The Myth of Pluralism
Before the Civil War the worldview of our nation was overwhelmingly Christian. Since that time the guiding principles upon which our founding fathers established our country have been eroding. In the early 1900’s American society was introduced to the idea of “pluralism.” Pluralism is – the belief that many ideas and beliefs should be used to form one’s own thinking and society in general. Pluralism is the belief that many ideas, even conflicting ideas should be embraced and delighted in and made part of the structure of one’s life and society.
William James (1843-1910), author and philosopher coined the word “pluralism.” According to Mr. James, on the pluralistic view things are “with one another in many ways, but nothing includes everything, or dominates over everything…pluralism is the belief that many groups comprise the polity, and the best government is one which accommodates many different interests in society…pluralism is the situation in which many different cultural practices coexist in a society, often interacting to create new practices…pluralism is the belief that there are many ways to express faith.”
The American mind has been led into this form of thinking and to a great extent even the Church. So let’s look at these statements by William James one by one and compare them to the Christian view of things (worldview):
• “…nothing includes everything, or dominates over everything…”
Christian view – The Christian God, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself claims to dominate everything. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth are given to Me!” He is King of kings and Lord of lords, the Ruler of the kings of the earth who requires submission and loyalty of all humans so much so that even the thought-life of the individual is to be in submission to Him. We see then that according to the Christian worldview, the rule of Christ “includes everything” and “dominates over everything.” (Mat. 28:18-20; Psalm 2:10-12; Rev. 1:5; Philippians 2:9-11; 2 Cor. 10:5; Mat. 5:28).
• “…pluralism is the belief that many groups comprise the polity, and the best government is one which accommodates many different inter
ests in society…”
Christian view – I believe that on the surface the statement is true. However, because of the sinfulness of man, no government can be erected by humanistic man that will truly be concerned for the best interests of the “many groups [that] comprise the polity.” The only government that will strive for such justice and righteousness is that which rests upon the shoulders of Jesus Christ (Isa. 9:6; Heb. 10:12, 13). Such a government on earth can only be fashioned as man in submission to Jesus Christ becomes progressively obedient to His Law-Word. Jesus taught us to seek this when He said pray daily, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, ON EARTH as it is in heaven.”
• “…pluralism is the situation in which many different cultural practices coexist in a society, often interacting to create new practices…”
Christian view – At the dispersion of the Tower of Babel God gave opportunity for the various cultures to arise; the peoples were separated into groups and those people groups spread around the globe. In heaven there will be people from every people, tribe and tongue. Though ethnic indicators may follow us to heaven, everything of culture will be made holy. In the meantime, here on planet earth, we are to seek sanctification individually and in our cultures; until Christ returns we daily work and pray, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, ON EARTH as it is in heaven!” (see Zechariah 14:20, 21)
• “…pluralism is the belief that there are many ways to express faith…”
Christian view – It is obvious (from the assumption of pluralism) that the above statement means there are many religions (Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, etc.) by which it is good to express faith. The entire Bible nullifies this assumption. In the beginning God created. In the fullness of time this Creator God sent Jesus Christ, the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world to redeem a people for Himself. This same Jesus declares, “I am the First and the Last; the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Religious pluralism is polytheism.
Pluralism permeates American thinking, and much so in the Church. The question should be asked – Since we are a democratic nation, should pluralism be the modus operandi of our society? Should every idea or standard be an option for guiding the United States, or is there a single standard and morality which should be sought? In pluralism according to William James, “…nothing… dominates over everything.” This means that according to pluralism any set of ideas may be acceptable as the governing criteria for society; all should be considered, taken into account, and given a seat at the table. We can test the validity of pluralism by considering the homosexual’s belief that homosexual standards and ideas have as much legitimacy as other ideas and standards. Analyze with me for a moment where the “homosexual rights” campaign is headed. The demand for homosexual rights is not new. This campaign has also been waged in ancient times as seen in the homosexual confrontation with Lot – “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them.” Genesis 19:5. These same demands were made in the only other passage in the Bible where homosexuals are seen in action – “…certain men of the city, perverted men, surrounded the house and beat on the door. They spoke to the master of the house, the old man, saying, “Bring out the man who came to your house, that we may know him carnally!” Judges 19:22 A significant insight ought to be gained here. That insight is this – The fact that these are the only two passages in the Bible where homosexuals are shown in action should inform us that this is exactly where “homosexual rights” will lead. The homosexual spirit has no limits on its demands for “rights.” There is no governing principle to say, “Thus far and no further!” So then, the question should be asked, can the homosexual worldview exist pluralistically with other worldviews as a governing factor in a society? It is evident that homosexual ideas (in their matured form as seen in the Bible) are not able to exist peaceably with most worldviews and morality standards because those who believe it is acceptable for a gang of men to come to one’s home and demand the right to molest those on the inside are few and far between! It is obvious then that pluralism is a myth. Every idea and standard cannot have equal opportunity and sway in a society, or be successfully included in a homogenized mix of ideas and standards. Standards of morality compete for preeminence and it is a fight to the death. One single idea or standard will eventually emerge as the directing standard. Even when pluralism is attempted, someone or some group sorts through the plurality of ideas and decides which ones will be the governing principles; this in turn means it is no longer pluralism, but whatever those who are in control decide. The idea of pluralism is but a fog over the minds of those duped into conformity to a non-pluralistic standard.
It has taken several generations for our nation to deteriorate from one of Christian standards to a pluralistic society. King Solomon however accomplished it in one generation. Solomon created for himself a pluralist household which in turn transferred to his kingdom so that the society also became pluralist; God’s standard was no longer the governing assumption. The result was multiplied confusion in his kingdom which lasted hundreds of years until Judah was finally exiled to Babylon. Solomon had many foreign wives, and “…it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not fully follow the Lord, as did his father David. Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the hill that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the people of Ammon. And he did likewise for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.” 1 Kings 11:4-8. Under King David, Solomon’s father, the standard was the Word and fear of God; one standard. Solomon introduced polytheism which meant the introduction of and royal approval of a mix of standards; confusion!
Ultimately there will be one standard that will rule. “One ring to rule them all!” That rule or standard could be imposed by a dictator, or it could be imposed by a democratic majority. Either way, someone or some group is going to set the standard by which society is governed. What standard should the Christian pray for and (in our democratic republic) work toward as we seek to see His kingdom come and His will done on earth as it is in heaven as much as is possible prior to the coming of Jesus? The parable of the wheat and tares tells us that plurality is in the world and will be until the end. On the other hand Jesus’ command to teach the nations to obey Him shows us pluralism is not a legitimate option for the Christian (Prov. 31:9; Jeremiah 5:28, etc.). It is evident that there is but one legitimate standard for all people. That standard is found in submission to Jesus Christ and His Law-Word, the Bible.
Plurality in our world is a reality God created at the tower of Babel. Plurality is a reality that diminishes day by day as person by person, people group by people group, turn into the Kingdom of God and acknowledge by word and thought, religion and worship, and a progressively sanctified culture that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. “For the nation or kingdom which will not serve you will perish…” Isaiah 60:12. Praise be to His glorious name!
Think about this – Pluralism is self-negating for it is the governing assumption that there should be no governing assumption.
by Eugene Clingman
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Tags: 2 Cor. 10:5, christian view, christian worldview, different cultural practices, eugene clingman, granola delights, Isaiah 60:12, Jeremiah 5:28, Mat. 28:18-20, Mat. 5:28, one governing assumption, One ring to rule them all!, one standard will rule, Philippians 2:9-11, Pluralism, plurality, Prov. 31:9, Psalm 2:10-12, religious pluralism, Rev. 1:5, The Christian God, thy kingdom come, William James
The Bible is rife with evidence of a good God who provides for His people and who opens His hand and satisfies “the desire of every living thing.” He does provide and desires to provide abundantly. Lack for mankind is not a problem with God, but a problem in man as I will discuss after the following Scripture passages.
Psalm 145:9-16 (NKJV)
The Lord is good to all,
And His tender mercies are over all His works.
[10] All Your works shall praise You, O Lord,
And Your saints shall bless You.
[11] They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom,
And talk of Your power,
[12] To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts,
And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.
[13] Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
[14] The Lord upholds all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed down.
[15] The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.
[16] You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Psalm 72:16 (NKJV)
There will be an abundance of grain in the earth,
On the top of the mountains;
Its fruit shall wave like Lebanon;
And those of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
Matthew 6:32 (NKJV)
For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
Luke 12:32 (NKJV)
Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Philip. 4:19 (NKJV)
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
The problem of lack for mankind is not due to an unwillingness in God to give and provide. The problem is in man. The problem goes like this:
1) Man becomes needy and cries out to God in distress –
Psalm 107:4-9 (NKJV)
They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way;
They found no city to dwell in.
[5] Hungry and thirsty,
Their soul fainted in them.
[6] Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He delivered them out of their distresses.
[7] And He led them forth by the right way,
That they might go to a city for a dwelling place.
[8] Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
[9] For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.
2) They receive God’s blessing and soon forget where it came from, they become ungrateful, self-satisfied, and proud, thinking that their own craft and ingenuity have brought them the abundance and blessing they experience. They forget God.
Deut. 6:10-12 (NKJV)
“So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, [11] houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant–when you have eaten and are full– [12] then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
3) When they forsake God, God cannot continue to bless and provide, for they have forgotten the source of the blessing. Further blessing will only result in further pride and self-satisfaction and arrogance. The result of forgetting is judgment.
Hosea 2:12-13 (NKJV)
“And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees,
Of which she has said,
‘These are my wages that my lovers have given me.’
So I will make them a forest,
And the beasts of the field shall eat them.
[13] I will punish her
For the days of the Baals to which she burned incense.
She decked herself with her earrings and jewelry,
And went after her lovers;
But Me she forgot,” says the Lord.
4) God judges by removing the blessings He gave in order that they might realize their need of Him and return to Him. He then in His goodness blesses again with provision and abundance. Then the cycle repeats itself.
We should study this cycle and be careful ourselves to remember always. We should teach our children and grandchildren the truth of the cycle and warn ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren of the danger of forgetting which leads to ungratefulness, which leads to judgment. O God, help us to remember!
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Tags: 1 Peter 5:7, abundance of God, Deut. 6:10-12, eugene clingman, God is good all the time, God's goodness, God's provision, granola, granola delights, Hosea 2:12-13, kindness of God, Matthew 6:32. Luke 12:32, Philip. 4:19, Psalm 107:4-9, Psalm 145:9-16, Psalm 72:16
I had a dream last night in which I was talking/preaching to a (I think it was) small group of Christian people (perhaps 30 or 40 in number). I was talking about worshiping God, how God wants us to worship Him and how we can do it acceptably and how the manifest presence of God comes into the midst of His people when we worship.
I was a little nervous about telling them about this. I told them, I hope you don’t think I am weird, and I hope you don’t thrown me out, but I want to tell you about worshiping God. The Spirit of God was on me and gave me boldness. I told them and I led them, or at least demonstrated the kind of worship we knew in Bible College. I taught them that God desires the fruit of our lips that give thanks to Him. He desires the lifting of our heats and our hands to Him. I remember walking back and forth in front of the group as I was talking. During my talk someone walked over to a refrigerator nearby and got something out of it but I dept talking. I remember also assuring them that this was not “strange fire” but that which God truly desires. To show this biblically I mentioned Hebrews 13:15 - “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” And Psalm 141:2 – “May my prayer be counted as incense before Thee; the lifting up of my hands as the evening offering.”
Even now, after being awake thirty or forty minutes, the I sense the Spirit’s working in my heart, that is, my heart is tender and feels bathed in the presence of God.
O Lord, pour out your Spirit on us, help us to be true worshipers who worship in Spirit and in truth. Teach us and help us to abandon ourselves in praise and adoration, for You are worthy! Come to us and help us O Lord!
Tags: dream of worship, fruit of lips, Hebrews 13:15, Hosea 14:2, lifting hands in worship, Psalm 141:2, worship in spirit and truth
The Lord Will Judge His People!
A doctrine basic to the Christian faith is this - Jesus Christ is incarnate God! God, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Jesus does not change because God does not change and Jesus is God. His Word is truth, His judgments are righteous and neither change because God does not change.
There was a change in covenants, but not a change in moral law. We know that the moral law was not changed because we are told plainly that the essence of the New Covenant is that God writes His laws upon the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 31:31-33 ). On the other hand there was a change in law having to do with types and shadows, ceremonies and sacrifices, for these foretold of Jesus and the work of redemption He would accomplish. Redemption was accomplished at the Cross, therefore that which foreshadowed it, ceremonial and sacrificial laws, no longer apply. The moral law, the Ten Commandments along with the exposition of the Ten Commandments which theologians call the “case laws” remain in force.
The laws pointing to Jesus are fulfilled and unnecessary this side of the Cross, yet God’s morality has not changed and never will! Stealing is still stealing, adultery still adultery, dishonoring parents still the same offense, and idolatry the same abomination as prior to the Cross.
When we look at how God dealt with sin under the Old Covenant, we can learn how He deals with sin in the age of the New Covenant. Paul tells us we should take lessons from old Israel (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11). This being said, let us consider God’s judgment upon Israel in Numbers 25.
“Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. [2] They invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. [3] So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel.” Numbers 25:1-3 (NKJV)
Points to note:
- God treated Israel as a unit - “They invited”, “So Israel was joined to Baal”, “anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel.” (see also Joshua 7).
- Judgment came upon individuals - “hang the offenders” (vs. 4).
- Judgment came upon the community - those who died in the plague were twenty-four thousand” (vs. 9).
Israel’s sins “…became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted” (1 Cor. 10:6). And we are admonished with their bad example not to, “…tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents” (1 Corinthians 10:9). Those same sins are possible for the Church today, and we are warned about the possibility of the same judgments falling upon us.
Israel was judged as a unit, as a covenantal entity, as a people. There is some measure in which the Church, in like fashion, is judged as a people, as a covenantal unit (Matthew 21:43). We then are indeed our “brother’s keeper”! The preservation of our brother is our own preservation.
“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. [27] Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 (NKJV)
When I think about how corporate judgment against the Church, of which I and my family are a part, I shake at the thought of how so many of us (85% or more) are giving our children to the pagan government school system which actively indoctrinates them away from Christianity and into humanism, socialism, and a perverse morality. The entire Body of Christ suffers because of this sinful folly.
by Eugene Clingman
One of the ways we earn our living is through our Granola Delights Store, www.GranolaDelights.com! Why not try some of our granola!
Tags: 1 Corinthians 10:9, 1 Corinthians 12:26-27, eugene clingman, granola, granola delights, Jeremiah 31:31-33, Matthew 21:43, Numbers 25, Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11, the lord will judge his people
“Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness” attempted to curse Israel, but failed four times (2 Peter 2:15). His attempted curses were turned into a blessing for Israel of old and for all of Abraham’s children who are his children by faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:6-9, 14, 29; 6:16).
• Numbers 23:8 - “How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? And how shall I denounce whom the Lord has not denounced?” – Isaiah in like manner says that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against us in judgment we will condemn (Isaiah 54:17).
• Numbers 23:9 – “A people dwelling alone, not reckoning itself among the nations.” – God has called His Christian people to be separate from the world (2 Cor. 6:17-7:1); in the world, but not of it (John 17:14-19); going into the nations but not mixing with them (Isaiah 2:6; Hosea 7:8; Matthew 28:18-20).
• Numbers 23:10 (NKJV) - “Who can count the dust of Jacob, or number one-fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his!” And, Numbers 23:21 - “He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, nor has He seen wickedness in Israel. The Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a King is among them.” – Israel had sinned over and over since their departure from Egypt, yet God considered them “righteous.” He had chosen them and given them the means of redemption, blood upon the altar which covered their sin until the coming of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. This prophecy of Balaam, inspired directly by the Spirit of God, shows us how God looks upon those who trust in His redemption. Wonder of wonders, He has not “seen wickedness in Israel!”
• Numbers 23:24 – “Look, a people rises like a lioness, and lifts itself up like a lion; It shall not lie down until it devours the prey, and drinks the blood of the slain.” – From beginning to end, the Bible teaches a postmillennial hope in which the nations will be brought into the blessing and peace of the Good News of Jesus Christ. The prophet likens this to a lion that is not satisfied until the whole is devoured. “For the nation and kingdom which will not serve you shall perish, and those nations shall be utterly ruined” (Isaiah 60:12).
by Eugene Clingman
Try our Granola Delights granola!
Tags: Balaam, blessing for curse, come out from among them, conquer the world, eugene clingman, good news, granola, postmillennailism
Jeff,
Greetings once again!
I wanted to search with you what the Scripture has to say about the Greek word dialektos (strongs #1258). I used two separate Bible study programs to verify that I was finding every occurrence of the word in the Bible; since it is a Greek word it would only appear in the New Testament. The word occurres six times with every occurrence being in Acts. I have placed all verses in which the word appears below and have bolded the English word to which dialektos has been translated.
Acts 1:19 (KJV)
And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
Acts 2:6 (KJV)
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Acts 2:8 (KJV)
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
Acts 21:40 (KJV)
And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,
Acts 22:2 (KJV)
(And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
Acts 26:14 (KJV)
And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
As I am sure you also are able to see, there is no indication of teaching, preaching, or dialogue in a synagogue or church gathering in the passages above. The word clearly has to do with dialect (example, “Hebrew tongue”) and not with dialoguing back and forth in a church setting.
This observation does not lead me to believe that dialogue is to be excluded from the church gathering, but on the other hand it can by no means be used to set up a pattern of study, nor negate monologue preaching, nor negate monologue teaching.
On the contrary, the New Testament teaches us that God has given “pastors and teachers” (Eph. 4:11-14). And the New Testament teaches that preaching (monologue) is for the people of God such as in the following verses, some of which I also comment on:
Romans 1:15 (NASB)
Thus, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
Paul was eager to preach to the church at Rome. He is writing to people already saved; this preaching therefore that he wanted to do was not for the purpose of evangelism, but the proclamation of God’s truth to those already save.
Romans 10:8 (NASB)
But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”– that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,
I believe this applies to believers, but I will not labor to prove this now.
Romans 12:6-7 (NASB)
And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; [7] if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;
“He who teaches” – this teaching was not for evangelism, but for the saints.
Romans 16:25 (NASB)
Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,
Paul again commends “preaching” to those already saved.
1 Cor. 1:17-18 (NASB)
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, that the cross of Christ should not be made void. 18] For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
This preaching of the cross was not only for the lost who were perishing, but also for “us who are being saved”. “Being saved” recognizes that we are in process and that preaching is given until the process is completed (Eph. 4:11-13).
1 Cor. 9:14 (NASB)
So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.
Certainly the Lord does not direct missionaries or evangelists to “get their living from the gospel” from those they attempting to win into the Kingdom. Those who “proclaim the gospel” and “get their living from the gospel” do so from those they minister to, that is, saved persons in the congregation (Gal. 6:6). My point here is not money, but that this preaching is to to those who supply funding to those who preach the gospel.
1 Cor. 14:6 (NASB)
But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what shall I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching?
Paul believed he should bring “teaching” to those in the church.
1 Cor. 14:19 (NASB)
however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind, that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Same.
1 Cor. 14:26 (NASB)
What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
Same.
2 Cor. 4:5 (NASB)
For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.
Paul is talking to people already saved, to the Corinthian church, and he says that they “preach”.
2 Cor. 11:7 (NASB)
Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge?
Paul is certainly not referring to his initial evangelism among the Corinthians, for if he were he would be implicitly saying that the normal pattern for evangelism is to raise support among the unsaved, and then preach to them to get them saved. Rather he is speaking of his practice after they were saved, after they were a church. He says that in the case of the Corinthians, because there were false apostles among them who wanted to be counted on the same level as Paul (2 Cor. 11:7-15), that his practice with them was to not receive any wages from them, but to “rob” other churches that he might minister in an unusual way to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 11:8).
Galatians 6:6 (NASB)
And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches.
It is obvious this does not refer to those who are being evangelized, but to those in the Church.
Ephes. 4:11-15 (NASB)
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, [12] for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. [14] As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; [15] but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ,
God has given pastors and teachers, etc. until the Body of Christ is mature, “until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”
Col. 1:25-29 (NASB)
Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, [26] that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations; but has now been manifested to His saints, [27] to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. [28] And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ. [29] And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.
Speaking to the Colossian church he says that his “stewardship” which includes “preaching of the word of God” is for “your [Colossians] benefit”. Paul proclaims and admonishes in order to “present every man complete in Christ”. His ministry of proclamation extended to those in process of being made complete in Christ.
1 Tim. 3:2 (NASB)
An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
1 Tim. 4:11 (NASB)
Prescribe and teach these things.
1 Tim. 4:13 (NASB)
Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.
1 Tim. 5:17 (NASB)
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
It is clear there are those who should be working hard at preaching and teaching.
1 Tim. 6:2 (NASB)
And let those who have believers as their masters not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but let them serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.
Timothy was to “Teach and preach these principles” to the “believers and beloved.”
2 Tim. 2:2 (NASB)
And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
2 Tim. 2:24 (NASB)
And the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,
2 Tim. 4:2-3 (NASB)
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. [3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires;
“…wanting to have their ears tickled” does not refer to the unevangelized, but to those in the Church. To them he was to “preach the word.”
Titus 2:15 (NASB)
These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Paul thinks that pastors ought to be able to “speak and exhort and reprove with all authority” so much so that “no one [should] disregard you.”
Hebrews 5:12 (NASB)
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
Hebrews 8:11 (NASB)
“And they shall not teach everyone his fellow citizen,
And everyone his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’
For ALL SHALL KNOW Me,
From the least to the greatest of them.
Whatever this verse means, it cannot negate the other verses nor Ephesians 4:11-13.
The Bible will not support, nor does the Greek word dialektos demonstrate that monologue teaching or preaching is out of bounds in the Church. On the contrary, “monologistic” teaching and preaching were a central part of the Church’s early life. Certainly dialogue (dialektos does not mean dialogue) can be a profitable part of church life. But to construe from the Greek word dialektos that monologue teaching and preaching (such as Dell Tacket is doing in The Truth Project) is out, is to read into it substance it does not contain.
I look forward to dialoguing with you about this. There may be something I am altogether missing. But from what I see at this point, dialektos does not negate the value or the primacy of preaching and teaching “monologueistically”. And again I am sure dialogue is a good and appropriate part of church life, but it does not negate the biblical pattern of teaching and preaching “monologueistically”.
Whether I should be a pastor/teacher is ultimately the Lord’s doing and will be verified in whether there is eventually a congregation who consider me their pastor. Godly men in the past have examined my life and found me fit for ministry and have ordained me to the pastoral ministry. I have pastored in the past mostly as an assistant and for a time as senior pastor. I left the senior pastor position not under compulsion or duress, but because of a hunger to become more than I was in those days and that I might minister more effectively. Since that time I have continually been in Christian ministry, though not pastoring now for some years. At the same time I am aware that God can set a man aside or lessen his influence if he should sin, or for a time to further train and prepare him (as Paul spent time in the wilderness, Gal. 1:17). And so, whether I am set aside (and I know not why God should do so unless it should be for my lack of diligence in study and preparation), or whether this is a season of God’s dealings and prunings, I am uncertain at times. Christian ministry is a walk of faith and I hope I may be found worthy to influence God’s people. I genuinely believe the Lord, our gracious King, has given me some things that are of great value, they are precious jewels - like the postmillennial hope, Presuppositionalism, and Theonomy. I believe these things are a significant part of the answer to the sicknesses of the Body of Christ.
I believe I write not as a contentious one, but rather I desire to grow with you in the truth of God’s Word. I pray that together we may be Bereans (Acts 17:11). I hope and believe I am eager to walk in the truth in every aspect. May God help me to do so!
By the way: If you would like an excellent Bible study program that is free, I recommend eSword. You can download it from http://www.e-sword.net. This is one of the two programs I used to confirm all the occurrences of dialektos in the Bible. This search can be done by using the eSword Bible translation with the tag (on the tab once the program is installed) “KJV+” and doing a search on “g1258”. This number is of the Strong’s Concordance number system which is often used by other study helps.
Eugene Clingman
Sites: www.4HisName.com - About Jesus & us
Blog: www.Blog.GranolaDelights.com
Tags: christian preaching, dialektos, eSword, eugene clingman, preaching, strongs 1258, teaching God's Word
Jeff,
Warm Christian Greetings!
I will mention again that I am grateful for the opportunity we had for discussions (dialogue). A question that was asked was something to the effect: Do you have pride? or Are you proud? My response was something to the effect: Yes, I am full of pride! I wanted to respond to this further.
What I said is true. Pride is, I think, the most insidious, sneaky, tricky and deceitful thing in man. It is there and leaks out in many ways. I find that I am proud of any humility I think I perceive in myself or that others comment about. One who supposes he has no pride demonstrates himself blind to his own need.
What shall I do about pride? I will seek to walk in righteousness and humility (Zeph. 2:3), I will seek to walk in courage and hope remembering His promise to “redeem Israel (Gal. 3:7) from all his iniquities” (Psa. 130:8). Courage is necessary for it is an ingredient of faith (Heb. 4:16) and faith in the mercy and promise of God is what we must cling to for our spiritual health, indeed, for the very life of our souls (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17). So, is there pride in me? Yes, and there will be until I am fully sanctified in soul upon death when I shall be like Him, for I shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2). What do I do between now and then? I walk with God as best I am able (Philippians 3:16) by faith in His gracious promises; I listen to reproofs of the Spirit (John 6:45) and of the godly (Psalm 141:5). I recognize that I have been sanctified (Colossians 1:13-14; Jude 1:1). I accept the fact that I am in process and am being sanctified by God (2 Cor. 3:18), and also that I have a part to play in the process (2 Cor. 7:1). All this being true, I believe (for how could I do otherwise and suppose myself a Christian) that I am among those who are “pour in spirit”; I most certainly “mourn”; and I believe I am among those “meek” who “shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:3-6). So, is pride a reality? Until my last breath! And this is true of all the sons of Adam, all of whom, in Adam, bought into the lie that they could exalt themselves above the love, wisdom, and command of God. I believe this to be a true explanation (though not exhaustive) of pride (sin in general) in the life of the Christian. We are sanctified (saved out of the world), being saved (in process), will be saved (at death we shall see Him as He is). Being in process does not give me an excuse (Rom. 6:1-2, 12) to sin or an excuse to live in pride. While upon earth I must walk in perpetual repentance and at the same time rejoice that I am accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:6). I rejoice in God’s goodness that while we were yet sinners and though He knows all that we now are, Christ loves us and gave Himself for us!
Your servant not perfected, but on the way,
Eugene Clingman
Sites: www.4HisName.com - About Jesus & us
Blog: www.Blog.GranolaDelights.com
Tags: eugene clingman, granola, granoladelights.com, pride
This is a note I wrote to a friend after we had some discussion concerning how the law of God should be applied to a society…
Jeff,
Here is another thought about why it would not have been appropriate for Jesus to punish or advocate punishment for the woman caught in adultery:
Hosea 4:14 (NKJV)
“I will not punish your daughters when they commit harlotry,
Nor your brides when they commit adultery;
For the men themselves go apart with harlots,
And offer sacrifices with a ritual harlot.
Therefore people who do not understand will be trampled.
We call to mind that the woman was “caught” in adultery which obviously means the man was also “caught”, yet they brought only the woman. This is in direct violation of the law of God that both parties in such a case are equally responsible and subject to the punishments of God’s law (Lev. 20:10). The verse above is an eloquent exposition of exactly what is going on here. They had a double standard. They wanted their women to be faithful and pure but the men would not live this way themselves.
You and I, having a postmillennial view of the progress of history can look forward to a day when nations are truly Christianized and obedient to the law of God (Isaiah 2:1-4). As such a society develops it will grow in conformity to God’s standards, i.e. His law which the New Testament says was just: “every transgression and disobedience received a just reward” (Hebrews 2:2). When we have a Christian society the standard will of necessity and by the will of the people be, the law of God. Any other standard is treason against Christian society and is the path downward into paganism. A particular standard will reign in a particular society. A pluralistic society (a society in which there is more than one law standard) is not a Christian society. Either God’s law is the standard, or some other standard. A society cannot have the law of God as the standard and also some other standard at the same time. I believe God’s law will eventually be that standard which guides the nations, and by which the civil magistrate is governed in his responsibility to punish the wicked and encourage the righteous (Romans 13:1-7).
Desiring yet more of His truth and ways,
Eugene Clingman
Tags: Hosea 4:14, Isaiah 2:1-4, Law of God, Leviticus 20:10, Postmillennialism, Romans 13:1-7, woman caught in adultery