Category Archives: Series

Bottoms Up: The Lost Art of Moderation

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This is my second post in this series which aims to provide a biblical perspective on alcohol; the first is available here. I am currently planning two more posts in this series, one addressing contextualization and another explaining why I am convinced that this issue is extremely important.

Starting with Scripture

As I was reading several weeks ago I came across the following passage in Scripture which surprised me for several reasons.

22You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year. 23And before the LORD your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always. 24And if the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, when the LORD your God blesses you, because the place is too far from you, which the LORD your God chooses, to set his name there, 25then you shall turn it into money and bind up the money in your hand and go to the place that the LORD your God chooses 26and spend the money for whatever you desire—oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And you shall eat there before the LORD your God and rejoice, you and your household. 27And you shall not neglect the Levite who is within your towns, for he has no portion or inheritance with you.

28At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. 29And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.

—Deuteronomy 14:22-29

A Surprising Recommendation

This text’s positive mention of wine is not surprising as there are countless texts where it is spoken of in a positive light, although the definition of “wine” has been debated ad nauseam. This text is surprising in that it, without and qualifications, commends “strong drink.” While the various sides of this debate can continue to argue about the alcohol content of wine the meaning of “strong drink” is impeccably clear. This would have been an alcoholic beverage made from wheat or barley in all likelihood it was similar to beer or other grain alcohol. Even more surprising than the commendation of strong drink is the way in which it is commended and to grasp this it is necessary to look at the passage as a whole.

Explanation

The passage begins by commanding a tithe of grain, wine, oil, and livestock (cf. Leviticus 27:30–32) that is to be taken to “the place that he will choose” i.e. the location of the tabernacle and eventually the temple (cf. Deuteronomy 12). Due to the vastness of the Promised Land and the difficulty of making this pilgrimage with one’s entire family in addition to a tenth of all one’s grain, wine, oil, and livestock it was allowed that one could convert the tithe into money and travel to the sanctuary.

Before continuing it is best to return to verse 23 and examine the intent of the tithe. This tithe is carried out so that “that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.” This act is not a means of acquiring personal righteousness rather the act of tithing is a means of instructing the covenant community of their standing before God and the reverence that is always due Him. Whether in times of abundance or drought the tithe stood as a reminder to Israel that their God was sovereign and all they possessed was the result of His grace.

Upon arrival at the sanctuary the money would then be used to purchase various goods. This practice was the history behind the moneychangers during Jesus’ day (cf. Matthew 21:12-13) the difference being that those during the time of Christ were taking advantage of those who had made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem rather than dealing with them fairly. Interestingly enough after their arrival at the temple they were not required to purchase the same goods which they had originally exchanged for money but they were allowed to purchase whatever they desired and their appetites craved. The inclusion here of the brief list “or sheep or wine or strong drink” is by no means exhaustive rather it includes a brief sampling of what they might desire to purchase; nevertheless two of the included options are alcoholic beverages.

They are to enjoy what they have purchased by feasting and rejoicing before, or in the presence of, the LORD. Those who would argue that the inclusion of “wine and strong drink” suggests that the goods were used as burnt offerings and drink offerings do a great disservice to the clear language of this text as well as its eschatological dimensions. The language of the text suggests God’s participation in a feast symbolizing covenant renewal; however, the feast also points forward to the wedding supper of the Lamb. This is not the language of burnt offerings but a meal of rejoicing at the covenant faithfulness and redeeming grace of Israel’s God. The Levites, who were charged with the care of the tabernacle (Numbers 1:50-53), did not have an inheritance of their own and depended upon the rest of the covenant community for provision (cf. Numbers 18:24) were to be included in the feast.

God’s care for Israel is demonstrated in this and even more in that every third year the tithe is to be converted into a local feast whereby the Levites, sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow may be provided for.

Implications for the Church

There are countless implications that can be drawn from this text concerning one’s attitude in giving and the purpose behind this act. This text also has implications for our understanding of the Lord’s Supper as an eschatological and celebratory act. I would love to hear your thoughts on these topics in the comments section.

The purpose of this post is to focus on the implications that must be drawn for our understanding of the use of alcohol within the covenant community of the church. What we find here, and in many other texts that will be discussed over the course of this series, is that the perception that Scripture places an absolute prohibition on the consumption of alcoholic beverages is wholly false. Not only is that perception false but this text arguably places the consumption of alcoholic beverages at the center of Israel’s celebration of the provision and grace of Yahweh.

Am I going to attempt to argue from this that alcohol should be a centerpiece in the worship of the church? No, I am not. Neither should we come to the polar opposite conclusion that alcohol is always condemned by Scripture. The key to this issue, and many others, is moderation. There are times when it is condemned and times when it is commended and the church must be resolved to rest between these two points of tension. This is a difficult task. Both Scripture and church history reveal numerous occasions where the people of God are unable to hold various points of tension and end up in error. We must avoid this error. It is my prayer that, by the grace of God, we will stand between the deadly polls of legalism and liberalism as we live and proclaim the gospel.

As we approach this issue let us do so with both a wisdom that avoids the deadly dangers of legalism and liberalism. If you choose to discuss please do so with charity.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

—I Corinthians 10:31

A Family Theology: What are Children for Anyway?

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I hope to develop this into a series as time goes on but since baby Walters should be born within the next two weeks I think it best to begin with some thoughts on the Scripture and children.

Psalm 127

1Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
5Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Introduction

This psalm is part of a larger section known as the Songs of Ascents, or Ascent Psalms (Psalm 120-134), which would be sung as individuals journeyed to Jerusalem for Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The overarching theme of this particular song is God’s sovereignty and its relation to the family which is important as it would likely be memorized and sung by the family during their pilgrimage.

Explanation

v1. The first verse points us to the futility of human effort severed from God’s provision. As parents laboring to raise Christ-like children we must recognize that our efforts are vanity apart from divine enablement and blessing. Solomon likens this to a watchman who stays awake to guard a city from its enemies. This would have been a vivid reminder to the Jews who would sing this during their pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This would remind them of how the Lord’s hand was against them during the time of the judges as He caused foreign armies to invade and destroy Israel (Deuteronomy 28). All of their military efforts were vanity until the Lord provided a deliverer (Judges 2:11-23). In the same way parents must realize that it is the work of God, not their efforts, that saves and sanctifies their children (cf. Ezekiel 11:19-20).

v2. The second verse continues to illustrate the point of the first. The man who lives off of his own strength and diligence does so vainly and even robbing him of the joy of the fruits of his labor as the bread which he strives to provide become burdensome and fraught with anxiety. In contrast the one whose ultimate confidence is in the Lord rests with ease.

v3. Despite the ease of all our modern conveniences and technologies the prevailing view of children is that they are burdensome and we would be kidding ourselves if, in some romanticized vision of history, we think the ancients had it any easier. Scripture directly confronts this mindset with the reminder that children are a gracious gift of God. We do not deserve them and yet God, in His grace, blesses us with them.

v4. Solomon makes what seems to be an abrupt shift in analogy as he moves to describe children as implements of war; however, this is not the case. Children grow and are shaped and molded by their parents in a similar way that the finest craftsmen and blacksmiths would construct an arrow. From finding the straightest shafts, to tight and consistent feathers, to constructing razor sharp tips out of steel and stone this entire process could be likened to the training and raising of children; however, this is not the focus of this passage. He is actually comparing children born, while their parents are still young, to weaponry in the hand of a skilled warrior. The meaning of this becomes clearer as the text continues.

v5. The man with a quiver full of arrows, referring to his numerous offspring, will not be put to shame when called to the gate to meet with his enemies. The gate is where the elders and wise men of the city would sit and conduct business, it is where judgments were made, and it was often the place where armies would meet. The aging father can speak justly and boldly with his enemies as the children of his youth, whom he has carefully raised, are now grown and his sons are now mighty men who present a dangerous force, much like many arrows in the hands of a warrior, to those who would deal unjustly with their father.

Application

What are we supposed to take away from this text? Clearly we do not live during a time of tribal warfare where it is important for our children to be skilled warriors should a rival clan attack. There are certainly points of application to be made concerning the care for the elderly and the aging. However, I would like to offer three overarching thoughts on the purpose of children.

First, God is sovereign and not man. This has countless implications for the following points but it must be examined on its own first. Against the counter temptations of living through our children to realize our unattained dreams by ruling over them and allowing our children to be the final authority thus allowing them to rule over us Scripture boldly asserts that God is the final authority. As parents we must seek to parent in such a way that God’s will be done. Our aim in childrearing is the glory of God and children who seek to glorify God above all else. This is countercultural. With this we also recognize that while we are held accountable for parenting biblically it is God who controls the outcome. When our children do good it is fundamentally a work of God purchased on the cross. When our children repent and follow Christ it is solely the result of God’s sovereign grace and not our good parenting. We approach the task of parenting humbly because we will be required to give an account and yet our only boast is in Christ.

Second, children are an undeserved gift from God. There are certainly biological processes and countless decisions which lead to children nevertheless we must recognize the behind it all is the grace of God. Furthermore, our lives as families and as a church must demonstrate this reality. Our age is no different from ages past people have always viewed children as a burdensome and have sacrificed them to placate various gods or left them to die in the desert. Human history is plagued with accounts of infanticide and the glory of modernity is that such burdens, as many would view children, can be removed in ways which seem far more human and civilized than the brutality of ages past. I am thankful for Stanley Hauerwas’ reminder “that abortion is not a question about the law, but about what kind of people we are to be as the church and as Christians.” Our lives demonstrate this reality not when we protest those who do not value their unborn children and/or the children of others nor do we demonstrate this reality by merely voting for pro-life candidates. Our lives demonstrate this reality when we cherish our children for the grace-gift that they are, especially when they are burdensome. Even more we demonstrate this well when we as families and as a church gladly receive the children which the rest of society does not want. What clearer presentation of the gospel could we make than that of adoption? There are few metaphors which so clearly express our new reality in Christ than that of adoption and the church has an unprecedented opportunity to live this out.

Third, children are given for the expansion of the kingdom. Children are implements of war not “against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” The hopes and dreams of our children must not be shaped surrounding culture but by the word of God and as parents we must cultivate children who think first and foremost about His kingdom. I think this requires us to put to death the idea that safety matters above all else. We must kill all of our dreams that place the safety of our children and our families above the glory of God. I have not heard it openly articulated, maybe you have, but there seems to be this unwritten rule within in the church that once you have children God’s will for your life is finding Mayberry because our kids need to be safe. I think this passage paints a far different reality, a reality where children are spent for the kingdom because that is what you do with arrows you release them. In the meantime we should be spending ourselves for the kingdom by living the gospel.

Reader Response

How else would you see this text being applied within the church and within our families?

2008 A Year in Books

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I have been a little slow getting around to this but nevertheless the tradition continues. Previous years lists are also available:

Books are listed in alphabetical order, by author’s last name, with brief commentary/synopsis. I hope you are encouraged to read some of the books on this list and I would love to hear what you are reading.

Top Ten

  • Dematest, Bruce. The Cross and Salvation: The Doctrine of Salvation (Foundations of Evangelical Theology) ISBN: 1581348126
    This volume was wonderfully organized, historically thorough, and theologically solid. A pleasure to read and I commend it to you.
  • Berry, Wendell. Life is a Miracle: An Essay Against Modern Superstition ISBN: 1582431418
    This was a great introduction to the writings of Wendell Berry, a Kentucky native, whose writing style and practical insights I have come to love. I think this is less about this specific book and more about introducing me to an author I deeply enjoy.
  • Cole, Neil. Organic Church: Growing Faith Where Life Happens ISBN: 078798129X
    This was a great and immensely challenging book. I need to read this one again. His emphasis is profoundly practical and should be an encouragement and challenge to pastors and church planters alike. I am still wrestling with some of his points and need to give them more thought, but I think that is the a mark of a great work.
  • Merrill, Eugene H. Kingdom of Priests: A History of Old testament Israel ISBN: 9780801031991
    While there are certain dates and the like that I disagree with in this volume I greatly enjoyed it as I previously had little knowledge of Israel’s history besides the disconnected fragments that I had gathered in Sunday school as a child. This volume is fairly accessible as well and I would recommend it to any church member who wished to know more of Israel’s history as a people and nation.
  • Moerman, Murray. Discipling Our Nation: Equipping the Canadian Church for Its Mission ISBN: 0969456441
    As we hope to church plant in Canada this was an encouraging collection of essays by Canadian evangelicals who desire to plant churches and further god’s kingdom in their country. I would definitely commend it to anyone interested in Canadian ministry but even more I would recommend it to American’s as we consider how to minister in our increasingly secular context. In a way what I appreciate the most about this book is its emphasis upon proclaiming the gospel and thinking missiologically about the Canadian context.
  • Neuwirth, Robert. Shadow Cities: A Billion Squatters, A New Urban World ISBN: 0415953618
    You have to read this book. Every year some 70 million individuals leave their rural homes and move to the city. This influx has created shadow cities, squatter cities, and in 20 years an estimated 2 billion people will live in these shadow cities. This book tells their stories and the story of their cities. He begins by telling the stories of individuals in four cities and then looks at various issues concerning the future of these cities and squatters. This is not a theological book, it is not a missiological book, it is not even a “Christian book” but I have not read anything in quite some time that was so challenging and caused me to wrestle with more theological and missiological issues that this text. How can the glories of Christ be demonstrated in these cities and who will go to tell of them?
  • Powlison, David. Competent to Counsel? The History of a Conservative Protestant Biblical Counseling Movement ISBN: N/A
    This was a very exciting read it was profoundly practical and informing as well. Powlison gives a detailed description of both the history and theological convictions which have undergirded the biblical counseling movement. This should be mandatory reading for anyone interested in pastoral ministry.
  • Saucy, Robert L. The Case for Progressive Dispensationalism: The Interface Between Dispensational and Non-Dispensational Theology ISBN: 0310304415
    I read this book on vacation and it was a pleasure. I actually had to superglue this book together twice and leave it in a vice so that I continue reading, not because it was cheaply manufactured but because it was so interesting and deserved a thorough working over. If you are interested in eschatology this is the book for you.
  • Sire, James W. The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog ISBN: 9780830827800
    This is one of the simplest and least cumbersome introduction to worldview that I have encountered. His frequent references to film and literature as to illustrate particular worldviews make this work particularly enjoyable and easily accessible.
  • Winter, Ralph D. and Steven C. Hawthorne. Perspectives On the World Christian Movement: A Reader ISBN: 0878082891
    This massive tome is a collection of missiological and theological essays on varying topics. The only critique I have is that I wish the collection was arranged historically, rather than theologically, to demonstrate the development of missiological thought. There are a lot of invaluable reads contained in this volume and there are numerous essays demonstrating certain modes of thought that have crippled missions in decades past and I am thankful that we have overcome, or are overcoming.

Honorable Mentions

  • Bell, Rob. Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith ISBN: 9780310273080
    I am planning to do an in-depth critique of this book in the near future because of its popularity and problematic teachings. While I clearly take issue with Bell’s doctrinal error the most disappointing aspect of this work is his research, or lack thereof, which is primarily seen in his failure to cite the cultural and historic resources which have led him to his various conclusions. Needless to say this book is for discerning readers only.
  • Blaising, Craig A., Kenneth L. Gentry Jr., and Robert B. Strimple. Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond (Counterpoints) ISBN: 0310201438
    I do not typically read counterpoint books; however, this was an informative read. I would also recommend The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views ISBN: 9780877847946 as the essays by Hoekema and Ladd are also very good.
  • Blakke, Ray and Jim Hart. The Urban Christian: Effective Ministry in Today’s Urban World ISBN: 0877845239
    This is a great little book. It is more autobiographical in nature and that is why I enjoyed it so much. Blakke underwent much hardship and suffering to minister in his urban environment and we would do well to spend more time contemplating and emulating his life than we do formulating urban strategy.
  • Blomberg, Craig L. From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts Through Revelation ISBN: 9780805432480
    This volume is more of a one volume commentary than a New Testament introduction. He spends too much time explaining the text and too little time on matters like author, date, and setting. The content is theologically solid I would have just appreciated more in the way of actual introduction.
  • Coleman, Robert E. The Master Plan of Evangelism ISBN: 0800731220
    Coleman has given us a fantastic work detailing evangelism and discipleship. This is a must read for every pastor, missionary, and church member.
  • Conn, Harvie M. Planting and Growing Urban Churches: From Dream to Reality ISBN: 080102109X
    This is a helpful and well organized collection of essays on urban church planting. I especially appreciate Conn’s introductory sections and his emphasis upon the imago Dei.
  • Dever, Mark. A Display of God’s Glory: Basics of Church Structure Deacons, Elders, Congregationalism, and Membership ISBN: 0970125224
    This is required reading for our church’s membership class and it should be for yours as well.
  • Galloway, Bryan K. The World as They See: A Workbook on “Writing Ethnographic Records” ISBN: N/A
    This is a brief workbook on writing ethnographic records. Its brecity and clarity make it a great introduction to the subject.
  • Gmelch, George and Walter P. Zenner. Urban Life: Readings in the Anthropology of the City ISBN: 157766194X
    This is an interesting collection of anthropological essays.
  • Hall, Ron and Denver Moore. Same Kind of Different as Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together ISBN: 9780489919107
    I think the timing of this book made its message so powerful. Hall and Moore’s story is a powerful picture of racial reconciliation. However, as a spiritual book it is interesting at times and lacks clarity concerning the gospel; although I doubt elucidating the gospel was their purpose in writing.
  • Hammett, John S. Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology ISBN: 9780825427695
    There are far better works on ecclesiology available and I would not recommend this work. It was not terrible but it lacked organization and theological depth.
  • Hill, E. Andrew and John H. Walton. A Survey of the Old Testament ISBN: 0310229030
    This survey features helpful overviews and outlines. They maintained a balanced and evangelical stance throughout although they do deny Mosaic authorship of certain sections of the Pentateuch, among other significant weaknesses.
  • Hoekema, Anthony A. The Bible and the Future ISBN: 0802835163
    While I disagree with amillennialism this book was a pleasurable and very informative read. This is a fantastic work that I will continue to return to throughout my studies.
  • Hoffmeier, James K. Ancient Israel in Sinai: The Evidence for the Authenticity of the Wilderness Tradition ISBN: 9780195155464
    While I disagree with some of the dates and his description of the Red Sea crossing this book is a fantastic source of information on Israel’s presence in the wilderness. His section on archaeological method and the importance of suzerainty/vassal treaties and dating particular texts are intriguing.
  • Lawless, Chuck. Discipled Warriors: Growing Healthy Churches that are Equipped for Spiritual Warfare ISBN: 082543159X
    I would recommend reading Robert E. Coleman’s The Master Plan of Evangelism instead of this book as it gives a far more natural and organic picture of discipleship.
  • Lawless, Chuck. Membership Matters: Insights from Effective Churches on New Member Classes and Assimilation ISBN: 9780310262862
    Lawless allowed statistics to dictate the message of this book rather than the text of Scripture and as such it was doctrinally weak and disappointing. There are several practical forms/worksheets in the appendices but there are far better books available on membership.
  • Lawson, Steven J. Famine in the Land: A Passionate Call for Expository Preaching ISBN: 0802411215
    This is an encouraging and quick read from an author whom I love and appreciate.
  • Logan, Robert E. and Neil Cole. Beyond Church Planting ISBN: 1889638498
    This is a fantastic, although absurdly expensive, church planting resource. The material is fantastic, I even formed a discussion group with several of my friends to read this volume and talk about its contents, however; I cannot understand why a three-ring binder and some CDs costs $100.
  • MacArthur, John. A Take of Two Sons: The Inside Story of a Father, His Sons, and a Shocking Murder ISBN: 9780785262688
    I have heard MacArthur preach the sermons that this book is based off of several times so this was a pleasure to finally read. I appreciate his ability to take this parable and demonstrate its Christological importance in a way which it engaging and profoundly convicting.
  • Malphurs, Aubrey. Advanced Strategic Planning: A New Model for Church and Ministry Leaders ISBN: 0801091810
    This book tended to treat church planting like a business venture and I did not enjoy it.
  • Mohler, R. Albert, Jr. Culture Shift: Engaging Current Issues with Timeless Truth ISBN: 9781590529744
    This is a collection of posts from Mohler’s blog on key issues facing America. This is a quick read and I always appreciate what Mohler has to say, even when I disagree with him.
  • Mouw, Richard J. When the Kings Come Marching In: Isaiah and the New Jerusalem ISBN: 0802839967
    This volume presents the reader with a thought-provoking understanding of what is means to seek the city that is too come. I appreciate that Mouw avoids the over-politicized stance taken in so many books like this one.
  • Myers, Bryant L. Exploring World Mission: Context and Challenges ISBN: 1887983511
    This little book is loaded with charts and maps that help the reader to visualize the current state of world missions.
  • Nash, Ronald H. Faith and Reason: Searching for a Rational Faith ISBN: 0310294010
    Nash introduces the reader to various issues from worldview, to epistemology and the existence of God. I would recommend reading Life’s Ultimate Questions first as this book is a more difficult read. I also find Francis Schaeffer’s writings on similar topics to be far easier to grasp.
  • Nash, Ronald H. Life’s Ultimate Questions: An Introduction to Philosophy ISBN: 0310223644
    This introduction to the world of philosophy is a lucid and informative read.
  • Neighbour, Ralph W., Jr. Where do We Go from Here?: A Guidebook for the Cell Group Church ISBN: 1880828170
    Part one and two of this work are fantastic as he provides insightful critique to the program based church and positive examples of an organic cell-based structure. However, the third section is a total disappointment as his church structure becomes unnecessarily complex and reproducible only in its simplest form.
  • Payne, J. D. Missional House Churches: Reaching Our Communities with the Gospel ISBN: 9781934068250
    J. D. is a good friend and this book is a fantastic examination of house churches in the United States. What I appreciate most about this book is that it begins with a lucid explanation of ecclesiology and this emphasis is seen throughout this work as he focuses on both theology and methodology. This is a must read for anyone interested in church planting or house churches.
  • Powlison, David. Seeing With New Eyes: Counseling and the Human Condition Through the Lens of Scripture ISBN: 087552608X
    This is a collection of essays written for the Journal of Biblical Counseling between 1985 and 2003. The third chapter is worth the price of the book; the whole book is great but that chapter is mind-blowing.
  • Redford, Jack. Planting New Churches: Nine Well-tested Steps for Starting New Churches ISBN: 0805463143
    This was a great fun read. It is very encouraging to see how far church planting has come since this book was written in 1978.
  • Rendtorff, Rolf. The Old Testament: An Introduction ISBN: 0800625447
    Rendtorff views Scripture as a piece of uninspired literature written by a nomadic people. Beyond his denial of Scripture’s inspiration there are other weaknesses with this volume. While he understands that they are writing for primarily theological purposes he pays little attention to Israel’s creation narrative in comparison with other ancient near eastern creation narratives. While emphasizing the theological nature of the text he fails to note how the validity of the theological message hinges on the historicity of the account.
  • Roberts, Vaughan. God’s Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible ISBN: 0830853642
    This is a fantastic introduction to biblical theology. This volume is well organized and concise. I would love to see a simplified version for children. I would recommend this as a precursor to Graeme Goldsworthy’s According to Plan.
  • Ross, Hugh. The Creator and the Cosmos: How the Latest Scientific Discoveries Reveal God ISBN: 1576832880
    As a presuppositionalist I think Ross places too much of an emphasis upon man’s need for information. Romans 1 paints a far different picture of the human condition. I would argue that he often reads a 21st century understanding of astrophysics into the text rather that exegeting what is really there. Nevertheless this book may prove helpful to someone seeking evidence for the existence of God. Because Ross argues elsewhere that the curse is retroactive before the fall of man, among other things, I would caution against using his works as a source of theology.
  • Schreiner, Thomas R. and Shawn D. Wright. Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ (NAC Studies in Bible & Theology) ISBN: 9780805432497
    I only read the chapter by Stephen J Wellum and it did a great job explaining the relationship between baptism and the biblical covenants. The other chapters are all written by leading Baptist scholars so they should be helpful as well.
  • Scoggins, Dick. Planting House Churches in Networks: A Manual from the Perspective of a Church Planting Team ISBN: N/A
    This book is available for free download at Dick Scoggins Online. This is one of the best resources available on planting elder-led house churches. Take the time to download this fantastic, and massive, resource as well as the many other resources available at their website.
  • Searcy, Nelson and Kerrick Thomas. Launch: Starting a New Church from Scratch ISBN: 9780830743100
    If you want to start a business then this is your book; if you want to plant a church then I suggest you begin elsewhere.
  • Smith, Marsha A. Ellis. Holman Book of Biblical Charts, Maps, and Reconstructions ISBN: 9781558193598
    This is a book of maps and charts; it is the only one I own so I have nothing to compare it to. It could be snazzier but it gets the job done.
  • Stetzer, Ed and Mike Dodson. Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around and Yours Can Too ISBN: 9780805445367
    This is similar in nature to Membership Matters by Chuck Lawless but what I appreciate about this volume is that Stetzer and Dodson begin by setting forth a theological understanding of the church and its responsibilities and then explaining their research. This helps to avoid the pragmatism present in so many books researching church success. This would be a helpful volume if your church is struggling but I would suggest you begin with a sobering theological examination prior to turning to a volume like this.
  • Tiffe, Armand P. Transformed Into His Likeness: A Handbook for Putting Off Sin and Putting On Righteousness ISBN: 1885904525
    This is a very practical booklet which gives a lengthy list of behaviors which should be put off followed by Scripture references to aid in the process of change. This is a simple yet helpful aid for anyone seeking to counsel biblically.
  • Thumma, Scott and Dave Travis. Beyond Megachurch Myths: What Can We Learn from America’s Largest Churches ISBN: 9780787994679
    Thumma and Travis tried too hard to vindicate all megachurches while offering biblical critique of none. If they had offered real critique by providing both positive and negative examples of megachurch ministry then this work would have been great. However, they offer little to no critique and approach megachurches as a broad phenomenon rather than individual ministries so this work has little value.
  • Tripp, Paul David. Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change ISBN: 0875526071
    This is a practical and helpful book on the method of biblical counseling.
  • Ware, Bruce A. God’s Greater Glory: The Exalted God of Scripture and the Christian Faith ISBN: 1581344430
    In the follow up to God’s Lesser Glory Ware provides the reader with an apophatic theology of the sovereignty of God. He does this by contrasting a reformed evangelical understanding of sovereignty with that of open and process theism. His section of the freedom of the will is fantastic.
  • Wright, Steve and Chris Graves. Rethink: Decide for Yourself is Student Ministry Working? ISBN: 9781931548694
    While I agree more with individuals like Voddie Baucham on issues of youth ministry this volume offers helpful critique of the “youth group” model of youth ministry. Not a bad book but not amazing either.

Acts 8:26-40: Philip and the Sexual Deviant Part 2 — Responding to Alternate Interpretations

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This is the second post in a series (Part 1) explaining Acts 8:26-40. This post in particular is aimed at addressing Brian McLaren’s post “Synchro-blogging on Sexuality.” He begins by explaining:

I knew from my many years as a pastor that sexual orientation was not a choice . . . So, I was uncomfortable with the conventional approach, but I was unsure how to construct an alternative that was equally faithful to Scripture and faithful to the reality I saw in human beings who came to me as their pastor, friend, and family member. Over many years, that alternative has become more and more clear, and surprisingly (to some), it was a passage of Scripture that opened the way for me to see it.

He goes on to tell that “Acts 8 was waiting with a story that is more powerful than many have realized.”

What follows is his explanation of Acts 8:26-40 and its implications for our understanding of human sexuality. Prior to addressing his explanation his motivation must be examined. He begins by explaining that he knew, by means of experiential knowledge, that sexual orientation was not a choice. Furthermore he sought out Scripture which would conform to his experience of reality. Yes, Scripture should accurately describe reality; however, we must also recognize what Scripture has to say about reality as we experience it. It is expressly clear from Scripture that the reality which we experience is a world at war. It is a world where man is at enmity with God, where man is at enmity with his fellow man, where man is even at enmity with himself, and where man is at enmity with creation. Within such a world these questions cannot be answered by experience rather they must be revealed by one who is not plagued by the curse which has beset our world. Answers based upon experience are like developing a theory of human sexuality based upon the horrors of D-Day. McLaren’s mistake is that he views his experience within a fallen world as normative. This thought will be returned to in part 3 of this series.

Turning to McLaren’s explanation of Acts 8 there aspects of his argument that we can agree with, although at points necessary critique will be given. Ironically at the outset McLaren makes much of the eunuch’s inability to fit within “the traditional family,” “to become heterosexual,” and to be “categorized in traditional sexual roles” he also notes that the eunuch exists in a “not-part-of-the-created-order sexual category.” This admission has no bearing upon what follows in his argument; although he admits that this man’s sexual identity has been profoundly affected by the fall he does little to speak of how redemption in Christ addresses this issue. McLaren also notes that:

He [the Ethiopian eunuch] has come to Jerusalem to worship God, but has, no doubt, been turned away- first because of his race and second because of his sexual identity: the Hebrew Scriptures explicitly excluded both Gentiles and people in his nontraditional, not-part-of-the-created-order sexual category.

One would have hoped that McLaren would have done his homework at this point and note the greatness of redemption in Christ, sadly he does not. There is no mention of Old Testament prophecy concerning eunuchs and foreigners or of prophecy concerning the coming Messiah whose inheritance is the nations, whose salvation will be made known among the nations, and around whom the nations will gather in praise. Instead McLaren gives the impression that the Old Testament has nothing to offer except condemnation. Furthermore the text itself paints a far different picture that the one given by McLaren. Rather than being turned away from worshipping in Jerusalem it would appear that he actually worshipped in Jerusalem and obtained a fairly costly scroll containing some or all of Isaiah’s prophecy. This mistake is poor exegesis at best or pure eisegesis at worst.

McLaren continues to explain the text as he tells of how Philip ran to the eunuch’s chariot and asked if he understood what he was reading. Then he explains:

The man invites Philip into the chariot and asks if the writer was writing about himself or someone else – a question that suggests this man feels the prophet is talking about him in his sexual otherness: he too will have no descendants; he too has been rejected, misunderstood, despised, shamed … he too has been brought like a sheep or lamb before people with cutting instruments.

At this point McLaren’s exposition is laughable both in his treatment of the New Testament narrative and the Old Testament prophecy. Even a cursory reading of Isaiah 53 lends itself to quite a different understanding of the text than McLaren’s suggested lamentation of “sexual otherness.” The propitiatory tone of the text is unmistakable. Thus the eunuch’s question becomes one which asks “Who is it that has taken our grief, our sorrows, our transgressions, our iniquities, and given himself as an offering for our guilt so that we may be accounted righteous and have peace with God? Is it the writer or another of whom he speaks?” McLaren also notes that like the eunuch this “man of sorrows” had no descendants (v.8). Again McLaren has failed to do his homework. The word here means generation (דור) if Isaiah had intended to speak of His descendants he would have used זרע as found in verse 10. He appears to be using the NIV which poorly renders verse 8 and stands at odds with most other translations by translation דור as descendants. What the text is asking is “Did any of his contemporaries, the people of that generation, consider that he had been put to death for their sins?” The text is not mourning his inability to have children. Even more problematic for McLaren’s translation is that verse 10 speaks of how this suffering servant will see His offspring whose iniquities He has bore and whom He has made righteous. The text is clearly at odds with McLaren’s interpretation.

McLaren continues, “Philip explains that this passage can be read to describe Jesus, and he shares the good news of Jesus and the kingdom of God.” McLaren so distains exegetical certainty that he must put words into Philip’s mouth at this point as he notes that Philip explains “the good news of Jesus and the kingdom of God” as one of many readings of Isaiah 53. This is a messianic prophecy it is not enough to say that it “can be read to describe Jesus” this text describes Jesus, that is what the text is doing and any reading which does otherwise is not faithful to the text.

Ultimately McLaren concludes:

Neither race nor sexual identity was an obstacle for the apostles in welcoming a new brother into the community of faith. . . That’s why I am among those who dissent from the conventional approach and attitude, appealing back to Philip’s even more ancient church tradition.

Simply saying that “neither race nor sexual identity was an obstacle for the apostles” fails to do justice to the issue as we find it presented in Scripture. These were big issues that they took time to work through as they grasped the nature of redemption within the New Covenant. So we cannot say that these were non-issues it took time for them to understand the extent of redemption in Christ. At the same time we must recognize that ultimately Scripture declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). The gospel transcends the barriers which previously separated humanity, these barriers are still real and yet they have been overcome by the unity brought about by redemption in Christ. Ultimately, however, McLaren’s conclusion is both incorrect and it belittles the Gospel because of its failure to take into account the pervasive affects of the fall and the glorious riches of redemption in Christ.

In the upcoming and third post in this series we will examine the pervasive affects of the fall and the glorious riches of redemption in Christ as we seek to correctly understand what Scripture has to say on this issue.

Bottoms Up: Reflections on Alcohol and the Word of God

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Messiah BoldWithin “American Christianity” there is a longstanding tradition of legalism when it comes to the consumption of alcohol; however, this tradition is not as old as you may think. It was not until Dr. Thomas Bramwell Welch, a Methodist minister and the founder of Welch’s, developed a pasteurization process in 1869 that it became possible to produce and store unfermented grape juice for use in communion. Welch was a staunch prohibitionist and proceeded to persuade churches in New Jersey to abandon the use of fermented beverages and use his “unfermented wine” when celebrating the Lord’s Supper. His denomination then helped to spearhead the movement that led to the prohibition and now it is fairly normative that churches in America use Welch’s grape juice, or a generic equivalent, for communion.

When one views this phenomenon over the course of church history the current practice is an odd one indeed. From the church’s inception till the early twentieth century, that is twenty centuries for those of you who are mathematically impaired, the normative practice of the church has been to use fermented wine to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, not to mention its use in the home and for virtually every other celebration. Furthermore, if one views this phenomenon as it occurs within the global church the practice of most American churches stands out as an oddity as well with our little plastic cups and our unfermented wine. In fact if one were to explain this to Christians outside of America one would be surprised to discover how many would question whether or not our practice is biblical, after all Jesus used wine.

All of that is simply to give you a context in which to understand my reflections. How your church practices communion is neither here nor there; my main concern in this post is addressing the sinful and legalistic mindset that believes godliness necessitates abstinence. Such legalism is just as deadly and far more subtle than drunkenness; especially when it becomes a predominant expression of holiness within the church.

  • Scripture is undeniably opposed to the sin of drunkenness (Romans 13:13; I Corinthians 5:11; 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:18).
  • The priests were forbidden from drinking “wine and strong drink” when serving in the Tabernacle; however, when they were not serving they were commanded by God to drink “the best of the wine,” were to drink it as something “most holy,” and they were to drink it in a “most holy place” (Numbers 18:8-32).
  • Drink offerings were pleasing to the Lord (Exodus 29:38-41).
  • Jesus’ first miracle was to turn 120 to 180 gallons of water into wine at a wedding where the guests were already drunk (John 2:1-11). With this miracle Jesus would have been forbidden to minister by many American denominations; I find this very problematic.
  • Jesus compared the gospel to wine (Mark 2:21-22; Luke 5:36-39).
  • Jesus drank wine and spent so much time eating and drinking with sinners that He was accused of being “a glutton and a drunkard” (Matthew 11:18-19).
  • Elders and deacons are not to be drunkards (I Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9).
  • Paul, an apostle, instructed Timothy, an elder, to drink wine for his stomach (I Timothy 5:23).
  • When Paul addresses the Corinthian church concerning the Lord’s Supper he rebukes their drunkenness rather than their use of wine. Furthermore, his rebuke speaks primarily to their self-centered gluttony, i.e. he wrote to make sure that all in the church at Corinth were able to partake of the wine rather than a thirsty minority (I Corinthians 11:17-34).
  • The argument that wine during ancient times had a lower alcohol content than the alcoholic beverages of today is an inadequate justification for mandatory abstinence. Regardless of its alcohol content it is clear from Scripture that individuals were able to, and in many cases did, become drunk from drinking it in excess. It is also evident from Scripture that the OT priests, Jesus, the twelve apostles, and the vast majority of the early church were able to drink wine in moderation and avoid drunkenness. In the same way one can drink modern alcoholic beverages in excess and become drunk and one can drink modern alcoholic beverages in moderation and remain sober minded. The key in both situations is not the relative alcohol content of the beverage in question but its consumption in either moderation or excess.

As we approach this issue let us do so with both a wisdom that avoids the deadly dangers of legalism and liberalism. If you choose to discuss please do so with charity.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
—I Corinthians 10:31