The calm before a fatal blow - personal insights into my new book

Writing a book is an adventure. To begin with it is a toy and an amusement. Then it becomes a mistress, then it becomes a master, then it becomes a tyrant. The last phase is that just as you are about to be reconciled to your servitude, you kill the monster and fling him to the public.  (Sir Winston Churchill)

SURPRISE!

Well my latest monster is almost ready to be slain and then flung to the public.  I have been working on a new book and I am really excited about it.  It's called "Living For and Rejoicing In Christ."  It is a study guide through Paul's letter to the Philippians.  I started out with the idea of writing a short commentary on Philippians and as I was laboring in it a couple of thoughts came to mind.  First, another commentary.  There are plenty of good commentaries already available.  They all stem from a devotional, pastoral, and even critical vantage point.  A few honor the KJB (and a perfect preservation of the Bible viewpoint) while many others (unfortunately) don't, but their technical, historical and practical insights are extremely helpful.  Second, I wanted to write something that could be a blessing to the average person vs. a seminarian or Bible College student.  So audience factor kicked in about half way through the project and a rework was in order.  When I got to where it needed to be the writing process was a bit more enjoyable.  I believe this will be a blessing to those who desire to dig into the word of God either for themselves or for others (as in classroom instruction).

SCHEMATICS

So the study guide is designed to take the reader directly through the book of Philippians in sections or units of study.  The most important aspect is bringing the reader to the Biblical text itself.  Each chapter is divided according to units of thought.  Then, each phrase or line of the Biblical text is succinctly exposited or explained either textually, topically or expositionally.  The chapter endings features a helpful tool for instructors (Sunday school teacher) or speakers (Pastor) which summarizes the unit and provides a helpful outline.  Finally, the last section features a "questions to ponder" type of a set up which is designed to stimulate practical and application thoughts and/or further group discussions from an inductive approach. 

SITUATION

Where it stands right now.  The book is in the final proof reading process.  After the final proof, a reformatting of the manuscript.  Then, the final of the book cover (which is almost done, too).  Then off to the press.  Then finally, flinging it out into the public.  So in terms of percentages, I could say that the book is about 90% done - the monster is being slain, albeit slowly but surely.  I suppose if I stop blogging and tweeting then I could use the time to move the project forward, but this is my way of calming down before fatally stabbing the monster for the last time (at least for this first edition).

 

Hardecker Headlines - Jan./Feb. 2013

Hardecker Headlines (Jan./Feb. 2013) by Bill Hardecker

Worship vs. contemporary worship

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" (Eph. 4:14).

We are warned in this passage not to be "tossed to and fro", this carries the idea of fluctuation or instability (as caused by waves) along with this imagery, we are not to be "carried about" or to be borne or conveyed about easily by the unsettled and unpredictable "wind of doctrine."  Doctrine means teaching or instruction.  If anything is supposed to be solid and engender stability it should be sound doctrine.  When people are instructed in the Word or the doctrine(s) of God's Holy Word, there is strength and stability.  Take for example what is mentioned in Psalm 1 regarding the blessed man who stays in the word.  It says: "he shall be like a tree planted..." (Ps. 1:3) this suggests a purposeful plant vs. a wild tree.  This speaks of a protected plant, for he is planted by a husbandman on purpose.  Most of all, this speaks of stability because trees don't customarily move around, ha!

When doctrine is rooted in the Bible it produces strength that results in stability.  The key is staying in the Word and changing our sentiments to conform to the Word.  In Heb. 4:12 among many descriptions regarding the Word, we see an interesting word: "discerner."  This is taken from the Greek word kritikos, which is easily discerned to be the word we commonly know as "critical."  The irony is that the Bible is to be critical of us, and not us criticizing the Bible.  If there is something that we may not understand in the Word then it only goes to show that we need to further study the matter (like those Berean believers in Acts 17:11).  The beauty of God's Holy Word is that it is written and it is available.  We can read the Bible ourselves and with it test or try or approve all things (1 Thess. 5:21).

When doctrine is rooted in the sleight of men or cunning craftiness or deceit the results are disastrous.  A novelty isn't necessarily a good thing especially when it comes to doctrine, and consequently practice (for our practices stem from what we truly believe, and what we believe is shaped by doctrine).  Today we are witnessing (or have been witnessing) the entrance of contemporary worship into churches.  This wouldn't happen if individual Christians or respective church members would stay in the Word (because all a church is, is an assembly of baptized believers).  When a church goes towards contemporary worship it may be due to a combination of factors.  A leadership change, a change in the standards or beliefs of the leadership, a change of convictions or deeply held beliefs by a deacon or two, perhaps a worker or two, or a few, if not many of the church's members.  What are all these but an expression of being tossed or carried about with every wind of doctrine?  The problem with contemporary worship is not in its use of technology or modernized practices.  The problem is in the very nature of it.

In order to understand the situation we must first come to terms with our terms.   We must understand what the nature of a thing is, then identify the nature of worship, and then compare it to the nature of contemporary worship.  In doing so the differences will then be clearly seen.

When we say the "nature" of something, we simply mean its being or property that makes it what it is.  One of God's nature is eternal.  Only God is eternal.  God alone existed in eternity past, everything and every one else had a beginning.  And so it is natural or in God's nature to be eternal.  Among other things, man is a moral being.  It is natural or within man's nature the capacity to chose right and wrong by intelligence (as opposed to an animal, which naturally operates by instinct).  So what is then the nature of worship?  Worship, among other things, is sacrifice.  It is about acknowledging that God is God and we are his servants.  He is sovereign, not us.  He is in charge not us.  Then it follows that we as his servants respond to Him by doing what He wants us to do.  When we give up our desires for His desires that is where worship begins.  Worship is sacrificial because we approach God on His terms and do what pleases Him.  What then is the nature of contemporary worship (CW)? Well, CW, among other things is by nature, entertainment.  It seeks for happiness over against joy.  The object of worship is God, the object of CW is self.  Worship is sourced in spirit and truth (not in materials, not really even in music). CW is sourced in fleshly gratification and sensuality.

As we see more and more Christians being consumed upon by contemporary worship, let us not sell our worship-birthright as Esau did (exchanging the blessings of God for something carnal).  Let us stay in the word and ever be transformed by the word.  And in doing so we avoid the childish pitfall of being tossed to and fro or carried about by contemporary worship.

What do my sons like...

William Tyndale Hardecker

WT as we affectionately call him (thanks to his Great-Grandma Starr) likes: Thomas the Tank, Choco-Pudding, Cookies, Cakes, Pizza (esp. the crust), "Juice" - he calls everything he drinks juice, even if it's water, ha! Pachelbel, Vivaldi, Wrestling, Cars, and two blocks (that has small bells) which he rattles in sync as he listens to "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." When he "prays" all he does is repeat names like Mama & Dada...Dada & Mama...and so on (super funny).  Read him a story, then at the end have him read it back to you (what a nut!).  He loves his mother's night time routine: reading and singing.  We have our family devotions every night (read a Bible story, and pray) except on Sundays (where we have Bible preaching and prayers all day at church).

Joseph Donald Hardecker

JD likes to eat, sleep, poop, puke, and keep us up all night! What a funny guy! He really likes his pacifier.  He loves to be held, and he is extremely nosy (quite alert for a little guy).

Two sermons worth listening to

"Perilous Times Shall Come" by Dr. Roger Voegtlin (Pastor of Fairhaven Baptist Church, Chesterton, IN). - This sermon highlights poignant Bible verses and principles about the importance of standing for Christ.  So many good insights are also shared in this sermon regarding the importance of powerful preaching vs. popular preaching and a working church principle vs. church marketing.  This sermon is something that can inspire pastors and preachers to remain faithful to God and His Holy Word.

"Why Most Independent Baptist Churches will be Emerging in 20 Years"  by Dr. David Cloud (Missionary, prolific author, and Biblical Fundamentalist preacher) - So many people do not like Bro. Cloud because as a preacher he exposes sin (so what's new?).  It is difficult to stand against your own, when your own are in the wrong, this sermon is a rather difficult one to preach because he names extremely influential "leaders" within the "IFB" circles but not without reason and facts. Consequently, he is dismissed or scoffed.  I would say listen to this sermon and remove the details (if the details offend you), and listen to his challenge, if he didn't name any names the principles alone still stand because they are rooted in the Scriptures. This message is a vital warning for our times.

Welcome Baby JD!

Joseph Donald Hardecker was born on Dec. 28, 2012.  He was 7 lbs. 10oz. and 18 inches tall.  Marcia is doing well.  God is good to us and we just  ask that you would continue to pray for us.  I can't wait for WT (who is now 2 years old) to meet his new brother.  I am so thankful for family, church family and friends for their prayers and well wishes!

Happy New Year!

Prose - Pfeiffer's Epilogue

This is taken from Charles F. Pfeiffer's book "Between the Testaments." (An excellent and succinct survey of the background to the Persian and Hellenistic eras and how exactly it contributed to the spreading of the gospel).

In the days of Herod the Great, in an obscure corner of the Roman Empire, in the city which had been the birthplace of King David a millennium earlier, Jesus the Messiah was born.  History took little note of His life.  Only a few devoted disciples openly espoused His cause.  The religious leaders attributed the miracles He performed to Beelzebub, the Prince of the Devils.  To Roman officials He was an insurrectionist; to the Jews, a blasphemer.  In the hour of his trial, His disciples forsook him and fled.  He was crucified as a malefactor, between two thieves.

Yet His life and His death introduce a new age.  From apparent defeat came the triumph of victory.  The death of the cross is heralded as the divinely provided atonement for sin.  The resurrection brings the assurance of life eternal.

Merry Christmas! The Lord Jesus came to earth to die for our sins enabling us to worship, fellowship and serve.

5 Digital Documents for Your Consideration

One of the most amazing online tools is Scribd.com.  I use it by integrating a number of documents on my blog which are included in my "Missionary Information Packet."  My page has five documents for any to peruse.  It contains a letter of interest, a recommendation letter from the pastor of my sending church (Pastor Randy Starr), a recommendation letter from a seasoned missionary (Dan Tessin), a recommendation letter from the president of Fairhaven Baptist College (Pastor Roger Voegtlin), and a copy of my doctrinal statement.  The use of this technology helps in cutting cost (time, postage & materials) and it can effectively expedite information.  I will be adding a few more documents which are relevant to my packet (including a brief account of my salvation testimony and call to preach and a digital copy of the front and back of my prayer card).  The only other document I would like to place on it is the "personal references" page (outside my family), but because their personal contact information is contained in it I figure it would not be wise to place that online, IMO.

Prose - The Husband's Biblical Role in Marriage by Pastor Terry L.Coomer

Dr. Coomer serves the Lord as Pastor of Hope Baptist Church in Little Rock, AR.  He is also the director of the "For the Love of the Family Ministries." After reading this particular article I thought that it would be a blessing to you, and so with his permission I present to you this important article.

Ephesians 5:21-33, “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see she reverence her husband.”

After many years in the ministry I am convinced that the Christian home is in very serious trouble. The lack of understanding and applying true Biblical principle in the home has created a huge disaster in the church, for the cause of Christ, and especially for the children. Through the ministry of For the Love of the Family we hear from people around the world. Through our counseling ministry I am greatly concerned about the lack of understanding and applying Biblical truth in the lives of God’s people which is breaking down the home. As a Pastor we will do more marriage counseling than anything else. Maybe you are reading this article and you have just about given up on your marriage. You do not understand why you cannot change your life or your spouse will not change theirs.

The pain and agony that goes on in many Christian’s lives and homes is totally unnecessary. Let me share with you as a husband and a father God has the answer for you in His Word. Many times Christian husbands are told, “Be the leader God wants you to be!” A sincere man goes forward in a service and prays for God to make Him that leader, but nothing changes. The husband lives in defeat and discouragement and asks, “Where is God, why does He not help me?” Simple answer, God has already told you from His Word how to be the leader He wants you to be. Most Christians think that if they ask God to forgive them for a sin then that sin should go away. The reality is it won’t unless you use God’s Word to renew your mind and change your thinking to God’s thinking about the matter. True Biblical change comes when a person changes their thinking to God’s thinking from God’s Word. The Bible calls it “renewing your mind”, Ephesians 4:22-24. When you change your thinking to God’s thinking then your behavior changes. It does not change until then.

Most Christian men would like to be the leader God wants them to be, but they do not know how. They do not know how to Biblically change their life and therefore, their home suffers greatly because of it.

Let me give you three points that the Bible says is the “Husband’s Role in Marriage.”

The Husband’s Biblical Role in Marriage is he is to be a: 1. Learner 2. Lover 3. Leader.

In my study of the Scripture it was a great help to me as a husband and father when I learned I was to be a learner of my wife and daughters. Many husbands do not bother to learn their wives and it shows in their marriage. Did you know that being a learner is a command for the husband in the Bible? I Peter 3:7, “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them (wives) according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” Did you notice “according to knowledge?” It means to learn about her, knowledge about her. The world says we cannot understand our wives and children. The Bible tells us we are commanded to know them.

Getting to know someone takes time. Let me ask you husband, how much do you know about your wife? I mean really know. Most husbands think they know about her, but in counseling I find that when couples come for marriage counseling the husband knows very little about his wife. Yet we expect God to work in our marriage when we are disobedient to the command of God in the matter of learning our wife. (See below questions to ask your wife). Learning someone means I need to study them.

As our girls were growing up one of the things I wanted them to learn was they needed to learn about the man they were going to marry. Is he lead by his emotions? How does he react under pressure? You need to learn about where he is spiritually. You need to ask questions and get solid answers. You need to learn about his heart. Do not leave things up to I presume or I suppose. You do not know what is in the heart of a person, unless you ask questions that reveal the heart.

As my daughters were growing up I took the time to take a drive with each of them individually after church on Sunday afternoon. As a busy Pastor I could have justified taking a nap or finding something else to do. However, I wanted to learn what was in their heart. My responsibility as a father is to get and keep their heart. It was a learning and revealing time to me. I asked the question, “What is God speaking to you about?” When I got the answer I then asked “what does that mean to you?” I then listened to what was on their heart. It drew us close together and helped me to encourage their focus on their intimate, personal, and passionate relationship with God.

For our family, drive time is important! Kim and I have practiced for the last 38 years of married life taking a drive on Sunday evening after church. I ask her what she thought of the message that day. How did God speak to her, whether I was preaching or someone else was preaching? I listened to her answers about what God was speaking to her about. You see I believe it is important that I understand where God is working in her life. I want to have her heart as well and be open to building my relationship with her. We also talked about our children and where we needed to be working in their lives. I shared with her where God was speaking to my heart and life. We learned each other and are still learning each other to this day. Sometimes we would pull over and have prayer together for what we were learning and seek God’s face for our children and our home, for us to be all we could be with each other and with God. It was a precious time and we still practice this each Sunday. I have to admit as each girl grew up and left home, I miss the Sunday afternoons together with them. I find myself now as they are out of the home and in their own lives serving God, taking a drive by myself and thinking about our drives together and I find myself praying for them and the way God is working in their lives now. Guess what, every now and then when they are home, one of them will say, “Dad let’s take a drive!” Generally, they want to talk about something God is speaking to their heart and life about and ask for my thoughts and prayer with them on the matter.

Several years ago, I was at a church with a young pastor. He had been at the church a couple of years and it was his first and last pastorate. His church was growing and he was on fire about it. However, I noticed he treated his wife and young children shabbily. He was short and disrespectful to his wife. He asked me to come into his office. He spent the next hour bragging about his church while his wife and children were told to wait outside. When I mentioned to go ahead and take care of his wife and children’s needs his disposition changed to one of impatient and intolerance. He had an angry spirit. Needless to say all the pride and arrogance soon dissolved into some ugly problems for the marriage and the church.

Failing to learn her affects your spiritual life! Did you notice in I Peter 3:7, “That your prayers be not hindered.” Failing to learn your wife will affect your spiritual life. Psalm 66:18, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”

So, a fundamental failure of the Christian home is the husband not learning his wife. It is a simple but deadly flaw.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church Christmas Cantata 2012

Mt. Zion Baptist Church is presenting a unique rendition of Bible Truth Music's "The Journey of Christmas" for her annual Christmas Cantata (music and drama).  We would love for you to come and join us for one of the Cantata evenings.  Be sure to invite your family and friends because this presentation is sure to kick off your Christmas season!

WHEN:  Dec. 8-9 (Sat./Sun.) at 6:30 nightly.
WHERE: MZBC Annex Building (aka the gymnasium). [48 Muddy Creek Forks Road, Brogue, PA, 17309]
WHO: Everyone.
Nursery care is provided and in the same building.  For more information please call 717-927-9227 or click on www.mtziononline.org.

We hope to see you there!

Remembering Grandma Starr

Grandma Starr was an amazing Christian lady.  She was such a lovely grandmother to me (even though I am related to her only by law, she told me that I am a part of her family).  Her mind was so sharp that even at 97 she could recall names and events of so many people.  She loved working crossword puzzles, knitting, and talking about the Lord.  I know she prayed for me and my family.  She was a giver and a classic example of what a Christian grandma should be like.  We can take the pain of her absence because we know that she is alive and in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Heaven grows sweeter everyday.

 Ada Virginia Starr, 97 of Montpelier died peacefully Thursday afternoon in her home. She was born on May 13, 1915 in Butler Indiana to Oscar Isaiah and Addie Elizabeth (Frick) Miser. Virginia graduated from Montpelier High School in 1933. Virginia was a homemaker for her entire life. She was a member of New Beginnings Church (formerly Central United Brethren) in Montpelier. She had many friends due to her loving hospitality and listening ear. She was known for her hand-knitted and crocheted specialties which have been enjoyed all over the United States and Canada. She was also an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast. She is survived by three sons Dr. Lyle Duane (Carolyn) Starr of East Burke, Vermont, Darrel (Vivian) Starr of Plymouth, Minnesota, Reverend Randy (Shirley) Starr of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, one daughter Nancy (Jim) Wilkinson of Montpelier, Ohio, nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lyle E. Starr on May 14th 1995, a great granddaughter Cassandra Starr, three brothers Kermit, Millard and Paul Miser and three sisters Myrtle Watson, Ollie Blaine and Zelma Houser. Visitation for Virginia will be on Sunday, November 25th from 5-8pm at the Wilson-Geesey Funeral Home in Montpelier. Services will be Monday at 11 am at the funeral home. Pastor Dennis Rowe, former pastor of Central United Brethren Church in Montpelier, currently of Fort Wayne, Indiana will officiate. Graveside services will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier. Memorials may be made to Hospital Hospice in Bryan, Ohio.

Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

I love Thanksgiving Day.  I love that family and friends can get together.  I love the food that adds delight to the occasion.  I love the attitude of thankfulness.  I love how we stop and are reminded of what is truly important and valuable in life.  I love giving God the glory for His loving kindness and tender mercies.
  
President George Washington called on the nation to give thanks to God for His Providential blessings. He was careful to deflect praise for himself and was preparing the Republic to function without him and to look to Almighty God who is our great Lord and Ruler of Nations. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

      Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.
      Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
      and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
Go: Washington

Post election perspective

You are probably thinking “oh well, here goes another blog article about the election” and of course, you are right to think that, but to dismiss this as yet another, I’ll let you judge whether or not you will read anything like this in blogdom.  I say that because not very many in blogdom come from my perspective which is essentially Christian-Baptist-American-Conservative and in that particular order with that particular point of view.  So if you are already “dismissive” then fine, I hope you have a good day, see you later. I am going to succinctly share my thoughts about what happened and what I plan on doing to conserve and promote the founding principles and fundamental liberties of the American social order and civility.

What happened?

1. Our eyes were partially fixed on the polls when the culture around us was screaming.  The culture (way of living) is a far more superior indicator (and still is) of where we as a nation are heading.  Our music, movies, web, television programs are filled with violence, perverseness, and varying degrees of ungodliness.  Our news and press (journalism) no longer “press” for information, asks tough questions, and has become a partner to campaigns (that would be on either political sides).

2. We thought the economic issue would trump the moral issues.  Make no mistake about it; economics (like most everything else) is itself a moral issue.  This election revealed our nation’s morals.  And while it is somewhat consoling to find a relatively healthy split among voters what is concerning is that the vast majority are on the wrong side of morality.  The various voter referendums demonstrate this.  I hope that these voter referendums get challenged with the same vigor that met previous referendums when the shoe was on the other foot.  It is insidious that so many issues were swept in the ballots and that it made its way into this particularly historic election.  It is also pathetic that so many virtuous people didn’t win the Senate.

3. Conservatives are getting upset with the GOP (and still is) for compromising founding principles.  When you lose liberty it is difficult to get it back.  I voted for (and was okay with it) the GOP ticket because it was the only proper alternative.  The GOP selected candidate and party is just not tough enough.

4. We lost, again.  The ramifications are so overwhelming but let me put it lucidly: America has chosen to be more socialist.

What can I do? 

1. Spread the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Always, always, always remember – the gateway to conservatism is Christianity.  Men must hear the Biblical truths that we are fundamentally spiritually fallen creatures.  The greatest need cannot possibly be solved, met, or provided for by man.  This is a matter of redemption and faith more so than popularity and comfort.  The Gospel message shows man who he really is, and points him to his Redeemer.

2. Promote religious freedom and separation of church and state (not God and country).  Part of the reason I am a Baptist is because historically it is the only movement that championed religious freedom.  Our founding documents were shaped by principles of Christianity and the Baptist faith.  If you take a look back (history) then you’ll know where you are (present) and where you want to be (future).

3. Be thankful.  Rejoice in the Lord, and be thankful that we have the liberties we still have.  We may have a starkly different America, but we still have America.  It isn’t “Amerika” yet.  Be thankful we are still free to worship God and evangelize.  Don’t think for one moment that the “new” and more socialized America will remain stagnant.  We need eternal vigilance.

4. Continue to educate yourself with the principles of liberty that you have been given.  The more you know about the founding principles the more confidence you will have to refute socialism.  It is only when you educate yourself that you can properly educate others.   Mark and avoid pseudo-conservatives.  How can you identify them?  Easy, just ask does popularity or money change their views?  If yes, they have no courage and deserve no hearing.

5. Pray, read the Bible, and work for Him.  He will never disappoint you.  Get more involved in church.  Listen closer to the preaching of God’s word.  Obey your Pastor (if he is Biblically qualified).  Win as much as you can to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Stop patronizing compromising Christians and fake conservatives.

6. Leave, leave, leave the results to God.  Give Him the glory and don’t steal it for your own.

7. Remember the battle and the solution is fundamentally spiritual.

Now, let’s get busy doing that which is Biblically right!

Talk, talk, talk the Bible way (part 2)

Review – In the last post (which you can read below) we looked at the person of God as the basis of good speech and its effects on relationships.  And now we move on to two main and final points for the completion of this series.

Communication Frustrations

Because communication is a two-way street, here are some red flags to notice in the area of words and speech.  Bad communication can cause problems and frustration in relationships, here are some Biblical considerations:

First, Answering, or responding, or making a judgment call, or a decision (tautological, I know) is shameful communication.  The Bible says: “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him” (Pro. 18:13).  Here are some Biblical considerations that could help refute this terrible habit.

a.       Ps. 39:1 -  I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

b.      Pro. 13:3 -  He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

c.       Pro. 21:23 - Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

d.      James 1:19 - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

e.      1 Peter 3:10 -  For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Second is being hasty with words.  Have you ever had a conversation with somebody and you haven’t finished your thoughts, and you were interrupted?  Usually, I am the one interrupting, ha!  I get this way.  I speak by experience.  It can be disrespectful at times and therefore not good.  Sometimes, this attitude demonstrates a lack of valuing the other person’s words or ideas.  Sometimes, it’s dismissive.  At any rate, the Bible has something to say about this.  At times, we should tell ourselves to temper our words.

a.       Ecc. 5:2 - Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

b.      Pro. 10:19 - In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

c.       Pro. 17:27 - He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

Third, cutting words.  Someone said: “sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but names (or words) will never harm me.”  I don’t know if the person who said that ever existed.  Our words can be mediums of destruction, and so we must take great care of not only what we say but how we say it.

a.       Ps. 50:19 - Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.

b.      Ps. 52:2 - Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

c.       Ps. 52:4 - Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.

d.      Ps. 57:4 - My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

e.      Ps. 64:3 - Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words.

We all need to practice James 1:19 in the area of words and speech.  Sometimes it is wise and best to "suspend judgment" (as Mortimer Adler teaches in his epic book How to Read a Book).  A critic always solicits an immediate response.  Don’t act like a critic by being hasty with words.  Our goal in communication is to further relationships, not necessarily “winning” an argument-scrimmage.  And what about giving someone that undivided attention?  You're not texting, "Tweeting", checking your phone, refreshing a browser, turning a page, managing one more item, but totally tuned into the other person, with eye contact giving them your undivided attention.  The thing about speaking is the other half of listening.  When we talk too much it is obvious we listen very little.  But listening is for an entirely different blog post.

Communication Fundamentals

A.      Our words reflect what is in our hearts, it’s like a window to the heart.  Matt. 12:34 - O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

B.      Our words will one day be judged by God – Ps. 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.  Matt. 12:36 -  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  If we must give account to every idle word, how much more shall we be held accountable for words that we speak on purpose?

C.      It is more important to focus on how we say things than what we actually say.  Pro. 15:1 - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.  1 Pet. 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.  Always ask yourself: "is there a better way of saying it?"

D.      Our words can greatly influence our entire being and others around us.  Prov. 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.  James 3:1 ¶ My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.  [2] For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.  [3] Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. [4] Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

I trust that if anything else that you and I would be drawn to the study of God’s word re: words, speech, mouth, tongue, etc.  And more than just looking at these verses actually put them into practice.  That would make for good communication.

Talk, talk, talk the Bible way (part 1)

The Bible has much to say about words.  This study is a relatively short consideration of what it says about our speech.  It isn’t exhaustive, per se, but rather comprehensive.

Communication is the Foundation for Relationships

First, I always look to God as the example of what our words should be like, what our speech ought to be like.  I think a theological understanding is foundational.  We know what godly speech is when we know what God is like.  And so, I like to start with a look at God Himself.

For starters, we know from the Scriptures that God is a “speaking” God.  He spoke and it was done.  He spoke creation into existence.  Gen. 1:3 “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”  The foundation of Creation is God speaking.  The foundation of every relationship begins with our speech as well.  I do not believe in the false doctrine promoted by the Charismatics called “word-faith” teaching.  I am not under the illusion that I can confess something and what I confess I will soon possess.  This is a gross misunderstanding of passages such as Mk. 11:22-23.  But when you see that everything in Creation began when God spoke it into existence, it isn’t difficult to see that the foundation of meaningful relationships must essentially start with words or speech.  It is interesting that the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s eternally begotten Son, at the outset of Creation in John 1:1-3 is called the “Word.”  Again, we can reiterate that words or speech is rudimentary to relationships.

Another observation about God is that He is a personal God.  He communicates with His creation.  He is a God of relationships.  He relates to us or He desires to have fellowship with us.  Some think that many of the founders or forefathers of America were deists.  That they held to a view of God that was detached from His creation.  It would seem that God wound up the clock of existence at the start of creation, and then steps aside to simply watch what would happen.  God is totally detached from His creation.  But our many of our founders reveal a better more Biblical sense of understanding of God by referring to Him or His work as “Providence.”  He is not a god who is detached or disinterested in our lives, rather, He is a wise and caring God who works in the background allowing for things to happen in order to demonstrate a sovereign plan.  How do we know that God is a personal God?  Take for example the phrase “the word of the LORD came unto” – If you look this phrase up in the Bible you would see that the word of the Lord came to individuals like Abram, Nathan, David, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Jonah and many others.  This demonstrates that God desires a relationship with people, because He speaks to people.  God doesn’t speak directly and in the same manner to us in this particular dispensation, but we have a more sure word in the Holy Bible.  God’s perfectly preserved book is His method of speaking to us today as Christians.  God still desires a relationship with us and in a more limited sense, He certainly speaks to us.  In fact, if we are interested in a meaningful relationship with God, we must earnestly take heed to His word!    

Relationships are built on words or speech.  The surest way to ruin relationships is by not speaking to someone, or ignoring them or speaking rude or unkind words to them.  But, relationships are established by words, nonetheless.

 

God is our example.  Categorically speaking God’s characteristics (or attributes) can be divided into two major sections.  Primarily or essentially the attributes that belong strictly to God is called incommunicable attributes.  They are characteristics that are only true about God.  No matter how excellent our glorified bodies will be, we will never attain to the standards of God’s incommunicable attributes.  He doesn’t share these with anybody.  Indeed, this is what makes Him God and God alone.  This would be His eternality, transcendence, immutability, omnipotence, omnipresence, immensity, and omniscience.  No other creature could claim any of these attributes.   

But the secondary characteristics interestingly enough are called “communicable” attributes.  These are the qualities that are true about God that we as His creation have to a smaller degree the capacity to learn and possess by His grace.  That would be love, holiness, mercy, justice, truthfulness, long suffering, patience, compassion, goodness, graciousness, and the list can go on and on.  It is in this secondary division that we can observe God as our example of what godly speech is like.  We can say that godly words or speaking is speaking words which are loving, holy, true, just, right, gracious and so on and so forth.  Knowing God well is reflected in our speech.  The lack of spiritual knowledge of God can also be seen by what and how we say things.  We are to emulate Him. Do you words reflect the God of the Bible?  When people hear you speak, do they hear Christian speech or does your speech betray you?  If you were judged by the words you use, can the listener gather that you are a follower of Christ?