More Correspondence with Calvary Chapel Missions/Church Plant Director, George Bryson

George Bryson wrote the following:

THE GOSPEL
ACCORDING TO
JAMES WHITE
OR
THE “REFORMED” DOCTRINES
OF
DOOM AND GLOOM

The First Point

The first side (the positive side) of the first point of Calvinism is that if you are one of those elected for salvation you will one day (in this life) inevitably be born again before the final judgment. When you are born again you will be given a new nature. As your old nature was an unbelieving nature so your new nature will be a believing nature. Here is how it unfolds. As a new born child of God you will (as a result of your new birth) believe in Jesus Christ. Because (and when) you believe in Jesus Christ you will be declared righteous and be guaranteed a place among the resurrection of the just-and at that time glorified for all eternity.

The second side (the negative or doom and gloom side) of the first point is that if you are not one of the elect, you will not and cannot born again. Here is how it unfolds. Because you are not born again and will forever be stuck with your unbelieving nature you will not and cannot believe in Jesus Christ. Because you cannot believe in Jesus Christ in your unregenerate condition, you will not be justified. If you are not justified you will eventually be raised with the unjust, and finally be sentenced to everlasting shame and torment. This to is according to God’s sovereign will and good pleasure.

The Second Point

The first side (the positive side) of the second point of Calvinism is that if God has chosen you for salvation He did so unconditionally. You do not have to believe to become chosen for salvation but you were chosen and created for salvation and so you believe as a result of being elected and created for salvation.

The second side (the negative or doom and gloom side) of the second point is that if God has not chosen you for salvation,-meaning He has chosen you for damnation-He did so unconditionally. You were chosen, decreed, and created for damnation. You cannot believe and are therefore damned for your unbelief because this is according to God’s sovereign will and for His glory and good pleasure.

The Third Point

The first side (the positive side) of the third point of Calvinism is that if you were chosen and created for salvation, Christ died for your sins so that the eternal decree for salvation would have an historical provision for salvation.

The second side (the negative or doom and gloom side) of the third point of Calvinism is that if you were not chosen and created for salvation-meaning you were chosen and created for damnation- Christ did not die for your sins because an eternal decree for damnation needs no historical provision for salvation.

The Fourth Point

The first side (the positive side) of the fourth doctrine is that if you were chosen and created for salvation, God will irresistibly draw or efficaciously call you (applying saving grace to your life and circumstance) to Himself, first giving you a new life, which in turn brings with it a new nature, which is a believing nature, resulting in your certain and immediate justification and eventual and everlasting glorification.

The second side (the negative and doom and gloom side) of the fourth doctrine is that if you were not chosen and created for salvation-meaning that you were chosen and created for damnation-you will not be irresistibly drawn, efficaciously called, and no saving grace will be extended to you, which means you will not and cannot be born again, which in turn means you cannot have faith in Christ and thereby be justified in this life or ultimately glorified in the next life. Instead you will suffer the torments of the everlasting lake of fire in accordance with the sovereign will of God because this is according to His good pleasure.

The Fifth Point

The first side (the positive side) of the fifth point of Calvinism is that if you were chosen and created for salvation, the new nature you receive when you are born again, and the saving faith that comes with that new nature, and the justification that immediately follows faith insures that you will live (however imperfectly) a sanctified, holy, or righteous life in faith (practically speaking) for the most part, from the time of your regeneration until the time of your glorification. This perseverance in sanctification, holiness, or righteousness in faith, while not perfect is inevitable for the truly born again and will be to the end of this life for the elect. It is not as though the elect should not fail to persevere (for the most part) but they cannot do so. If therefore a person appeared to be a saint earlier in life, but failed to persevere in faith and righteousness until the end of life, it proves he was never a saint or never born again, never had faith in Christ, and never had a holy and righteous life in faith to persevere in.

The second side (the negative and doom side) of the third point is that if you are not elect and created for salvation-meaning you are elect and chosen for damnation-you cannot be born again, have faith in Christ, live a holy or righteous life in faith for even one day, much less to the end of your life. Because God is sovereign and can do as He pleases with His creatures, God is free to mislead a person into thinking they are one of the elect, help them live much like the elect, but at the judgment reveal that they were convinced by God that they were one of the elect even though they were not. No matter how convinced someone is in thinking he is one of the elect, assurance of salvation and eternal life is impossible to secure. How could anyone know for certain that they will persevere to the end proving they were elect without actually having persevered to the end.
After many years (actually decades) of studying the Calvinist doctrines of grace, I am convinced that the best refutation of the five points of Calvinism is an accurate and honest explanation of the five points of Calvinism. Unfortunately most new converts to Calvinism are not aware of the flip side to the five points of Calvinism early on. Those who introduce Calvinism to the non-Calvinist believe that the new believer is not ready for the meatier stuff of Reformed theology. That, they say, should come only later when they can handle it. They reason that the positive side of each point is like simple arithmetic. The negative side is more like algebra or some other more complicated, difficult and higher form of math.

The truth is this; the negative side is not more difficult to understand for the new convert to Calvinism, it is more difficult to accept. The positive side seems more palatable whereas the negative side is difficult to swallow and some even choke on it. Full disclosure, early on and sometimes even later on, is a major hindrance to those committed to winning the non-Calvinist over to Calvinism. Admittedly, sometimes proponents of Calvinism do not lay it all out on the table because they themselves have not turned the coin over to see what is on the other side. Sometimes they ignore it. Sometimes they deny it. They are on the Reformed road and are trying to get others to join them. However, they have not gone very far and sometimes do not choose to go but a few blocks down the Reformed road. Some would like to believe that each of the five points of Calvinism are only five points of grace. It is too much (for them) to think that these five points also represent a very hard and harsh message of doom and gloom. In fact, John Piper happily concedes that:

The “Doctrines of Grace” (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, Perseverance of the saints) are the warp and woof of the biblical gospel cherished by so many saints for centuries.

I responded as follows:

George, thanks again for chiming in on my blog. I just want to say in short that you are not representing the “Confessionally Reformed” tradition fairly. You may have met some obnoxious “5 pointers” and I can almost guarantee you that most have not actually read Calvin’s Institutes, nor the Confessional tradition that emanated from him (Belgic Confession, Canons of Dordt, Heidelberg Catechism). Calvin, along with the confessions, are very pastoral and present the doctrines of Scripture in a clear, yet necessarily nuanced form with regards to some doctrines that transcend our full ability to comprehend. Here’s an example from the Belgic Confession (emphasis mine):

Article 13: The Doctrine of God’s Providence

We believe that this good God, after he created all things, did not abandon them to chance or fortune but leads and governs them according to his holy will, in such a way that nothing happens in this world without his orderly arrangement.
Yet God is not the author of, nor can he be charged with, the sin that occurs. For his power and goodness are so great and incomprehensible that he arranges and does his work very well and justly even when the devils and wicked men act unjustly.

We do not wish to inquire with undue curiosity into what he does that surpasses human understanding and is beyond our ability to comprehend. But in all humility and reverence we adore the just judgments of God, which are hidden from us, being content to be Christ’s disciples, so as to learn only what he shows us in his Word, without going beyond those limits.This doctrine gives us unspeakable comfort since it teaches us that nothing can happen to us by chance but only by the arrangement of our gracious heavenly Father. He watches over us with fatherly care, keeping all creatures under his control, so that not one of the hairs on our heads (for they are all numbered) nor even a little bird can fall to the ground^20 without the will of our Father.

In this thought we rest, knowing that he holds in check the devils and all our enemies, who cannot hurt us without his permission and will.

George, on a personal note, I really wish you and CC would stop attacking Calvinism. I am meeting more and more former CC folks who have left because they were ostracized after claiming to like guys like John MacArthur, John Piper, and C.H. Spurgeon. It has gotten ridiculous out there. Do you seriously wish to continue to attack the Calvinistic understanding of God that MacArthur, Piper, Spurgeon, and the historical Church has held? Stop proclaiming that you are neutral on the Calvin-Arminian debate if you are going to continue to attack Calvinism and run very Godly pastors and “members” out of your churches and missions support because they share such convictions. I have met exCC folks who said that they would have remained in the fellowship with their Calvinisitic convictions if they weren’t attacked so vigorously. One gentleman told me that he was receiving correspondence from his CC friends about attending our church, whereas the concern was that we were heretical almost on the level of Mormonisn and JW. This is sad and I think you are partly responsible, unless of course you truly think we are borderline heretics, which means you should do everyone a service and tell all the CC bookstores to stop selling Tozer, MacArthur, Piper, Spurgeon, etc. My convictions are hardly any different from Spurgeon and yet his works are sold in most CC bookstores, whereas some CC members think that we as a church are almost heretical. Would you say the same about Spurgeon and his congregation? Consistency would definitely help, not only for your CC folks, but also for the church universal.

Grace and Peace…Rick

Galatians 5:16-18 “The Ammunition of the Spirit in Civil War”

Galatians 5:16-18 “The Ammunition of the Spirit in Civil War”

Galatians 5:16–18 (ESV) — 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

McKnight (1995:272):

I know of no Christian parents or youth leaders, or for that matter any pastorsm who seriously believe what Paul teaches in verses 16-26 (of Galatians 5), that the sole foundation of Christian ethics is dependency on the Spirit and a life of freedom in the Spirit….I have met only one person who ever expressed this view of Paul in a definitive and, to him, practical way. That person was F.F. Bruce…”

I would add Gordon Fee to that list in my own experience as I also shared this same conviction in my study of the reality of Spirit-fullness in the New Covenant. McKnight continues:

To be sure, Paul knew that when a person was controlled by the Spirit, that person was holy. He also knew that a person who lived in the Spirit lived in a loving way. Thus, he knew that the Old Testament moral guidelines and the teachings of Jesus on holiness, righteousness, and compassion would be confirmed by anyone who lived in the Spirit (1995:273).

Needless to say that we can be accused, just like the early Galatians, of wanting to derive our ethic from the law or traditions of man. I am not opposed to the “3^rd use of the Law” in relation to our sanctification, but if such is taught in a way that doesn’t necessitate the presence of the Spirit, then we may very well be acting like the early Judaizers.

What has Paul said about the Spirit thus far?

Galatians 3:1–6 (ESV) — 1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?

-          Received the Spirit by faith

-          Began in the Spirit, but seeking sanctification in the flesh

-          Spirit supplied by hearing with faith, not works of law

Galatians 3:13–14 (ESV) — 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

-          V. 13 speaks of the verb…Christ redeemed us

• Followed by two adverbial purpose clauses
  • So that…blessings of Abraham to Gentiles
  • So that we might receive the promised Spirit
    • The work of redemption must lead to salvation and the reception of the Spirit.

Galatians 4:6–7 (ESV) — 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

-          We are sons and heirs through the Spirit, enabled to cry out Abba! Father! The Spirit enables our faith, our assurance as children. This speaks of objective status realized through a subjective cry, which is absolutely brought about through the giving of the Spirit

Galatians 5:5 (ESV) — 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.

-          The Spirit is the agency through which we have faith and hope for the coming righteousness.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

-          Walk = present imperative, denotes ongoing life of the Christian, NIV has “Live” although the new NIV has “walk”.  Speaks of direction

-          “by” or “in”, “pnuema” is in the dative/locative/instrumental case with no article. “by” or “in” is supplied to understand the nature of the command.

• Dative = to, locative = in, instrumental = by, can be referring to the domain we live in, or the means whereby we walk. Both ideas are taught in Scripture. I think “by” makes the most sense, especially in light of Paul’s earlier reference in  3:3 about beginning by the Spirit, trying to perfect by flesh.

-          “you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” – strong double negative, aorist subjunctive expresses certainty, “you will never under any circumstances”. Implied and expected result of walking in the Spirit, it is thus a promise. If you are walking in full reliance on the Spirit, you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh (sarx). There is a “pneuma/sarx” battles in Scripture.

• Is this promise too strong? NO. It is impossible to gratify the desires of the flesh when you are walking in the Spirit, just like it is impossible to lie when you are telling the truth, to starve to death when you eat, to suffocate to death when you are breathing.
• The law can only inform and instruct, but it is the Spirit that actually empowers!!!
• This civil war inside of us is dealt with some more:

Galatians 5:1-6 “Stand Firm”

Gal.  5:1-6  “Stand Firm”

Galatians 5:1–6 (ESV) — 1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

Turning to the Law is Turning Away from Christ (1-2)

Turning to the Law makes you a Debtor (3)

Turning to the Law is Falling from Grace (4)

The Spirit brings Faith, Eager anticipation, Hope and finally Righteousness (5)

Works of Faith through Love is what really matters (6)

 

Turning to the Law is Turning Away from Christ (1-2)

1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

-          This is a transition verse that I attached to the previous section last week. In summary, trusting in the law is like being a carnal, natural born son of Hagar, thus not of promise according to the Spirit. Christ died to set you free from that marriage to the Mosaic covenant.

-          Paul argues in Romans 7 that the law has affect until it dies and then you are free. The Mosaic covenant was fulfilled in Jesus and dies in his death. His resurrection ushers in a New Covenant whereby we are joined to Christ by faith and made possessors of the Spirit.

-          Notice indicative/imperative. We live out what is objectively true. Some people struggle with freedom, believe it or not. Some imprisoned criminals find it hard to acclimate to life outside the walls, becoming bound and dependent upon the institution of prison.

2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.

-          “Look” (behold) is used by Paul on one other occasion and the force is to draw attention to himself in all that He is to these dear believers.

-          “if you accept circumcision” – Circumcision was once the sign that you were in and included in God’s covenant community, so much so that God was searching out Moses to kill him for failure to circumcise his son:

• Exodus 4:24–26 (ESV) — 24 At a lodging place on the way the Lord met him and sought to put him to death. 25 Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it and said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!” 26 So he let him alone. It was then that she said, “A bridegroom of blood,” because of the circumcision.
• Things have changed dramatically. You neglect circumcision, God’s judgment is upon you; now, if you insist on circumcision, God’s judgment is upon you.

-          “Christ will be of no advantage to you” – not of little advantage, but of none, you put your trust, even just a little bit in something else, then you have totally rejected Christ’s finished work on the cross.

• This is dangerous. We need to hear the Gospel, love the Gospel, and constantly examine ourselves as to whether we are trusting at all in anything else. The second we say something else is necessary is the moment we say that the Cross is not completely sufficient and that Jesus died in vain. Even if you say that cross is necessary, in addition to something else, you are still denying the cross.

-          Turning to the Law is Turning Away from Christ (1-2)

Pastor Rick Hogaboam’s address at Gospel-Powered Parenting Conference – “Precept-Driven, Proverb-Driven, Spirit-Filled Parenting in Truth, Goodness, and Beauty”

The following are my notes from my address at the Gospel-Powered Parenting Conference. You can also find the audio here (link).

Ephesians 5:15–6:4 (ESV) — 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

5:15-17 “Precept and Proverb Driven Life” (Truth and Goodness)

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

-          “carefully”, “how you walk” = we must be sober in how we live our life. The Christian life is often described as a walk. In the context of parenting, the way we walk affects where our kids go. They are following us, trusting us to lead them.

• We hike once in awhile and we are mindful of the kids staying on the path. we must be careful not to stray to the side or you might fall off, or walk into poison ivy. You must stay alert; not a good time to be looking backwards while you are walking.

-          Psalm 119:1–3 (ESV) — 1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!

-          Psalm 119:9–10 (ESV) — 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!

-          Psalm 119:19–20 (ESV) — 19 I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! 20 My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times.

-          Psalm 119:32 (ESV) — 32 I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!

-          Psalm 119:35 (ESV) — 35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.

-          Psalm 119:44–45 (ESV) — 44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever, 45 and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.

-          Psalm 119:54 (ESV) — 54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.

-          Psalm 119:59 (ESV) — 59 When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies;

-          Psalm 119:67 (ESV) — 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

-          Psalm 119:85 (ESV) — 85 The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law.

-          Psalm 119:95 (ESV) — 95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.

-          Psalm 119:101–102 (ESV) — 101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. 102 I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me.

-          Psalm 119:105 (ESV) — 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

-          Psalm 119:110 (ESV) — 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.

-          Psalm 119:117–118 (ESV) — 117 Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually! 118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain.

-          Psalm 119:133 (ESV) — 133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.

-          Psalm 119:176 (ESV) — 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.

• Last verse of Psalm is not triumphant, but confessional and a plea. We need grace and mercy on this journey of walking in the Lord, but walk we must. The stakes are high. Pastor Farley points out in his book how important modeling is. Do as I say not as I do doesn’t jive with kids for a reason. They will grow up jaded and bitter. They will honestly resent you when they grow older. They will have little to no respect for a hypocritical parent. They can care less how good you look on Sunday, when they see right through you at home. Your kids are watching you. You might be convinced that they aren’t watching you, but they are. Parents are still the most significant role models for kids.

 -          not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

-          We walk according to the Lord’s precepts not just because it is true, though that alone is enough motivation, but because is “good”.

-          We see the goodness of God in this text as Paul employs “wisdom” literature in brief. The contrast between wise and unwise, foolish and understanding, beckon us to God’s wisdom as being good. We need a Proverbs driven life, seeking obedience to God’s precepts, but also an abiding affirmation of the hearty goodness in God’s ways.

-          We are also told to make “the best use of the time, because the days are evil”. There’s an urgency to acquire wisdom, to walk in the will of the Lord and reject our foolishness and the evil time. We must seek wisdom in Christ or perish. This is summed up quite well in the first chapter of Proverbs:

Galatians 4:21-31 “Enslaved or Free?”

Galatians 4:21–31 (ESV) — 21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.” 28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.

Many people regard this as the most difficult passage in the Epistle to the Galatians. For one thing, it presupposes a knowledge of the Old Testament which few people possess today; there are references in it to Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, Isaac, Mount Sinai and Jerusalem. For another, the argument of Paul is a somewhat technical one; it is the kind which would have been familiar in the Jewish rabbinical schools. It is allegorical, although not arbitrary.^[1]

People today are bound to earthly, fleshly religion today. Man-centered and man-made religion. Paul argues that our home is heavenly, the Jerusalem above. Even the earthly Jerusalem was merely a type of the heavenly one. In other words, we do not set our eyes on the earth, but we set our eyes upward, worshipping a God who constantly shows the bankruptcy of all efforts to establish a right relationship based on rules and regulations.

Paul has been arguing that we are born again by the Spirit. It is God who has saved us in Christ by His grace in giving us the Spirit. The law kills, while the Spirit gives life. The law on tablets speaks to people in conditionality, whereas the Spirit actually imparts life apart from works of the law. It is the application of the redemption Jesus bought for us.

Outline:

-          Historical: 21-23

• Abraham had Ishmael with Hagar
• Abraham had Isaac with Sarah
  • Jews understood this quite well, however Paul is going to turn the argument on their heads and claim that those who claim Abraham as father through Isaac are in fact children of Hagar if they insist on the law as the basis for their righteousness

-          Allegorical (Symbolic): 24-27

• Two women represent 2 Covenants
  • Hagar = Sinai = Present Jerusalem > children of slavery
  • Sarah = New Covenant = Heavenly Jerusalem > free children

-          Personal: 28-31

• “Brothers” (28, 31)
• Children of Promise
• Flesh persecutes Spirit (Ishmael v. Isaac)
• Cast out slave woman = the way of the Law
• We’re Free!!!
  • 5:1 Stand Firm, Do not go back
  • Galatians 5:1 (ESV) — 1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Pastor Rick Hogaboam: Galatians 4:8-11 “The Tears of a Christian Hedonist”

Galatians 4:8-11 “How can you turn Back” or “The Tears of a Christian Hedonist”

By Pastor Rick Hogaboam, Sovereign Grace Fellowship, Nampa, ID

10.10.2010

Audio Link: Here

Galatians 4:8–11 (ESV) — 8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.

Galatians 4:8–11 (ESV) — 8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods.

-          V. 8 applies mostly to Gentiles. They did not know God, nor were known by God in their past life. They were in bondage to “non-gods” or dumb idols. They were idolatrous.

9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?

-          Knowing God…better yet to be known by God. What really matters is not what we do with God, but He does with us. Having come under His grace and divine favor, why would anyone trade that for the old life.

-          2 Peter 2:19–22 (ESV) — 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

-          It is better to have never known than to have come to knowledge and forfeit it all. That is a greater smack in God’s face. It is looking upon all that He is in His splendor and grace and saying, “That’s not good enough for me anymore. I’m bored and wish to go back to me ex”.

Pastor Rick Hogaboam: Galatians 4:12-20 “Anguishing for Spirit-filled, Christ-centered Formation”

Galatians 4:12-20 “Anguishing for Spirit-filled, Christ-centered Formation”

Preached by Pastor Rick Hogaboam, Sovereign Grace Fellowship, 10-17-2010

Audio Link: Here

Galatians 4:12–20 (ESV) — 12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of the blessing you felt? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

If in our study thus far we have thought of Paul merely as a scholar with massive intellectual powers, all head and no heart, this paragraph will correct our first impression. For here Paul appeals to the Galatians with deep feeling and immense tenderness. First, he calls them his ‘brethren’ in verse 12; then at the end of the paragraph, in verse 19, his ‘little children’—a designation of which the apostle John was very fond. He even goes on to liken himself to their mother, who is ‘in labour’ over them until Christ is formed in them. In Galatians 1–3 we have been listening to Paul the apostle, Paul the theologian, Paul the defender of the faith; but now we are hearing Paul the man, Paul the pastor, Paul the passionate lover of souls.^[1]

This passage contrasts the way Paul was accepted to the way he is now being rejected; as well as contrasting Paul’s intentions over against the false teachers’ intentions towards them.

v.12 – Brothers: familial term, Paul is appealing from his heart to theirs, they are on the brink of apostatizing, but he still considers them brothers, qualified they heed his word.

Entreat:  to ask, to seek.

Become as I am, for I also have become as you are: Some varying interpretations, but I think Paul is referring to the ministry he had to them, where he, a Jew, demonstrated the absolute freedom of the Gospel from the law. This is clear from his earlier mentioning of calling out Peter to his face for hypocrisy on this issue. Paul forsook the path of the law, when Jesus apprehended him on the road to Damascus. Paul is personally appealing to them to become as him because they have obviously strayed back into the law. It is ironic that Paul, a Jew, lived out the freedom of the Gospel as a Gentile to reach Gentiles, and that these same Gentiles are now straying into Judaic pride in works of the law. The Gentiles are becoming Jewish, whereas Paul the Jew has become a Gentile of sorts.

You did me no wrong: Paul is affirming the wonderful acceptance they had of him when he visited them and became as they were (Gentiles). This connects into verse 13 where he offers further commendation.

v.13 – You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first,

Lot’s of speculation on what exactly was going on here. Most tend to see the reference in v. 15, affirming their willingness to pluck out their eyes for him, as the point of reference here; however, Paul’s language here seems a bit strong to simply refer to a lack in eyesight as being the cause of his ministry to them at first. The word “ailment” can mean ‘weakness’ in a general way and sometimes is matched with ‘bodily’ (sarx) to refer to sin. Sin seems to be unlikely here as well. Acts doesn’t provide any details of a serious affliction that caused Paul to go of course, etc. If he was afflicted with Malaria, as some think, then he likely went to Northern Galatia to get into better weather, which would require an older date for book, which is fine even though I tentatively have supported early date.  

Interview with Pastor/Author Bill Farley on “Gospel-Powered Parenting”

I had the most pleasant time interviewing Bill Farley about his conversion, family life, and his book, “Gospel-Powered Parenting”. I conducted the interview as part of the show “Faith and Reason” on 10/12/2010 while filling in for Christian apologist Matt Slick of Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry (www.carm.org).  

Here is a link to the 1 hour interview: Bill Farley on “Gospel-Powered Parenting”

I also want to mention to all that Sovereign Grace Fellowship of Nampa will be hosting a “Gospel-Powered Family” conference featuring Bill Farley. The information is below. Hope to see you there as we ponder how we can better parent for the glory of God!!!

Gospel-Powered Parenting Conference

William P. Farley is pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship  (www.gcfonline.org) in Spokane, WA. He has published articles in Discipleship Journal, Enrichment Journal, & Focus on the Family magazine. He has been married to Judy since 1971, has five children & fourteen grandchildren. He is the author of “Gospel-Powered Parenting” & “Outrageous Mercy” (P&R).

October 22-24, 2010 @ Sovereign Grace Fellowship (1311 6^th Street South, Nampa, ID 83651)

www.sovereigngracefellowship.org  208-466-0937

Schedule:

Friday, October 22

7pm – “How the Gospel Relates to Parenting” by Bill Farley 

Sat, October 23

9am – “Fatherhood Lessons from Noah” by Bill Farley

10am – “Spirit-Filled Parenting” by Rick Hogaboam

11am – “Parenting and the Ten Commandments” by Bill Farley

12pm – Lunch Break (Bring a bagged lunch and eat with others)

1pm – “New Testament Instructions on Parenting” by Bill Farley

2pm – “Questions & Answers” (Panel will include Bill & Judy Farley)

Lord’s Day, October 24

10:45am – Bill Farley will be preaching, “The Gospel: A Narrow Angled View”

COST:  FREE, however books will be available for purchase at conference. No need to register.

WHO: Everyone is invited. Married, single, whoever.

WHERE: Sovereign Grace Fellowship of Nampa (address listed above)

CHILDCARE: There will be no childcare or nursery staff; however the nursery will be available for moms to use. Children are welcome.

                          

Galatians 2:15-21 “Jesus Loves Me, this I know, for the Bible Tells Me So”

Galatians 2:15-21 “Jesus Loves Me, This I know, for the Bible Tells Me So”

Pastor Rick Hogaboam, Sovereign Grace Fellowship of Nampa, ID

August 1, The Year of our Lord 2010

 Galatians 2:15–21 (ESV) — 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. 17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

 5 major themes I wish to explore:

1. Justification by Faith, apart from works of the law (15-18)

2. Our relationship to the law, dead to it, alive to God (19)

3. Union with Christ in crucifixion, new life, Christ living in us (20a)

4. Jesus’ love and sacrifice, necessary for salvation (20b)

5. Grace of God (21)

v.15 – Is Paul still recording his correspondence with Peter or generalizing with the reader? Think it is an editorial plural referring to Jewish argumentation. Paul is stepping into the shoes of his Jewishness and doing some irenic explaining of how Jews and Gentiles are made right in Christ alone.

-          “Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners” – Gentiles were referred to as sinners, unrighteous, despised. Part of the daily Jewish prayer was to thank God for not being a gentile.

-          “yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law” – not all would share Paul’s assessment, then again most might have. Many studies on Judaism during this time have offered varied approaches to how the Jews thought of the law. Some Jews thought of the law as a gracious gift that defines their being, rooting their existence into the idea of election. Others have suggested that Jewish thought evidenced an idea of meriting salvation by adherence to the law. Some have suggested that the law was nothing more than an identity marker for nationalistic pride, etc. It is inconclusive what all the Jews were thinking, in my estimation, but these studies are conducted with the hopes of shedding light on various Pauline phrases, like the one in this verse. Paul’s argument is clear:

• Works of the law do not justify any of us. “works of the law” – the whole thing or just the ceremonial boundary markers or one of many other interpretive possibilities. Legalistic distortions of the law, merit concept of works of the law, general deeds, nationalistic works like circumcision, feast days, among others? Some see a comprehensive treatment based on Paul’s later dealings in Galatians with the Sinaitic covenant as a whole (Gal. 3 and 4). Essentially, no doctrines stand or fall completely on the reading of this one text. The fact is that circumcision doesn’t save and the law doesn’t save. That is what Paul is specifically responding to, but enlarges his argumentation to deal with “works of the law” and will later deal with the whole Sinai (Mosaic) covenant. At the end of the day, Paul basically leaves the person who bases his righteousness apart from Christ as completely bankrupt, that much is CLEAR!!!
  • Theological debates on what role the law does play for those who are Christians is a discussion worth having. Clearly, feast days, circumcision, etc are no longer binding, but what about murder, adultery? We will deal with these concerns in a later sermon on Galtians.

Fear-Based “Christian” American Parenting that Bows to the Idols of Safety and Seclusion

Francis Chan is a cool Asian brother from another mother. Some may label him overly pietistic, however I think he grasps the radical nature of discipleship and what it means to follow Jesus. In the attached youtube clip, Francis calls out all parents who use their kids as an excuse to live the safest life possible.

Fear-based parenting will breed fearful kids who think our Jesus is also afraid of all the bad things and people in the world. While catechizing my kids last night, we discussed Jesus’ baptism and how he showed solidarity with the sinners who had gone into the water. Jesus’ ministry involved hanging out with sinners and He was often criticized for hanging out with the wrong people. As I was explaining this, I had a Holy Spirit gut check about how we are to nurture our kids and yet also model the mission of Jesus to sinners. I think we do need to be discerning and mindful of the maturity level of our children, but are we actually preparing them for the mission of Jesus to sinners, or are we instead raising kids to be like those who would criticize Jesus for hanging out with all those “bad” people?

My desire for my kids to simply marry another Christian and raise happy smiley kids is not enough. For them to view the importance of Church is not enough. They need to know the heartbeat of their Savior and in someway, some shape, model His love for sinners. I don’t want my kids to carry the banner of legalistic pride, but instead wave the banner of Christ’s love for sinners.

I realize that many would point out that the lasting fruit from children reared in American Evangelical Churches has been horrible and that a more rigorous approach is necessary. Many parents desire that their own kids become faithful Christians first and foremost. My only concern is whether being a “faithful” Christian actually involves the component of mission that Jesus exhibited towards sinners. I’m not talking about sending money to a missionary, but actually being a living embodiment of grace to those around us. If we truly understand grace, we must not raise our kids to be high-cultured “high-browed” Christians, there is no such thing in the Kingdom of God.

The Church should not be in retreat mode from the world. Jesus actually said that the gates of hell would not withstand the Church, which means that we are on the offensive. Digging into a bunker and having lots of kids who have lots of kids may grow the Church through reproductive means, but we are called to engage in warfare. Our warfare is waged through mission. This post isn’t about home-schooling, public-schooling, or any other badges that some people wear as a sign of spiritual “maturity”, but is really about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and whether we are truly raising our kids to be radical followers of Jesus or are neutering them from the core of Jesus’ mission.

Anyhow, here’s the clip from Francis Chan that may give you a Holy Spirit gut check as well:

“I want a real chaplain who believes in a real God and a real hell!”

“I want a real chaplain who believes in a real God and a real hell…your uncertainty is making things worse…I need someone who will look me in the eye and tell me how to find forgiveness because I am running out of time!!!”

My story -

When I visited my dying grandpa, I was in the role of a chaplain of sorts. It was incredibly awkward…this is the grandpa who modeled for me stability, love, and strength. I admired the man more than any other. He was full of humility and would speak ill of no one. I cry now thinking about him. I loved him. Anyhow, he wasn’t a church goer and believed that all “good” people essentially would end up in heaven. He also said that he has always sought to live his life according to the 10 Commandments. While a teen, I would simply nod– who was I too challenge my grandpa?

Well, as my grandpa was ill and not knowing if this would be the last time I would ever see him alive, I felt a “burning in my bones” that couldn’t be constrained. I could not watch him die while simply nodding my head in affirmation to his thoughts of being good and going to heaven. I looked him in his eyes and suggested that He ought to love the lawgiver more than the law. I told him about Jesus. His eyes watered. He was the most decent man I had ever known and who was I to convince him that he was a depraved sinner in risk of hell fire? I had to, for the sake of his soul, I had to…I wanted to. His watery eyes then looked hopeful as I pleaded with him to believe upon the work of Jesus for his salvation. I held his hand and prayed with him.

My grandpa Norman Hogaboam ended up returning home. I visited him and he asked me to do his funeral when he passed on. I looked down and agreed to do it, holding back tears. He was at peace with death. He died shortly after. I did his funeral, crying the whole time, and was able to share the hope I had spoken to him about and his acceptance of the lawgiver. My tears would have otherwise been full of guilt and remorse, even to this day. I can’t help but think that some other chaplain would have simply nodded in affirmation and patted him on the back for a life well lived…comforting him into hell.

I look forward to seeing my grandpa again and am grateful that God granted me the strength and boldness to share the Gospel with him.

Galatians 2:15-21 “Jesus Loves Me, This I know, for the Bible Tells Me So”

Galatians 2:15-21 “Jesus Loves Me, This I know, for the Bible Tells Me So”

Pastor Rick Hogaboam, Sovereign Grace Fellowship of Nampa, ID

August 1, The Year of our Lord 2010

Galatians 2:15–21 (ESV) — 15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. 17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

5 major themes I wish to explore:

1. Justification by Faith, apart from works of the law (15-18)

2. Our relationship to the law, dead to it, alive to God (19)

3. Union with Christ in crucifixion, new life, Christ living in us (20a)

4. Jesus’ love and sacrifice, necessary for salvation (20b)

5. Grace of God (21)

v.15 – Is Paul still recording his correspondence with Peter or generalizing with the reader? Think it is an editorial plural referring to Jewish argumentation. Paul is stepping into the shoes of his Jewishness and doing some explaining of how Jews and Gentiles are made right in Christ alone.

-          “Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners” – Gentiles were referred to as sinners, unrighteous, despised. Part of the daily Jewish prayer was to thank God for not being a gentile.

-          “yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law” – not all would share Paul’s assessment, then again most might have. Many studies on Judaism during this time have offered varied approaches to how the Jews thought of the law. Some Jews thought of the law as a gracious gift that defines their being, rooting their existence into the idea of election. Others have suggested that Jewish thought evidenced an idea of meriting salvation by adherence to the law. Some have suggested that the law was nothing more than an identity marker for nationalistic pride, etc. It is inconclusive what all the Jews were thinking, in my estimation, but these studies are conducted with the hopes of shedding light on various Pauline phrases, like the one in this verse. Paul’s argument is clear:

Rick Hogaboam’s Review of “To Change the World” (Essay 2, Chp. 1 “The Problem of Power”)

Essay 2, Chp. 1 “The Problem of Power”

Hunter sees the Creation Mandate as a source of both glory and shame. Since we reflect God’s image, we are enabled to reflect His image through acts of love and innovative labor for the sake of neighbor. At the same time, because of our fall, we are also able to steer this ingenuity for self-gain, thus abusing creation to achieve our ends.

Hunter proposes that what matters is how power is defined and valued in the community. As such, Hunter suggests that the Church’s notion of power and how to yield it has been faulty and needs to be reworked. That is what he intends to discuss in more detail in the following chapters.

If we think of ourselves as stewards, then we must define our engagement by the One who has entrusted us with vocation. It is important that we remain self-critical and always examine our aspirations and whether they reflect the Creator or fallen worldly notions of power. It will make a big difference in how we view the task of the Church in the world. I am ready for the assessment that Hunter will provoke in the following chapters.

Rick Hogaboam’s Review of “To Change the World” (Chp. 7 “For and Against the Mandate of Creation”)

Chapter 7, “For and Against the Mandate of Creation”

Hunter returns to the mandate of creation and reminds the reader that ALL are called to fulfill this mandate.  I love how Hunter points to the centrality and sufficiency of the Gospel as the means whereby such renewal comes. He states (93), “it is, in part, the appeal to every person, regardless of stature, giftedness, achievement, wealth, power, or personality that makes the Gospel so radical”.

Hunter shows how the Gospel is the great equalizer for all, joining us in a new humanity of sorts, which empowers us to shun the structures of power in this world. We are not to think ourselves better than others, but are called to humble ourselves and serve our fellow man. Without this sense of loving and caring for all, including our enemies, Christianity becomes what Hunter calls a “brutalizing ideology” (94).

Hunter is careful to point out that he is not advocating some sense of egalitarianism that obliterates all structures and hierarchal authority. He warns:

…the populism that is inherent to authentic Christian witness is often transformed into an oppressive egalitarianism that will suffer no distinctions between higher and lower or better and worse. At its worse, it can take form as a ‘tyranny of the majority’ that will recognize no authority, nor hierarchy of value or quality or significance. When populism becomes a cultural egalitarianism, there is no incentive and no encouragement to excellence. This too is to be bemoaned (94).

He notes the complexity of the Christian’s calling in pursuing excellence and at the same time shunning elitism and the abuse of power that usually ensues. He asks a very good question: “Is it possible to pursue excellence and, under God’s sovereignty, be in a position of influence and privilege and not be ensnared by the trappings of elitism?” (94).

A Baptismal Homily

Here is a link to the audio.

Here is my sermon outline:

Romans 5:18-6:14 Baptism Signifies a Changed Identity

Pastor Rick Hogaboam, Sovereign Grace Fellowship, 6.20.2010 A.D.

Romans 5:18–6:14 (ESV) — 18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

-          A Changed Identity

-          Who’s your daddy?

• The whole human race is represented by one of two heads, Adam or Christ.
  • Everyone is born into Adam by natural birth, an enmity with God because of the fall and the infection of sin into the whole human race.
  • You are only born into Christ by rebirth, regeneration, being “born again”.  Paul shows how baptism corresponds to this reality of dying and newness of life.
    • 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life

20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

-          The Superior power of Grace

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

-          Grace is not licentiousness!!! You died to sin, past tense. In Christ, judicially but also in actuality. Sin no longer has reign over you.

A Confirmation -

3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

-          There are realities in baptism, namely that it signifies a very real union with Christ. This of baptism as your wedding ring.

• In some sense, we are to wear our baptism.
• It is dangerous if someone is tempted to remove their wedding ring, usually leads to trouble, a desire to show oneself available.
• Our baptism signifies a dying to one life and a rising to a new one. It signifies our transfer from darkness to light, from death to life, from Adam to Jesus.
• Marriage also signifies this transfer from Rick being Rick, to being one with Mimi. I am no longer myself and alone, but and wedded with another.

-          “in order that” – very important, pay attention.

-          “we too might walk in newness of life” – connected with Jesus’ resurrection which allowed Him to walk in the realities of exalted Lord, a newness, so also we.

• Paul corresponds with our future hope, but also in the present newness, an actual newness that we are to walk in.