A review of ways to identify a Biblical church body and a Biblical sermon (examining gaps in modern preaching techniques and

topics) Good morning brothers and sisters in Christ, and friends :) (pt1) Welcome to another edition of Snapshots of a Disciple, where we look at Jesus words and try to dig deeper to see how they apply to the everyday details of life :) Ok, so, lets dig in. Today, Id like to talk about passages and even a Biblical teaching perspective/model that all pastors and Bible teachers need to either work with, or go back to. This isnt my model. Im quite certain it was the model of the churches just decades ago and several times throughout the centuries since Christ. And, I believe it needs to, once again, become the Biblical model for preaching. ~ Notice, its in parts (and Im sorry for that, because schedule is currently hindering me from doing a complete study) But this is a start, hopefully, to start and/or continue good Biblical discussion about Gods Word. First off, lets look a couple of passages that highlight the Biblical model for preaching/teaching. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. (Acts 20:27-31) For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quicktempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. (Titus 1:7-9) And they said to one another, Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us? (Luke 24:32) This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless one who rules his own house well not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. (1st Timothy 3:1-7)

*** Okay, those are 4 starting verses. Id like to highlight just a few quicke points on them. In Acts 20, this was Pauls fairwell to a small group of leaders he had personally trained to lead the church of God in Ephesus. They came for a hasty meeting (probably within days) and had a small gathering and brief fellowship right before the apostle Paul went to Jerusalem, where hed be arrested and ultimately taken to Rome. So, what were Pauls last words to these church leaders? Teach the whole counsel of Gods Word (as Ive modeled for you Be overseers not lording over Remember you are stewards, managing Gods flock for Him as undershepherds, not gathering fans for yourself Watch out for savage wolves who will be trying to win fans after themselves Warn everyone day and night to stay ready to see God at every moment, growing in obedience from the heart on a regular basis. I think that pretty much sums up the condensed conversation we see there. Okay, next passage. Now in Titus 1 (a passage we havent dug into much yet), I note a key phrase that ought to characterize every pastor and Bible teacher, and ought to characterize the majority of sermons. What is that phrase? holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Curious, when was the last time you heard a convicting sermon from your pastor? If its been a while, theres a good chance that hes failing in this simple Biblical guideline. And, if you look for more fruit, you should be able to tell if he is brother who needs to be rebuked and spiritually challenged, or if he is a wolf pretending to be a shepherd. In Luke 24, we see Jesus own personal example on display - And they said to one another, Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us? (Luke 24:32) ~ Pastors ought to be teaching like that, and when they dont, you can be sure if pleasing God is not the reason they teach, their motivation is either pleasing man or world pleasures and possessions or both. In 1st Timothy 3, the key phrase I was trying to highlight for this study is the phrase: not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. ~ Sadly, we have many in pulpits today who do not know the Word of God, only a few comforting verses that they twist to excuse sin (their own and those of their congregations), and they love to cover only the comforting verses because it increases their revenue. But, doesnt Gods Word say that covetousness is idolatry? Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5)

Sadly, many use this tactic of enticing with covetousness get what you want to grow their numbers, but Gods Word talks about them. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness--God is witness. (1st Thessalonians 2:5) Pauls blameless example. Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) a model to live by. But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. (2nd Peter 2:1-2) false teachers to notice, watch out for, and completely avoid. *** Okay, so what are some common gaps much of the teaching today? And what sort of style (if you will) should be taught? Well, as I continue to study Gods Word, I notice that for a teaching to be Biblical, it has to have more than just verses in it. I know clever false teachers (a couple personally) that use Scripture, and sometimes a few medium-convicting ones, yet theres no spiritual growth in their lives or those around them. Why? Well, other than because they altered the definitions from Biblical ones, the other reason is because they dont teach the whole counsel of God as Paul taught in Acts 20. They may look like it, but there are a couple of simple tests to tell the difference. 1) If the sermon/Bible teaching is only comforting or mostly comforting not specific convictions rend our hearts over our sins challenging us to more actively grow in obedience in an area of our lives -- then guess what, theres a high probability that its not a Biblical sermon. Jesus was always convicting and challenging please note the word always. And, though He was cheerful as a person (in the most balanced way), we have no evidence of Him intentionally telling jokes, as some slanderously say that He did. Humor and conviction are most often opposites. And what the world thinks of as funny is abhorrent to God, and what God laughs at is repuslive to the selfish and prideful lusts of those who walk after the world. Thats a key difference. 2) If the sermon/Bible teaching is not, for lack of a better word balanced, then its also quite possibly not a Biblical sermon. Now, that may confuse some who read that, probably raising the question what are you talking about? Well, that is the topic I want to cover in this short Bible study.

Off the top of your head, name some of Gods attributes. Loving. Merciful. Just. Good. Gracious. Teacher. Comforter. Holy. Righteous. Patient. All-Knowing. Allpowerful. Sovereignty. ~ But, is that a complete or skewed view of the God who is? From my conversations with people, thats about where they stop. Why? Because, though theyve probably heard some of His other attributes (or much less understood them), and they havent typically heard them taught accurately to Gods Word, so they dont understand Him like they think they do. Do you realize that Gods anger burns sometimes? And, do you realize that Gods anger burns at people sometimes? But, why does Gods anger burn at some people? Which leads to the question of does Gods anger burn at us sometimes? ~ If youre like many in this country who go to a building commonly called a church, then theres a high probability that you dont have a good solid answer for that. We dont hear that much why? Another question when Gods Word says: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom ~ what is it talking about? If someone asked you, could you tell them? If not, why not? Now, Ive opened up to Biblical loops that are huge questions, and I want to answer them, but in doing so, I also want to show a balanced teaching approach that we need to both look for and work to encourage in Bible teachers, and grow in ourselves. Ready? Okay! :) (hoping to pick up from here soon!) ~ :)

A review of ways to identify a Biblical church body and a Biblical sermon (examining gaps in modern preaching techniques and topics) pt2 Now, Ive opened up to Biblical loops that are huge questions, and I want to answer them, but in doing so, I also want to show a balanced teaching approach that we need to both look for and work to encourage in Bible teachers, and grow in ourselves. Ready? Okay! :) 1> What makes God angry Gods anger burns at sin. Im not talking about the mistakes or dumb choices that you and I make. No, He doesnt silently mock us for dumb choices, but He gets angry at rebellious choices. You ask whats the difference? Well, its pretty simple. A dumb choice is an uninformed choice we didnt have enough information to make the right choice, so we made a clumsy or dumb choice. We all do that, and recognizing that fact, we need to keep growing in understanding Gods perspective on things and how the world around us works in comparison/contrast to what we ought to be doing. Now, a rebellious choice is what God gets angry at. So, whats a rebellious choice and why does He get angry at it? Please allow me to explain. When you and I know that something is wrong -- an intentional lie to keep us from getting in trouble for doing something we know is wrong, thats a moral choice. We consider whether it is right or not to lie, and then we decide that we think we can get away with the lie, so we tell it weve not just made a mistake, but a thoroughly thought-through rebellious choice. We did what we knew was wrong, because we thought we could get away with it. Now, lets jump from that abstract concept to life. Im sure you and I see that we are surrounded by lies everywhere. And I mean everywhere. So, because it looks so common, it reduces our standards of what we want to hold to as right and wrong, so we lower the bar for ourselves and others. And, after doing that a while, we become so used to lying here and there (when needed) that we then think it is normal. ~ Wait! Stop there. If youre tracking with me, then you need to recognize something when we reduce the definition of lie, we have just changed and altered our personal definition from the Bibles correct? Yet, Gods definition hasnt changed it was ours that we diluted. And, thats not only not good thats bad. But, the way it gets even worse is when altering Gods definition becomes so common-place that we cant even remember the Biblical definitions anymore. Yeah now thats really bad, and very sad. But, as you and I know that is where we are today. The remedy? Weve got to go back to Gods definitions defined in His Word that restores the whole picture. Meaning we personally need to go back to Biblical definitions, as well as sorting through Bible teachers to find those who use Biblical definitions and leaving behind those that only use Gods Word to build a fan-club and followers after themselves. I hope to cover that perspective more a little later. In case you or I needed a fresh reminder of how God feels about lying, lets look at this passage. Have you heard the example of Ananias and Sapphira? If not, its a Biblical example that you and I need to learn from. But, before we get to Acts 5, lets start in Acts 4 to get some context.

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (Acts 4:32-37) Okay, that is the setup and explanation for what we learn in Acts 5. Just a few details and then we can keep reading. This is a beautiful picture of how the church Christs body not the buildings, ought to look like and can look like. Unity (in Christ). Biblical love and sharing were very commonplace which notes that people cared about others needs and didnt hoard up treasures here. Gods Word was powerfully and convictingly taught, and the people were actively growing in knowlegdge, understanding and obedience, so Gods grace was on them. I need to note 2 more verses to pull this picture together. Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.(Acts 9:31) Thats not talking about physical blessing from Gods hand its spiritual blessings, in addition to God meeting the needs of His children when they walk and grow in obedience to Him. Okay, one more verse: For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. (1st Corinthians 11:31-32) when we are actively listening to our consciences and growing in hating and leaving behind more of our rebellious ways, God grants us more grace and shows us more of His kindness, because that is what it means to walk in the fear of the Lord. Sadly, I dont hear that taught or modeled much today, but the principle remains true and we, as a nation, need to get back to it. Okay, with that brief background, lets move forward to Acts 5. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God. Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. (Acts 5:1-5) Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit who was with the apostles and godly leaders of the early church. Thats a mistake that cost him his life believe me, he never lied again,

and he took some very bad spiritual losses for doing that too. But, wait what about Sapphira? Lets pick back up in verse 7. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, Tell me whether you sold the land for so much? She said, Yes, for so much, Then Peter said to her, How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out. Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. (Acts 5:7-10) ~ Another GULP! That lie cost her her life too. So, did this example of what not to do, spread around? Yep for sure it did. Look at the next verse: So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. (Acts 5:11) Uh yeah, thats just one of many of the Bibles under-statements. Maybe it ought to be empahsized this way And great FEAR came upon Can you imagine how many people thought about that for days, and weeks, and months, and years ~ its not something you forget easily. I wonder what their thoughts were? Quite probably a gulp Ive told lies!... uh-oh. If God shows me His grace, I dont want to lie anymore And Gods action against one couples lie, taught the rest of His children to grow in more honesty thats what Gods Word is supposed to do and it ought to inspires healthy growth. That is what God intends for His Word to do purify our choices and quality of conduct and motivations. Please do notice, that the main sin of Ananias and Sapphira had really very little to do with the money they had or what they did with it. What incited God to chasten them to death was that they lied to Him (publicly), and God saw fit to end that rebellion and remind people of His Word You shall not lie. (Exodus 20:16) Exodus 20 is one of 2 passages where God gave Israel (and us) the 10 Commandments. Now, many forget why God gave us the 10 Commandments, but thats a later subject. But, back to Exodus 20:16 I think we have forgotten what God says about lying and what He calls lying. For, if we remembered what God calls lying like those who heard about Ananias and Sapphira did, I know that it would change us on the inside. A good literal translation of Exodus 20:16 is: You shall not state something false to or about anyone around you. That would include slander and gossip, etc. As you can probably see, our society has drifted a long way from Gods Biblical definitions and it pushes us to accept their false definitions. But, they may deceive themselves, but God will not be mocked they will sow what they reap (here and in eternity). How about us? Will this reminder of how much God hates lying change us and how we conduct ourselves? I hope so it ought to. And if we change, it will probably show that we are His children. If we dont change, it will probably show that we arent His children. >> brief interruption notice, God didnt strike everyone dead who had told a lie. No, He just chastened to death those two and spread that example around so the rest would fear Him and grow in obedience. Notice, God is both angry at sin and gracious

to men who sin. ~ Thats Gods balanced perspective. And since that is who He is, then that is a balanced Biblical perspective, and we need to let it adjust our teaching too. Okay, still on the topic of Gods anger. Curious have you ever wondered what Gods Name is? I know Lord, God, and Father are just a few common ones. But, wouldnt you like to know what God says His Name is? He does. He said His Name when talking to Moses. Do you think He emphasized His anger? Do you think He empahsized His holiness? What about His goodness or Justice? Well, lets look and see what He said His Name is and find out. If you have a Bible, turn with me to Exodus 34, verse 5. Now the LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children to the third and the fourth generation. (Exodus 34:5-7) Wow! Notice that His Name isnt just a title its who He is. How I long to be more like He is, and I seem to be a far cry from it! Yet, we keep growing anyway, back to the passage. I do note in that, that He is so holy, that He has to emphasize His mercy and grace to us because our version of justice is so sharply different from His beautiful and perfect definition. There is so much richness there, it will take me years to teach that one well. Ill just leave it just quoting it for now. So, continuing on the subject of Gods anger, do remember that God actually states some things in Scripture that make God angry? It even says that He hates some things. His anger then turns to hating a few individuals when they turn so far from Him and cause others to stumble into the same sins they are caught up in. Yet, He doesnt hate like we hate. He still calls even the hardest of rebels to repentance now thats patience! Think on that for a second. God saves some of the hardest witches, some of the hardest idolaters, some of the hardest adulterers, some of the hardest seductresses. His patience is absolutely incredible. So, the reason I state that is because Gods definition of hate is different from ours we just have to keep that in mind, so we can try to get a better understanding of what He says At any rate, I want to quote the next passage and then Ill have to pick it up from there days from now. Okay, here we go: These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:16-19) And Ill have to stop there for now please do comment or note gaps and/or other verses that touch on these topics. Thank you!

 continue on what God hates and why A review of ways to identify a Biblical church body and a Biblical sermon (examining gaps in modern preaching techniques and topics) pt2