Why digital Bibles are so important.

I read a post earlier in a popular publication that while it seemed ok with the embracing of the Bible in digital format (iPad,e-reader,android,pc, mp3, etc...), the author felt that there were some rather large issues with such formats being used from the pulpit during preaching.  I was taken back.  The idea that we could think that a bound paper with leather outer was more "holy" is not only ridiculous but it is rather close to idolatry.  

The hard reality is that the originals were not bound paper with leather exterior and they also were not digital.  We have been blessed and are happy that for so many generations we have had true ability to have printed and bound Bibles.  But the format of that process is not Holy.  Just like the move forward to print the Bible in such a way was key to getting the Word of God into the hands of everyday people it was also a huge improvement for the Clergy.  The ability to study and preach for the Word greatly increased.  As with any new medium or format there are dangers, like those who would print what looks like a Bible and yet it was changed to fit their beliefs and not truly God's Word.

The new movement of digital media needs to be embraced properly. We should be thankful that we can get the Word of God into so many hands so quickly now.  If Pastors refuse to use the new media because they want things to appear more Holy then they will send a message (intentional or not) that the printed and bound is superior to the digital and this is not true.  God's Word is His Word in whatever format it is printed in.  Of course I am talking here about medium and format not particular translation, that would be a different topic.

So I encourage you to embrace Ethernet Bible apps out there and to encourage their use.  Do not allow yourself to be distracted by games or texting when it is time for the Word.  This is the same as not being distracted by a football game on the radio or writing notes to a friend or doing a crossword  when it is supposed to be time for the Word.  The principle is the same, so use new technology but do not allow it to overtake you.

Remember in the same way your digital format is not better than printed material.  On such things there is no law so each one must follow their conscience and seek to honour God while they show Grace to their brothers and sisters.

Press on in obedience

Pastor Bruce

Warning! The Philosophy of Man

I have been pondering this topic for a while and felt it necessary to record my thoughts.  I mentioned it in part during last Sunday service.  Anyway I hope that you will patiently read my pondering here.

I have to confess that at different times in my life I held to certain man made philosophies.  I once was an extreme conservative, now I am not.  I once identified myself as a Baptist when asked about religion, I no longer do.  I used to label myself as an Arminian in my theology, then as a Calvinist, then as an Augustinian, but now I do not ascribe to any of these.  I used to follow humanistic concepts, but I see them now clearly as broken and have left them behind. 

I am in no way perfect in my beliefs but I have grown in my conviction that man driven and made labels for my beliefs are actually contrary to what I believe.  Let me explain.  I firmly believe that Jesus is the center of all things.  That He is also to be the center of my beliefs, values, philosophy and actions.  His Word, the Bible is my source and guide for learning, growing, teaching, inspiration and so much more.  It is on this foundation that I find myself sitting.  I firmly believe that those who claim to have submitted their life to Jesus as their Lord and Savior, are to have this same conviction.  So if people want to know my "religion", I am a follower of Jesus or a Christian.  If they ask what I do for work, I am a Pastor at a Baptist Church.  But no longer am I defined as a "baptist" but as a Christian.  If the Baptists began to follow some crazy false doctrine then I would no longer be a part of that group but I will always be a part of Christ.  

My Theology in similar fashion is Biblical meaning based on the Bible.  Not Baptist, Calvanistic, Reformed, or whatever other designations that might be more common.  I refuse to even use the label of "systematic" in regards to my Theology due to the connection that this word has with the idea of subscribing to a particular man defined theological system.  Instead I firmly believe we are to follow proper systematic methods of study so that we learn the proper context and meaning of the Bible.  However the Bible itself is our guiding document for Faith and practice not just a resource book for us to use to back up our own documents.  

Why do I say all of this?  Because I have found that even some of the scholars that I greatly respect have at times fallen to points of belief that they include as doctrinal truth and yet they do not have proper Biblical basis for such a point.  They may have a verse or two that they have been told supports this point because it is a part of their denomination's systematic theology.  The problem is that sometimes people fall to what we call "proof texting".  This is a process where people state a belief and then find some verses that seem to back it up.  Instead we should study the Bible as a whole and accept the obvious teachings taken from the author's intent and original context.  Then as we study and God opens our minds to His Truth our doctrine should change more and more to fit His Word.  

So the problem is that if I proclaim a particular system of belief other than the Bible then I am in danger of declaring a man developed set of statements as being what I believe, instead of those statements helping me to be challenged in what I believe so that I get into the Word and know what I am supposed to believe by It's teaching.  It is not wrong to write out our beliefs and statements.  But they are not to be our primary identifier.  Not only are we in danger of placing our statements about Scripture but we also can cause division in the Church.  Sure I think it is ok to have division over doctrine but we should not cause it by our man made philosophies and statements.  Instead let us study the Word of God together and if some refuse the Word then we pray that God would open their mind and heart to His Truth and that if we lack understanding on the matter that God would open our minds to better understand His Truth.

In short form I am saying that we should not answer people's questions of doctrine with canned statements from Calvin, Luther, Piper, Wesley, Origen or any other person. Rather we should direct people to God's Word and help them learn how to study the Scripture taking in the obvious and hard Truth that it has.  Too often people will jump around from verse to verse to prove their belief.  I know that there may be instances where this is valid.  But often it comes with avoiding other verses that seem to give a different answer and this is not how we are to treat God's Word.  The Bible was written in large sections we call books and letters.  It is meant to be understood within the context of the whole not just verse at a time but as God gave it.  Also keeping in mind that we are not to use His word to fit our purposes but rather our purposes are to shaped by His Word.

Anyway I could go on and on and I am not sure if more would really be of value here.  If anyone wants to talk or chat about this with some specifics feel free to message me and we can do that.  

Stand with your gaze centered on Jesus firmly on His Word.

Pastor Bruce

Walk as you have been made

Here is a little video I made today ... just sharing my heart and how God has challenged me.

Let us walk together

Pastor Bruce

How to handle criticism and correction.

Criticism and correction are two very hard things to receive.  Often we find ourselves on the defensive in either of these situations.  In fact some people fail to understand the difference between the two and do not know how to handle or respond to them.   It is on my heart today to share some of what God has taught me over the years on these issues.

The Critic ...  Often people in ministry especially seem to encounter this person.  They never seem to be happy with you, they find fault it seems in everything.  So often we tend to write such people off as those who just do not like or support us.  We describe them as difficult, complainers, antagonistic and negative.  They tend to be painted with a brush that places them in a camp of people who have no value to add and only cause problems or issues.   I am not going to say that there is no truth in any of that sentiment but I have come to realize that often people are mis-understood and the more they are mis-understood and they feel that no one is listening to them, they fall into a pattern of trying to be heard.  Often this pattern comes across as very negative and harsh.  Sure there are some that truly are just against us for some reason but many people labeled that way I think are unjustly labeled because of our lack of dealing with things properly.

When we interact with someone perceived as the Critic, we need to take some time to hear them, even if they are upset and we think they are totally off base.  They need to be heard and we need to listen to them for the nuggets of Truth rooted in what they are saying.  Even if someone has poor delivery of the information, there may be some Truth to it.  So we are first to listen to them.

Second we are to ponder what they are saying and truly ask ourselves and God if this is true and if it is then how am I to respond and if it is not how am I to respond.  We must take some time and not respond in a reactive defensive way.  If there is even a small amount of Truth present in the message we have received we need to acknowledge that and express what we intend to do about it.  The portions of the message that we believe are not valid need to be exposed as such, but in as loving and gracious a way as possible.

Third we must pray for the person who has brought this forward, that God would give them proper insight, patience and grace for others and that they would seek to honor God and learn how to interact with others in a healthy way.

The Correcter ... When we receive correction it is important that we not confuse it with criticism.  Too often people feel threatened by even loving and gentle correction and respond poorly.  Biblical Correction is always to be done in love and with grace for the person being corrected.  It is to follow much prayer and study to ensure that the correction is given properly.  When we receive this type of correction we need to respond positively with repentance and a desire to move in a fresh direction.  If you believe that the correction is not based on Truth and is incorrect then you must not get upset and defensive but rather you must expose any lies or mis-representations and proclaim Truth in return with grace and love for the other person.  Make sure you are walking in humility to receive correction properly, or we can sometimes place ourselves in a sinful prideful state by setting out our arguments of defense and winning over our corrector to see our side even if we are in the wrong.  Correction can come not because of our lack of Truth or Logic but because we may have a delivery that causes hurt or division with others.  So we must be even more receptive to correction in a healthy way so we can grow and not continue to hurt others.

Just like criticism can be unfounded so can correction, but both need to be dealt with properly.  I know this blog is not exhaustive on these matters and I do not consider myself an expert.  Rather I have had to learn a lot of these things the hard way, because I was critical, because I was prideful and did not receive correction well.  God can work in your life as He has in mine and crush a heart of stone and replace it with a heart of tender flesh.  

Keep short accounts with each other and walk in love.  Extend forgiveness for the wrongs done and the hurts caused.  If God has saved you and your accuser as well, then the same Spirit resides in you both and is grieved when we fail to show humility, grace and love toward one another.

Let us walk together

Pastor Bruce

No Other Gospel

I have been pondering the Gospel and the mission of the Church a lot lately. Today is no different.

Galatians 1:6-10 (ESV)

⁶ I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— ⁷ not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. ⁸ But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. ⁹ As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.¹⁰ For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

The true message of the Gospel of Jesus is of the utmost importance.  I have found so many that talk of the gospel but when you hear their "gospel" you find that it is lacking.  A troubling thing.  At what point is a partial gospel message no longer the gospel at all?

As a ponder this I find myself humbled because I am certain that at times I have not given the most complete gospel message.  Yet I find myself continually challenged to improve my understanding and presentation of the Gospel.  Recently I was challenged by a man who said I talked too much about sin and that Jesus never declared anyone a sinner.  Some people would have just disregarded this person, but I will be pondering this in my heart and increasing my study on the subject to ensure that my teaching and presentation are accurate.  

What about you?  How is your Gospel message and understanding?  Does the Gospel you know and share include the following?

• An understanding that God exists
• That God is the creator of all
• That God exists as 3 persons in perfect unity
• That God the Son came to earth as the man Jesus
• That Jesus was fully God and fully human
• That Jesus lived a sinless life
• that Jesus willingly gave himself up to suffer and die for our sin on a cross
• That Jesus sacrifice is the only way to have our sin and its penalty removed from us.
• The penalty for sin is death and eternal separation from God in a place of suffering called Hell or the Lake of Fire
• That Jesus rose from the grave after 3 days
• That Jesus has been given all authority to judge
• That Jesus the judge also has the ability to save
• Salvation is when we recognize our sinfulness and repent of our sin, accepting Jesus and His sacrifice as payment for our sin and making Jesus our lord.
• Jesus will declare salvation for all who truly follow Him
• Those who accept this gift of salvation by the Grace of God through Faith in Jesus are secured by Jesus and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
• We who receive Salvation are to live in obedience to Jesus and His Word (The Bible) 
• Our primary Goal in this life as a follower of Jesus is to Glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.
• As we go through this life we are to grow in our faith as a disciple, living and speaking so that others would also come to know our Savior and Lord, Jesus.

I know that this is not an exhaustive list but consider what happens when significant Biblical Truth is not being understood when a "gospel" is being shared.  I have heard people talk of how you can be a Christian and an Atheist, that following the teaching and life example of Jesus makes you a Christian and has nothing to do with believing God.  This of course is a total lie and is so very far from the Truth.  I have heard people talk of God as love, and of course Love is one of God's key attributes as taught in the Bible.  Yet often a message is given that God is love but no balance of our sin and God's justice, showing that Jesus is the answer.  A God is love, accept Jesus as your friend and go to heaven message is not a full Gospel.  Some have been told a message that included a lot of talk about God and His Holiness, our sinful state and how our behavior must become pleasing to God.  Yet the Bible teaches that our behavior will never please God, only through the saving Grace of Jesus will we ever be in a place where God is pleased with us.  We live an obedient life not to please God more, but because we are to live submitted to Him and to give Him honor, our lives are not our own.

Anyway I could go on and on but I ask you to consider embracing a True and Full Gospel.  If you want to learn more about the Gospel try out this video.
http://youtu.be/-nhgIV16piw

Pastor Bruce

The true gospel of Jesus Christ - by Paul Washer (playlist)

The importance of the Gospel, the True Gospel as found in the Bible.  I urge everyone to view this video clip and consider what brother Paul Washer has to say.  This is a matter of highest importance.  I care about you and want you to know that there is a good God who cares as well.

Pastor Bruce

Should Church have a strategy? or just a Biblical model?

I have been taking in some info again lately on Church leadership etc...  and one thing that has come up is that the Church needs to do more than just pray, the leaders need to do more than just read their Bibles and such talk then ends with an encouragement towards strategic planning.  Yet I am not convinced.  Sure I agree with the logic of failing to plan is planning to fail, but maybe the modern Church movements are to concerned with their model upgrades, strategic planning and visionary goal setting.  Not that it is wrong to move forward but I believe we are not spending enough time in taking the "Church" back to the Biblical model.

The Bible gives us plain teaching about the operating principles for the Church.  Read the New Testament starting with Acts and look for how the Church did things, how leadership was trained up, how leaders were put in place, how the Church grew and was established and how multiplication of Churches occurred.  You can see a pretty clear pattern of principles for the Church to operate by.  Our Mission has not changed, we are to go and make disciples, baptising them and training them.  The process of going through life and taking the testimony of the Gospel of Jesus with us is still to be how we live.  The Church is to expand because we take the message of the Gospel to the lost world around us and as people respond to Jesus we form new local Church communities.  In these new Church communities we train and equip the new believers until they are ready to move forward in an autonomous and yet interdependent way as a part of the greater Mission of the Kingdom.

So here is what I see taught plainly in the Bible as a strategy for the Church.  If you are starting as a Church planter like the early Apostles, then begin by loving the community around you enough to share the Truth of a Biblical Gospel of repentance found in Jesus.  Then take the new believers and begin to train them and baptise them and continue to train them so that they would be true Disciples of Jesus.  Part of this training is to get everyone to serve with their gifts and abilities, to grow as leaders and to know how to go and make more Disciples of Jesus.  This should lead to more Churches being established.  Proper Biblical strategy replicates roles as well as abilities, we should not fear that we are training someone to take our role, we should enjoy that reality.  

If you are starting in an existing Church situation then you have a harder job.  You need to begin by helping your current Church get on board with the Biblical mission we have been given by our Lord Jesus.    Then follow the same principles as above but they should be happening out of the team in your current Church, instead of the lone or small Church planting team.

The Biblical model allows for big Churches and small Churches but whether big or small, they are all to be "replicating" Churches.  No Church should set a strategy based on a singular high calibre leader, rather the high calibre leader needs to do the hard work of replicating their ministry in others who are called to join them in it.  Then as the Church grows it will be ready to replicate.  Too many large Churches today have embraced a model that allows for the glorification of people by seeking to create larger and larger audiences for them to talk to or sing to etc...  These types of paradigms create an attitude that it is better to listen to this particular person and so we will add another thousand seats to grow, or we will add three more satellite locations to grow.  Instead they should be preparing other leaders to grow where new work is needed.  This way the model can be replicated easily also it is a better fit for the way the Bible teaches us to grow Churches.

Believe me it can be a struggle, but more and more I am convinced that it is the road I must stay on.  I must seek at all costs to follow the Biblical model.  You can choose to join me in this, not by moving here and joining FFBC (although you are welcome) but by making a commitment to be Biblical as much as you can be and to be a part of helping your local Church to do the same.

Let us walk together

Pastor Bruce