Baptism in a Box…or Maybe Not

Friends,

*This post is a follow up to the post from June 16th, "The Need for Christian Baptism".

I wanted to comment on a teaching concerning a passage a Scripture that I referenced some weeks ago.  Acts 8 and 10 are confusing chapters for many believers, including myself.  This is, in part, because…as we often have done with Acts 2:38-39, John 3:1-8, people try to discern and understand passages that are spiritual (involving the Spirit) in nature with a certain set of glasses on.  As I shared concerning Acts 19, it is very difficult to sort out passages from a strictly legal perspective, if the Holy Spirit is the primary force and motivator involved.  I tried to sort out such passages “legally” for a long time…and none of the above passages every made any genuine sense to me.  There are just some Scriptures (such as Romans 8, for example) that require different lenses in order to see them as they should be understood. And so, it is with this in mind, that I want to delve into this subject simply as a student of the Word of God.

As I have mentioned previously, if baptism is an entirely “legal” event, then we are forced to see it through one set of lenses, and one set of lenses only.  The result is often a misunderstanding, and a misinterpretation of certain passages, such as Acts 2:38-39, where the Spirit of God is not only theologically, but practically, diminished…if not dismissed from the conversation altogether.  I think it is easy to try to sort out Acts 8 and Acts 10 with the same type of understanding.  An easy way to dismiss what is taking place in Acts 8 is to say that Paul is somehow conferring “some sort of spiritual gift” upon the Samaritan believers, rather than the loosing of the Holy Spirit Himself.  It is certainly somewhat complicated that the Samaritan believers had already received “a baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ”…which would still necessarily distinguish it from the baptism of John. But, one of the purposes concerning what is taking place in this section of Acts is in order for some who were disbelieving (in this case, Simon), might come to faith in Jesus Christ. Some would say that (and call) this some sort of “Holy Spirit Baptism”, but I believe such a concept runs in contradiction to the purpose and practice of Christian baptism under the New Covenant. I also believe that such language is confusing for people, as they try to understand what Christian baptism is and what it is not.  As related in previous messages, Christian baptism is “a water and Spirit birth” (John 3, Acts 19, etc.) where there are elements of water and Spirit involved.  The Spirit is the agent who brings cleansing through the blood of Jesus and new life to the believer who has made such a commitment. Seeing this through one set of lenses would indicate that the only explanation that can be provided for a person becoming a believer is that water and Spirit necessarily have to engage at the precise same moment in order for cleaning and salvation to become complete. This is to put conversion/baptism “in a box”…or as one friend of mine calls it, it is -- a “sacramental view” of baptism. Now, it is certainly very true that what I have described above can and does take place…but, to say that this is the only way that conversion to Christ can take place, might very well limit what is genuinely taking place (that it is often, more so, a process) when a person comes to and is converted to Christ.  As I mentioned previously, it seemed entirely normal for those in the first century to come to Christ in a manner that was not entirely consistent with what we would discern from Acts 2:38-39. But, we have no “rest of the story” episodes where believers who might have received the Holy Spirit after baptism (in the case of the Samaritan believers in Acts 8), or before baptism (in the case of the Gentile believers in Acts 10) being “rebaptized” because somehow Philip or Peter “got it all wrong.” In fact, Peter indicates that the “common believers” were receiving the Holy Spirit “just as they did” (Acts 10:44-48).  There is no indication, whatsoever, that the Samaritan believers or the Gentile believers were somehow being ordained with some special gifts of the Holy Spirit.  It simply states that they “receive the Holy Spirit.”  That should suffice, in my opinion.  To say otherwise is to add words where there are not any.

Now, this is a different experience than what takes place with the Ephesian believers in Acts 19.  There, it is apparent that the believers have not received a Christian baptism, and Paul administers that to them, whereby they receive the Holy Spirit when they believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (19:2-5). What takes place in verse 6 is indeed unique in that the believers there do receive some special spiritual gifts (tongues and ability to prophesy, in this case) via the laying on of hands by the Apostle Paul. I believe it is important to make the distinction between what these believers experienced, and what is taking place in Acts 8 and Acts 10.  There are instances where certain disciples do receive a special dispensation of power via the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. (See Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:14, for example). In fact, the disciples themselves receive a special dispensation of power from the Holy Spirit (John 20:22-23) in order to perform the tasks that were about to come.  We also see evidence of this on Pentecost in Acts (1:5, 8; 2:1ff).  The question that comes to mind with some regularity is – why do we have no record of the disciples become apostles being baptized with Christian baptism (water and Spirit birth) that we have discussed?  And the answer is – we don’t know.  There are many spiritual events that apparently take place in the Scriptures, concerning which, there is no record.  In fact, in that same John 20 passage (vs. 30-31), John tells us that much more could have been written concerning Jesus' mission and work, but it is what is written that matters – it is primarily for people to come to believe in the Lord, Jesus Christ.

All that said, I think we may very well limit what God the Holy Spirit is seeking to do with disciples because of our limited thinking.  I do believe that it is easy to exercise a view of the Scriptures, have a philosophy or world view, where “there can only be one answer” -- it is either/or.  This is nice and tidy for those of us who have a tendency to want to control.  If there is only one possible way that something can be understood or accomplished, it makes it much easier for us to decide "who is in or out." This was how I was raised and taught to believe. I had to come to grips with this as I began to grow and understand that there were other Spirit-filled believers "out there" who may or may not have crossed all of their "T"'s and dotted all of their "I"s precisely as I did as it related to the subject of conversion.  I believe that the Lord would us rather have a “both/and” view of certain passages, subjects.  Such a perspective, understanding certainly clarifies certain passages of Scriptures that were at one time excused or dismissed as “not fitting the paradigm concerning other matters that I believe.”  Once again, I am certainly not “infallible” and have made plenty of mistakes as it relates to trying to understand life and godliness…but, per normal, I just ask that we prayerfully study. 

Blessings, Don

How to Have a Crumby Faith

Friends,

As the story goes, it came to the ears of good King Alfonso of Spain that the pages in his court had been forgetting to ask God’s blessings for their daily meals.  Determined to teach them a lesson, the king invited them to a banquet, which they all attended.  The table was spread with every kind of good thing to eat, and the young me ate vigorously, but once again, none of them remembered to ask the Lord’s blessings for the food!  During the feast, a shabby beggar entered.  He seated himself at the royal table and ate and drank to his heart’s content.  At first, the pages were amazed.  They expected that the king would order him away, but Alfonso never said a word.  When the beggar had finished, he arose from the table and left without saying a word of thanks.  The pages cried out, “What a despicable fellow!”  But, the king silenced them, and in a clear, calm tone said – “Boys, bolder and more audacious than this beggar you all have been.  Every day, you sit down to a table supplied by the bounty of your heavenly Father, yet you do not ask His blessing or say thanks!”  The pages did not exercise much patience or understanding.  Like them, we like to eat, but we need to remember to say “thanks” in faith.  In fact, all things need to be discerned by faith.  Patience is long-suffering, willingness to wait on the Lord.  This passage is a lesson in the patience of faith, as Jesus’ discussion with a Gentile woman helps her to learn and grow.

Jesus has just had a confrontation with the religious leaders. So here (in Matthew 15:21ff), he has retreated to Gentile territory on the Mediterranean Sea.  Jesus is not in Phoenicia for the purpose of evangelism, yet He “providentially” encounters a woman in a situation where she does not belong…much like the Samaritan woman.  Here, she is a Gentile among Jews, and what is amazing is that she, being a Gentile, hears where Jesus is and comes looking for Him.  What is her purpose?  She wants Him to heal her daughter who is sick.  She boldly calls Jesus, “Son of David,” putting herself on Jewish ground, and place where she really would have no right to be.  This further reveals her peculiar nature.  All of this reveals her faith in God to call on the man she perceives is the Messiah.  As we have seen in other situations, as with the aforementioned Samaritan woman, Jesus is the Master Communicator.

Here we expect some great word of wisdom from Jesus, except the He is silent -- He says nothing. But, Jesus has an advantage in the situation -- He knows her heart.  He exercises patience with her, and His silence in this situation spurs her on.  For her part, she is a very patient, persistent mother, which we might expect.  But, she has no argument, as she is an outsider in every respect.  Still, she is simply a person who comes to Jesus as a sinner in need of help.  Now, the Lord speaks, and it is interesting to say the least.  Jesus says, “I have been sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (v.24).  Jewish Messiah comes for Jewish people – case closed, right?  This might discourage most individuals, but once again, Jesus knows this lady…and He is not seeking to destroy her faith, but build it up.  This is patience at work!  As the drama continues to unfold, the woman’s response, "Lord, help me!" (v.25) shows that she is growing in faith and unwilling to let Him go without giving her an answer.

Lest we forget the third party in this situation, the disciples now chime in.  They are impatient with her persistent following and crying out, so they speak up…and they want her to be dismissed (not a whole lot of compassion here).  It is the disciples who have no respect for this woman of another place and another race.  Perhaps Jesus’ silence, in part, has been to see if the disciples would show kindness…but, to no avail.  His next response, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs" (v.26) surely pleases the disciples.  Yet, once again, He is not refusing her as they might seem to think.  He is not trying to run her off, but He is about to “run off” the disciples’ ugly attitude.  He shares a proverb of the day, and it is shocking.  Is Jesus saying that she is a dog?  “Dog” was a frequent Jewish term of abuse for Gentiles at that time.  The “dogs” that Jesus refers to are “mongrels” that would run in packs like wolves.  The disciples are likely thinking, “Yeah, deal with her Lord.”  But, Jesus’ words cannot convey the true feelings of the situation.  Although He presents her with the sort of language that she might expect from a Jew, Jesus’ tone is not humorless or rude.  If only we could see the twinkle in His eye…once again, He continues to draw out a growing, patient response of faith.  Jesus has known she is capable, and this Syro-Phoenician woman does immediately seize on His illustration and provides a remarkable reply that is precisely what Jesus is hoping for and looking for.  Her point (v.27) “that dogs at least get the crumbs” is no less tongue-in-cheek than Jesus’ statement.  We see that she accepts His basic position that He has a mission to Israel, but also that His mission allows others to share in the blessings of His kingdom, even if secondarily.

Jesus acknowledges her “great faith” immediately and He heals her daughter…surely as the disciples’ jaws are hitting the floor in disbelief over what has happened.  They must have been equal parts stunned and confused.  There are two instances of “great faith” in the New Testament, and both are Gentiles, not Jews…this woman and the centurion in chapter eight.  Her faith is great because she persisted and was patient in asking and trusting when everything seemed against her – her race (Gentile), gender (woman, who had little social standing at that time), the disciples (obviously), and even Jesus initially (it may have seemed)…and she persisted nonetheless.  Life is often a matter of perspective isn’t it?

Many years ago, an American shoe salesman was sent to Africa by his company.  Shortly after arriving, he messaged back to the manufacturer saying, “Please bring me home – nobody wears shoes in this part of Africa.”  They brought him home and sent another salesman.  He sent back order after order for shoes and sent a message saying, “Everyone here needs shoes.”  And so it is with faith!  Seeing and believing in Jesus is a matter of perspective – a faith perspective.  Jesus was looking for a patient, albeit forthright, response from the Syro-Phoenician woman.  His connection with her was no accident, but according to the will of God.  As with this woman, we must allow the Lord to work with us, to grow us patiently, strengthening our faith.  We may not always understand what life is going to bring our way, but we must simply turn to the only One who can truly help us.  Like the woman, we have every capability to live according to “great faith.”  In addition, another sign of growth in us is our ability to work with and accept people who are different from us.  Jesus was empty of the prejudices of many who were close to the situation, be it the leaders of the Jews or His own disciples.  We must seek to serve those whom the Lord sends our way; He wants what is best for us and others!  So, we can be like the short-sighted, impatient disciples and doubt (although they undoubtedly learned from the experience and grew).  Or, we can be like the patient woman, hungering for righteousness, thirsting for salvation, moldable in the hands of the Lord…finding wisdom and life!  

Blessings, Don

A Genuine Bible Code

Friends,

A little over thirteen years ago, the calendar was about to turn over to the year 2000.  Of course, there were some “doomsayers” then, just as there were a few weeks ago.  One of the fellows I knew back then was trying to convince me that the Bible spoke about the destruction of the world that was going to take place in the year 2000.  He spent some trying to convince me that a Bible Code from Genesis and other places was predicting such an event.  Of course me…being the reasonable guy that I am…didn’t believe a word of it.  This doesn’t mean I didn’t listen to what he was sharing, because I was willing to do so. There are still some proponents of the Bible Code.  What is it, exactly?  Though Bible codes have been postulated and studied for centuries, the subject was popularized by Michael Drosnin's book the Bible Code a couple of decades ago.  The code, as reenergized by Drosnin, stipulates that there is a set of secret messages encoded within the Hebrew text of the Torah, Genesis through Deuteronomy.  This hidden code has been described as a method by which specific letters from the text can be selected to reveal an otherwise obscured message.  One cited example is that by taking every 50th letter of the Book of Genesis, starting with the first “taw,” the Hebrew word “torah” is spelled out. The same happens in Exodus and so on.  Modern computers have been used to search for similar patterns and more complex variants.  My opinion?  Baloney.  Stick to crossword puzzles…they make more sense.  However, Paul does reveal to us a code, or a mystery, in the third chapter of Ephesians…and this code makes a lot of sense…it is a message we can trust.

Paul speaks about being a prisoner of the Lord.  He was the Lord’s bond-servant, commissioned to take the message of the gospel to all mankind.  As he shares in Ephesians 3:1ff, Paul believes in God’s new program of uniting believing Jews, Gentiles into one body…the church.  There is one small problem – the Jews don’t like the Gentiles.  They want nothing to do with them (or the Samaritans for that matter).  Paul courageously defends the grace of God and the unity of the church in Acts 15, Galatians 2:1-10 (and the message in those places is that…the Gentiles did not have to become Jewish in order to become Christians).  Paul follows his calling by taking the gospel to the Gentiles, even though he is accused of prejudice by the Jews.  Paul is no longer a prisoner of the law…he has been released.  He wants to free both Jews and Gentiles from bondage to law and bring them to genuine life in Christ.  For Paul, it isn’t enough simply to win Gentiles to Christ and form them into local assemblies.  He is also able to teach them about the wonderful position that they have in the body of Christ…one that is equal to the Jews.  Paul ministers this critically important mystery that had not been revealed in the Old Testament Scriptures. It is revealed in the New Testament to the apostles by the Holy Spirit.  The Gentiles, even though they were outside of the covenant just a few years before, are to experience this new relationship with God through Jesus Christ that they were never able to experience before.  The mystery shows that new power is available to them through the Holy Spirit.  They can witness and minister concerning this message concerning Christ and this new power that is available to them and to others. 

Paul continues to describe the new riches that the Gentiles have available to them.  Paul describes them as being so vast that their end cannot be discovered.  Paul understands all of this and it humbles him.  Some of the Jews might think that they are God’s gift to mankind, but Paul considers himself, “the least of all of the saints.”  Understanding the great mystery of unity that is revealed does not “puff up” people so that they have “a big head”…rather it “humbles” them and brings “a broken and contrite heart.”  When God saved Paul, He gave him the treasures of the gospel truth.  Paul in turn, invests his life in bringing these truths to others.  In doing this, he exhorts them to commit the truths to other people (2 Timothy 2:2).  This is our responsibility.  We cannot simply own this message ourselves, but we must live it, share it with others.  The great truth concerning the church was not some divine afterthought, as if God was piecing together some puzzle haphazardly.  It was all a part of God’s eternal purpose in Christ Jesus.  To understand this truth gives us great hope, confidence in the faith.  And if there is one thing that people in this broken, fallen world need, it is a message of hope, confidence.  The final gift that comes for believers is courage in difficult circumstances.  We know that we can and will be victorious if we persevere.  Any suffering we experience…including that for the cause of Christ…will bring about blessings, glory.

Rodney Buchanan shares concerning the book, “Mystery on the Desert,” in which Maria Reiche describes a series of strange lines made by the ancient Nazea people in the plains of Peru, perhaps as early as 200 years before the time of Christ. The area where the lines are covers over 37 miles. It is impossible to make out what these line drawings are from the ground, and people at one time assumed they were irrigation ditches. No one really knew what they were until 1939 when Dr. Paul Kosok of Long Island University studied them by flying over them in an airplane. There is an assortment of perfectly straight lines, many running parallel, others intersecting, forming a grand geometric form. In and around the lines there are also strange symbols, and pictures of 70 animal and plant figures that include a spider, hummingbird, monkey and a 1,000-foot-long pelican.  One geometric figure goes in a straight line for nine miles across the plain. All of them are etched on a giant scale that can only be appreciated from the sky. When viewed from high in the air, these seemingly random lines form enormous drawings of art. They have meaning. People often assume that since they cannot see the purpose of something from their perspective that there is no purpose — no reason or rhyme to what they are facing…that it is a mystery.  But from God’s perspective it makes perfect sense. There is not only order and design to what he is doing…it is a work of art.  It doesn’t matter if you are too small to see the whole masterpiece, it is still there. And one day, looking from heaven, the mystery of what God has been doing will be clear to us. What looked like a ditch to us will be seen as a part of God’s design that has been stretched out over his universe.

A preacher (not me) was driving to a preaching engagement, trying to follow a map that he had in his car.  He couldn’t locate the highway he needed, so he stopped at a nearby convenience store.  The attendant said, “You’ve got an ancient map there, mister!”  Here is the latest map.  Follow it and you will get to where you are going.  And the attendant was right…the preacher arrived in plenty of time for the meeting.  People who do not understand “God’s mystery” in His church are trying to make progress with the wrong map.  There are no such things as social, race, age or even “religious” distinctions in the family of God.  The church is not ever to be shackled by the physical, by the reasoning of men…because it has been set free by the spiritual, through the blood of Jesus Christ.  God had a “secret”, but it is not a secret any longer.  If you and I understand the wonderful position that we have in Christ, it is going to knock down any barriers to progress.  And, we will be a blessing to and for the kingdom of God.

Blessings, Don

A Peace of the Action

Friends,

As seen in this portion of the Ephesian letter (2:11-22), Paul is working with the Gentiles.  Most of the Ephesian believers are Gentile converts, yet they understand that much of God’s program in the Old Covenant involves the Jews.  The Jews are not kind to the Gentiles.  Many of the Jews believe that the Gentiles need to become Jews first before they can be acceptable to God and to them.  God made the difference between the Jews and Gentiles from the time of Abraham…not that the Jews might boast in how great they were, but in order to be a blessing and a help to the Gentiles.  The Jews might have been different nationally, ritually…but morally, they are the same as the Gentiles.

Before they came to Christ, the Gentile Ephesians worshipped Diana (or Artemis).  Some of them believed they could worship Diana and Christ…and that it would all be the same.  Paul says – no way!  The Jews were a “special nation”…but not so the Gentiles.  They did not have a covenant for themselves.  They were aliens and strangers and the Jews never let them forget it.  The Gentiles’ philosophies, religions were empty and powerless to help men face life and death.  They were, as a whole, without God.  The nations had many gods (see Paul in Athens, Acts 17), but they didn’t know the One True God.  The Gentiles were included in God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3)…and this ultimately would culminate in their having hope through Christ Jesus. 

Although the Jews, Gentiles might have different purposes, these differences are erased in Christ’s reconciliation or “bringing them together again.”  There is not a significant problem for the church until Peter is sent to the Gentiles (Acts 10).  Then there is enmity (Acts 11-15).  Are the Gentiles supposed to become “Jewish Christians”?  No.  The enmity was taken away.  The law that separated the Jews and Gentiles is taken down…Christ destroys the wall and makes peace.  The big picture is what really needs to be considered.  Not only did the Gentiles need to be reconciled to the Jews, but both Jews and Gentiles need to be reconciled to God!  It is not a question of a Gentile becoming a Jew in order to become a Christian, but the Jew admitting he is a sinner like the Gentile.  Jews and Gentiles both have access to the same God through the new covenant brought by Christ Jesus.  Israel was God’s chosen nation, but they rejected their redeemer and suffered the consequences.  The kingdom was taken from them and given to “a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof…” (Matthew 21:43).  The new nation is “spiritual Israel”, the church.  Sin divides mankind, but Christ unites people by His Spirit.  All believers, regardless of national background, belong to a “holy nation” with citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3).  God does not dwell in a house made with hands, in temples or church buildings…but He lives in the lives of His believers (1 Corinthians 6:19), who are His temple (1 Corinthians 3:19). What a glorious plan in order to bring “oneness” and “peace.”

Joel Jongkind shares this -- In the latter part of the gospels, the disciples were in quite a state when they were gathered in the upper room. Their Lord and friend had been crucified, and the authorities were after them. They sat and wondered what to do next. Some of them were ready to go back home. And suddenly, Jesus was with them, and they heard His wonderful words, "Peace be with you."' Sometimes we too doubt and worry; sometimes we have a feeling of anguish in our hearts. We sit and wonder, or we lie in bed and worry, and we pray about it, or we go to church to worship, or we pick up the Bible and read those wonderful words, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28 NKJV) Or we hear Jesus' words, "Peace be with you."  The word "peace" has been used a great deal over the years. Every time we turn on the television, we hear people “talking about peace” in places where there are wars and uprisings: in the Middle East, in Syria in particular lately, and in a number of African countries as well. There are a lot of negotiations, but there does not seem to be a lasting peace.  Before one war is over, another one has started. There seems to be no end to it, and we have learned nothing from history; there is no lasting peace. But inner peace is for all of us to have and to hold through faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. We know that the triune God -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit -- is our source of lasting peace, and then, it does not matter what might happen in our lives, for we can be at peace through faith, and we will have peace in our hearts.”

It is interesting to note that religious history is not a record of man starting with many gods (idolatry) and gradually discovering the One True God.  Rather, it is the sad story of man knowing the truth about God and deliberately turning away from it.  God called the Jews beginning with Abraham that through them, He might reveal Himself as the One True God.  Israel was to be a light to the Gentiles, but their light burned dimly.  Today, we…spiritual Israel, the church…are not all that unlike the Jews and Gentiles as it relates to our ideals, philosophies and the like.  We all come from different places, have different backgrounds.  The message of grace and reconciliation is just as important today as it has always been…maybe it is even more important as it relates to one another, given the great differences between people…especially those in our fellowship.  But, the goal is not any different for us than it was for early believers.  In spite of our differences, we find ways to submit our spirits to the Spirit of God and when we do so, we are able to be at peace with God and with one another.  And this has value beyond what any of us can really truly appreciate individually…but it is good. Keep working at allowing the “peace of Christ to dwell in your hearts.”

Blessings, Don

Walking with the Spirit (Considering Galatians), Pt. 7

Friends,

Well...better late than never...and it was almost "never." (Not really...but, if one procrastinates or is distracted long enough, it might seem like it :-).  However, on to the concluding message from Paul's letter to the Galatians.   Paul has spoken about the connection of living spiritually versus living according to the flesh in chapter 5.  Paul continues with this theme in chapter 6...and instead of sounding combative, he has a much more conciliatory tone, as at the end of chapter 5.  Apparently some have asked the question, "How do we deal those Judaizers (or Gentile Christians, for that matter) who repent of the attitudes and activities of the flesh?"  Paul may be thinking about Jesus' message in the Sermon on the Mount, regarding approaching all matters of discerning judgment with humility and love.  He offers an interesting expression, "you who are spiritual should restore him gently."  But, for those of the Spirit, this must be done with humility...and I believe that he is speaking with regard to the contrast between pride and humility.  If those who are "spiritual" are not careful, they will be tempted to be unspiritual, that is prideful, concerning how they go about their business.  Once again, Paul appeals to love...as in "the law of Christ," and this, as it is in this letter, runs opposed to the Law of Moses.  We must not be prideful or arrogant as it relates to helping others who are in need, or else, we may do more harm than good. 

We must not overvalue ourselves, neither should we undervalue ourselves, in relationship to principle of living the Christian walk and serving others.  We cannot fool the Lord who is able to evaluate matters accurately with regard to our spiritual walk (vv.7-8).  Living according to the flesh will keep us distracted and hinder us from being the servants that God not only wants, but requires for us to be.  God has gifted each of His children in a unique way to serve Him...and all believers need to fulfill their service to Him...and especially to those who belong to the body of Christ.  I believe this is the principle behind Paul's unusual statement in v.6. regarding instructing and instruction -- if we have been blessed, we need to be a blessing.  If we can maintain our spiritual walk as we should...taking time to rest, recuperate as we need...we will not only be a blessing, but we will receive blessings.

In the final eight verses of this letter, Paul apparently takes control of the steering wheel, so to speak.  He writes with his own hand, rather than have his amanuensis (secretary) compose for him, as has been the case throughout the letter.  Paul claims no professional ability as it relates to his writing, and indeed, seems to be poking fun at himself (v.11).  Basically, this section is a recapitulation of everything he has shared up to this point.  He does not want the free believers in the Galatian churches...primarliy Gentiles...to be influenced by those who would claim that circumcision (as well as the rest of the principles of the Law) is essential in order to be acceptable to God.  The key, once again, is not concerning matters that bind us humans...the Law, the flesh...but it is concerning the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, where all of these other matters find their place and are laid to rest.  The Law was not sufficient, but being a "new creation" in Jesus is.  The Galatian believers must come back to investigating and appropriating the spiritual matters that they once believed...and not allow themselves to be held captive by doctrines and other matters that are going to take them away from spirituality, and ultimately, eternity.  And finally, if anyone would be of a mind to question Paul's credibility (as did some "believers" in Corinth) in writing these matters, he reminds them that he bears scars...physical and emotional...on Jesus' behalf.  These marks for Jesus are of a far greater benefit in proving Paul's conviction for truth, perhaps, than anything he could say.  Nonetheless, the two walk hand in hand.  Paul concludes by appealing to the grace of Jesus Christ for their spirits, a wonderful expression of peace and hope.

Once again, nothing is gained for us today in making the same mistakes as a significant portion of the early believers.  Although, I believe that we could concur with the wise sage, Solomon, who shared that "there is nothing new under the sun" in this regard.  We must learn and understand that Laws and regulations are not going to produce spirituality in us, but indeed, they take away from it.  They hinder our ability to walk as free persons in Christ in much the same way as the flesh also hinders the spiritual walk (and Paul has connected the two).  This does not mean that we must not be people of principle...we should be so.  But, we must appeal to the same law that Paul appeals to in this letter...the law of love...the law that Jesus Himself commended during His last few days on earth (John 13:34-35, 15:12, etc.).  Then, in turn, all other principles gain their proper perspective and place in relationship to the whole of the Christian walk.  And as Paul says, early on in the letter, it is this perspective that will make the difference...then and now...as to whether churches grow and prosper or decay and decline. 

I hope this series has been a blessing to you...have a great day.

Blessings, Don

Walking with the Spirit (Considering Galatians), Pt. 5

Friends,

Paul segues from talking about the freedom that the Galatian believers should have because they are (supposed to be) spiritual children of Isaac to the fact that all believers in the Galatian churches...regardless of race, social status, age or gender (3:26-28, once again)...are free in Christ.  Chapter 5, verse 1 could be a one line definition for the entire letter, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."  This is Paul's appeal...to come back to the freedom they all should be enjoying.  But, some have allowed themselves to be burdened by those (Judaizers) who would keep the regulations and traditions (particularly circumcision, here) associated with the Law, as these principles have been forced upon the Gentile believers in the Galatian churches. These "weighty" matters of law are like a yoke on their necks.  Paul may be reflectively considering a principle dear to Jesus' heart, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).  Paul once again uses some strong words in order to make his point, saying that those who seek to be justified by Law have "become alienated from Christ" and have "fallen away from grace."  In fact, he declares for the Galatians and the whole world, that the only principle that truly has any weight is "faith expressing itself through love" (5:6).  I will come back to this in a bit.

Paul uses a track and field metaphor to describe how the Galatians have allowed the Judaizers to rob them of Biblical and spiritual truth.  It is language describing one who changes lanes in a race and "cuts off" and opponent, and is, therefore, disqualified.  Paul does not want the Galatian believers to get cut off in the Christian race and, therefore, miss the prize.  He uses a baking expression (because baking and athletics have so much in common :-) in order to solidify his case.  All it takes is a little bit of leaven to go through the whole lump of dough...and in the same a way, all it takes is a little bit of infection to begin to affect the whole body.  This can take place not only physically, but spiritually, as well...and so the reason for the illustration.  An entire church can be undone because a little sin...in attitude or in practice... is left unchecked (see the Corinthian church for an example of this, 1 Corinthians 5:1ff).  The Galatian churches are going to experience the same thing if they do not deal with the infection in "their body."  Paul expresses his confidence in them that they are going to make the right decisions (5:10). 

Paul has one final interjection for the false ones among the believers in those places...and it is not intended to be humorous.  It is the strongest thing he has to say in any letter, "As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!" (5:12)  It is important to understand the context concerning why Paul appears to be saying that they should go and make themselves eunuchs.  It is true that some cultures at that time would have eunuchs who would serve kings and queens, but such barbaric practices were not to be practiced by God's people.  Yet, what Paul is doing is giving the Judaizers' arguments concerning the necessity of circumcision their proper perspective.  Although, it may have been an important "ritual marking" at one time, circumcision has no meaning whatsoever now that Christ has come...but only as it is figuratively related to the "heart" (Romans 2:29).  When a person accepts Christ, neither circumcision or uncircumcision are any good.  So, for the Judaizers to enforce this regulation makes no spiritual difference for those whom they are persecuting.  God's Holy Spirit is now the mark for believers, as we have discussed (and will pursue further in the next posting).

In vv.13-15, Paul is creating a bridge to his next discussion, beginning in verse 16.  Just as he does not want the Galatian believers to give up their freedom in Christ for the sake of law, neither does he want them to give it up for the flesh.  It is probable that many of them had come from pagan religious backgrounds where giving themsleves to immorality was the norm.  He descibes how dangerous such practices are for those who seek to "be spiritual."  He offers a contrast that is going to be given much more detail in the verses to come, but he wants them to understand -- Spirit-filled and led people are going to behave in ways that do not give any advantage to the Law or to the flesh.  Freedom is the goal for the spiritual person...freedom to love as God has commanded and shown us to love.  Failure to practice the love of God and live according to the Spirit is going to lead discord, dissension and division.  They, and we, were called to this much higher calling...the way of love.

This brings me back around to the thought in verse 6.  I have heard Christians in my life say (and practice) -- it can't be just about love, we have to be obedient to the commandments (and even traditions).  What is usually indicated by this is similar to the matters that the Judaizers were struggling with...and it is this -- we have to be "right thinking" and "right believing" in all of our Christian practices, or else we are in error.  If this self-sufficient belief system is the case, then we are always going to be lacking, spiritually.  Paul says just the opposite here -- if we are right loving and living according to "the only thing that counts," then we will come to and be able to maintain the proper perspective concerning all of the other matters pertaining to life and godliness.  If not, then we will struggle just as the Judaizers were practicing and influencing other believers to be "biting and devouring one another" over things that really do not matter.  So, when it all comes down to it...if verse 6 is good enough for Paul, it is good enough for me. :-)

Blessings, Don

Walking with the Spirit (Considering Galatians), Pt. 4

Friends,

I took a midway break throught the Galatians study, but it is time to get back to business. :-)  Chapter 4 really begins with the end of chapter 3.  3:26-29 is a transitional passage of certain importance.  Paul brings about another climax in thought for the Judaizers, as well as the Gentile believers, here.  In context, he provides the ultimate definition as to what a genuine believer looks like (contrary to the Judaizers' concept)...and it is this definition that all of the Galatian believers need to internalize.  "You are all sons through faith in Christ Jesus" (3:26 ).  Jesus is the unifier, not regulations or traditions.  Paul spells it out clearly -- everyone who has been baptized into, converted to Christ...regardless of race, gender or social status...is a son or daughter of God.  This effectively ties together the whole of chapter 3...there can indeed be unity even though there is some significant diversity in these churches.  Paul, once again, invokes Abraham to make his case, as all of these believers are not only children of God, but children of the promise to Abraham (as he revealed earlier in chapter 3).  Kingdom living triumphs over all other philosophies, attitudes and practices.

He continues this thought process into chapter 4, by saying that even though Judaizers and Gentiles might have literally or figuratively been children of Ishmael at one point, they are no longer so...now they are all children of Isaac or children of the seed of Abraham.  (He will come back to this point at the end of the chapter).  They were once slaves, but now they all are sons...and it is because of this, that they are all heirs of the kingdom.  Some of the Gentiles may have followed the elementary principles of their day with regard to philosophies, traditions, cultic practices (see Paul at Athens in Acts 17), but now relationship with Jesus puts all of those concepts in their proper perspective -- they are worthless in comparison to a relationship with God in Christ (vv.8-11).  Just a side note regarding vv.10-11...I have heard these verses taken out of context in order to describe why Christians should not keep holy days (such as Christmas, Easter) today.  It is important to note that in the Roman letter, Paul says that people can keep special holy days if they so choose to do so, and not do so if they choose not to practice such (Romans 14:1ff).  The issue, once again, is not holidays or circumcision, but living with respect for each other in love.  Paul's point is that he does not want the Judiazers over-emphasis concerning keeping holy days to be a dividing line for the church.  The Gentile believers have allowed themselves to be easily influenced by the Judaizers in this respect.  The Judaizers should not enforce their holidays and other practices on the Gentile believers as a litmus test to determine whether or not they are genuine Christians.  Paul recognizes the severity of the problem for the Galatian churches (vv.17-20), and his tone reflects the critical nature of his concern.

As Paul introduced Him in chapter 3, the key to the discussion, once again, is the presence of the Holy Spirit.  If these believers have the Holy Spirit present and at work in their lives, then they are going to learn and grow in their understanding of spiritual concerns.  Paul is building his case regarding the importance of the Holy Spirit in the spiritual battle for the soul.  He will continue to make this case throughout the remainder of the letter.  (I will address the presence of the Holy Spirit and the modern day believer shortly).  He says that the Galatian believers no longer experience "joy", one of the fruit of the Spirit (v.15).  This is due to the fact that they have traded "spiritual" living, as they learned it in Christ through Paul's example, for "legal" living according to the regulations of old.  It matters not what age, era, or what have you, that people live...folks will never come to spiritual thinking, living through regulations and traditions.  Keeping the law, regulations only serves to quench the Spirit, rob people of their joy.  If these matters are not kept in proper perspective, they can and will only serve to hinder spiritual growth.

Paul concludes his argument by returning to an illustration regarding Hagar and Sarah, wives of patriarch Abraham.  He builds quite a case over several verses (21-31), but his point is this -- those who were supposed to be children of Isaac have behaved like children of Ishmael, being persecutors, hateful toward their brethren...just as Ishmael persecuted Isaac, the child of the promise.  Indeed Paul's point, once again, is that all who live by faith are children of Isaac, whether they are Jewish or Gentile in their origin.  This had to be radically difficult concept for the Judaizers to grasp, but one that they needed to understand if the church was going to function and prosper.  At the same time, the Gentile believers had to find Paul's message liberating and refreshing.  Jewish and Gentile Christians are going to have to submit to figuring out a way to work through their challenges and grow together.

As I mentioned when I taught this in class -- in our fellowship, we have often made baptism the litmus test as to whether one is a believer or not.  This is interesting and ironic, given the fact that Paul makes whether or not a believer has the Holy Spirit the litmus test as to whether one is in Christ (3:14, 4:6,7, as well as Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:16 even Acts 2:38 and 39, et. al.).  The point is this...not everyone who has been baptized lives like a spiritual person, filled with the Holy Spirit.  There are a host of people who have had a baptism...religious and otherwise...who do not practice or experience kingdom living.  This is precisely what Paul is saying regarding the Judaizers.  They may have put on Christ in baptism, but they do not in any way behave like people who have a relationship with Christ.  This can be just as great a challenge for people today as it was for believers then.  We must be careful that we do not allow our traditions, practices to take away our love for the brethren, and thus, we look like the Judaizers of old in spirit and practice.  However, in relationship to the discussion, no one can experience kingdom living without the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives.  And, as Paul (Romans 6:1ff, etc.), Luke (Acts 2:38-39, 8:1ff, 16:29ff, etc.) and other NT writers point out, no one can have the Holy Spirit present and working without some conversion involving baptism.  What does this mean?  This may look different to different people.  I do know that I have a lot of Christian friends in my life who may not look like me, act like me, practice their faith exactly the same way that I do, but who have the Holy Spirit and are a vibrant part of the kingdom of God.  This is the proof of discipleship to the greatest degree. 

Blessings, Don