Dear Reader~family member, friend, acquaintance or complete stranger,


As the sun rises this beautiful Christmas morn, and I sit by a lit Christmas tree with gift awaiting opening and enjoyment, listening to carols, anticipating a delightful day of festivities and joy-filled celebration.  My heart is thankful to God for all these blessings.  

I want to wish you a Very Merry Christmas, from our home, from our hearts to you, wherever you may be reading this.

Praying your celebrations will be so much more than a feast filled belly, and a pile of gifts.  May you know the most precious gift of all, the first Christmas gift of all time, and the very reason Christmas exists-the Christ child, Jesus.

May He mean more to you than a figurine you pull out if it's box at the holiday season, or a religious figure from history.  Jesus is sooo much more.  

"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth."  John 1:14 

Jesus is the Son of God, Holy Deity in flesh, among men.  Born of a virgin, fulfill-er of prophesies, the Messiah to save mankind.  He is the embodiment of truth who demonstrated the grace of God by coming to this sin cursed earth, living a sinless life and then dying on the cross undeservedly but willingly to pay for my sin, your sin, the sins of the whole world.  All we need to do is accept the gift.

If you have received by faith that Jesus was in fact the Son of God, and have believed by faith that He paid for your sins and came back to life proving His power over sin and death, then Christmas holds so much meaning.  The day to stop and cherish His gift to us, to worship afresh, to honour the King of Kings who came as a babe to save this world.  

May He be the welcome guest on the throne of your heart and mine today.  Knowing Him changes everything, especially Christmas.  Amid the wrapping paper, lights, lavish meals, family time, and Christmas baking I hope that we cherish more.... the peace, the hope, the joy, the security that is known in Christ alone.  

Merry Christmas!

    

Continuing Revelation and the Sufficiency of Scripture | ACBC Exam question #5

5. Many Christians today speak of continuing revelation.  Relate this concept to inspiration and sufficiency of the Scripture.  Relate this concept to the issue of miracles, prophecy, and tongues.

        “Traditionally, revelation and the Bible have been inseparable.  Contemporary views have driven a wedge between the Bible and revelation with devastating results.  Now revelation need no longer be found only in the Bible, but in the mighty acts of God and in personal encounter.  The existential experience has replaced objective truth as the Word of God.”¹ This concept of continuing revelation is dangerous.  To say that God has spoken to us today, giving our experience of God the authority only Scripture rightfully has is adding to His Word, the Bible, and every person could then claim they've heard various messages from God, causing confusion, licence, and no credible final authority on what is indeed God’s Word.  To suggest that God continues to give us new information is unbiblical.  He clearly stated in Proverbs 30:6, “Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.” 

                Miracles, prophecy and tongues had a unique role in God’s plan.  Jesus preformed miracles to authenticate that He was the Messiah, God in the flesh among them (Matt. 9:27-31, 12:9,14, 14:13-21, Mark 1:21-27, 1:40-45, 2:1-12, Luke 8:22-25, 40-56, and many more).  At the onset of the early church tongues were experienced to demonstrate the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, a new presence of God in believers (Acts 2).  Prophecies were made during Biblical times about historical events, to prove that Jesus was the Messiah (Micah 5:2, Daniel 9:25,26), and future events yet to come.   All Biblical prophesies made and fulfilled prove the Bible is God’s Word as no human could know in advance these events as He does. 

These signs and wonders performed were used by God at certain points in history for His purposes mentioned here.  These forms of God revealing Himself were never meant to become practices of the church, or carried on from those historic events.  1 Corinthians 13:8-10 reads; “Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.” 

Because we now have the full Word of God, there is no need for any further revelation from Him.  The Bible ought to be considered the full, and complete, authoritative Word of God. 

¹ “Basic Theology” Charles Ryrie, page 66

ACBC exam #4 | General Revelation and Biblical Authority

Compare and contrast the Bible and it’s authority to general revelation and it’s authority.

General revelation is a term used to refer to how God is revealed through nature, and has made us all with a consciousness of Him.  “Through non-verbal communication, people of all cultures and all languages have the capacity to understand that Almighty God exists in all of His weighty importance.”¹ “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1-2).  Clearly from the Bible we read God intended all that we see in nature surrounding us points to the reality, power, authority, and control of God.  In Romans 1 we read that this knowledge we have from nature makes us consciously responsible, all humanity knows deep down that God exists, and we are accountable to Him.   “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:18-20)  God’s revelation from nature is great knowledge, however it has its’ limits.  Later in Romans (10:17) we read; “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” 

Nature testifies of God, but the Bible gives us the knowledge we need unto salvation, and day-to-day sanctified living, which natural revelation is insufficient to accomplish.  Nature and human conscience draw us to His truth, but it is the Bible that gives us the proper knowledge and guidance of understanding our sin nature, God’s gift of grace, His place of holiness and our place of needing a Saviour.    

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29)  God’s Word to us is a cherished treasure, incomparable to general revelation, but enhanced by it.  In and through it alone we can conclude; “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)

¹ “Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically” John MacArthur page 42 

ACBC Theology Exam | Question #3

                                                                                                       

     What is the Bible’s authority on theological controversies?

This is an oversimplified conclusion; but there would not be theological controversies if the Bible was held in its’ proper place of authority.  As discussed in the above questions, we find it true that God’s Word, the Bible is inspired by Him, is infallible, and authoritative.  So, then there shouldn’t be controversy…. Right? 

We know full well there are.  Obviously, unsaved people are opposed to Biblical theology.  2 Corinthians 4:4 says of them, “in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”  In counseling an unsaved person, the objective must first be their salvation.  Without Christ any real lasting change is impossible because our hearts are wicked, and hopeless without Him.  But, “the sacred texts… are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation…” (2 Tim. 3:15) which is good news, and the hope that every unbelieving counselee needs to hear.

Within the church, the Body of Christ, controversies cause division, are the basis of different denominations, and must be handled with biblical wisdom.  Controversies arise when the Bible is interpreted wrongly, or when human opinion is forced onto Scripture (and Scripture is taken out of context to make it “work”).  1 Timothy 4:1 warns, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons”.  Deceptive theology is dealt with throughout Scripture, and are not hard to find today.

In counseling, it is important to establish the authority of the Bible at the outset as authoritative and to stick with it throughout the whole counselling process.  If a theological controversy arises, by all means a study should be done by the counselee with the help of the counselor to help them come to the truth using the Word which is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).  As all conflict should be handled, it is important that it is done in humility, love, and with the motivation to restore the counselee to a Biblical understanding/and or lifestyle as the situation requires as outlined in  Ephesians 4:14-15;  “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ”.               

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!