06.09.08
Disagreements in the Church – Acts 15:36-41
There are no perfect churches in the world. As long as churches have people in them… there will always be problems, because we are all a bunch of sinners.
Christians of all people should recognize this. After all, we believe that all people are sinners. That is why we need a Savior. Jesus Christ died for our sins. He suffered the punishment we deserve for our sins so that we might be forgiven.
But the fact that we are forgiven doesn’t mean that we are sinless. Our sinfulness doesn’t end the moment we are saved. No! Unfortunately, it continues on during this lifetime.
Because we remain sinners in this world, there will always be problems in the church.
One of the problems we see most often in the church is that we often can’t seem to get along. One thing Christians know how to do is disagree. That is particularly true among my own tradition (“bickering Baptists.”)
Sometimes these disagreements are silly, like arguing over the color of the carpeting. Sometimes these disagreements are necessary, because they are tied to important Christian doctrines.
But I have found that most disagreements in the church are not tied to either one of these two extremes. Usually it is a disagreement over practice in ministry.
For example:
1) When should we apply church discipline? When should we confront an sinning Christian brother and when should we overlook their mistakes? There are differences of opinion regarding the answer to this question.
2) Or we may agree on the biblical qualifications for those in church leadership and yet disagree on whether or not a particular individual meets those qualifications.
3) Or we may agree that as a church we are called to make disciples and yet disagree on how best to accomplish that ministry.
What happens when the disagreement becomes so great that we can no longer minister together? Then what?
We see an example of this in Acts 15:36-41…
Acts 15:36-41 (ESV) – 36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Paul wants to go back to the churches that he and Barnabas had recently planted in Asia Minor (Acts 13-14) and make sure they are okay. This makes perfect sense, because there had been considerable opposition to the Christian faith in virtually every place they had ministered. Although we don’t know for sure whether or not the persecution continued after they left, it is safe to assume that at least some of it continued. After all, these new Christians were passionate about their Savior and we are told that they were zealous in sharing the gospel with others (Acts 13:49.) Since it was the proclamation of the gospel which had set off the persecution in the first place, it is safe to assume that it would continue as long as these Christians were preaching the gospel.
But this is probably not the only concern which Paul had in mind. Paul and Barnabas had already dealt with Jewish Christians in Antioch who insisted that Gentiles had to obey the Mosaic Law in order to be saved (Acts 15:1-2.) And Paul’s letter to the Galatians makes it clear that the same teachings had begun to infect some of these churches which they had planted in Asia Minor. I think it is very likely that he wanted to pass along the decision from the Jerusalem council that Gentiles could be saved without converting to Judaism before this heresy spread among these new believers (Acts 15:23-29.)
Not to mention the fact that these Christians… just like us today… though their sin was forgiven… their sinful natures still remained. Everyone of us is prone to stumble and wander away from the truth into sin. That is why we need godly shepherds to keep us on the right track and guide us in the direction which God would have us to go. Over and over again, Paul speaks of the Christians in the churches he planted as if they are his children (I Thess 2:7-8, 11-12, Gal 4:19.) He cared about them and wanted to make sure they “grew up” to be healthy Christians… joined together in healthy churches.
Notice that Paul is the one to bring this up to Barnabas, but Barnabas is in full agreement with him. They both want to go and visit these newly formed churches. They both want to see these churches be strengthened and grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
But this is where they agreement ends. Though they both agree on what is to be done… they disagree on how it is to be done.
Barnabas wanted to take along with them John Mark. The Greek is pretty strong here (βούλομαι - imperfect tense.) He was insistent about it. He was continually pressing the issue. He wanted to take John Mark with them on this trip to strengthen the churches in Asia Minor and he wasn’t about to take no for an answer.
Who is John Mark?
We have seen him before in our study through the book of Acts and I told you we would come back to him later.
Let me refresh our memories on who this young man is…
1) Tradition… not Scripture… but tradition tells us that the Last Supper took place in the home of John Mark’s parents. We don’t know this for sure, but there is good reason to think that it is at least possible that Jesus shared the Passover meal with His disciples in this man’s home.
2) Part of the reason some people think this is because of an odd passage found in the gospel of Mark in chapter 14…
Mark 14:51-52 (ESV) – 51 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.
Most scholars agree that this is probably a young John Mark, fleeing the scene of the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus was arrested. How could this young man have been present at the betrayal of Jesus? It is at least possible that he followed Jesus and the disciples from his home to the Garden.
3) Whether or not the Last Supper was held in Mark’s home or not is a matter of debate, but we know for sure that his home was a regular meeting place for the early church. Back in Acts 12:12, when Peter was miraculously freed from prison by an angel, he went immediately to the home of John Mark’s mother and that is where he found Christians gathered and praying for his release.
4) We also know that he was Barnabas’ cousin (Col 4:10.)
5) And if you remember, he went with Paul and Barnabas when they began their 1st missionary journey back in Acts 13, but he didn’t complete the journey with them. He traveled with them as they preached the gospel throughout the island of Cyprus. He was there when the magician Bar-Jesus was struck down by God for opposing the gospel. He went with Paul and Barnabas to Pamphylia in Asia Minor, but then he left and went home to Jerusalem.
Barnabas wanted to take this young man with them on this 2nd missionary journey and he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Why? We don’t know for sure. Maybe it was because John Mark was his cousin. I think it more likely because this fits the character of Barnabas. His name means “son of encouragement” and this very aptly describes his character. He was constantly pouring himself into the lives of others and attempting to build them up. He was always encouraging others and I think it is safe to assume that he wanted another chance to encourage this young man in ministry.
But Paul would have none of this. He didn’t want to take John Mark with them. Literally he didn’t think it was worthy or wise (ἀξιόω) to even consider taking John Mark with them. And the Greek implies that he was just as set against taking John Mark as Barnabas was set on taking him. He and Barnabas were continually disagreeing about this.
Why was Paul opposed to taking John Mark with them?
Because he had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and didn’t go with them to the work. Some translations render it that John Mark “deserted” them… and it seems safe to say that is how Paul saw things. Eugene Peterson in the Message paraphrase of the Bible renders this, “But Paul wouldn’t have him; he wasn’t about to take along a quitter who, as soon as the going got tough, had jumped ship on them in Pamphylia.” Although this is not a literal translation of the Greek, it does capture the sense of what is going on here.
Paul deemed him unfit to go with them because of his past failures…
How many of us have ever made a mistake? If we are honest, then we must admit that we make mistakes all the time.
Do you want people to continually hold your mistakes against you?
Don’t we all want the opportunity to live down our mistakes?
Don’t we all want a second chance when we make a mistake?
It seems that Paul is unwilling to give John Mark a second chance here. His mistake from the past is still haunting him.
Now Scripture is clear that there are some sins which seem to disqualify a person for ministry (I Cor 9:24-27), but does going home in the middle of a mission trip disqualify someone from ever engaging in ministry again?
Peter denied Jesus three times (Lk 22:54-62) yet he was not disqualified for ministry.
Did Mark’s failure disqualify him from future ministry? Apparently Paul thought so… at least at this juncture in his life.
We don’t know why John Mark turned tail and went home during the 1st missionary trip, but here we see him back in Antioch after time has passed and apparently wanting a second chance to go and minister the gospel to those in need.
But Paul won’t let him live down his earlier mistake. At least, this is probably the way in which Barnabas saw things.
On the other hand, they are about to walk into some very difficult ministry situations. And remember…John Mark left them the first time before things really got bad. He left long before they were run out of Pisidia Antioch. He left them before Paul was nearly stoned to death in Lystra.
Paul and Barnabas may have been ignorant about what they were walking into the first time, but not so this time. They knew what they would encounter. They knew they would face hardship and persecution.
Do you take someone with a track record of cowardice with you into hostile territory?
Don’t you only take those who you can be reasonably sure will watch your back and see it through to the end?
Which one is right here? Paul… or Barnabas? The text doesn’t tell us. But either way, they both keep pressing their opinion and neither one will bend.
As a result, there arose a “sharp disagreement” (παροξυσμός) between them. The term παροξυσμός is derived from a verb which means “to sharpen” (παροξύνω) and it tells us that this dispute resulted in anger, irritation and exasperation (Bock, Baker, 519.) Things got really heated between them. So heated in fact that they separated from one another. We have another strong Greek term here… ἀποχωρίζω … and it is only used one other time in Scripture. In Revelation 6:14 it is used to describe the sky splitting apart when the 6th seal is broken. In the same way that one day the heaven will be torn asunder… this partnership was completely severed.
I find this to be incredibly sad. These men had a long history together. Remember… Barnabas had mentored Paul…
1) After his conversion, when no one else would have anything to do with Paul because he had previously persecuted Christians, it was Barnabas who took a chance and put his arm around Paul and vouched for him with the apostles (Acts 9:27.)
2) Years later, it was Barnabas who went and found Paul in Tarsus and brought to Antioch to minister alongside him in this newly formed Gentile church (Acts 11:25-26.)
3) It was Barnabas who had started out in the lead when he and Paul had set out on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:2.)
Shouldn’t Paul have listened to the voice of his mentor?
On the other hand, Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ.
1) He had seen the risen Lord Jesus (Acts 9:1-6.)
2) He had been handpicked by the King of kings and Lord of lords to be His apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15-16.)
3) He was a man who was without peer when it came to knowing the Bible.
Shouldn’t Barnabas have listened to him?
Shouldn’t Barnabas have yielded to the opinion of the Apostle Paul?
We don’t know. Maybe one was right and the other wrong. Maybe they were both wrong. Or maybe they were both right. Either way… they separate…
Barnabas took John Mark and sailed away to Cyprus while Paul took Silas and traveled overland to Asia Minor.
Some have suggested that the fact that we are told the brothers commended Paul and Silas to the grace of the Lord implies that the church thought Paul was right and Barnabas was wrong. Most scholars don’t think this is the case at all (i.e. F.F. Bruce, Richard Longenecker, Darrell Bock, J.A. Alexander, etc.) Luke is simply recounting the ministry of Paul, therefore he mentions his commission and passes over Barnabas.
This is clearly seen by the fact that Barnabas disappears here from the book of Acts. Not that he ceased to be involved in ministry. Paul mentions him fondly about 5 years after this event in I Corinthians (I Cor 9:6) and it is clear that he is still involved in ministry. Luke’s purpose is simply to recount the history of Paul’s ministry efforts.
It is incredibly sad that these two great men of God part ways here. Yet still notice what happened…Paul and Silas travel through Syria and Cilicia and the churches are strengthened. These early Christians grow stronger in their faith through the ministry of Paul and Silas.
Isn’t this what Paul and Barnabas both wanted to see accomplished? Although they differed in regards to how to accomplish this ministry… God still accomplished His work among His people, despite their disagreement.
What happened as a result of Barnabas and John Mark traveling to Cyprus? As I said, we don’t know anything about this ministry, but we do know what happened to John Mark.
1) About 10 years later, we find John Mark with Paul in Rome and the apostle is about to send Mark to Colossae to minister to them (Col 4:10.)
2) And at the end of the his life, as the Apostle Paul waited in a Roman prison to be executed, he wrote to Timothy and asked him to bring John Mark to see him because he “is very useful to me for ministry” (II Tim 4:11.)
3) Not to mention the fact that this young man… whom Paul didn’t want to accompany them on their 2nd missionary journey… would be used by God under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to write the Gospel of Mark.
We don’t know much about what happened in Cyprus under Barnabas’ ministry, but I think we can draw some conclusions about what God was doing though Barnabas at this time in his life. He was mentoring another young man, just as he had the apostle Paul years before, so that John Mark could be used mightily in the service of God.
Was Paul right to separate from Barnabas and John Mark and take Silas to Asia Minor? It seems so…
Was Barnabas right to give this young man, John Mark, a second chance and continue to mentor him in ministry? It seems so…
In the providence of God, these two men were separated in order to accomplish different purposes for the kingdom of God. And in the end, God caused all things… even the painful things… even the sinful things… to work together for their good and His glory.
Most often the disagreements we have in the church are sinful. Often we fight over things that are ridiculous, like the color of the carpeting.
Sometimes disagreement is necessary. For example, we must be willing to fight to the very end to hold onto the gospel of Jesus Christ.
But sometimes the disagreement is a little more vague. For example, when we disagree about how to functionally apply certain passages of Scripture in the life of the church.
This is always unfortunate, especially when it causes a gospel partnership to be severed. But we can be assured that God will cause all things to work together for good to those who love God, despite our mistakes and sinfulness (Rom 8:28.)
05.27.08
The Importance of Preaching
Jason Robertson has a great post over at the Fide-O blog on preaching as the foundation of Christian unity. You can find it here http://fide-o.blogspot.com/2008/05/importance-of-preaching.html
05.05.08
Don’t Waste Your Pulpit – By John Piper
Follow the link below to hear about one of the ways in which pastors today waste their pulpit (it is approxmiately 4 1/2 minutes long)…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xiad6nKJCw
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 (ESV) – 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
04.29.08
Appointing a Plurality of Elders/Pastors in the Local Church
In our Sunday morning message at Maranatha Baptist Church on April 27, 2008 (see previous post); we briefly examined the New Testament model of church leadership. In particular we noted the plurality of elders/pastors in every church and their appointment by the Holy Spirit, which is recognized by the other elders/pastors in the church, who publically set them apart for a specific ministry role.
To explore this theme further, it might be helpful to read the following:
1) “Christian Elders in the New Testament” by Dr. John Piper. You can find it here http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByTopic/40/2650_Christian_Elders_in_the_New_Testament/
2) “Answering the Key Questions About Elders” by Dr. John MacArthur. You can it here http://www.gty.org/Resources/positions/2164
3) “Should a Church Have Elders” by Dr. Mark Dever. You can find it here http://www.9marks.org/CC/article/0,,PTID314526%7CCHID598016%7CCIID1643290,00.html
4) “Electing Elders” by Burk Parsons. You can find it here http://www.9marks.org/CC/article/0,,PTID314526%7CCHID598016%7CCIID2301894,00.html
For more a more in-depth discussion of how a plurality of elders/pastors fits in specifically with a Baptist understanding of church government, read “Baptists and Elders” by Dr. Mark Dever. It can be found here http://www.9marks.org/CC/article/0,,PTID314526%7CCHID598016%7CCIID1744980,00.html
04.28.08
Why Preach the Word?
In an online post dated January 21, 2008, Dr. John MacArthur listed 7 good reasons why preachers must preach the Word of God:
1) Preaching the Word of God lets God speak rather than man, because it declares God’s own Word.
2) Preaching the Word is the only right way to preach because it brings the preacher into direct contact with the mind of the Holy Spirit, the author of Scripture.
3) Preaching the Word is the only right way to preach because it forces the preacher to proclaim all of God’s revelation, including those truths that even many believers find hard to learn or accept.
4) Preaching the Word is the only right way to preach because it promotes biblical literacy in a congregation, not only through what is learned from the sermon itself but also through the increased desire to study
5) Preaching the Word is the only right way to preach because it carries ultimate authority.
6) Preaching the Word is the only right way to preach because only that kind of preaching can transform both the preacher and the congregation.
7) It is His own Word, and only His own Word, that the Lord calls and commissions His preachers to proclaim.
Read the whole post here http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/01/21/why-preach-the-word/
The Leadership of the Holy Spirit in the Church – Acts 12:25-13:3
The following is a summary of the sermon preached at Maranatha Baptist Church on Sunday morning, April 27, 2008, entitled “The Leadership of the Holy Spirit in the Church.)
After the resurrection, Jesus Christ gave the following commission to His Church:
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) – 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
It is an awesome privilege which is given to us as Christians that we might be part of God’s world-wide plan of salvation. But we should also recognize that this is not an option. This is an imperative… a command from Him who has all authority in heaven and earth. We are to take part in His plan to bring the message of the gospel to men and women of all nations.
Does that mean that we all have to quit our jobs and pack up the family and move to the 10/40 window? Of course not… but we are all to take part in this commission. Some are called to go as missionaries… and some are called to send others out as missionaries.
How do we know who is called to go and who is called to send?
Notice that Jesus said “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me…I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The choice of who goes and who stays belongs to Jesus… and He is with us always.
How is Jesus with His people today? Through the abiding presence of His Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:8.)
How does Jesus exercise His authority over His people? By His Spirit through His Word.
We see that clearly in Acts 12:25-13:3…
Acts 12:25-13:3 (ESV) - 25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark. 1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Here we see the beginning of the intentional effort of the church to fulfill Christ’s commission to “make disciples of all nations” and, in the process, we get a unique glimpse into the leadership of the church in Antioch here.
We are told that the church in Antioch had “prophets and teachers.” Although there is debate among Christians as to the continuing ministry of prophets today, there seems to be little question that prophets in the apostolic era represented God to the people. God communicated with them by direct revelation and they communicated God’s truth to God’s people.
Teachers functioned in much the same way, except it seems that they communicated God’s truth to God’s people from the received text of Scripture and apostolic tradition (“apostles doctrine” – Acts 2:42. In many ways, they were Bible teachers.
These men seem to be functioning as the leadership in Antioch and there are several things we should notice:
1) Their leadership in the church seems to be exercised through the communication of God’s truth (i.e. “prophets and teachers.”)
2) There was great diversity among these men (ethnically, culturally and socially.)
3) There was a plurality of elders (pastors/overseers) in the church in Antioch. This was not a “one man show.” (Note: This is clearly the New Testament model. See Acts 11:30, 14:23, 20:17, Titus 1:5, I Tim 5:17 and James 5:14… all of which speak of plural elders (pastor/shepherds) in each church.)
Notice what these men are doing… they are “worshipping the Lord and fasting.”
The word translated “worshipping” is the Greek word λειτουργέω (pronounced leitourgeo). We get our English word “liturgy” from this word. It literally means “to render special formal service” (BDAG, λειτουργέω.) It is used in both the Greek translation of the Old Testament (LXX) and the New Testament (Luke 1:23) to describe priestly service in the temple.
Since these men are not engaged in priestly service in the temple, what are they doing? Although we cannot know for sure, since they are designated by Scripture as “prophets and teachers”, it is probably safe to assume that their religious service here involved the ministry of the Word, either public teaching or private study of the Word.
We are also told that they were “fasting.” In Scripture, fasting is primarily a means of demonstrating dependence upon God. It is choosing to lay aside the pursuit of our physical needs so that we can whole-heartedly seek God. It is almost always, if not always, accompanied by times of focused, passionate prayer.
It is important to note that they engaged in this activity TOGETHER.
Notice that what we see here is the manner in which church leaders are to conduct business in the church. Despite their differences, they come together and seek the Lord in His Word and prayer and out of these times of focused prayer and time in the Word, God reveals His will for those they shepherd in the church.
That is the opposite of the way many churches are led. Typically, church leaders gather to do the business of the church and time spent in the Word and prayer are an afterthought.
But that runs contradictory to what we see here… and elsewhere in the book of Acts. Compare this to Acts 6:1-4…
Acts 6:1-4 (ESV) - 1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Although the business of the church is important (in this case, caring for the needs of the Hellenistic widows) and godly men are needed to meet these needs, the apostles (functioning as elders/pastors in the church in Jerusalem) are committed to time spent in prayer and the Word. The Greek is emphatic that they will be devoted to this TOGETHER.
This is exactly what we see taking place in the church at Antioch. The men called by God to shepherd the church in Antioch were not simply a board of directors for the church. They didn’t just gather together to do the business of the church. They were men who sought God together… and as they did this, God led them by His Holy Spirit.
It was during one of these times in the Word and prayer and fasting together that the Holy Spirit spoke to them in some unidentified way and directed them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He had called them.
The authority to decide who goes out to the ends of the earth with the gospel and who stays and sends them out belongs with Jesus Christ, not with us. He decides, according to His will, and He makes His will clear in His time by His Spirit through His Word and prayer.
It is important for us to note that Barnabas and Saul did not set themselves apart to this task. They are appointed by the Holy Spirit and they are publically set apart to this ministry by the leaders of the church who recognize this call by the Holy Spirit.
This is the consistent, New Testament model for the appointment of men to any position of ministry. Those called to shepherd God’s people… or in this case, go off to the ends of the earth… are appointed to the task by the Holy Spirit, who uniquely gifts them to fulfill this ministry, and the church recognizes these gifts and the leaders set apart these men for this ministry (See Acts 14:23, I Tim 4:14, 5:22.)
Barnabas and Saul are set apart for this ministry by the laying on of hands. This symbol is probably derived from the Old Testament sacrificial system. When a sacrifice was offered, the worshipper would lay their hands on the animal, symbolizing their identification with that sacrifice. This animal was dying in their place.
In a similar way by laying hands on Barnabas and Saul, the leaders of the church in Antioch are saying, “We are with you. You are going out in our place. You are our representatives in this ministry to which the Holy Spirit has called you.” The church in Antioch was participating in Christ’s commission to make disciples of all nations through Barnabas and Saul, who were going out in their place to spread the gospel message.
The same is true in our churches today. When we send out men and women to the mission field, we are recognizing the appointment of the Holy Spirit to this ministry and they go out as our representatives in God’s plan to bring salvation to men and women of every tribe, tongue, people and nation.
Jesus said, “…All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV))
How do we know the will of God for our lives in this mission?
1) We don’t get to decide for ourselves. All authority in heaven and earth belongs to Jesus Christ. He is the Head of the Church and we are His Body (Eph 1:22-23.) He calls the shots and we follow. He appoints who He will to whatever role He desires.
2) The authority of Christ is exercised in His Church today by His Spirit through His Word. The way to know the will of God for our lives is to spend much time in the Word of God (Rom 12:2.) This should be done both personally and corporately.
How are church leaders to discern the will of God for the church they are called to shepherd? We will only know God’s will for the church we serve if we spend much time together in the Word and prayer.
04.17.08
Together For the Gospel 2008
The “Together for the Gospel” 2008 conference in Louisville, Kentucky is now over. Following is a list of the messages and speakers:
Session I – Ligon Duncan – Sound Doctrine – Essential to Faithful Pastoral Ministry
Session II – Thabiti Anyabwile – Bearing the Image: Identity, the Work of Christ, and the Church
Session III – John MacArthur – The Sinner Neither Able Nor Willing: The Doctrine of Absolute Inability
Session IV – Mark Dever – Improving the Gospel: Exercises in Unbiblical Theology
Session V – RC Sproul – The Curse Motif of the Atonement
Session VI – Albert Mohler – Why Do They Hate It So? The Doctrine of Substitution
Session VII – John Piper – How the Supremacy of Christ Creates Radical Christian Sacrifice
Session VIII – CJ Mahaney – Sustaining a Pastor’s Soul
You can stream or download the audio messages here http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/Resources/T4G.aspx
Listen and be edified!!!
Soli Deo Gloria!!!
04.08.08
Who Appoints Leaders in the Church?
In Sunday morning’s sermon on Acts 11:19-30, it was pointed out that Barnabas was set apart by the Jerusalem church to provide oversight and teach the church in Antioch.
I made the argument that the New Testament model for appointing leaders (overseers/elders/pastors) was for leaders to train faithful men who aspire to the role (I Tim 3:1), equipping them for ministry, then appointing them to positions of leadership within in the church. I based this statement on the following passages of Scripture:
2 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV) – 1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Titus 1:5 (ESV) – 5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—
Acts 14:21-23 (ESV) – 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Many within Baptist circles believe that it is the role of the congregation to select their leaders, rather than the responsibility of those in church leadership. Those who hold this view often refer to Acts 6:1-7 to support their view.
Acts 6:1-7 (ESV) – 1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
I would tend to disagree with this understanding. In Acts 6, the apostles (functioning as overseers/elders/pastors) instruct the people to pick out seven men among them for this task (it is an imperative in the Greek.) After the congregation has selected these men, they bring them before the apostles who appoint these men to a position of ministry among the body.
I would tend to interpret this as implying that authority for appointing leaders rests in the elders of the church (in this case the apostles.) The congregation was involved in the process, but the ultimate authority for appointing leaders in the church rested on the elders (i.e. the apostles), not the congregation.
Dr. John MacArthur (pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California), commenting on Acts 14:23, has the following to say about the appointment of elders (or pastors) in the local church:
“Biblically, the laying on of hands was done by the recognized leaders of a church. In this way they identified themselves with those who were becoming leaders. But the process of identifying leaders may also have involved the people. Acts 14:23 says, “When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” The word for “appointed” in that verse is cheirotoneo, which literally means “to choose by raising hands.” It is the same word used to describe how votes were taken in the Athenian legislature. It came to mean “to appoint.”
Some feel that the use of cheirotoneo implies that a congregational vote by show of hands was taken. That is forcing the word. The context of Acts 14:23 indicates that only Barnabas and Paul (the antecedents of the pronoun they) were involved in the choosing.
Second Corinthians 8:19 uses cheirotoneo to describe the appointment of an unnamed brother “appointed by the churches” to travel with Paul. There the plural “churches” indicates that he was selected not by a single congregational vote, but rather by the consensus of the churches of Macedonia–probably as represented by their leaders.
So using the term cheirotoneo in an exaggerated, literal way is not sufficient to support the idea of the election of elders by congregational vote, although the assent of the congregation may be implied.
Acts 6:5 is often submitted as proof for congregational selection: “The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.” Note, however, that those chosen were not called elders. They were servers whose task was to free the apostles for spiritual leadership. And the people brought them to the apostles for approval–not the reverse (v. 6). The congregation recognized those men as godly and qualified men, but the apostles appointed them to their task.
The New Testament church is seen in transition. Patterns of church leadership developed as the first-century church matured. We can trace three steps in the process of ordaining leaders. Initially, it was the apostles who selected and ordained elders (Acts 14:23). After that, elders were appointed by those who were close to the apostles and involved in their ministry. For example, Paul specifically charged Titus with the ordaining of elders (Titus 1:5). In the third phrase, the elders themselves ordained other elders (1 Timothy 4:14). Always the ultimate responsibility for appointing elders was a part of the function of church leadership.
Today there are no apostles or men who have been closely associated with apostles, but the biblical pattern still holds. Church leaders–whether they be called elder, bishop, pastor, missionary, evangelist, apostolic representative, or whatever–should have the responsibility of identifying and ordaining other elders.” (excerpted from a booklet entitled “Answering the Key Questions About Elders”, located on the Grace to You website. The whole article can be found here http://www.gty.org/Resources/positions/2164 )
Given all this data… it seems the New Testament model is for men who aspire to the role of an overseer/elder/pastor to be trained and equipped by other leaders and appointed to positions of leadership… and the congregation recognizes these men as leaders and affirms them in this role.
04.07.08
What are Church Leaders Supposed to Be?
Following is a summary of the sermon preached Sunday morning, April 6, 2008, at Maranatha Baptist Church in Globe, Arizona.
What is the church supposed to be?
In our postmodern culture where the rejection of tradition and authority are the norm, it seems that a lot of people are asking this question and redefining the church around worldly paradigms.
Is there right and wrong where the church is concerned?
Can we know what the church is supposed to be?
We must remember that the church is Christ’s Church. He has purchased the Church with His own blood (Acts 20:28.) He builds His Church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it (Matt 16:18.) Jesus Christ is the One who sanctifies and glorifies His Church (Eph 5:25-27.) He has revealed in His Word what the church is supposed to be and we don’t have the right to redefine the church according to our own liking.
What is the church supposed to be? Acts 11:19-30 provides a good example of what the church is supposed to be.
We will examine this text in two parts. This week, we will attempt to answer the question, “what are church leaders supposed to be?’ Next week we will attempt to answer the question, “What are church members supposed to be?”
Acts 11:19-30 (ESV) – 19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. 27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
What are church leaders supposed to be?
We see four characteristics described here of church leaders:
1) They are godly men.
In verse 24… Barnabas is described as being “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.”
Being described as a “good man” doesn’t mean that Barnabas was perfect (no one is – Rom 3:23), but that he was a godly man. He was a man who reflected the character of God in His life. No doubt this is because he was “full of the Holy Spirit”, who produces Christlike character in our lives (Gal 5:22-23.) He was also “full… of faith” or “faithfulness” (the Greek term πίστις (pronounced pistis) can be rendered with either sense.) He was a man relying upon Jesus Christ and this produced a faithfulness to God in his life.
Scripture is clear that those called to lead the church must be men of godly character (see I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 for a listing of qualification which are mandatory for those called to be overseers/elders/pastors in the local church.)
Leaders in the church are called to be examples of the Christian life for the rest of the congregation. They should be able to urge the congregation to “follow me, as I follow Christ” (I Cor 11:1.)
2) They are set apart by the church to fulfill a unique role within the church.
Notice that it says Barnabas was “sent.” The word here is not the typical Greek word for “sent” (πέμπω – pronounced pempo) … it is the word ἐξαποστέλλω (pronounced exapostello.) It is made up of two Greek words… ἐκ, meaning “out” and ἀποστέλλω, which means “to send out as an apostle or messenger.”
Notice in particular that he was sent out “by the church in Jerusalem.” He didn’t send himself out. He was selected by the church to fulfill this role. Barnabas is being set apart here by the church in Jerusalem to fulfill a specific role within the church.
This is a critical fact which is often missed today. I have known far too many men who have decided for themselves that they are called to lead a church, even when their home church did not agree! Far too often men go out under their own authority and establish their own church. This runs contradictory to the typical New Testament model which consists of men being trained and equipped by church leaders and appointed by them to positions of leadership. The congregation then recognizes those men and affirms them in this role (Consider II Tim 2:2-3, Titus 1:5, and Acts 14:21-23.)
3) They provide oversight of the ministry of the church.
When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, he began to investigate what was taking place there. We are told that he “saw the grace of God.” He saw that God was at work there. He observed that by the grace of God… a great number of these former pagans believed in Jesus Christ and turned to Him in repentance and faith (verse 21.) This is the sovereign work of a gracious God. Barnabas saw this and rejoiced. The implication is that he praised God for the work which God was doing in Antioch.
Part of leading the church is observing what God is doing in their midst. Church leaders exercise oversight of the church by seeing the evidences of the grace of God… and seeing where there are problems or needs… and then taking the appropriate steps to lead the church in the right direction.
Notice that when the teaching ministry got to be too much for Barnabas… he made the decision to seek out Saul in Tarsus. When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch and began delegating responsibilities to him in the church. All of this demonstrates the manner in which Barnabas was exercising oversight in the local church.
In order to do this… church leaders must be aware of what is taking place in the church. We might say they must have their finger on the pulse of the church. They need to be able to discern where it is strong… and where it is weak. And, by the leading of God’s Word and His Spirit… they are to make the appropriate decisions to provide for the needs of the church.
4) They preach / teach the Word of God (primarily the gospel.)
After praising God for the work He was doing in Antioch, Barnabas began “exhort(ing) them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.” In other words… he began to teach them from the Word of God.
Teaching is by far the most prevalent activity engaged in by church leaders in this passage of Scripture. Three times in this passage we see church leaders teaching the church…
- Verse 23 – Barnabas is exhorting them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose…
- Verse 26 – for a whole year (Barnabas and Saul) met with the church and taught a great many people.
- Verses 27-28 – Prophets came to Antioch from Jerusalem… and what do these prophets do? They speak the Word of God to them…
Preaching and teaching is by far the predominant responsibility of church leaders in the New Testament. If you don’t believe this, then just read the Pastoral Epistles and see how often Paul tells young pastors that they are to work hard in preaching and teaching the Word of God. Specifically read the following passages (I Tim 1:3-4, 4:13, 4:16, II Timothy 3:16-4:2, and Titus 1:9.)
It should also be noted that Paul’s ministry was characterized by a commitment to preaching and teaching the Word of God (Acts 15:30-35, 18:11, 19:8-10, and 20:18-21. Also see I Cor 1:17-2:5.)
In Antioch, Barnabas was “exhort(ing) them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.” This is an extremely awkward phrase to translate in Greek. Bible translators render it in slightly different ways, but no matter how this phrase is translated, the sense is clear enough. He was urging them to remain faithful to Jesus Christ. He was exhorting them to “cleave” unto Jesus… to hold fast to Him and not let Him go.
He was also calling them to a greater commitment to Jesus Christ. He was exhorting them to hold fast to Jesus with a steadfastness of heart. He called them to be wholly committed to Jesus… totally sold out to their Lord. He called them to love the Lord their God with all their heart… all their mind… all their soul… and all their strength (Matt 22:37.)
How do church leaders exhort Christians to hold fast to their faith in Jesus Christ? They preach the gospel… over and over and over again… urging everyone who hears to repent and trust in Jesus Christ… who lived for them and died for them… for it is by this good news alone that we are being saved (I Cor 15:1-4.) A pastor’s primary responsibility is to preach the Word of God. Specifically he is to preach the gospel.
This is questioned in a lot of circles today. A lot of people are saying that preaching is an outmoded form of communication and that what we need is a dialogue in the church, not a monologue. However, we don’t have the option of doing away with preaching, because this is what God has called pastors to do. The leaders in Christ’s church are called, first and foremost, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ… not self-help sermons…not how to have a better marriage… not how to raise obedient teenagers… not how to successfully manage our money… not how to have a better self-esteem. These things may have their place… but this is not the primary responsibility of the leaders that Christ Jesus has given to His church. Church leaders are called to preach the good news of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
What are church leaders supposed to be?
They are to be godly men set apart by the church to oversee the life and ministry of the church and to preach and teach the Word of God faithfully and frequently.
Suggestions to apply this passage of Scripture:
1) Pray for your church leaders. Pray that they will be men of God. Pray that they will work hard at preaching and teaching the Word of God.
2) Follow godly leaders. Christ has placed them in His church to care for and lead His people. Don’t make their job more difficult by resisting their leadership. If they are godly men… good men, full of the Holy Spirit and faith… then follow them as they follow Christ. Consider Hebrews 13:17.
3) Pray that God will bring about a resurgence of godly leaders in church all across this land in the days ahead.
