The Infallibility and Authority of Scripture (ACBC exam question #2)

 2.       What is the relationship between infallibility and authority?

The connection between God’s Word, the Bible being infallible, and authoritative is very positive.  Unlike human authority which is fallible, God’s authority is infallible.  This gives us confidence, and ought to ignite in us a complete willingness to submit to His authority outlined in His Word, the Bible, knowing He and His Word are infallible.  

Infallible means 100% true, and reliable.  As humans we are all sinners (Romans 3:23).  God However is holy, and perfect; “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it?  Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Deuteronomy 23:19)  He alone is infallible, and therefore, His Word is also.  “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)  

Authority is defined as, “the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine.”¹  Who is an authority in your life?  The local police?  The government?  A boss at work? Yes, yes, and yes.  Are they absolutely perfect? No. Who are they responsible to?  “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.” (Romans 13:1-5) It brings peace knowing that there is an all-knowing God whose authority is fully just, and that nothing escapes Him.

Jesus defended the authority of Scripture against Satan as he tempted Him by replying; “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”  (Matthew 4:4) In this passage we clearly see Jesus affirming that the Bible is from God, and authoritative for life.  If Christ used the Bible in dealing with temptation (and in teaching often referred to the Old Testament-see Matthew 12:3, 5; 19:4; 22:31; Mark 12:10, 26; Luke 6:3), and credited it’s authority, surely we as believers ought to do the same.      

¹ www.dictionary.com

Association of Certified Biblical Counselors Exam Question #1

It's been a while since I've posted anything here on my blog.  I've been working on some other writing these days.  I am working towards certification as a biblical counselor.  So, I was thinking that posting some of the test questions and answers would be a neat way to share what I've been learning and writing about lately, and "hit two birds with one stone".  Here's the first question in the theology section of the exam.  I have not yet sent my responses in for grading (as I still have a lot more questions to answer, only about a quarter of the way through the written exam).  I've really been enjoying the task of working through my personal theology on paper (or I should say keyboard and screen).  Prior to taking on this certification process I knew in my mind where I stood on things, but to take the time and have to articulate it in written word solidifies things like nothing else can.  For some years now I've wanted to invest in this process and do this exam.  Now, God has chosen to provide the time.  I am thankful.  I hope these questions will wet your appetite for personal study,  and a desire to firm up your own theological views.  I welcome your comments and thoughts.  As I mentioned I haven't sent them in for assessment yet, so please help me out with any errors you see.  :)

1.  The Bible is spoken of as “inspired.” What does this mean?

The secular dictionary definition of the word “inspired” is an adjective meaning “aroused, animated, or imbued with the spirit to do something, by or as if by supernatural or divine influence”¹.  While this definition might explain the inspiration to make a yule log for dessert at Christmas time in spirit of the holidays; this definition is not very substantial, and certainly not sufficient to describe God’s Word, the Bible.  Ryrie defines Biblical inspiration as; “God superintended the human authors of the Bible so that they composed and recorded without error His message to mankind in the words of their original writings.”² I wholeheartedly agree with this definition.          

We read in 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB) that; “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness”.   A literal translation of the word “inspired” in Greek is theopneustos; meaning God-breathed.   

             The Bible is God’s Word to us, He is the Author; however He used the Holy Spirit to prompt men to put the words on the page.  He was communicating His truth to us, His creation.  2 Peter 1:21 says “for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”  God directed the men, they were active in the process, but it was His Word that they were writing.

The Bible is unique in literature, like nothing else in history.  It claims to be the Word of God (Isaiah 1:2, Jeremiah 10:1-2), and explains within its’ pages how God accomplished that.  All 66 books, though penned by different authors, at different times in history, using different forms of literature (law, history, wisdom, poetry, gospel, epistles, prophecy, and apocalyptic) they are all to be considered part of the one volume, the one God-given, God-authored book as a manual for living on planet Earth, the Bible.

                 It is important as Christians that we firmly believe in the doctrine of inspiration, and we set apart in our lives the Bible as God’s truth.  In counseling it needs to be established at the outset of a counseling situation that the counselee will submit to God’s truth and that the counselor will use the Bible to to lead the individual to Biblical hope, help, and practical application to aid the counselee in overcoming sin issues, and living out their faith victoriously in Christ. 

¹ www.dictionary.com    ² “Basic Theology” Charles Ryrie, page 71

Here's a link for more information on the Association Certified of Biblical Counselors:
http://www.biblicalcounseling.com/certification/exams

Everyday Gratitude

This past weekend was "Thanksgiving" here in Canada.  January 31, 1957 the Parliament of Canada proclaimed; "A day of general thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed-to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October."  I've always liked Thanksgiving weekend.  I think it's encouraging that in a nation that is quickly running in opposition to Christian values, this holiday is still recognized, still logged in history as a day set aside to thank GOD.  Time with family, a yummy feast of fall classics, the trees naturally trimmed in bright seasonal colour, and most of all intentional thoughts, and expressions of gratefulness to God.

We enjoyed all the traditions of Thanksgiving this past weekend, and it was wonderful!

But is that it now? Wednesday is here, and we've all gone back to our own homes, and routines.  The turkey carcass has been picked clean, and even boiled for soup stock.  The housework, and our day-to day schedules welcome us back to "reality" as we normally know it.  Our thanks have been sung through songs at church, shared in a family circle, and prayed to God.  So, we've given thanks.... check.

Do we want God to think of and provide for us one day a year?  Everyday, in so many ways God gives, provides, blesses, forgives, and loves beyond what we deserve. 

"...in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18  

Does my heart overflow with gratitude?  Honestly, often times, no.   Am I thankful for all things?  Do I stop to realize every little thing; the clean water that I drink, that comes flowing at the twist of a tap, the health care that I receive, the freedoms I enjoy, the opportunity to breathe in clean air, to see, to taste, to touch.  Even the struggles, losses, and hard stuff in my life.....  Can I be thankful for them?  I ought to be, His Word says it's His will for me, and He always uses all things for His good purposes (Romans 8:28,29).  Do I truly cherish who God is, how He gave His life for mine that I may know His grace, forgiveness, to be free from the punishment my sin deserves, and to have eternal life instead of an eternal hell when my life on earth is over?  What love, what sacrifice.  Words, songs, prayers will never be able to express properly the thanksgiving God deserves.  

I sincerely want to be more thankful.  I don't think any one of us would say we are grateful enough.  So, I pray that God would give me a heart of honest thanksgiving.  I will memorize and review Bible passages that point my heart to praise Him, to worship my Creator, Provider, Gracious God and Father.  When I am feeling like grumbling I will mentally list blessings, I will sing a song that honors God when I wish I had a different life, or more of this or that.  He has given me more than enough, His grace alone is more than I deserve.

Thank You God, from the bottom of my heart, I thank You; for Jesus who has saved me, for Your Spirit who guides me, for the daily provisions You give of food, health, shelter, clothing, for my best friend and husband to enjoy life with, to learn from and beside, for my parents, brothers and extended family-for all they've taught me, for the memories, and love we share for one another.  Lord, for your daily grace in my life.  I thank You.  Lord I want to express more appreciation this year, for You, for the blessings You give day in and day out, there is sooo much to be grateful for.  I thank You!      

        

Homemade with Love

    Is it just me or is something more special when it's homemade?  Pies for example.... a homemade one versus one bought from the store?  No question, homemade hands down.  I feel the same about greeting cards, homemade salsa and garden produce versus the grocery store.

    Maybe that comes from my upbringing?  I grew up with a garden in our back yard, a coop full of chickens, and with a crafty Mama who taught me how to make gifts, homemade preserves, hem my own jeans, sew on buttons and more.  Now I find pleasure in sending a homemade greeting card, and enjoy the sweetness of opening a can of my Mama's peaches over a can of store bought ones any day.  I find in the Fall I really cherish the homespun life for some reason.  Perhaps it's the harvest season, or Thanksgiving coming up that get's me in the mood, or the cooler weather... I like to create, to share, and give away homemade things; here are a few things around our home that have been homemade lately.

    Any and all human creativity pales in comparison to the creative handiwork of God who created the world by speaking all that we see into existence (Genesis 1).  It's humbling and incredible to realize we are each individually designed by the Creator God, made specifically by Him with a plan in mind.  We read in Ephesians 2:10; "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Wow!  This verse is so inspiring, to know that God has made us to accomplish a certain purpose of His own making is so incredible.  He can use me?  With all my flaws and sinful struggles?  Yes, yes He can.  He gave me my mind, my background, my experiences and skill set to do certain tasks He has lined up for me.  So cool!  I pray that I will be obedient, willing and daily walking in His truth so that I will be able to accomplish those good works He has in store for me through Him and for Him.
   Today that looks like sharing our home, rolling meatballs and making a homemade meal to share with students, to be a blessing, to serve the Lord.  As I type this song came on the radio in the background....  And it truly fits into where this post is going....

You and I have been "Homemade with Love" by a God who gave His Son to give redeem our lives, to give us purpose, peace and meaning so that we can go about doing "Homemade with Love" acts of good to show His love; to show Him through our lives.      

      

     

Birds of a Feather...

...flock together.  Today, driving into town I saw a few flocks of birds along our country road.  One all perched in a line along a telephone wire (perhaps the "gossip flock"? :)), another enjoying lunch in a big cherry tree, and on the way home, a whole bunch of birds were playing chicken, waiting in the middle of the road for their steel, wheeled competition to get as close as possible before they lifted off.  So of course I sped up, and they all took to the skies, flapping in unison. 

Birds are like that, they stick with their own kind, and travel together.  I'm sure there's many benefits; companionship, learning to sing your tune from the elders of the flock, the downdraft when flying behind others, and more eyes to look out for a berry bush, or backyard bird-feeder....  Ha, ha...

As people, we are made for community too.  There are so many benefits of sharing life with others.  As Christians, God calls us to flock/commune/share life.  This is His plan, through the fellowship of church.  The sense of community, Biblical teaching, public worship, and like-minded, faith based friendships are so important.

 "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25

These verses happen within the church.  We are so very blessed to be members at South End Fellowship Baptist Church. There, our pastors are genuine; we are challenged and encouraged by solid Biblical preaching each week by men of God that are sincere in their faith, and humble.  We gather together, singing songs of worship to God, contributing financially to see God's message of hope through Christ be taught in our community, and around the world through missions, and interacting with other believers-sharing our lives, our struggles, and rejoicing in good times together.  Serving others by getting involved, and using the gifts and talents God gives to glorify Him.  Christians belong in the church like birds belong in a flock.  We don't have to be a lone goose on the big lonely lake of day to day life.

 I have fond memories of church picnics, Sunday School, Christmas plays, and lots of potlucks, bridal and baby showers, lots of fun, fellowship, and lots of grounding in my faith at church throughout my life.  My Oma affectionately taught me a song when I was a kid, in her thick dutch accent, and using our hands to do actions we'd sing;

The church is not a building,
The church is not a steeple,
The church is not a resting place,
The church is the people.

I am the church,
You are the church,
We are the church together.
All around Jesus,
All around the world,
We are the church together.

If you know Jesus personally you are a part of the church.  Like a physical body part, you have a part to play in the Body of Christ, and to not participate is like leaving a finger or toe in bed at home....  It's just not complete.  Here in North America we are blessed to have the freedom to worship publicly.  I hope you are enjoying the family atmosphere and the spiritual enrichment of a local church near you this Sunday, worshiping, enjoying fellowship, glorifying God who designed the church in His wisdom, a gift to enjoy.   

 

Our Home Sweet Home

We have the unique blessing of living right on the property of a very special place, Word of Life Fellowship Canada-Summer and Winter Camp, Bible Institute, and Headquarters Office.  As I type I can hear Jr. high cheering in enthusiasm as directions for a group game are being given by a Program guy, and techno music is pumping up the campers.  So fun!  I grew up coming here for Snow Camp, and one summer was a camper, and now.... We absolutely love living and serving here.

On any given day here throughout the summer we get to see; kids enjoying a cool ice cream cone from the Snack Shack, another zooming down the zip-line with a shreek of excitement, a counselor facing off with their camper in a game of carpet ball, others swimming in the pool, or an intense game of basketball between staff and campers.  Lots of exciting activity, new friendships made, and great memories of their time at camp.

More importantly though, this place is uniquely founded on and passionately purposeful in sharing the truths of Scripture.  Daily Bible sessions, cabin Quiet Time are part of the schedule, and opportunities to make personal spiritual decisions of faith, or commitment; that's what it's really all about.  That's what lasts for eternity.

This week, it was such a joy to our hearts to sit in the evening meeting Monday night as a previous camper who accepted Jesus personally here at camp, then summer staffer, BI student, and now the Camp Director and friend shared clearly our need as people for a Saviour.  He used the Bible to explain our sinful condition, (Romans 3:23) the incredible love and grace of God as Christ left heaven to be our payment for sin, and how we can be forgiven, and begin a relationship with the holy God of the universe by faith in Christ. (John 3:16)  Five campers indicated they chose to make this decision of faith, and were counseled one-on-one about their new found faith in Jesus.

These Jr. High teens came to camp without the hope and security that only a relationship with God can bring, and will be leaving completely changed.... from the inside out-knowing with certainty their sins are forgiven, and heaven will be their eternal home, equipped in His truth, and the power of the Holy Spirit to live differently-for God's glory rather than self.  It will not mean they will be faultless, or won't struggle, but they have the foundation they need, and a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17) enabling them to live differently.

Just wanted to share with you the blessing we enjoy of seeing God at work in lives right here, in our "front yard".  May His truth continue to transform lives here, and around the world, as this and many camps present the Gospel message of Christ this summer.  Here's a camp video summing up one week of camp from this summer.  Awesome!!!

In Loving Memory

Grandma Gwen Haviland 

1923-2013

Although Gwen's body was failing, her hope was still whole.
Although her eyes were slowly dimming her focus was sure.
 Although loved ones can't hold her she's being held by her Lord.
-by Mike Woods