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Christians & the Old Testament

I hate the word “old.” It makes it automatically seem like the thing that’s old isn’t any good anymore. If something’s old, maybe it’s still around for a reason – it’s worth keeping around!

Look at your Bible and you’ll notice one binding. One book… all Scripture. 1 Timothy 3:16-17 famously declares, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” While this may be familiar, it’s important to remember the “Scripture” being referred to is what we call “the Old Testament.”

As Christians, we need to remember that the Old Testament is just as authoritative Scripture as the New. The problem is, we don’t always know how to interpret the Old in light of the New. Here are some reminders that will serve you well.

ecclesiastes
Finding Jesus in the Old Testament
There is much to say about this particular topic and there’s no way to do more than scratch the surface in such a short summary. If there are  questions about this in the comments then perhaps I can address this further in a future post. The following big-picture review of the Bible should help you discern how each verse of Scripture points to or flows from the gospel.

Continue reading “Christians & the Old Testament” →

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Who Loves Self-Righteousness (hint: we all do)

Self Righteousness… does anyone like it? You know the type… those who walk around like they’re holier than thou, judging everyone else for not being as godly as they are.

And yet, if we’re honest with ourselves, we all love self-righteousness. We believe that we are better than others. If I think ABC is right, and you think ABC is wrong, then I’m probably not changing my mind anytime soon. Why is that? Because our default setting is self-righteousness. We are the kings and queens of our kingdoms, and what we desire is almost always viewed as good and right and beautiful. Those who oppose us are grabbing for power, judgmental, or they’re just plain wrong.

But here’s the thing… you can’t be a Christian and be self-righteous. Christianity looks to the righteousness of another. The gospel calls us to confess our unrighteousness and to trust fully in the righteousness of Christ. The Christian is fully dependent on Christ’s righteousness.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Continue reading “Who Loves Self-Righteousness (hint: we all do)” →

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What is God’s “Steadfast Love?”

What if God was fickle? Imagine if God’s love had limits, and came to an end. Would there be good news to proclaim; or would we be given the law, and only those who kept it perfectly (no one!) would be free from judgment.

We would be under judgment, not grace.

חֶסֶד (hesed) is translated as “steadfast love” in most English translations of the Old Testament and is one of the most beautiful words in the entire Bible. It is his steadfast love which motivated the Son to become a man: the atoning sacrifice for the sin of his rebellious image-bearers, so they could be reconciled and free from guilt and shame. But how often do we read about his steadfast love without pausing to truly reflect on what it means?

A photo by Justin Luebke. unsplash.com/photos/9njCyLeVrwY Continue reading “What is God’s “Steadfast Love?”” →

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Christian Views on Creation: A Short Summary

Time for another reader question. You can submit your question HERE:

Hi Mike! I have always struggled with the topic of creationism, as I know there are many different types. I don’t know were to start with researching them, but I feel like I should know a lot more about it than I do (especially where I’m taking lots of science classes at college). Any suggestions on what to do? I’m a little lost.

earth

Thanks for your question, it’s an important (and common) one. As we consider the glory of creation and the complexity of understanding HOW God created, I want us to keep a few things in mind:

  1. Science is Good: Unfortunately, the stereotype of religious folk is that we are unscientific. Most of Western history’s greatest scientists were faithful Christians who practiced science as a way to explore God’s good creation. Many of these people were actually funded and sponsored by the Church. Today, however, people have replaced faith in God with naturalism, which says, “If I can’t physically and scientifically prove it, then it isn’t real.” Science is good, Naturalism is not. The scientific method is the creed of the naturalist, just as the Bible is the authority for the Christian.
  2. Multiple Interpretations: Scientific data is often debated. There isn’t always one clear and obvious conclusion. Multiple scientists often draw different interpretations and conclusions from the same information. The popular voice isn’t always correct. Without room to debate interpretations, the best-funded voice will always prevail. This cuts both ways, and we need to be willing to learn from those with whom we disagree.
  3. Science is Limited: Obviously, a Naturalist will disagree with this statement, but it’s important to put up front. If you believe there’s more to reality than what we can empirically test, then you will draw different conclusions from the scientist who believes “it’s only true if you can scientifically prove it.” We will never understand everything. We aren’t supposed to. However, that’s not an excuse to disregard science. Science teaches us amazing things about our world, so take it seriously, but remember it cannot answer all questions.
  4. Adaption & Evolution: No one denies adaptation. Even the most literal 24-hour day creationist confidently agrees with significant amounts of adaptation within species (see HERE for an example). Adaptation and evolution within species makes good scientific sense to everyone. The debate revolves around whether or not one species can evolve into a new species, especially regarding the origin of humanity.

Continue reading “Christian Views on Creation: A Short Summary” →

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What is “Sin that Leads to Death” in 1 John 5:16-17?

question mark on sticky noteOne of my favorite features on this site
is the reader questions, because I want this site to serve you. If there is something you’ve been wondering, please submit your questions HERE. You can search some of the other reader questions.

I would like to hear your insightful comment on 1 John 5:16 – 17 regarding sin that does not bring death and sin that does bring death. I welcome your perspective and clarification.

“If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.” (1 John 5:16-17, ESV)

Context is King
As always, the best way to interpret Scripture is through understanding the context where the confusing passage occurs.

General Context: Faithfulness in the life of the Believer
Throughout the entire book of 1 John there is a strong emphasis on sin, confession, and faithfulness of believers. Over and over again Christians are described as those who do not sin. It’s important to realize in original languages, these verses use a grammatical structure which clearly implies a continual, ongoing habit of sinning. Some of these passages emphasizing the faithful Christian life are listed below.

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. (1:5)

Everyone who make a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness…. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. (3:4 & 6)

If anyone says, ‘I love god,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. (4:20)

We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. (5:18)

Upon reading through 1 John it should be clear that it was written to a church who enduring conflict and division. The members are wandering away and arguing with each other. The fellowship is broken. John is encouraging the believers to walk in the truth by loving one another as an expression of their love for God. True Christians endure – they don’t walk in habitual sinfulness, and they don’t abandon the family of God. This is a clear and consistent call throughout the book of 1 John, and this sets the context for 1 John 5:16-17.

A photo by Cristian Newman. unsplash.com/photos/zFnk_bTLApo

Continue reading “What is “Sin that Leads to Death” in 1 John 5:16-17?” →

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Book Review: Designed to Lead

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For the last few years I’ve had this nagging feeling that the church has been doing too much. Then I came across the book Simple Church by Thom Rainer & Eric Geiger. To say I enjoyed that book is a massive understatement. Then I heard about Designed to Lead by Eric Geiger & Kevin Peck and it looked like the perfect followup. I didn’t just read Designed to Lead. I devoured it. Wherever you look, you’ll find the need for more leaders and for better leaders. For that reason Geiger & Peck’s books should be put in the hands of every Christian leader, that the Church would produce godly leaders for all spheres in our world.

Continue reading “Book Review: Designed to Lead” →

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Is Jesus in my Heart?

I used to go to a Christian camp every summer when I was a kid. Almost every year I would be encouraged to “let Jesus into my heart.” I was already a Christian, so this invitation confused me. I know others who always felt pressured and guilty that maybe they sent the invitation to the wrong place or forgot the stamp? Maybe Jesus only visited their heart last year, and this year they hope he chooses to stay. It’s a confusing invitation: letting Jesus into your heart.

What’s that even mean, really? Is it a one-time invitation, and then we’re set for life? Or is it a habitual invitation that we need to keep on issueing so he doesn’t leave?

key with heart
What Does the Bible Mean by “The Heart”
Loving Jesus with your heart isn’t about having warm fuzzies about Jesus. In the Ancient Near East (Egypt, Israel, and the general Mesopotamia region), the heart was treated as the center of a person’s identity. If you want to understand what it means to have God in your heart, you need to know what the Bible means when it talks about your heart.

The heart was the center of people’s mind and thoughts.

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

“The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5)

“Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.” (Proverbs 14:33)

The heart drove their desires, decision-making and how they lived their lives (the will). 

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28)

“Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me.” (Exodus 25:2)

It also directed people’s feelings and emotions.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)

“Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” (Acts 14:17)

“You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.” (Song of Songs 4:9)

To summarize: the heart is way more than butterflies in your stomach. To love Jesus with your heart is to love him with your whole being – with your mind, your desires, your feelings, and with your decisions. Feelings and emotions are not bad, but there’s a problem when they are in the driver’s seat of faith.

Whom Are You Inviting: Jesus or the Holy Spirit?
“Letting Jesus into your heart” would be a really strange idea to the apostles. Jesus Christ is God the Son, the second Person of the Trinity in human flesh. He is fully God, but since he’s also fully human, he could only be in one place at one time… that’s what Scripture means when it says he “humbled” himself and “emptied” himself in Philippians 2:6-8. How could Jesus enter someone’s heart!?

When a person places their faith in Jesus and prays for God to rescue him from sin and guide him into godliness it is not Jesus who “moves in” to the heart. God the Father sends the Holy Spirit to moves in when the heart places its faith in Jesus.

“And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” (Ezekiel 36:27)

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever”(John 14:15–16)

“By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” (2 Timothy 1:14)

“In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:22)

How We Should Use This Phrase (if you choose to use it at all)
When talking with nonChristians, inviting them to “let Jesus into their heart” is really confusing. It even sounds a bit creepy if you think about it. If you do use this phrase, please remember how the Bible talks about “the heart,” and resist the temptation to make this a sentimental and mushy invitation to become a Christian.

Christianity shouldn’t be built on an emotional high where we cry, pray a “sinner’s prayer,” invite Jesus into our heart, and then we move on like nothing happened. Unfortunately, that’s what often happens when people use this phrase as an explanation of what it means to be a Christian.

Instead, consider the biblical teaching about the heart, described above. Invite nonbelievers to know and experience the love and grace of God through Jesus Christ our Savior. Receiving that grace drives us to love the Lord with all our heart, because living for the glory of God changes us. Encourage new believers (and those who are considering faith, but not yet believers) to remember the call to faith is more than a call to respond to emotional moments.

When we love Jesus we will do what he says, and he will give us the Holy Spirit to strengthen us so we’re able to carry out his teachings (John 14:15-16, quoted above). We are not left on our own to figure out our faith. When we place our faith in Christ we discover that not only does God move in, he gives us a new heart!

It is not Jesus who indwells the believer, but the Holy Spirit. May we all be strengthened to remember the authority and glory of the Holy Spirit, who is active at work in the life of the Christian. May we all resist the emotionalism that sometimes comes with this phrase, and instead, embrace the incredible reality that God is actively working out his plan of salvation from the inside-out in the lives of his people.

(note: this article first appeared on my former blog in January, 2016. This version has been slightly edited to better fit here at Living Theologically.)

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Who are the “Sons of God” in Genesis 6:1-4?

This is the first post in what I hope to become a semi-regular feature here at Living Theologically… reader questions. If there’s something you’ve been wondering or confused about, please go HERE to submit your question.

Here’s today’s question:
Who are the “sons of God” & the Nephilim in Genesis 6:1-4?

When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. 3 Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown

This is a strange passage of Scripture which has confused Jewish and Christian believers for centuries. By no means do I profess to have it all “figured out,” but after studying this passage in seminary and over the last few weeks, I’ve been reminded that we only lose when we avoid difficult portions of the Bible.

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Rooted: “Does God Repent?”

The following is a brief excerpt from an article I’ve published for The Rooted Ministry. Please follow the link below to read the whole post.

Rethinking God’s nature is a dangerous, but exciting thing. What if we’ve misunderstood what it means for God to be sovereign and omniscient? This is a provocative question, and one that is increasingly being asked among theology professors today.

As youth workers, we can easily be intimidated to avoid difficult and confusing biblical passages. After all, most teenagers I know would prefer talking about how a Christian worldview effects their social media habits, rather than discussing controversial biblical passages. But we need to demonstrate the beauty and value of studying the Bible (all of it, not just the comfortable parts) seriously.

Many of us are intimidated to teach on passages where God “repents” or “regrets” or “seems to change His mind,” because we don’t know what it means or what the implications ought to be.

Read the whole article

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