spirit! No one coached this special gift, which three glaring facts about the tongues of fire: inaugurated the beginning of the Church! Sixteen differ­

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 5 9 ent languages were spoken, and people from all over heard them in their own languages. SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Choral Call to Worship “Alleluia, Praise the Lord” A. What is the purpose of the miraculous? The Welcome by the Pastor “wind” is symbolic of the breath of God. The “fire” is PRAISING AND PRAYING symbolic of the cleansing of our heart. We have been Praise Choruses “Blessed Be the Name” to Pentecost when our lives emanate the breath of God “Shine, Jesus, Shine” and our spirit reflects the purity of God! “Seekers of Your Heart” B. What is the significance o f the combination o f “Let the Redeemed” Spirit and speech? “But you will receive power when Pastoral Prayer the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my wit­ Preprayer Chorus “Spirit of the Living God” Open Altar Invitation nesses” (1:8). Clearly, the “Spirit” and “power” are si­ Choir Special “Let Thy Mantle Fall on M e” multaneous. This is “Pentecostal power.” The by-prod­ Congregational Hymn “And Can It Be?” uct o f that experience depends on what the Holy Spirit Cultivation of Friendship Cards gives you! PAYING C. Unmistakenly, if we have this miraculous power, Announcements/Offering we will be His witnesses! “But you will receive power Special Song when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be PREACHING my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Message by the Pastor “THE MIRACLES Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (1:8). OF PENTECOST” Acts 2:1-13 CONCLUSION: Here is the simple and overwhelming revelation o f Creative Worship Ideas God: There are four miracles at Pentecost! Which one do Pastoral Prayer you want most? Three weeks before Thanksgiving Sunday, 1. The “rushing mighty wind” (2:1, KJV) arrange some slides of three or four missionary fam­ 2. The tongues o f fire on your heart ilies where everyone can see them. As you talk 3. The ability to speak a language you haven’t learned about the world missions offering, they can see our 4. The cleansing o f your heart by the infilling o f the work in action. Holy Spirit Praising All four at the same time have never happened since While into the middle of praise time, have a per­ Pentecost. The speaking in foreign languages has hap­ son ready to share not more than two minutes of an pened several times since Pentecost. But, please note answered prayer or a special event in his life. two things: Preaching 1. The first three— the rushing wind, the tongues of If you do not normally give your congregation a fire, and the ability to speak a language you haven’t printed detail of your sermon outline, this could be learned—are physical miracles. very meaningful. Be careful not to promise this all 2. Only the cleansing of the heart from original sin has the time; this could be more than you can produce. happened to everyone when they have been “filled with the Holy Spirit.” Which one do you want? The physical miracles— sound, sight, speech? Or the spiritual miracles?

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6 0 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE THE MESSAGE OF PENTECOST by W. Donald Wellman Acts 2:12-47 September 26, 1993

INTRO: were to spend three years in the major churches, net­ We have discovered, in our study of the Early Church, work television, and in the great stadiums of our nation that Pentecost was their moment. It was a crushing, cru­ preaching, teaching, healing, and working with all kinds cial, challenging, and committed moment in the lives of of miracles, trying to change the world? Though this per­ these early Christians. They also faced their motive. It son could try, the religious leaders would fight him. was to settle for mediocrity or to move to the miraculous. B. We realize the fulfillment of prophecy at Pente­ Then, there was their miracle. There was no doubt about cost. Peter declared that the message of the Old Testa­ the physical miracles: sight, sound, and speech. Howev­ ment prophet Joel had been fulfilled (v. 16). Verses 17- er, the spiritual miracle— the cleansing o f the heart from 21 are Joel’s words concerning the last days, declaring original sin—was the source o f the early Christians’ pow­ the great promise: “And everyone who calls on the er. This was truly the purpose and power o f Pentecost. name of the Lord will be saved” (v. 21). This would be In Acts 2:12-41, Peter “stood up with the Eleven, raised the result of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pente­ his voice and addressed the crowd” (v. 14). Peter was al­ cost. ways an aggressive spokesman. However, now he was courageous and confident in the Lord. His preaching was III. There Is the Purpose of Pentecost frank, commanding, and centered upon Jesus Christ. His In verses 22-36, Peter elaborates on the main theme of message demanded decision and confession as to the Pentecost: Jesus. Lordship o f Jesus Christ in their lives. A. Peter speaks o f who Jesus was. “Men o f Israel, lis­ Peter had four distinct issues to identify: ten to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by I. There Are the Problems Peter Faced God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know” “Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, What (v. 22). does this mean?’ Some, however, made fun of them and said, They have had too much wine’” (w . 12-13). B. Peter speaks o f why Jesus came. “This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and fore­ A. What were the bystanders’ problems? The same knowledge; and you, with the help o f wicked men, put spiritual influences that had created an eagerness on him to death by nailing him to the cross” (v. 23). Peter the part of so many to hear Peter’s message brought indicates that Jesus’ death was both planned by God doubt, derision, and denial on the part of others. Some and known by Him from the beginning. Though the scorned the message he preached. Some said the disci­ death of Christ was in the divine plan, it does not take ples were drunk. They were, indeed, intoxicated; how­ away their guilt. ever, it was intoxication with the “new wine” o f the kingdom of God. C. Peter speaks o f what Jesus did. Here is the real is­ sue. David was still in the tomb. But Jesus was not B. What were Peter’s own problems? Can you imagine there! For the Pharisee, the tomb was the end for Je­ addressing a crowd o f thousands from 16 nations— sus. For the Sadducee, there was no resurrection. people who were aware o f your miserable failures and your denial of Jesus before He was crucified! Peter IV. There Is the Power of the Cross must have suffered over his own inadequacies. But that There are at least three very basic issues about this is the miracle o f Pentecost: forgiveness, cleansing, and power that are inherent in verses 37-47. the reestablishment of one’s self-image. All of this A. We see the power o f conviction. came through the supernatural power o f God! 1. “When the people heard this, they were cut to II. There Is the Promise Peter Proclaimed the heart” (v. 37). Until the truth o f God reaches and Verses 14-21 are the introduction verses to Peter’s mes­ grips the heart, nothing will change. sage to the people. His manner and method are not so fa­ 2. “Brothers, what shall w e do?” (v. 37). They were miliar to us, as it was all based on Old Testament prophe­ concerned! cy. W e are all struck with the marvelous change in the 3. “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every character of Peter— from timidity to boldness! one o f you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the for­ giveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of A. We realize the nerve o f the Jewish church. The the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your chil­ people were on the verge o f spiritual conviction and dren and for all who are far off—for all whom the renewal. Their minds were searching for truth. They Lord our God will call.’ With many other words he were looking for the Messiah and waiting for the pour­ warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save your­ ing out of the Spirit. selves from this corrupt generation’” (w . 38-40). ILLUS. What would happen today if a Jesus-type person They were convinced!

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 6 l B. We see the power o f conversion. “Those who ac­ man preaching— a fisherman by trade. Here was a man cepted his message were baptized, and about three quoting Old Testament prophecy. Here was a man telling thousand were added to their number that day” (v. 41). them who Jesus was, why Jesus came, and what Jesus 1. They received Peter’s message. did! And 3,000 people were saved! 2. They retained Peter’s message and were gladly Do you have an explanation for this? There is only one: baptized. the Holy Spirit fell upon them after 10 days of prayer! 3. They acted upon its principles and enthusiastical­ ly joined the church. Is that what has happened to you? C. We see the power of commitment. “They devoted SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellow­ Choral Call to Worship That the World May Know” ship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone Welcome by the Pastor was filled with awe, and many wonders and miracu­ PRAISING AND PRAYING lous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers Praise Choruses “Jesus, Lord to M e” were together and had everything in common. Selling “Undivided” their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he “Wonderful Peace” “Shine On” had need. Every day they continued to meet together Pastoral Prayer in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes Preprayer Chorus “1 Love You, Lord” and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising Open Altar Invitation God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Choir Special Ye Shall Be My Witnesses” Lord added to their number daily those who were be­ Congregational Hymn “The Church’s One Foundation” ing saved” (w . 42-47). Cultivation of Friendship Cards 1. They were consumed: by the Word, by fellow­ PAYING ship, and by prayer. Announcements/Offering 2. They were a community: “All the believers were Special Song together and had everything in common” (v. 44). PREACHING 3. They were convincing: the Lord added to their Message by the Pastor “THE MESSAGE number daily. OF PENTECOST” CONCLUSION: Acts 2:12-47 Now, the real issue is this: Here was an uneducated

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62 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE TAKING THE TEST by W. Donald Wellman James 1:1-4 October 3, 1993

INTRO: trials” (v. 2). The Greek word here means to “fall sudden­ I heard about a man who took a test in college. When ly.” Do you remember the man on his way from Jerusa­ he received the test back from the professor, he found lem to Jericho? He “fell among thieves” (Luke 10:30, that his score was a zero. He went to the professor and KJV). staged an argument against his grade. He said to his ILLUS. Some of us are not too concerned with life right teacher, “I don’t deserve a zero!” now. Our blood pressure is low, and our bank account is The teacher’s reply was, “You are right; but, I had no high. What would you do if the two were turned around? lower grade to give you.” God is saying, “The power of the next trial may be great!” Maybe you are failing as miserably. Do you know that That’s what happened to the man on his way to Jericho: God can help you get a passing grade? In the Book of he “fell among thieves.” James, He gives us five things about our tests and trials of ILLUS. One o f my favorite people, Winston Churchill, life that are sure to help us with a high score! said, “We must always be ready at our average moment I. What Is the Point of Trials? for anything our enemy could hurl at us at his selected moment.” It’s not a matter o f “i f ’ w e have trials; it is a matter of Let me ask, “Are you ready at your average moment?” “when” we have trials. “Consider it pure joy, my broth­ Are you ready today for some great power? ers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing o f your faith develops persever­ IV. What Is the Preparation for Trials? ance” (w . 2-3). Persecution, trials, and testing are all a “Because you know that the testing of your faith devel­ part of life. They are universal, inevitable, and unavoid­ ops perseverance” (v. 3), it’s like taking a test. able! ILLUS. There, perhaps, are some college young people II. What Is the Pattern of Trials? here today who have just taken some tests. First o f all, I “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face hope you were prepared! Have you done your home­ trials o f many kinds” (v. 2). James refers to them as work? Second, I don’t want you to flunk life’s greatest “many kinds,” “diverse,” and “sundry.” The truth is, my test! temptations may not be exactly like your temptations. It is not God’s will that you have a variety of trials and However, both yours and mine come in at least two cate­ tests. However, it is God’s w ill that you are victorious gories: through all these trials and tests. So, as you face tests of life or temptations from Satan, remember two things: A. Some testings (not temptations) come from God. Some of these tests or trials may simply be like testing A. It is not a sin to be tempted or tried. If it were, our an automobile, airplane, or new medicine. Will it Lord himself would have sinned! Remember the words work? Can it help me? Peter said, “Think it not strange o f Scripture: “Therefore, since w e have a great high concerning the fiery trial” that comes your way (1 Pet. priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the 4:12, KJV). This kind of testing is sent by God to cause Son o f God, let us hold firmly to the faith w e profess. you to stand. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sym­ pathize with our weaknesses, but w e have one who B. Some testings and, yes, temptations come from Sa­ has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet tan. Temptations that come to us from Satan are not was without sin” (Heb. 4:14-15). for our good. The difference is: Another thing to remember is that your body is 1. Temptations that come from Satan cause us to amoral, meaning morally neutral. That is, nothing stumble. about our body has the capacity for morality. Only the 2. Tests or trials that come from God cause us to heart or spirit has this capacity. The Bible says, “The stand. word of God is living and active. Sharper than any dou­ One is meant for maturity; the other is meant for ble-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul misery! and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts Permit me to teach you two things at this point. and attitudes o f the heart” (Heb. 4:12). Jesus was as hu­ Though it seems that James uses tests and trials almost man as we are. Yet, He overcame temptation through interchangeably: His Spirit calling on the Father. One o f the great three­ 1. God does not cause both kinds. He only allows fold illustrations of this is found in the temptation o f Je­ both kinds. sus by Satan in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11). 2. God will use both kinds for our good. B. It is not a sin to go through morbid introspection. III. What Is the Power of Trials? Sometimes when bad things happen to us, we re prone “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face to think, What have I done that’s evil? Why am I expe­

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 6 3 riencing these trials? As a result, we often go through for three reasons: for your (1) enjoyment, (2) endurance, something of a morbid introspection. If w e don’t un­ and (3) enlargement! derstand that this is an amoral problem, discourage­ D. The testing o f your faith is fo r your enrichment. ment can overtake us. “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be Here’s the point: Though God didn’t cause your mature and complete, not lacking anything” (v. 4). Can problem, He did permit it for a positive purpose. A you believe that? Not lacking anything! This, then, is principle all of us need to learn and relearn is that “the the reason w e can “consider it pure joy.” If you pass seeds of doubt often sprout from the soil of igno­ the test, you will be enriched! rance.” This is especially true with regard to a proper understanding o f anthropology. (Refer to the book, by CONCLUSION: Donald Wellman, Dynamics o f Discipling, chapter 3 ) As you reflect on the issue of the trials and tests that come your way, what kind of a grade are you getting? If V. What Is the Product of Trials? we would test ourselves, what a difference it would Here are some questions w e often hear: “Why does make. God allow it?” “If God could stop it, why doesn’t He?” Let’s bow our hearts before God and talk with Him God is trying to do something special for every one of us! about it. James wrote, “Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lack­ ing anything” (w . 3-4). Everything God does and allows SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER in our lives is for our good and His glory! Choral Call to Worship “Bless the Lord, 0 My Soul” In this passage, God mentions four fruits of our trials Welcome by the Pastor and temptations: PRAISING AND PRAYING A. The test o f your faith is fo r your pleasure. You say, Praise Choruses “Holy Ground” “Pastor, what do you mean? I ’m supposed to enjoy “Bless the Name of Jesus” tests and trials?” Look at verse 2 again: “Consider it “Praise You” pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of “I Exalt Thee” many kinds.” I didn’t say that; James said that; rather, it Pastoral Prayer was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Preprayer Chorus “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” Open Altar Invitation Sometimes w e get rather stoic and take the position, Choir Special “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” “What w e can’t cure, we endure.” Congregational Hymn “How Great Thou Art!” But, God said, “What you can’t cure, you can en­ Cultivation of Friendship Cards dure!” Trials are a prelude to God’s promises! PAYING But, you say, “Pastor, that doesn’t make sense.” All Announcements/Offering right, let’s look at the next step: Special Song B. The testing o f your faith is fo r your patience. “Be­ PREACHING cause you know that the testing of your faith develops Message by the Pastor “TAKING THE TEST” perseverance” (v. 3). The King James Version says, “pa­ James 1:1-4 tience.” Who of us has not said, “If only I were more consistent— consistent in prayer, in Bible study, shar­ Creative Worship Ideas ing my faith, and in the very important issue of stew­ Praising ardship!” I love that scripture that says that Jesus was When you start singing, use your hymnal to open made “perfect through suffering” (Heb. 2:10). I love it this period, and then move to a series of current but, humanly, I loathe it! However, this is the constant choruses and choruses of some well-known hymns pressure that keeps us close to Jesus. that follow your message very specifically. C. The testing o f your faith is fo r your preparedness. Ask the congregation to move to the center of the sanctuary for the last two or three choruses as you “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be move toward prayer time. They should continue to mature and complete, not lacking anything” (v. 4). It’s sing as they move across the aisle to clasp hands. not a matter o f “perfection;” it’s preparedness or matu­ Praying rity. I suggest that if there are as many as three mem­ ILLUS. God has a plan for the butterfly. For a long time it bers of one family that can pray publicly, that you is confined in its “prison;” then, when it is prepared, it have them join hands with you and any others on emerges— lovely and beautiful. the platform and have that family lead everyone in So many times you say, “O God, let me out o f this prayer. mess.” But God wants to keep you right where you are

64 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE THE SUBTLE SNARE by W. Donald Wellman James 1:13-15 October 10, 1993

INTRO: important to recognize that the weakness of our flesh It is important that w e remember that the Book of is used by its own amoral desires and Satan’s immoral James uses temptation in two ways: desires to cause us to stumble. 1. Tests, trials, or hardships o f life: These are sent by Do you remember the Garden of Eden? Do you re­ God, not for destruction, but, rather, for construction. member Adam’s alibi when God told him that he had God allows tests, trials, and hardships for the purpose sinned? Adam said, “The woman you put here with of developing our character. me— she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it” 2. Temptation: This is an inducement to do evil. It is (Gen. 3:12). used with the idea of causing us to stumble or fall. But James moves on to tell us exactly how we are It is that type o f temptation with which we are dealing tempted. in James 1:13-15. It is imperative that we understand that Satan’s full plans are to destroy not only our lives but also II. Notice the Cause the lives of all those whom we influence. “But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, From this passage, I want to awaken you to three of he is dragged away and enticed” (v. 14). James is saying the most subtle tactics Satan uses. that sin is an inside job! He illustrates the cause of sin as it relates to the body’s amoral need for anything that is I. Notice the Catch out of harmony with the will of God. The body has no “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting need that is sinful except when that need is fulfilled in a me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he way that violates the Word of God. tempt anyone” (v. 13). Three words stand out like bea­ A. There is the courtship to sin. cons: “When,” “Not,” and “If.” None of us is immune to 1. There is nothing wrong with hunger or the desire thinking that I am somewhat, if not greatly, beyond much to eat. temptation, simply because I’ve been a Christian for a The moral issue is tied to stealing or misrepre­ long time. senting the truth in order to get the food. ILLUS. I remember vividly when I was 17 and a new 2. There is nothing wrong with the psychological Christian o f 1 year. I said to my brother-in-law, who was need to be loved, accepted, or needed. about age 35, “Harry, in my year o f development as a But to lie, misrepresent, or bare false witness to Christian, I don’t seem to have many, if any, temptations meet that need is the evil. anymore.” 3. There is nothing wrong with sexual fulfillment. In his gentle wisdom, he said, “Don, you better be But to commit adultery or fornication to fulfill careful; they will come again. ” Little did I know! that need is where the sin lies. When you become a friend o f God, you become an en­ emy of Satan. B. Tfjere is the conception o f sin. “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full A. When, not if, you are tempted. James said, “When grown, gives birth to death” (v. 15). In other words, [you are] tempted.” It is not a matter of whether; it is a when the physical or psychological need or desire is ap­ matter of when. The Bible tells us that Jesus “was in all proved by your knowledgeable spirit, then sin is bom. points tempted like as w e are, yet without sin” (Heb. I’ve heard preachers say, “There’s no fun in sin.” 4:15, KJV). One of the greatest temptation events in Je­ That’s ridiculous! There’s not only fun and pleasure sus’ earthly life is recorded in Matthew 4. In this chap­ but also a deep physical and emotional satisfaction in ter Jesus was clearly tempted physically, psychological­ sin! The Bible tells us there are “pleasures of sin for a ly, and spiritually. Like Him, we, too, are tempted in all season” (Heb. 11:25, KJV). three of these areas. ILLUS. I heard about a man walking down the street with B. It is not God who is tempting us. Then James said, a pod of beans on his arm. As he walked along, he “No one should say, God is tempting me.’” He clearly dropped these pods for a herd of swine following him. A gives the reasons why w e cannot be honest and at the passerby said to him, “Mister, that’s a strange way to feed same time accuse God. God cannot be tempted. He is a your pigs.” spiritual God. He is a holy God. He is incapable of do­ Said the man, “Oh, no, I’m not feeding them; I’m lead­ ing anything evil. ing them to slaughter.” C. God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt Satan has a basket on his arm; in it are the pleasures of anyone. James goes on to say, “For God cannot be sin. tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone” (v. 13). There’s the courtship to sin— Satan dangles it in front God’s character does not and cannot allow Him to en­ of us. There is the conception of sin—after the desire has courage, entice, or entreat us to do wrong. Thus, it is conceived, then it gives birth to sin. Then—

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 6 5 C. There is the completion o f sin. “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER full-grown, gives birth to death” (v. 15). Here you have Choral Call to Worship “My Eternal King” Satan’s LSD: Satan’s Lust! Satan’s Sin! Satan’s Death! Welcome by the Pastor Don’t look at a thing for where it is, but for where it PRAISING AND PRAYING is headed! Praise Choruses “Come Praise the Lord” “I Love You, Lord” CONCLUSION: “Great and Mighty” You say, “What is the answer?” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” 1. Recognize that the body is amoral and does not Pastoral Prayer understand the morality or the sinfulness of certain Preprayer Chorus “Oh, How I Love Jesus” issues. Open Altar Invitation 2. Remember that the spirit, however, does recog­ Choir Special “How Firm a Foundation” nize moral issues, and if you disobey that God-given Congregational Hymn “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” warning, you will sin. Cultivation of Friendship Cards The issue is this: God made you so that you can never be satisfied until you are satisfied in Jesus. PAYING Announcements/Offering Special Song PREACHING Message by the Pastor “THE SUBTLE SNARE” James 1:13-15 Creative Worship Ideas Praising You might want to try this unique approach to a child or children’s dedication service: build your praise time around God’s family and the families who are being honored that day by a dedication ser­ vice. Have about four or five minutes of praise choruses with the family or families who are dedicating their children so you can move forward about halfway through this period. When the dedication service is over, ask the con­ gregation to stand and sing a praise chorus while the families and babies make their adjustment. This kind of experience is especially effective when you are preaching on some aspect of family life. Preaching If you are preaching on the family, you might sug­ gest an exceptionally good book or tape series or even start a “Family Series” of study a week or two later.

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66 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE FAVORITISM FROWNED UPON by W. Donald Wellman James 2:1-9, 12-13 October 17, 1993

INTRO: ILLUS. I heard about a dog named September who always Someone said, “Prejudice is what makes people down jumped to conclusions. One day he jumped to the con­ on what they are not up on.” James lays the law down as clusion of a mule, and that was the last day of September! strongly as any biblical writer when he says, “My broth­ B. Observe the difference between gossip and flattery. ers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t 1. Flattery is what you say to a person’s face; what show favoritism” (2:1). you would not say to his back. My heart does a flip-flop when I hear a parent say, “He 2. Gossip is what you say behind a person’s back, is my favorite child,” or “She is my favorite.” I think I what you would not say to his face. know what he or she might mean by that. But it is a Listen carefully. Both are wrong! Both are dishonest! dreadful mistake within the human family or the broader It’s sort of a theistic existentialism. There’s no building family w e call the Church. on earth that could contain its wreckage. Can you imagine our Lord having favorites among His disciples or among us today? But, you say, “What about II. Failure Is Exposed Peter, James, and John? Weren’t they Jesus’ favorites?” If “Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a so, what do w e do with the verse that deals with the idea gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby that He is no respecter o f persons? It is important that we clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, Here’s a good seat understand that our Lord had no favorites, but He did have intimates. for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated Favoritism leaves the idea that w e would do more for among yourselves and become judges with evil one than for the other, that w e would treat one more fair­ thoughts?” (w . 2-4). ly than another. Or that w e might take advantage of cer­ tain circumstances for some. ILLUS. Picture Mr. Gold-Fingers walking in— “A gem at Our Lord develops this thought o f favoritism beautiful­ every joint, and a nugget at every knuckle.” The usher, ly through James in these first 13 verses. There are at caught up with all the glitter, almost stumbles over him­ least three issues that need to be dealt with here: self from the glare. He says to the man, “Here’s a good seat for you,” while, to the poor man, he says, “You stand I. Favoritism Is Explained over there or sit on the floor.” “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus You say, “We would never say that!” Is it not true that Christ, don’t show favoritism” (2:1). Favoritism means too often, in our attempt to succeed and “build the partiality, one-sidedness, prejudice, bias, nepotism, or in­ church,” w e are pressured in that direction? justice. All of us know w e must concern ourselves with solid, Through James, our Lord was saying that to respect balanced demographics in the church. However, to favor one person over another is not only dangerous but also one over another carries with it the biblical connotation damaging. Favoritism is the combination o f a verb and o f failure. Fortunately, clothes do not determine charac­ noun. ter. God is saying that w e should not judge a person by ap­ ILLUS. History tells us that Mahatma Gandhi was search­ pearances. To some degree or another, w e all are strange­ ing for a religion in India. After his intensive study o f ly tempted to do so! many religions, he decided to go to a Christian church. ILLUS. The other day I was discussing with someone the He was in Europe at that time and attempted to visit a potential of a new family coming to our church. The con­ church one Sunday morning. The usher said to him, “I’m versation was progressing in a normal and casual way. sorry, sir; this church is only for Europeans.” So, he However, when I mentioned that this man was to be­ turned to Hinduism— and you know the rest o f the story. come the supervisor and leader over 3,500 men in the es­ III. The Faithful Are Exalted tablishment where he worked, the attention o f that lis­ “Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those tening friend escalated to a high intensity! who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith Two brief thoughts I want to share with you: and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love A. Observe the devastation o f snobbishness. Other him?” (v. 5). Real fame cannot be measured by financial than a critical tongue, nothing is more devastating to a figures! person than snobbishness. When we look at a person A. The faithful are the elect o f God. Paul, in 1 Cor. in light of his or her attire, w e are tempted to flatter or 1:26-31, makes clear the ones in God’s sight who are flatten him or her. Most of the time, w e sincere Chris­ worthy of position. He said the weak were the witness­ tians do not mean any particular harm by this. Howev­ es! The bare became believers; the disposed became er, intentional or not, the damage has been done. disciples and the nobodies often became nobility!

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 6 7 B. The faithful are the elite in faith. “Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit Choral Call to Worship “The Family of God” the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (v. 5). Welcome by the Pastor It simply says, when w e snub or neglect the poor, we PRAISING AND PRAYING are snubbing and neglecting the spiritual millionaires. Praise Choruses ‘Let’s Just Praise the Lord” “Let the Redeemed” C. The fa ith fu l are the example in success. These “Jesus, Lord to M e” riches are not only here but hereafter! “Undivided” ILLUS. The great missionary to Burma, Adoniram Judson, Pastoral Prayer labored long and hard. Rather than winning souls, he was Preprayer Chorus “At the Cross” arrested. He was hung by his thumbs and tortured! Final­ Open Altar Invitation Amazing Grace Medley” ly, he was cast into prison. Taunting him, they said, Choir Special Congregational Hymn “O Worship the King” “What are your plans now to win the heathen? Where are Cultivation of Friendship Cards all those heathen you have won to Christ?” Said he, “My future is as bright as the promises of PAYING Announcements/Offering God.” Special Song CONCLUSION: PREACHING James sums it up: “Speak and act as those who are go­ Message by the Pastor “FAVORITISM ing to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because FROWNED UPON” judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who James 2:1-9,12-13 has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (w . 12-13). Creative Worship Ideas May we search our own hearts regarding this issue of Pastoral Prayer favoritism and ask God to make us the kind o f men and We could make a significant improvement in our women that would bring honor to His name and cause. stewardship effectiveness if, at least four times a year, we ask one of our leaders who is highly re­ spected, clearly a strong giver (not necessarily a well-to-do person), to share his strong conviction in stewardship. This should not last more than two minutes. Praising Remember that this period in the service has many goals. We hesitate to admit this, but much of the time this period is used to get the congregation into the sanctuary as well as into the spirit of wor­ ship. Another important aspect of this period is to focus their minds on why they are there, what their per­ sonal needs are for that day, and an opportunity for God to show them areas of which they may not even be aware.

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68 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE HOW TO RECOGNIZE DEAD FAITH by W. Donald Wellman James 2:14-26 October 24, 1993

INTRO: ILLUS. Let’s suppose that your best friend lost all o f his If you believe that good works saves you, or even possessions. He comes to your house with no money, no helps you to be saved, you will never have assurance of clothing except for what is on his back, and no food to your salvation! feed his family. He says, “Remember the good old days w e had together and how we shared so much together? ILLUS. What if someone were to ask, “Are you saved?” If Remember how God helped me get you back on your good works saves you, how would you know if you had done enough to be saved? feet when you were in trouble?” Then he says to you, “Friend, I really need some help right now.” But, you say, “I pray and read my Bible every day.” Or You reply, “Go, I wish you well, but I simply can’t help “I've preached for years.” Or “I pay my tithe—at least you right now.” most of the time!” “I sure hope I am saved!” If you depend upon works, you’ll never be able to say, A. Our faith is dead. James tells us that not only is our “I know that I know that I know I’m saved.” There will faith worthless, but also, for all practical purposes, it is always be a question. dead! ILLUS. Martin Luther, that brilliant young monk, was do­ B. Our lives are unchanged. James said, “Faith with­ ing his best to be saved. He kept going up and down out works is dead” (v. 20, KJV). There is little or no those steps, praying many prayers. All of a sudden God change in our lives. burned the truth o f Rom. 1:17 into his heart. It says, “For Can you imagine what would happen in the church in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a world if each of us would live up to the purpose of this righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is text? Evangelism would be an everyday occurrence in written: Th e righteous will live by faith.’” From that blaz­ our church. ing experience, the Reformation was bom! II. There Is Faith That Is Wanting Having said that, let’s look at James 2:14-16. “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a broth­ demons believe that— and shudder. You foolish man, do er or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and (w . 19-20). well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, A. What is the evidence? It is not difficult to be ortho­ what good is it?” dox and correct. But to be in strong communion with When you compare Paul’s words in Eph. 2:8-10, these God is something else. Notice closely: “You foolish two scriptures seem in contradiction. He says, “For it is man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is by grace you have been saved, through faith— and this useless?” (v. 20). In other words, he was saying, “Do not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, you really ‘want to know’ what kind of faith you so that no one can boast. For w e are God’s workmanship, have?” created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God pre­ 1. It’s wanting and lacking. pared in advance for us to do.” 2. It’s without satisfaction. Here’s the key: There is a clear, concise, and convincing reason why 1. Paul was speaking of justification before God. your faith is without deeds! 2. James was speaking of justification before man. B. What are the arguments? God can see our hearts! He can see our faith. Can you 1. “Even the demons believe .. . there is one God. . . . see my heart, my faith, my love? The only way you will and [they] shudder” (v. 19)! know my love and my faith is by what I do. Look at verse 2. “Was not . . . Abraham considered righteous for 14. “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have what he did ...” (v. 21). faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” Yet you want to be known as a righteous man because 1. Paul was talking about the root o f justification. you believe! James, under the inspiration of God, is say­ 2. James was talking about the fruit of justification. ing, “You see that his faith and his actions were working Here w e have the “know-so” and the “show-so.” together, and his faith was made complete by what he Let me show you how to recognize faith. did” (v. 22). Their faith did not bring peace. You can be ortho­ I. There Is Faith That Is Worthless dox—giving money, singing, and preaching—and be lost Our scripture says, “What good is it, my brothers, if a and go to hell! man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes III. There Is Faith That Is Working and daily food” (w . 14-15). James is saying that faith that does not change your life­

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 6 9 style is wanting! (w . 21-26). But here he gives you clearly a kind of faith that produces. Let’s take these verses one SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER by one and see how faith worked in Abraham’s life. Choral Call to Worship “Something Good Is Going to Happen” A. “Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righ­ Welcome by the Pastor teous fo r what he did when he offered his son Isaac PRAISING AND PRAYING on the altar?” (v. 21). James is simply saying that Abra­ Praise Choruses “Sanctuary” ham’s reputation was based on a faith that worked. “My Jesus, I Love Thee” Abraham said yes to God by giving Isaac. His faith “I Will Praise You” worked to completion. “Shine, Jesus, Shine” B. “You see that his faith and his actions were work­ Pastoral Prayer Preprayer Chorus “Spirit of the Living God” ing together, and his faith was made complete by Open Altar Invitation what he did” (v. 22). Faith and actions both are good, Choir Special “Majesty” but they don’t work without each other. I love that Congregational Hymn “Blessed Assurance” phrase, “His faith and his actions were working togeth­ Cultivation of Friendship Cards er.” That’s the secret! PAYING C. “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abra­ Announcements/Offering ham believed God, and it was credited to him as Special Song righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend” (v. PREACHING 23). Here w e have the prophecy of Abraham and that Message by the Pastor “HOW TO RECOGNIZE o f every one o f us who really believe. I love the last DEAD FAITH” portion of this verse, where it says, ‘“ And it was credit­ James 2:14-16 ed to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.” I really want to be called “God’s friend,” don’t Creative Worship Ideas you? Real faith is never alone. Pastoral Prayer This is such a powerful truth about working faith. Above all else, staff or layman, make sure this James shows faith in three strong contrasting scenes: prayer is a positive affirmation of our faith in the ex­ He talks about Abraham’s faith (w . 21-24). periences of everyday living. He talks about the faith o f Rahab, the harlot (v. 25). Praising He says, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so Follow the opening choruses with one or two vital faith without deeds is dead” (v. 26). one-minute testimonies of people with present vic­ tory that will emphasize the issue of faith. CONCLUSION: Paying Dear friend, if your religion hasn’t changed your life, If there is an experience among your people you need to change your religion. where someone has helped a needy cause, you might lift it up without mentioning the person’s name. If this act is a corporate gift by the church, it would be great to praise God about it and challenge the church. Preaching You might especially emphasize the importance of taking notes in that you are dealing with three levels of faith.

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7 0 THE PREACHER'S MAGAZINE OUR DOMINANT DANGER by W. Donald Wellman James 3:1-12 October 31, 1993

INTRO: the tongue is a small part o f the body, but it makes What member o f your body causes you the most trou­ great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire ble? by a small spark” (v. 5). James is saying that we should ILLUS. I heard about a man who gave his child a penny to be careful how we use our tongue, for it is like a torch go to bed without his supper. Then, in the middle of the in a forest. A fire doesn’t have to be great at its begin­ night he stole the penny from the child. In the morning, ning. he scolded the child and sent him off to school without ILLUS. Do you know the name Mrs. O’Leary? In 1871 she breakfast because he had lost the penny. was milking her cows in her bam in Chicago. All of a sud­ That’s incredible and mean— but, I dare say, not as den, the cow kicked her lantern over, and the hay caught mean as the tongue is for many of us. “The tongue also is fire. Here is part o f what happened— 17,450 buildings a fire, a world o f evil among the parts o f the body. It cor­ and essentially all of downtown Chicago burned to the rupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life ground. Some 250 lives were lost, and untold millions of on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell’’ (James 3:6). dollars were lost. That was the Great Chicago Fire. This is a subject that is relevant to everyone’s mouth. It James is saying to us, “Words are like a fire.” I shudder is sometimes sweet—when we want something. It is to think o f the lives in hell today who became discour­ sometimes smooth—when we re trying to pull some­ aged, disheartened, and disillusioned within the church thing. It is sometimes sharp— when w e haven’t gotten by a few words from many good, but careless, people. our own way. In this passage, James speaks of the tongue ILLUS. Sometime ago, a pastor friend of mine was trying in three ways: to be friendly with a little boy in his church. A careless I. Notice the Dominion of the Tongue bystander misjudged his motives, misquoted his words, James uses three illustrations to show us how the and mishandled the situation until the flames became so tongue dominates us. great the pastor and his family were, for all practical pur­ poses, destroyed. A. The tongue dominates like a bit. “When w e put bits into the mouths o f horses to make them obey us, II. Notice the Damage of the Tongue w e can turn the whole animal” (v. 3). Picture with me “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the a 100-pound lady in total control of a powerful stallion parts o f the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the with one small bit in his mouth. Here’s the analogy : A whole course o f his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by few small unkind words can destroy a home, a friend­ hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of ship, a club, a school, or a church. the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ILLUS. A few years ago, a young man said to his pastor, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full “Sir, thank you for loving me in Christ.” When the pastor of deadly poison” (w . 6-8). James, the master illustrator, questioned him as to what he meant, the young man said, uses several figures o f speech: “You asked me if I was saved, and I said I was not. Then A. The tongue corrupts the whole person. “It corrupts you said, You’re such a fine man to be lost. ” He went on the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on to say to his pastor, “I have never gotten away from that.” fire” (v. 6). B. The tongue steers like a rudder. “Or take ships as ILLUS. Do you remember back in 1991 when the vast an example. Although they are so large and are driven spill and fire in the oil fields o f Kuwait was classified as by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rud­ the worst ecological problem? I believe I understand der wherever the pilot wants to go” (v. 4). Oh, the what the reporter meant, but I firmly believe that doesn’t power o f speech! Your speech! My speech! compare with the fire that is started by a corrupt tongue. ILLUS. When I think of the massive power of speech, two Many, if not most, of the people pushing free speech people come to my mind: want to have the right to pollute the air with their god­ First, I think o f Dr. Billy Graham and the countless mil­ less humanism. lions of people who have accepted Christ because of his B. The tongue sets the whole course o f his life on fire. preaching of the gospel. I am reminded o f not only his “It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course preaching but also his example o f an impeccable life. of his life on fire” (v. 6). Then, I think of Adolf Hitler, with his ranting and rav­ 1. Millions among us, as a regular practice, hellishly, ing of atheism and cruelty that have helped to damn mil­ hurtfully, and habitually use their tongues to destroy lions o f people. the lives and influence of others. Oh, the incredible power of speech! The tongue is like “A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a a rudder—it can deliver or destroy! scorching fire. A perverse man stirs up dissension, C. The tongue dominates with its spark. “Likewise and a gossip separates close friends” (Prov. 16:27-

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 71 2 8 ). tual world. Too often w e go from “Gossip in the Foyer 2. Many times we speak of women as being critical to Glory in the Sanctuary.” Likewise, we go from “Criti­ and participating in gossip. cism in the Foyer to Creed in the Sanctuary.” James in­ I have met some men who are the worst offend­ dicates that this should not be. My friends, you can’t ers. It’s not gender that determines who loves gos­ bless God and curse man—and obey God. You say, “I sip. It’s deep insecurity and a sinful heart. don’t do that.” But when w e criticize our fellowman, ILLUS. I heard about a woman who went to the local we are cursing him in the eyes of God. newspaper office to put an article in the society column. ILLUS. Do you know what is the sweetest thing in the While there, she accidentally leaned back against the wall world? It’s where the power of God is so real in a church where there was a freshly painted sign that said, “Daily that regular people are getting saved and the love of God News.” She noticed people looking at her strangely. So, is so evident that everybody feels it and knows it and when she got home she asked her husband this question, gives it freely. “Is there anything strange on my back that shouldn’t be CONCLUSION: there?” The dominant danger in the Body of Christ is the He replied, “No.” tongue. However, where the presence of the Lord is, “If you keep on biting and devouring each other, there is love, peace, and kindness. May His presence infill watch out or you will be destroyed by each other” (Gal. our very beings. May the words w e speak reflect this 5:15). presence in a way that w ill bring glory and honor to C. The tongue deadens like poison. “But no man can Christ. tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full o f deadly poi­ son” (v. 8). “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21). When w e assassinate someone’s character or SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER influence, it’s murder! Choral Call to Worship “How Great Thou Art!” ILLUS. Dr. A. B. Simpson, founder o f the Christian and Welcome by the Pastor Missionary Alliance, said, “I’d rather play with forked PRAISING AND PRAYING lightning and live wires than to speak a reckless word Praise Choruses “Holy Is the Lord” against a servant o f God.” Have you been guilty o f that? “Bless the Name of Jesus” “Lord of All” III. Notice the Contradiction of the Tongue “Shine On” James found such inconsistencies in the Early Church. Pastoral Prayer Tragically, it is also true today. None of us like it! None of Preprayer Chorus “God Is So Good” us want it! But our feelings are not strong enough for us Open Altar Invitation to do enough about it. Choir Special “He Is Jehovah” “With the tongue w e praise our Lord and Father, and Congregational Hymn “Our Great Savior” with it w e curse men, who have been made in God’s like­ Cultivation of Friendship Cards ness. Out o f the same mouth come praise and cursing. PAYING My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water Announcements/Offering and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, Special Song can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Nei­ PREACHING ther can a salt spring produce fresh water” (w . 9-12). Message by the Pastor “OUR DOMINANT DANGER” A. In the natural world, contradiction and inconsis­ James 3:1-12 tency is impossible. Creative Worship Ideas ILLUS. A spring doesn’t give forth both fresh water and Praising salt water. If a fig tree is a fig tree, it doesn’t bear olives. Do all within your power to focus the attention of “Neither [does] a salt spring produce fresh water.” your people to see the purity and power of God so B. In the spiritual world, contradiction and inconsis­ that they might be conditioned to be honest about tency is impossible. James is also saying that what is themselves. true of the physical world ought to be true of the spiri­

72 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE THE WORTH OF WISDOM by W. Donald Wellman James 3:13-18 November 7, 1993

INTRO: stein had knowledge but lacked in wisdom. Do you know I tried to picture James, standing there saying, “Who of why? He did not confess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. you knows the worth of wisdom?” James was saying to II. What Is the Practice of Wisdom? these teachers, scholars, and leaders, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility This passage deals with the potential, practice, and that comes from wisdom ” (v. 13). James is trying to promise o f wisdom. James says: “Who is wise and under­ emerge from the abstract to the concrete. standing among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But ILLUS. I heard about a man who always talked about how if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your much he loved children. One day some children wrote in hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wis­ his wet concrete. He was angry! He was furious! Some­ dom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, one said, “I thought you loved children. ” unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and He said, “I do! I love them in the abstract, not in the selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil concrete.” Many people love wisdom in the same way. practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first A. James explains wisdom positively. of all pure; then peace- loving, considerate, submissive, 1. It’s not so much how clever your mind is, but full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peace­ how good your heart is. James said that if you are makers who sow in peace raise a harvest o f righteous­ wise, you’ll show it by your works. ness” (3:13-18). 2. Seat belts are necessary for this phrase: “Who is I. What Is the Potential of Wisdom? wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him comes from wisdom” (v. 13, italics added). show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility There is no such thing as “arrogant wisdom.” The et­ that comes from wisdom ” (v. 13). James doesn’t say, ymology of the word “wisdom” suggests “level.” “Who is a millionaire? Who is an educator? Who is the fa­ “Meekness” prevents us from having to look up or vorite among you?” The people were looking for a leader, down. We can look everyone straight in the face! and that search often takes a different direction. James is saying that wisdom is often different from money, de­ B. James explains wisdom negatively. Verses 14-16 grees, and votes. uncover three very profound truths about wisdom. 1. “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambi­ A. Wisdom is greater than money. tion in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the Look at Prov. 3:13-17. truth” (v. 14). James says that truth will reveal itself. ILLUS. I recently heard the story of a bank that moved In other words, why deny it and make it worse! $7.5 billion from one bank to another. They used an army Truth will come out. of 100 policemen to accomplish the move. 2. James speaks of the “origin of it.” “Such ‘wisdom’ Thinking about this, I tried to picture what might have does not come down from heaven but is earthly, un- happened if they tried to move a truckload full o f wis­ spiritual, of the devil” (v. 15). dom! It will be a great day in our nation, our system, our 3- James indicates that the “outcome is unmistak­ church, and the personal life of each of us when we real­ able.” “For where you have envy and selfish ambi­ ly grasp the concept that wisdom is greater than money. tion, there you find disorder and every evil practice” B. Wisdom is greater than military power. (v. 16). Look at Eccles. 9:16-18. Have you ever been in a crowd or a congregation where there is no peace, joy, or tranquillity? ILLUS. Do you believe that? Do you know what we need in our government or any leading city, educational sys­ III. What Is the Promise of Wisdom? tem, church, or home? It’s men and women who walk in “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first o f all the wisdom and ways of God. One of my favorite biblical pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of passages is 2 Chron. 1:10-13. I pray to God that each of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers us would follow this admonition! who sow in peace raise a harvest o f righteousness” (w . C. Wisdom is greater than mental power. 17-18). These two verses promise five things that all of us Look at Prov. 4:4-7. need. ILLUS. It is important to understand that if you have wis­ A. Godly wisdom is pure. If you have this wisdom, the dom, you will have knowledge. The reverse is not always basis or foundation o f it all is pure. Jesus said, “Blessed true. Knowledge fails if it is not linked to wisdom. Ein­ are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matt. 5:8).

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 7 3 B. Godly wisdom is peace-loving. Strife, for the pure in heart, is not present. Certainly, there can be confu­ SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER sion, inferiority, and emotional conflict, but not heart Choral Call to Worship “My Eternal King” Welcome by the Pastor conflict. PRAISING AND PRAYING C. Godly wisdom is prudent. It is easy to be consider­ Praise Choruses “I Will Enter His Gates” ate and more interested in unity than uniformity. Do “Praise You” you know what “gentle” (KJV) means? It means “a “’Tis So Sweet” deep-seated desire to fit into a right situation.” “Cast All Your Cares” ILLUS. On one occasion, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln Pastoral Prayer was attending an elegant dinner with some elegant peo­ Preprayer Chorus “I Love You, Lord” ple. He was seated, however, next to a man who was not Open Altar Invitation Choir Special “How Firm a Foundation” so elegant. The dear, not so elegant man took his cup of Congregational Hymn “He Leadeth Me” coffee and poured it into the saucer. President Lincoln Cultivation of Friendship Cards was so concerned that the man feel comfortable and fit in, that he did likewise— he poured his own coffee from PAYING Announcements/Offering the cup to the saucer. Special Song D. Godly wisdom is pliant. Wisdom is “full of mercy PREACHING and good fruit” (v. 17). Someone has said, “There’s no Message by the Pastor “THE WORTH OF WISDOM” life so empty as a self-centered life. And there’s no life James 3:13-18 so self-centered as an empty life.” E. Godly wisdom is patient. Verse 17 also says, “Im­ Creative Worship Ideas partial”— “without partiality” (KJV). It is sincere. James Praising 2:2-4 is a classic illustration of partiality and favoritism. Make this a strong 10-12 minutes of single verses of hymns and appropriate choruses stressing the CONCLUSION: importance of God’s wisdom in our lives. The capstone o f this entire message is found in the Is there a person in your congregation who stands verse: “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of out for his spiritual wisdom and sensitivity? If so, righteousness” (v. 18). I have tried to ponder two vital use him to lift God up in testimony to emphasize this facts about the brand o f wisdom about which James is vital subject. talking: Preaching 1. How does God see us as His people? Before the special song and sermon, use the wis­ 2. What can we do about making godly wisdom our est, kindest person in your congregation to share an kind of wisdom? experience of how God gave him the right way of handling a sensitive situation that produced either a conversion or a restoration of someone.

7 4 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE VICTORIOUS PRAYER by W. Donald Wellman James 4:1-10 November 14, 1993

INTRO: He doesn’t want to do. If there’s one thing we need to do, it is to learn how to B. Prayer is not bending God’s will to fit our will. pray effectively. We need to learn how to link our lives Prayer is discovering God’s will and getting into it. with the omnipotent God! Look again at the opening words of the Lord’s Prayer. 1. We don’t have a failure in our lives but that fail­ “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your ure in prayer is related. kingdom come, your w ill be done on earth as it is in 2. We don’t have a sin in our lives but that which heaven” (Matt. 6:9-10). Much of the time our problem is could be prevented through prayer. that we come strutting into the presence of God, show­ 3. We don’t have a need in our lives but that prayer ing Him our wisdom and our desires. would make the difference. When w e lean on Jesus’ Lordship, we begin to pull on Verses 1 and 2 emphasize this fact by showing us that the lever that opens the floodgates of God’s perfect will. the personal and interpersonal problems that come our way are a direct result of prayerlessness. “You do not ask III. We Must Be Resistant to the Devil God.” God doesn’t move into the arena of our lives ex­ “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and cept as we really pray. he will flee from you” (v. 7). About the most courageous we ever become is to say, “Oh, Satan, leave me alone!” ILLUS. A little boy was trying to move a big stone. When But Jesus has promised us authority over Satan. The Bible his daddy walked up to him, he asked, “Son, have you has a wonderful promise to each o f us: “Greater is he that used all the strength you have?” is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4, KJV). The boy replied that he had. “But,” his father said, “would you like me to help you?” A. Satan wages war against us. Have you ever won­ dered why Satan hates us? He does not really hate you Doesn’t that sound like you and me? Do you know that or me as much as he hates God. The question is, “How prayerlessness is a sin? can you hurt someone whom you cannot possibly Verses 3 and 4 drive home this point. The core of hurt?” You hurt someone that person loves. Do you get much of confusion and disappointment in our prayer the picture? Satan hates God so much that the only lives stems from a motivation that is selfish and an associ­ way that he can get to Him is through us. ation that is sinful. There is no way we can have a mean­ ingful prayer life with a relationship that is scheming, B. God wins triumph fo r us. How does God intend to conniving, and spiritually adulterous. win this war? In partnership with the prayers o f His Verses 5-10 deal with principles that give promise to a people. God responds with His omnipotence to our productive prayer life. prayers. 1. The truth is that the devil doesn’t care where I I. We Must Be Responsive to the Spirit preach or what I preach. I love Phillips’ translation: “Do you think what the 2. The devil doesn’t care who sings or how many scriptures have to say about this is a mere formality? Do times he sings. you imagine that this spirit o f passionate jealousy is the His only real concern is that we leave out our urgent Spirit he has caused to live in us?” (v. 5). and persistent prayers. A. Prayer is a relationship. When our relationship to IV. We Must Remove Ourselves from All God is as it ought to be, we will experience a produc­ Sinfulness tive prayer life. It is not difficult to see through that “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (v. puzzle. The Bible tells us that God is a jealous God and 8). It’s not, “If you clean up your life, God will accept that w e must be quick to respond to receive maximum you.” The truth is, “There’s no real cleaning up o f your benefit. life until you come to God!” God makes clear to us that if B. God requires preeminence. God doesn’t want we come near to Him, He not only will come near to us merely “a place” in your life. He doesn’t even want but also will cleanse our hearts (see v. 8). “prominence” in your life. He will only accept preemi­ James is saying, “If w e want our prayers answered, we nence. Do you want your prayers answered? Respond cannot come to God with dirty hands, divided hearts, or to the Holy Spirit. a double mind.” “Whosoever [is] a friend of the world is the enemy o f God” (v. 4, KJV). II. We Must Be Respectful to the Father Is there some unrepented sin in your life? Until you “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the hum­ confess, forsake, and make restitution for it, you will nev­ ble” (v. 6). Without intent to be disrespectful, our er be accepted by God. prayers are, “Not Thy will, but mine, be done.” The Bible says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the A. Prayer is not talking God into doing something Lord will not hear me” (Ps. 66:18, KJV).

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 7 5 V. We Must Come to God with a Resolute Purpose SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER “Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to Choral Call to Worship “We Are Standing on Holy Ground” mourning and your joy to gloom” (v. 9). Too often our Welcome by the Pastor prayers are light, halfhearted, and soon forgotten. We need to weep before the Lord. God’s Word says in Isaiah PRAISING AND PRAYING 38 that Hezekiah turned his face to God in agony, and Praise Choruses “I Will Enter His Gates” “Wonderful Peace” God answered. “I Just Feel like Something Good Is Going to Happen” As God makes it clear throughout His Word, when He “Sanctuary” sees our penitent tears and hears our prayers, He will an­ Pastoral Prayer swer. Tragically, w e have plenty of organizers and few Preprayer Chorus “Alleluia, Alleluia” agonizers. When was the last time we agonized over a Open Altar Invitation person who was mortgaged for hell? Choir Special “I Must Tell Jesus” Congregational Hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” CONCLUSION: Cultivation of Friendship Cards James said, “The effectual fervent prayer o f a righteous man availeth much” (5:16, KJV). PAYING Announcements/Offering Let us be: Special Song Responsive to the Spirit Respectful to the Father PREACHING Resistant to the devil Message by the Pastor “VICTORIOUS PRAYER” James 4:1-10 Remove ourselves from all sin Resolute in our purpose Creative Worship Ideas Pastoral Prayer One of the most intimate and meaningful ways we pray is when the entire congregation, during the last chorus, moves into small circles of prayer by holding hands. This gives a togetherness that is difficult to achieve with a large crowd. To make this successful, encourage everyone to move into these groups while they are standing and singing. Even shy visi­ tors will respond to this encouragement. Once this catches on, it is easy to do anytime. Praising Tie all the music from the choir’s opening song throughout the hymns and choruses into one unbro­ ken experience. If the opening choir number is a fa­ miliar hymn, at least one verse of it could be repeat­ ed by the congregation.

7 6 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE BOASTING ABOUT TOMORROW by W. Donald Wellman James 4:13-17 November 21, 1993

INTRO: A. We often take the unbiblical position. Most of us The man who says there is no God is a fool! The bigger count on having tomorrow. That position is clearly un­ fool is the one who says there is a God but does not live biblical. as though he believes it. In this passage, James deals with B. We should always embrace the biblical premise. those who talk about God but who do not walk with You say, “Well, then, how shall I function regarding to­ God. They are procrastinators. They are, in reality, con morrow?” artists. You might say, “This man was a successful fail­ 1. We need to live as though this is our last day! ure.” I want you to notice three things about this pas­ 2. I need to preach as a “dying man” to “dying peo­ sage, James 4:13-17. ple”! I. There Is the Promise You Should Never 3. You need to listen as though this were the last Make sermon you’ll ever hear! “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will Are you saved? Can you say from your heart, “If I were go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on busi­ to die today, I know I would be in heaven?” ness and make money’” (v. 13). The Bible says that “ye III. There Is the Posture You Must Never know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Forsake man cometh” (Matt. 25:13, KJV). “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do A. The foolish man determined the duration. James and doesn’t do it, sins” (v. 17). What was the sin of the speaks of the man who looked at his calendar and said, man who boasted about tomorrow? You can do wrong in essence, “For the next 52 weeks this is what I’m go­ by doing wrong. You can also do wrong by not doing ing to do.” On the surface, that sounds harmless. How­ right. ever, the Bible says, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, Look again at verse 17. Do you know what is right for and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:6, KJV). your life? God is saying to us, “To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (KJV). B. The foolish man determined the destination. Most successful Christians I know would have, humanly, A. Many people do not see themselves as sinners. chosen a different direction for their lives than God Many people are good people, respectable business­ chose for them. It is a presumptuous and often devas­ men, and decent moms and dads. But James is saying tating decision to choose our own way. Step forward a to us that “to omit is to commit.” It’s not a matter of moment and ponder this phrase: “Lord, what is it and how good you are! The issue is, “Have you accepted Je­ where is it You would want me to give my life?” sus as Savior?” C. The foolish man determined his direction. He’s go­ B. Many people leave God out of their lives. Man’s ing to buy! He’s going to sell! He’s going to be a mer­ greatest sin is leaving God out o f his life. It’s faith in Je­ chant. He no doubt has studied charts, the Wall Street sus Christ alone that will save you. Journal of his day, and, with a marketing degree from ILLUS. Have you ever seen the little card that says: Jerusalem University, he was well-equipped. “What must I do to be saved?” D. The foolish man determined the dividends. With Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ! him, it seemed to be projects and not prayer. It’s true, “What must I do to be lost?” both are important. However, unless genuine prayer Nothing! carefully precedes projects, w e could well end up in You say, “Pastor, what do I have to do to be lost?” The the pits! There is nothing wrong with profits if they answer is, “Stay as you are! Leave God out of your life!” are within the will or plan o f God. James said, “Anyone, then, w ho knows the good he II. There Is the Promise You Should Always ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins” (v. 17). Take CONCLUSION: James is saying here, “You don’t know where you will The bottom line question is, “Do you know the Lord be or if you will be.” James says that your life is but a mist Jesus Christ as your Savior?” You say, “I haven't opposed that appears for a little while and then is gone. Him!” However, have you “espoused” Him? You may re­ ILLUS. Someone has described the heartbeat as a muffled sent this, but I believe the Lord would rather we be out- drum, beating out a funeral march. About 30 million peo­ and-out against Him than to not be out-and-out for Him! I ple die per year; 86,400 per day. You may have it figured wouldn’t want to live 24 hours without knowing Christ out this way: “At 94 years old, you’ll feel a slight pain, and as Savior. it’s all over.” But chances are it will not happen that way. The question is, “Will you accept Jesus today?”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 7 7 SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER Choral Call to Worship “All Hail, King Jesus” Welcome by the Pastor PRAISING AND PRAYING Praise Choruses “I Will Call upon the Lord” “House of the Lord” “He’s Real to Me” “I Will Enter His Gates” Pastoral Prayer Preprayer Chorus “We Are One in the Bond of Love” Open Altar Invitation Choir Special “Because He Lives” Congregational Hymn “Glory to His Name” Cultivation of Friendship Cards PAYING Announcements/Offering Special Song PREACHING Message by the Pastor “BOASTING ABOUT TOMORROW” James 4:13-17 Creative Worship Ideas Praising and Praying One of the experiences we did for several years that became very meaningful was gearing one Sun­ day evening service each month toward a healing time. ' Y^S, I RgAUtf IT^ "THREE DWfe -.. This service began with music, both congrega­ tional as well as special music, with the theme of o or wiftir jmcrcR s&im healing and faith. MUST HAsft M A l/u M a ia lfp ." After people who wished to be anointed came to the altar, then the pastor, staff, church board, and those who strongly believed in healing would gather around them. An ensemble or soloist would then sing a song that supported the prayer of faith. The anointing and praying would proceed. Following this time of praying, we would all stand and sing a song of thanksgiving unto God.

7 8 THE PREACHER S MAGAZINE HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE SINNERS by W. Donald Wellman James 5:16-18 November 28, 1993

INTRO: “Public Sin = Public Confession!” Do you think it is possible to overstate prayer? Andrew Step one: “Admit your need.” Murray said, “God works only in answer to our prayers. It II. Accept Your Friend is prayer that will change our natural strength into super­ “Pray for each other” (v. 16). Luke wrote, natural strength.” Dr. R. A. Torrey said, “Nothing lies be­ Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them yond the reach o f prayer except that which lies outside that they should always pray and not give up. He said: the will of God.” Let’s put it this way: “When w e depend “In a certain town there was a judge who neither on real prayer, w e get what God can do.” feared God nor cared about men. And there was a wid­ Do you know what our world needs? It needs what ow in that town who kept coming to him with the God can do to our hearts, our homes, and our church! I plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ don’t have any problems but what can be solved by For “some time he refused. But finally he said to him­ prayer. He will show us, guide us, and give us the where­ self, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, withal to solve them. yet because this w idow keeps bothering me, I will see James has several recurring themes in this passage. that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear One of them is prayer. Let me suggest to you three me out with her coming!”’ things: And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge I. Admit Your Need says. And will not God bring about justice for his cho­ “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for sen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he each other so that you may be healed. The prayer o f a keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they righteous man is powerful and effective” (v. 16). How get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of good are you at confession? Does it come easy? Are our Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke confessions real and complete? 18:1-8). 1. We re not bad at concealing our faults. ILLUS. This little illustration may make us laugh, but its 2. W e’re not too slow in castigating our foes. message is so true! 3. W e’re quite proficient at criticizing our friends. A little girl heard the choir sing “God Is Still on the Someone has said, “To err is human and so is to cover Throne.” When she got home, she told her mother that up.” the choir sang “God Is Still on the Phone.” The history of great revivals is marked with confession. There is a hot line to God that is never busy! He can I’ll never forget what one evangelist said in a Sunday talk to all o f us at any time. morning service at Denver First Church of the Nazarene: Some people have the idea that praying is getting ready “What price would you pay for unity?” for Christian service. Not true! I serve God more when But let me suggest another question: “What price I pray than at any other time. W e can do more after we would you pay for a loved one to find God?” pray; however, w e can do no more than pray until we These questions are closely related. Think o f the things pray. that take place when we confess our faults: restoration, God is saying, “Pray one for another. Confess your sin reconciliation, revival, renewal. to one another that you may be healed.” ILLUS. Several years ago at an Asbury College chapel ser­ III. Acknowledge Your God vice, they began to confess their faults, and the Spirit of James holds up Elijah, with whom we can identify. “Eli­ God broke in like a tornado. The students made restitu­ tion, the faculty made restitution, the administrators jah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three made restitution, and God brought revival! Revival that crossed denominational lines, state lines, national lines. It and a half years” (v. 17). What God did for Elijah, He wants to do for us. took about 10 years for that revival happening to cool off! One of the great acknowledgments of man toward God is found in 1 Kings 18:42-46. This scripture deals with When confession replaces criticism and compassion re­ some great truths I want you to see. places condemnation, healing of all kinds will begin to take place! That’s the promise in verse 16. Listen careful­ A. Notice the man o f prayer. Elijah was “a man of like ly. The circle o f confession needs to follow the circle of passions” (v. 17, ASV)! He was a prophet, but not per­ sin: fect. That ought to offer hope to all of us! “Private Sin = Private Confession!” B. Notice the moment o f prayer. “Ahab went off to

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 7 9 eat and drink” (1 Kings 18:42). However, “Elijah climbed to the top o f Carmel” and prayed! Which are SUGGESTED WORSHIP ORDER we best at doing—eating or praying? Choral Call to Worship “How Firm a Foundation” Welcome by the Pastor C. Notice the manner o f prayer. After Elijah climbed PRAISING AND PRAYING to the top of Carmel, he “bent down to the ground and Praise Choruses “How Majestic Is Your Name” put his face between his knees” (v. 42). He was “bent “Great and Mighty” down,” “broken”! Is it any wonder why Elijah was so “At Calvary” bold? When we are “bent,” “broken,” and “bowed “People Need the Lord” down,” w e are not far from boldness! Pastoral Prayer Preprayer Chorus “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” D. Notice the mood o f prayer. It is evident from verse Open Altar Invitation 42 that, for Elijah, it was an impassioned mood! Choir Special “Majesty” E. Notice the monotony o f his prayer. Elijah would Congregational Hymn “It Is Well with My Soul” not give up. He told his servant again and again, “Go Cultivation of Friendship Cards and look toward the sea” (v. 43). Finally when he PAYING looked the seventh time, God had come through! Announcements/Offering When Jesus says, “Ask,” He means “Keep on asking!” Special Song When Jesus says, “Seek,” He means “Keep on seeking”! PREACHING When Jesus says, “Knock,” He means “Keep on knock­ Message by the Pastor “HOW TO WIN FRIENDS ing”! (See Matt. 7:7, Amp.) AND INFLUENCE SINNERS” Are you willing to pray that way? James 5:16-18 F. Notice the might o f his prayer. The powerful an­ Creative Worship Ideas swer that came to Elijah’s prayer is described: “Mean­ Membership while, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on” (v. 45). For 35 of my 38 years as a pastor, I have done the typical ceremony of bringing the new members for­ CONCLUSION: ward, reading the appropriate portion of the Manual, Nothing lies beyond the reach o f real prayer. As we and receiving their responses. My assistants, lay­ close, let’s ponder the words of James: “You do not have, men or staff, would then escort one family at a time because you do not ask God” (4:2). to the pulpit, where I would give a brief biographical sketch of them. They would then be welcomed into the full membership of the church. For the past three years, I have changed my pro­ gram a bit. After a personal interview and training of each person with the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene, I have used the middle of the praise por­ tion of the service and called the person or persons to the altar. Then I introduce them to the congrega­ tion and ask them to greet the new members with a warm welcome, and the praise time then continues. The strong part of this is the very visible state­ ment to our largest gathering. I can receive people more often without taking 15-20 minutes of the ser­ vices as in my previous way.

80 THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE CHURCH GROWTH

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