A BOOK LIKE NO OTHER
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TWO NEW FEATURES FOR OUR YEARLONG THEME 速
RESOURCING CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
JANUARY 9, 2011
SPECIAL ISSUE
The Bible
Lift it up. Live it out.
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FROM THE EDITOR
Founded 1866 by Isaac Errett Devoted to the restoration of New Testament Christianity, its doctrine, its ordinances, and its fruits.
The Staff
Mark A. Taylor, Publisher and Editor Paul S. Williams, Editor-at-Large Jim Nieman, Managing Editor Diane Jones, Magazine Production Coordinator
What to Call Our Year of the Bible? BY MARK A. TAYLOR
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What better time than 2011 to focus on the Bible? This year marks the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible, and in Christian Standard we’ll be lifting up the Bible all year long. This week’s special articles are the first of many about everything from how we got the Bible to how we teach it. Friends and advisers—our contributing editors as well as colleagues here at Standard Publishing—gave us dozens of ideas for the year. But even with all their excellent input, we couldn’t agree on what to call our year of the Bible. “Year of the Bible,” seemed a little pedestrian and maybe even presumptuous. This was not some proclamation or edict but just a theme that would surface in our 2011 issues. Some felt passionately in favor of “Discovering God’s Story,” a theme with much to recommend it. The Bible, after all, is connected from beginning to end by the chronicle of God’s love and redemption. When we see the Bible as this story, instead of a collection of unrelated ancient manuscripts, its message comes alive. And besides, Discovering God’s Story is a wonderful new book from Standard Publishing that will help many connect the Bible’s parts better than ever. (See the interview on page 16.) Someone suggested “The Bible: Read it. Know it. Live it.” We liked the staccato way it communicates our passion for God’s Word. But some thought it seemed too much like a basketball cheer. (Y-a-a-y Bible!) We suggested several possibilities to several advisers and finally settled on “The Bible: Lift it up. Live it out.” Our goal this year is to help readers incorporate the Bible’s life-changing potential into everyday life while attracting others to its truth. We’ll pepper our issues with a wide variety of theme-related essays. And every week, two new features will challenge and inspire: “The Bible, My Guide” presents testimonies from Christian leaders about how the Bible has changed them. “It’s in the Bible,” by Victor Knowles, tests our knowledge of Bible facts, quotes, and characters. See if he can stump you! As you think with us about the Bible this year, we hope you’ll discover new ways to “lift it up”—teach its truths to others—and “live it out”—demonstrate those truths at home and through your church’s ministries. Those make good goals for all of us, this year and any year.
FROM MY BOOKSHELF
Changed Lives, Reformed Hearts BY LEROY LAWSON
The Brain that Changes Itself Norman Doidge, M.D. / New York: Penguin Books, 2007
Dark Journey/Deep Grace: Jeffrey Dahmer’s Story of Faith Roy Ratliff and Lindy Adams / Abilene: Leafwood Publishers, 2006
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In the 1950s Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking became a surprise best seller. Robert H. Schuller took up his mantle a generation later with a host of self-help books with a variation on the theme, the power of “possibility” thinking. It has been pretty easy for cynics to dismiss Peale and Schuller and their ilk. Too easy, too Pollyannaish, so much “pie in the sky” for the gullible, the critics crowed. Young wags tittered, “There’s something appalling about Peale and something appealing about Paul.” Maybe, though, Peale was on to something. Change Is Possible Now along comes research psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Norman Doidge and his message of hope based not on religion or positive thinking but on scientific evidence that thought can actually rewire the brain to accomplish what used to be thought impossible. In this remarkable book you’ll read stories of a blind person who now can “see,” of mentally slow persons raising their IQs, of stroke victims regaining functions they thought they had lost forever, of deaf persons who can now hear, of aging memories becoming almost youthful again, of the curing of obsessivecompulsive behaviors, and many other phenomena. Once into Doidge’s stories, I couldn’t
put the book down. As a pastor, I have always taught that, with God, amazing things are possible. It’s the gospel. Here is scientifically respectable proof I haven’t been blowing smoke. Here are a few beliefs we need to change: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” That might be true of old dogs, but not of old humans. We can keep on learning, even into extreme old age. “You’re given x number of brain cells at
Just as the heart can grow new paths to compensate for blocked blood vessels, so we are learning that the brain can develop new paths to compensate for the loss of old ones. birth and you’ll never get any more. When they’re gone, they’re gone.” Not true, according to new evidence that the brain can, after all, grow new ones. “Nobody can function with just half a brain.” (Who hasn’t spat out the ultimate insult: “If you had half a brain you’d know . . . ”?) Think again. After meeting Michelle, a woman born with her entire left hemisphere missing, you’ll change your mind. In a case of massive brain reorganization, her right hemisphere has assumed many of the left’s normal duties, and Michelle leads a rich, mentally alert life, reading, holding a part-time job, in-
teracting with her family, enjoying movies. As the author says, “Half a brain does not make for half a mind.” “It’s genetic,” we say when we mean, “It can’t be helped.” But the work of one of the scientists Doidge studies “even showed that thinking, learning, and acting can turn our genes on or off, thus shaping our brain anatomy and our behavior—surely one of the most extraordinary discoveries of the twentieth century.” Thus the answer to the old argument of whether we are products of heredity or conditioning is “yes.” Genes are determinative, but so is conditioning. This is a hopeful book. For old people. For stroke victims. For victims of dyslexia. For phantom limb sufferers. Even for the blind and deaf. Just as the heart can grow new paths to compensate for blocked blood vessels, so we are learning that the brain can develop new paths to compensate for the loss of old ones. Unlike computers, with which our brains are so often compared, brains are constantly adapting, learning (and learning how to learn), and, if necessary, rewiring themselves. Discipline also plays its part; like a weak muscle that must be strengthened, the brain must be exercised to regain lost abilities (as through a stroke) or take on new ones (in cases of mental disabilities). You can tell I like The Brain that Changes Itself. You don’t have to be brainy to understand it. Doidge is an adroit writer, a gentle guide, able to convey difficult concepts with grace and clarity. He tells mesmerizing stories. Much more research must be done, but Continued on page 15
When we come to the Bible, we realize we’re opening something extraordinary.
A Book Like No Other BY WARD PATTERSON
God’s Word accomplishes God’s purposes.
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As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:10, 11).
A Message that Circles the World The whole Bible has been translated into more than 450 languages. Portions of it have been translated into nearly 2,500 languages. In many cases, Bible translators not only translate the Scriptures, but they also develop written languages for tribal groups that have not had them before. More than 100 million Bibles are sold each year. In 2009, the United Bible Societ-
For 65 hours one October several years ago, students at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, read the Bible aloud at a crossing in the heart of the university campus. Standing under a tent and reading into a microphone in 30-minute shifts, they read from Genesis to Revelation. Erica Wothen, a senior student and member of His House Christian Fellowship, led more than 200 students in the event. Erica said, “We came together to read the Word. We didn’t worry about what we would say or do. We just read and watched God move.” ies distributed 431 million portions of Scripture throughout the world. In the same year, Gideons International distributed more than 79 million Scripture copies worldwide. That is 150 copies every minute. Since the invention of the printing press, at least 12 billion Bibles and New Testa-
More than 3,000 passages in the Bible present it as the Word of God. ments have been published and distributed. To get some feeling for the enormity of that figure, their publication would take nearly 9 million tons of paper. This would fill approximately 495,240 railroad cars, or a train 4,716 miles long. The paper would require the cutting of 120.6 million trees, the tree production of 241,200 acres. The Bibles and
New Testaments would require approximately 30 million gallons of ink, enough to fill 9,372 truck trailers, a truck convoy that would be nearly 600 miles long. James MacDonald wrote, “More books have been written about the Bible than any other subject, and more authors quote the Bible than any other source.” Timely and Timeless Isaiah wrote, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Though the Bible is an ancient book, it remains relevant to the issues and problems we face today. It transcends the times and cultures in which it was written. Fundamentally, the Bible is God’s autobiography. The Bible tells us who God is, what he has done, and what he likes and dislikes. It tells us who we are and what we can be. It tells us of past things and helps
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us to understand the present. Further, it gives us insight into what is yet to be. A.W. Tozer expressed it well when he wrote, “The Holy Scriptures tell us what we could never learn any other way: they tell us what we are, who we are, how we got here, why we are here, and what we are required to do while we remain here.” I find it hard to improve on the words of an anonymous writer who made this observation:
Many Do Not Believe As impressive as the Bible’s circulation and influence are, many still question its authority, inspiration, credibility, and relevance. At least one in five of our neighbors never read the Bible. Many would say they believe the Bible is out of date, is filled with errors, and is neither reliable history nor
relevant morality. Yet, there are many reasons to believe the Bible is God’s Word. Special Claims Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). More than 3,000 passages in the Bible present it as the Word of God. Scripture is portrayed as the work of both God and human writers. God, through his Holy Spirit, directed the writing, but he did it with human writers who revealed themselves as well as God in their writing. Peter wrote, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For Continued on next page
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The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are unchangeable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is a traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword,
and the Christian’s charter. Here paradise is restored, Heaven is opened, and the gates of Hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened in the judgment, and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who tamper with its holy contents.
A BOOK LIKE NO OTHER Continued from page 7
prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20, 21). The Word of God has the reproductive power of seed (1 Peter 1:23; Luke 8:11), the cleansing power of water (Ephesians 5:26), the nourishing power of food and drink (Jeremiah 15:16; Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Peter 2:2), the revealing power of mirrors (James 1:23-25), the consuming and refining power of fire (Jeremiah 5:14; 23:29), the illuminating power of light (Psalm 119:105, 130), the cutting power of swords (Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17), and the irresistible power of hammers (Jeremiah 23:29).
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Jesus declared, “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). He quoted from Scripture in his teaching. He saw his work as the fulfillment of the inspired Scriptures. Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished (Matthew 5:17, 18).
Fulfilled Prophecies The Bible is filled with prophecies that have come true. For example, it is said that
in the Old Testament there are 61 major prophecies concerning Jesus Christ. They were written long before he came into this world, but they came true. The prophet Micah predicted the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Isaiah predicted he would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). Archaeology’s Confirmation An inscription at Caesarea bears the name of Pontius Pilate, who figures so prominently in the crucifixion of Jesus. A short time ago, an ossuary, a limestone burial box, was found with an interesting Aramaic inscription that may date to the first century. The inscription identified
the body that was placed in it as that of “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.” Was this the James who was an active leader in the church in Jerusalem? We cannot know for sure, but there seems to be that possibility. Wonderfully Preserved The Jewish scribes were meticulous in their copying of the Old Testament Scriptures. They counted the number of letters in each line of the text and guarded it against error. Then too, we have more than 5,300 ancient manuscripts of the Greek New Testament. There are also more than 10,000 ancient Latin manuscripts and
9,300 early versions or translations. Thus we have nearly 25,000 early sources establishing our text for the New Testament. Then too, the New Testament was completed about ad 100 and our earliest New Testament manuscripts date from ad 125. Objectivity and Brevity Bible heroes are portrayed with both strengths and weaknesses. Moses was reluctant to lead the Israelites. Jacob was a deceiver. King David committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged the death of her husband. John the Baptist, in prison, questioned whether Jesus was truly the Messiah. The restraint of the writers of the Bible is often striking as well. Matthew, for instance, records the crucifixion of Jesus at Calvary in 23 brief verses. His account is factual and objective. He does not include his feelings about the event. Such objectivity and brevity demonstrate the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit in the creation of the historical accounts. Changing Lives The truths of the Bible are both simple and profound. There are truths a child can understand and respond to. There are also truths that a lifetime of study and experience will not exhaust. Sir Walter Scott wrote, “The most learned, acute, and diligent student cannot, in the longest life, obtain an entire knowledge of the Bible. The more deeply he works the mine, the richer he finds the ore.” Every Sunday, people assemble for worship whose lives have been transformed by the Word of God. They are living proof of the truth proclaimed by Paul to the Romans that “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). They have learned the Bible is addressed to them. They have heeded its warnings and accepted its promises. They have built their lives on its teaching. Praise God for his Word! Ward Patterson (1945–2006) served as associate campus minister at Indiana University from 1972 to 1973 and as campus minister there from 1974 to 1991. Then he taught at Cincinnati (Ohio) University. This article is adapted from one that first appeared in The Lookout March 2, 2003.
What do I want in my head when I can no longer read?
Choosing What You Remember BY BRIAN GIESE
It has been said, “Education is everything you have learned minus all you have forgotten.” How can you be certain you remember the most important stuff? One way is by memorizing the information and regularly reviewing it. I was motivated to do just that when I was told I probably was going to become legally blind. I asked myself, What do I want to have in my head if I get to the point where I can no longer read? That was 24 years ago, and my experience in memorization has proven to be a real blessing. I came up with enough memory work that it takes me half an hour a day, six days a week, to review it. The things I memorized as a child stay with me without continual repetition. But memory work I’ve done as an adult will be lost without regular review.
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Selecting Material Each person will have his own idea what he wants to store in his memory bank. The most valuable material for me have been passages of Scripture. Moses told the Israelites, “These commandments that I give to you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7). The Israelites didn’t have pocket Bibles in those days, so they depended on memorized Scripture to obey these commands. The psalmist wrote, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). What Scriptures can you recall that will keep you from sin? I selected some great Bible texts, such as the Love Chapter (1 Corinthians 13), Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), and some of
the best-loved Psalms (23, 100, 103, 150). I also included many verses that could be used to share the gospel with others. The Bible includes facts to be believed, comwhat you choose is subjective. It depends mands to be obeyed, promises to be enon your own needs, gifts, and interests. For joyed, and warnings to be heeded. Several me, half the fun of memorizing is selecting verses fit each of these categories. what to include. I also memorized texts that dealt with As my needs and circumstances my particular sin struggles. I wanted to be change, the content of my memory work able to quote these back to the devil whenhas adapted to those changes. Now that I ever I was tempted. am retired, some of my old memory work Finally, I chose Scriptures that helped is no longer as relevant, so I have replaced me vocationally. Since I was a preaching it with new material. minister, I selected verses that could be used for benedictions, invitations, ComThe Reviewing Process munion and offering times, weddings, and I silently review my memory work each funerals. day while walking. I walk two miles a day, Other memory work that was not dior do the treadmill for half an hour. Either rectly from the Bible included principles, way, it is just enough time to quotations, and proverbs review the memory data for from other literature and Repeating key that day, and it enables me to from life experiences. accomplish two tasks simultaThese cover a wide range passages of neously. of topics such as marScripture works It is important to have a riage, parenting, leaderset time for review. Find what ship, counseling, ethics, on your heart works for you. If you have difand theology. as well as your ficulty falling asleep at night I included quite a bit of or have a long commute to material on apologetics— head. work, or another time in your defending the Christian daily routine that would work faith and the authority better, go for it! of Scripture. Then there were Bible facts I take one day off each week. I wanted to remember—the Ten Commandments, the 10 plagues, the 12 tribes The Benefits of Israel, the 12 apostles, etc. My memorization efforts definitely have I could provide more details on the been worth it. The Scripture I have memotypes of material I selected, but these will rized has provided the greatest blessing. suffice to spark your imagination. Much of
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New! A Whole Year of Christian Standard at Your Fingertips Get your copy of the 2010 Christian Standard CD-ROM, and you’ll have a whole year of Christian Standard at ready reference. This helpful tool contains every 2010 issue, conveniently indexed and searchable. Click on an article or author in the index, and you’ll go to the issue that contains it. Click on that issue’s table of contents, and the article will pop-up on your computer screen. Use the CD-ROM for research or to find teaching and
Repeating key passages of Scripture works on your heart as well as your head. Memorized verses also can be shared with others in time of need. Most of the nonbiblical memory work has been helpful at times. Some of the less practical items have been dropped and replaced by more beneficial information. Examples of the most frequently used material are “how to know the will of God,” “60 principles of leadership,” “steps to squelching gossip,” “communication that resolves conflicts,” “creation vs. evolution,” “habits of highly effective people,” “principles of the Restoration Movement,” and “why Jesus is the only way.” Vital Subjects One of my seminary professors said, “If you could remember just one good paragraph summarizing each course you took in college and seminary, you would be a highly educated person.” That statement was one of the principles that guided me in assembling my memory work. That does not mean I necessarily focused so much on summing up school courses, although there was some of that. But I primarily zeroed in on subjects I deemed vital to me both spiritually and pragmatically. The bottom line is: Don’t leave what you remember to chance. Be intentional about it. Pray for wisdom concerning this project. Work at it and you will be blessed and be a greater blessing to others. After serving 45 years in vocational ministry, Brian Giese is now retired and living in Kewanee, Illinois.
preaching illustrations. Find articles to share with friends, church staff members, elders, deacons, and teachers. You’ll use this new tool again and again—every word of the 2010 Christian Standard issues on one disc! Find articles you missed. Compile articles by your favorite author. Use the Communion meditations as you lead worship. This resource-packed product is available only from Standard Publishing. Not only will you want one of these yourself, you’ll discover that it makes the perfect gift for other church leaders you know.
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God’s Word—the Life Shaper I didn’t understand the TV commercial the first time or two. But now every time I see it I get a warm feeling the advertiser no doubt wanted to plant in my subconscious. When we understand what is happening, we can almost read the minds of the commercial’s participants. A woman reaches out to stop a man who unknowingly almost steps into a busy street—a kindness that averts a potential tragedy. Then a young man who saw that hurries to give a hand to a mother trying to manage a child in a stroller, who in turn is watched by a third person. Other sequences follow, with each observed kindness motivating a good deed to someone else. It’s a bit painful for a preacher to say, but there is a good deal of truth in the poem that starts, “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.” What we watch has a profound influence on what we do. A series of testimonies starting today in Christian Standard about the Bible’s impact on one person’s life will represent a similar kind of power and blessing at work in many lives. The editor asked, “How has the Bible changed the direction of your life?” “It hasn’t,” was my immediate reaction. In my case, the Bible has confirmed, instructed, and shaped the direction of my life. It has given definition, explanation, and encouragement to what I watched at work from my earliest years.
My parents were followers of Jesus. They believed the Bible was the Word of God. They knew it was absolutely dependable as a guide for them and their family. Their lives and choices were shaped by the words of Jesus and those who followed him, and by the authority of the Bible’s record of God’s will and God’s law. It was easy to see the contrast between our family’s life and that of so many others we watched, some from a distance and some from up close. We experienced much more peace than distress, joy even during seasons of sadness, hope and not despair, simplicity and not duplicity, purpose rather than confusion, and a commitment to purity. None of that came from worldly wealth. Our circumstances were modest. Those good qualities and circumstances came from pursuing the “prize to which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” And I met and married a woman whose family believed and lived by the same principles and followed the same shepherd. Some place along the way I adopted a favorite verse of Scripture, though I can’t put a finger on just when that was. It is a sentence in John’s Gospel that has (in the words of a J. B. Phillips’s book title about the Bible) a clear “ring of truth.” For many years now it has been printed
the Bible My guide BY MARSHALL HAYDEN
on the little half-sheets of paper I use to write personal notes. Jesus is talking about being both the door to a safe place and the shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” That’s the New American Standard Bible’s translation of the second half of John 10:10, the verse on my note paper. “Have it to the full,” the New International Version says. The King James Version says “more abundantly.” It’s all good. The never-ending final stanza of life will come when we have graduated from this first little bit. Then all the real tension of death will be removed by our faith that what the Bible says is true. “I go to prepare a place for you.” John, in the Revelation, tried to describe it, but mere words failed him. In the 21st century we toss around the word awesome pretty freely; but it’s too small a word to describe Heaven.
Marshall Hayden recently retired from a long ministry with Worthington (Ohio) Christian Church. He is a chairman of Standard Publishing’s Publishing Committee.
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But my favorite verse isn’t talking just about Heaven’s home. It also assures me that when I am a Jesus follower during the years in this flesh, an abundant, meaningful, effective, satisfying, valuable, and full life is my privilege. There will be pains and pressures, setbacks and slips, surprises and disappointments, very wonderful times and possibly very terrible times. But nothing can separate me from the love of God which is in Christ. I saw that assurance lived out at home. The Bible has confirmed the rightness of that direction. And it has shaped the steps of this disciple.
We know many like him today.
Generation of the
Ethiopian Eunuch
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©Standard Publishing
It happened about six months after our church launched in 2007. I had preached about Abraham and Isaac that Sunday morning. After the service, one of our ladies told me she was familiar with Abraham and Isaac, because she had drawn the image of Abraham offering Isaac to God while pursuing her degree in art. But she had never heard of other Bible characters I had been talking about in my sermons.
In this postmodern world, most people, just like that Ethiopian, don’t know the most basic Bible teachings.
BY JEFF ARTHUR
That resonated with me all week long. I knew I was preaching to a group divided into three parts—non-Christians, nominal churchgoers, and former Catholics— and that I needed to preach on a basic level, but she had never heard of most Bible characters at all. The next Sunday I asked everyone to turn to Genesis in their Bibles. (We had handed out Bibles so I could give book, chapter, verse, and then the page number so everyone could find it when I preached.) I explained we were going to start with Adam and Eve, and I was going to preach on basic Bible characters until Christmas (about three months). After that service the vast majority of people told me they were extremely excited because they didn’t know anything about the Bible characters I had preached on that day. One person said, “I had heard those names before, but I really didn’t know who they were until today.” Just Like the Ethiopian Considering all the Bible helps available today, why don’t people know more about the Bible? I believe we live among people not unlike the Ethiopian eunuch, whom Philip led to Christ (see Acts 8:26-40); in fact, I call this the “Generation of the Ethiopian Eunuch.” In this postmodern world, I would suggest most people, just like that Ethiopian, don’t know the most basic Bible teachings. I see several parallels: • The Ethiopian was looking. He wanted to know more, and was willing to openly talk about it. He didn’t know what the Scriptures meant. He desired to learn, but all he could really do was flounder in his own ignorance.
Philip knew how to explain about Jesus and salvation. Please notice, Philip didn’t ask the Ethiopian to wait while he went to find someone smarter.
Philip’s Role Now let’s focus on Philip’s role in this process: • Philip knew how to explain about Jesus and salvation. Please notice, Philip didn’t ask the Ethiopian to wait while he went to find someone smarter. Philip immediately started explaining the Scriptures, and on the Ethiopian’s level. While we don’t know what Philip told the Ethiopian, I believe a good chunk of the information was about what Christ had done in his life. Personal testimonies are more powerful than we may believe. • Philip entered the conversation with the Ethiopian very easily. Most people make talking about Christ harder than it really is. Just start where the person is. At my church, our vision is to build the spiritual bridge from where we are to where Christ wants us to be. That’s precisely Continued on next page
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At my church, our vision is to build the spiritual bridge from where we are to where Christ wants us to be.
©istockphoto.com/Karl-Friedrich Hohl
• The Ethiopian was willing to ask questions and listen to the answers. When Philip asked him whether he understood, the Ethiopian quickly admitted he didn’t, and asked for help. Even as Philip presented the gospel, the Ethiopian pointed to water and asked why he couldn’t be baptized. While we in the church focus on baptism being a part of the presentation, I would suggest that the Ethiopian was asking questions because he wanted to learn more. • The Ethiopian was successful: he was educated, respected, powerful, influential—a mover and a shaker. He was one of the high-ranking officials in the country and had the ear of the queen. Most of the people in our new church are welleducated and successful professionals. Yet they, like the Ethiopian, have no idea who Jesus Christ really is.
GENERATION OF THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH Continued from previous page
what Philip did in his conversation with the Ethiopian. • Philip didn’t judge the Ethiopian. It is so important to see Philip’s attitude. The man was a eunuch, yet Philip didn’t judge him or make fun of him. The Ethiopian was wealthy, and it probably showed; yet Philip wasn’t intimidated. Philip didn’t react to the Ethiopian so much as he reached out in kindness with the love of Jesus Christ. • Philip followed the Lord’s leading. When you think about it, Philip did something that was seriously strange. He left a place where he was able to tell hundreds of people about Christ to walk along a road where he would encounter hardly anyone. Why would the Lord want him to do that? While we know the answer for Philip, the answer for us and for our service to Christ is still unfolding. Why would Christ ask us to go where he is leading? Why would he ask us to serve in unusual places?
Philip didn’t react to the Ethiopian so much as he reached out in kindness with the love of Jesus Christ. I admit I don’t know all the answers, but I suggest it is possible God leads us to the most unusual places because making an impact on one soul for Jesus’ sake is still what it’s all about. Helping to bring people to Christ is still about helping one person at a time. Our Responsibility If I’m right and this is the “Generation of the Ethiopian Eunuch,” it’s not about this generation’s being all that different from other generations, but about recognizing our increasing responsibility to honor Jesus and build the spiritual bridges. If you are reading this and you are a minister, know that we must lead in
explaining Scripture and making practical life applications. If you are reading this and are not a minister, know that you should play a role in explaining Scripture. If I claim Christ as my Savior, I must take responsibility for helping build spiritual bridges into others’ lives, so that when the time comes I too can positively respond when someone says, “How can I know Jesus unless someone explains him to me?” Jeff Arthur is founding minister of Meadowbrook Christian Church in Fenton, Missouri. He is also a life coach for individuals, families, and corporations with Compass Global Group in Kansas City, Missouri.
It’s in the Bible You’ve Got to Be Kidding!
BY VICTOR KNOWLES
Amazing Truth 1. I sold my birthright for some lentil stew. Stupid! 2. I called my wife a heifer and lived to tell about it. Whew! 3. The sick were laid in the streets in hopes that my shadow would heal them. 4. Not even a great fish could stomach my attitude. 5. I was told to take a wife of harlotry. 6. My Mediterranean diet included locusts and wild honey. 7. I was told to lie on my left side for 390 days and on my right side for 40 more. 8. Though my house was filled with frogs, I chose to live with them one more night. 9. I temporarily lost my mind and ate grass with the cows. 10. Worms dined on me before and after I died. Yuck! 11. When I started beating my donkey, he started talking to me. 12. I was told to dip seven times in a dirty river to get rid of my skin disease.
BIBLE CHARACTER A. John the Baptist B. Hosea C. Ezekiel D. Esau E. Jonah F. Naaman G. Balaam H. Nebuchadnezzar I. Peter J. Samson K. Pharaoh L. Herod
ANSWERS: 1. D (Genesis 25:29-34); 2. J (Judges 14:18); 3. I (Acts 5:15); 4. E (Jonah 2:10); 5. B (Hosea 1:2); 6. A (Matthew 3:4); 7. C (Ezekiel 4:4-6); 8. K (Exodus 8:8-10); 9. H (Daniel 4:28-37); 10. L (Acts 12:20-24); 11. G (Numbers 22:22-34); 12. F (2 Kings 5:1-14).
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Ever read, hear, or see something that was so beyond the pale that you said, “You’ve got to be kidding?” Although every word of God is true, there are some stories or incidents in the Bible that almost make us say, “You’ve got to be kidding!” Match the amazing truth with the correct individual.
Are You Like a Cat or a Dog? Cats and dogs are radically different beasts. Perhaps you’ve heard this joke: Dogs say, “You pet me, you feed me, you shelter me, you love me, you must be a god,” while cats say, “You pet me, you feed me, you shelter me, you love me, I must be a god!” Maybe that’s why God gives cats nine lives. They need a bit more grace for such foolish thinking. Nevertheless, a dog is loyal to a fault, protects the master, and loves to be petted. You call a dog by its name and it comes running, eager to lick you all over. A cat may hear its name but behaves indifferently. A feline will lick your toes and what’s left in the cereal bowl, but if you’re not necessary to that moment, you really don’t exist. A dog snoozes at your feet, but a cat sleeps on your head. A master can train a dog, but a cat trains his master. You might say dogs need a lord while cats need an entourage. Depending on your affection for dogs or cats, you may find these traits
attractive or repulsive. And yet, many of us, especially at this time around his table, behave more like a cat. We drink from the cup and swallow the bread with little regard or reflection. We are preoccupied by what’s for lunch or where’s so-and-so. We allow critical thoughts about a song, a person, or an activity to control our mind. In a sense, we allow disunity and distraction to detour our worship. Such things are not new temptations for Christians who gather for this ancient meal. Paul criticized the Corinthian congregation: “I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 11:17, 18). Division and double-mindedness are the nemesis to Communion. The Lord’s Supper, using ordinary elements that anyone can purchase, is a unity meal and a common feast for all believers. And yet it’s an extraordinary, intimate,
BY RICK CHROMEY
personal worship experience. Do you approach this meal like a dog or cat? Are you relying upon grace or nine lives? Is Christ your Lord or just an entourage of many “gods” you’ve befriended? Do you long to lie at the Master’s feet or flick your tail and do it your own way? This meal is a pack meal. We are one church, gathered together with one purpose under one Lord through one baptism. And maybe that’s also why God spelled backward is “dog.” Rick Chromey is a motivational speaker and leadership trainer/consultant living in Eagle, Idaho. His Web site is www.rickchromey.com.
CHANGED LIVES, REFORMED HEARTS Continued from page 4
these early returns are heartening. There is much, indeed, to be said for the power of positive thinking.
his could be spiritually “rewired.” He still had to pay for his crimes; baptism wouldn’t buy his freedom. Nor could it undo the terrible damage he had inflicted on others. But it could open the way into newness of life. So the preacher baptized the murderer and continued teaching him until Dahmer was himself a murder victim, killed by a fellow inmate. And Ratcliff? This minister who had never been in a prison until he answered Jeffrey Dahmer’s plea now has an ongoing prison ministry. When called, he said “yes.” His life has never been the same. Two books this month, one about a brain that can change itself and the other about a heart that can be reformed. There is hope. LeRoy Lawson, international consultant with Christian Missionary Fellowship International, is a Christian Standard contributing editor and a member of Standard Publishing’s Publishing Committee. His column appears at least monthly.
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Hearts Can Turn There is also much to be said about the power of the gospel to change persons. When the grace of God confronts the terrors of guilt, grace wins and makes possible the rewiring of the soul. This transforming forgiveness is what the cross of Jesus is all about. So we preach, so we believe. But Roy Ratcliff ’s convictions were tested as few preachers’ are. It was Jeffrey Dahmer who put him to the test. Ask Wisconsin natives about Dahmer, and they’ll tell you more than you want to know about their state’s most famous native—and most notorious. When the news
broke in 1992 that this serial killer of 17 had been apprehended, America breathed a sigh of relief—and disgust. He not only killed his victims, but he hacked them into pieces, froze some parts, and cooked and ate others. Finally, the monster was behind bars and out of public attention, condemned to serve 15 consecutive life sentences. Then Roy Ratcliff, a church of Christ minister, received a phone call that changed his life. Would he be willing to baptize Jeffrey Dahmer? Dark Journey/ Deep Grace explains why Ratcliff said yes. The author told the story at the Wisconsin Christian Convention. I was impressed with his wisdom and grace. Humbly, matter-of-factly he explained that, as repulsed as he was by the crimes, he had no choice. As a minister, he believed (like Doidge, but for different reasons) that even this “chief of sinners” could repent and reform, confess and be restored. Even a mind as warped as
CHRISTIAN STANDARD INTERVIEW
Jim Eichenberger BY BRAD DUPRAY
Having taught junior high and high school and served as a school principal, Jim Eichenberger has a passion for education. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield and an undergraduate degree in Christian education from Lincoln (Illinois) Christian College. As a Christian educator, Jim has been a contributor to Standard Publishing since the 1970s and has been employed by Standard full-time since 1995. Thirteen years ago Jim began developing the concept of a chronological treatment of the Bible that would have broad appeal to Christians of all maturity levels. That concept has come to fruition in Standard Publishing’s newly released, Discovering God’s Story: Fully Illustrated Bible Handbook in Chronological Order, available at Christian bookstores and at www.standardpub.com/discoveringgodsstory.com.
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How did Discovering God’s Story come about? This book started to develop about 13 years ago. One of our salesmen at the time was noticing he was selling Bible story children’s books to adults who were new Christians. These adults wanted to get a grasp of the Bible, and we had a book called The Young Reader’s Bible. People were buying it to get an overview of Scripture because they came from no biblical background. This salesman asked, “What would a Young Reader’s Bible for adults look like?” And the wheels started turning. Would you call Discovering God’s Story a storybook? A commentary? A Bible handbook? That’s basically it. It’s a unique combination. The subtitle is a Fully Illustrated Bible Handbook in Chronological Order. Once I got the idea, I started putting together this proposal for a chronological treatment of the entire story of Scripture. So really, it’s part Bible handbook, it’s part one-volume commentary, and it’s part Bible storybook for adults. Are new believers the intended audience?
I love to teach the Bible and I have found that no matter who I was talking to—a new believer, a seasoned believer, or a skeptic— when I started talking about the entire Bible story from beginning to end it always brought a lot of respect for what the Bible is. With this book, a new believer can sit down in two hours and get a good understanding of what the Bible is. But for those of us who have a much broader background, it’s also great for us to say, “Oh yeah, that’s why Micah and Isaiah sound so much alike. They prophesied at about the same time.” So I believe it has a broad audience.
other Bible chronologies? There are a number of chronological Bibles that help you read through the Scriptures over the course of the year in a chronological fashion. This is really a handbook, a help—it’s meant to be a reference tool. There have been charts and time lines in Standard’s library for many years, but that’s just a part of what’s here. This is a fully illustrated handbook with a time line, a Bible reading plan, a one-volume commentary. It’s a lot of things in one.
What is the format of the book? The book deals with 100 key events in Scripture arranged in chronological order, laid out in two-page spreads, and illustrated with some of Standard Publishing’s classic Bible art. There are a number of features that appear on every two-page spread in the book. There is a running time line at the bottom of each spread that shows how each event relates to other biblical events and also how each one relates to secular events. This is really appealing to seasoned believers who can see that when David was on the throne Homer was writing The Iliad and The Odyssey. Or, when Socrates was teaching, Ezra was leading the Jews back from exile. So it gives seasoned believers the understanding of how God was acting simultaneously through world history.
Isn’t it conventional wisdom that the Bible is just a collection of stories? That’s the kind of mythology that’s out there about Scripture. So many folks go to a university and will be taught that the Bible is just a random collection of folklore, of legend, of stories that have pretty much been pasted together. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Bible’s take on itself says the plan of God was begun before the creation of the world. This is a phrase Peter, Paul, and John use, talking about Jesus being in the plan from the beginning of time. From creation, God had a cogent plan. We have one continual story of God creating, then finding a way to redeem the prize of his creation—human beings. All of Scripture is consistent and works toward that end. All the way from creation to the completion, that is yet to happen, with Christ coming again.
What differentiates this book from
Continued on page 19
COMING EVENTS Southern Illinois Congress of Leaders will meet from 8 am to 4 pm Jan. 22 at the West Frankfort (IL) First Christian Church. This year’s keynote speaker will be Bob Russell. For more information visit www.si-col.org.
OBITUARIES Galen E. Skinner, 81, of San Bernardino, CA, died Aug. 17, 2010. He was born in Omaha, NE, on April 11, 1929. His ministry began in Eau Claire, WI, while he was a student at Minnesota Bible College. He left Wisconsin to plant a new church in Bloomington, IL, and later returned to Wisconsin to be-
come executive director of the Wisconsin association formed to encourage new church planting. In 1965, he became president of Minnesota Bible College in Minneapolis, serving until 1973. During his presidency the college relocated to Rochester; MBC later became Crossroads College. He later moved to California where he held ministries in La Habra and La Mirada, followed by a short ministry in Hawaii. He returned to San Bernardino, CA, and worked with the Golden Valley Christian Church until he started a new church in the mobile home park where he lived. The church grew, moved to a new location, and became Community Christian Church;
he continued to minister there until illness prevented his involvement. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Myrtle, and one son, Michael. He is survived by his second wife, Loretta; two sons, Brent and Bruce; one stepson, Robert; one stepdaughter, Beth; and two grandchildren. On Aug. 27, a memorial service was conducted by his friend, Dr. John Rowe, in San Bernardino. Memorials may be made to the Galen Skinner Endowed Scholarship Fund, Crossroads College, 920 Mayowood Road, Rochester, MN 55902.
OUR EXCHANGE Workers Ready for Service Dr. Richard Ralstin, a teacher at Riverside Christian
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Jeanes Retiring as President of Milligan College After 14 years of service, Donald R. Jeanes has announced he will retire as the 14th president of Milligan College on July 15. The board of trustees has asked him to serve in the role of chancellor following his retirement. In this role, Jeanes will continue to work with the college’s leadership to maintain important external relationships. He will also play a vital role in the successful completion of the college’s Forward Ever campaign. Jeanes began his presidency in 1997 and under his leadership the college has achieved record enrollments, successful fund-raising campaigns, major renovations of buildings and grounds, construction of three new buildings, the addition of a half-dozen new academic programs, accreditation of professional programs, and reaffirmation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The 1968 graduate of Milligan College served as director of financial aid and assistant business manager at Milligan while attending Emmanuel School of Religion, where he received his MDiv degree in 1972. He then served on the faculty and administration of Atlanta Christian College and completed doctoral coursework at Emory University. An ordained minister, Jeanes has served as minister of Spring Branch Christian Church in Houston, TX, and First Christian Church in Johnson City, TN. He has served on numerous boards, including Mountain States Health Alliance, Christian Missionary Fellowship, and Christian Church Foundation for the Handicapped. Jeanes’s wife, Clarinda Phillips Jeanes, a 1971 Milligan graduate, has served the college in numerous ways, including providing oversight of college landscaping, renovating the Taylor-Phillips Hospitality House, and establishing the Associated Ladies for Milligan to support student scholarships.
School in Lost Creek, KY, is seeking to serve the Lord by adding a pulpit ministry. The Saint Louis Christian College graduated has been a faithful minister for many years. Contact him at (928) 266-7204 or General Delivery, Riverside Christian School, Lost Creek, KY 41348, or coachralstin@ netscape.net. Needs of Churches Bixby (OK) Christian Church, a congregation that averages 75 for worship, is seeking a full-time minister. Applicants should believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, have a good work ethic, a bachelor’s degree from a Bible college, and be married with a wife willing to work alongside her husband. Applicants should be energetic, possess good communication skills, be willing to work with various age groups (youth through senior adults), and also serve with community organizations. Responsibilities include preaching both morning and evening services, leading an informal adult Bible study on Wednesday nights, visiting the sick and shut-ins, and performing other pastoral duties. Salary is negotiable. Send resume and a picture of family to bcc74008@yahoo.com or Bixby Christian Church, Attn: Minister Search Committee, P.O. Box 953, Bixby, OK 74008. The Paxton (IL) Church of Christ is actively seeking a full-time associate/youth minister who is also willing to advance to the senior minister position in the future. The
Visioneering Opening Two New Studios church prefers a married man with a wife who is committed to serving alongside him. Duties include working with the junior high and senior high youth groups and mentoring leaders for younger children’s programs. Minister would be part of the education ministry that oversees Sunday morning classes and WOW (Worship on Wednesday), which is the church’s outreach for families. Musical ability would be a big plus. Salary is negotiable. Paxton is located on I-57 about 100 miles south of Chicago. Send resume, a copy of two recent sermons, and a picture to The Paxton Church of Christ, Attn: Elders, P.O. Box 299, Paxton, IL 60957, or to minister John Davenport at jdavenport55@ yahoo.com, or to the secretary at pxtnchurchofchrist@gmail. com. Call (217) 379-4443 for information.
Visioneering Studios Architecture, a niche firm focused on “designing destinations that lift the spirit” and the 2008-09 Solomon Award winner for “Best Church Architect,” opened two new design studios in November. The new studios are located in Chicago, IL, and Charlotte, NC, and complement Visioneering Studios located in Los Angeles, Denver, and Atlanta. Randall Coy, previously director of planning and design for General Growth Properties, is leading Visioneering Studios-Central in Chicago as regional director. David Dial, previously president and chief steward for Living Stones Architecture, is leading Visioneering Studios-East in Charlotte. Dial has designed more than 120 church facili-
Miscellaneous Needs Sylvan Hills Christian Service Camp, a camp in rural central Pennsylvania,is seeking a camp manager. Responsibilities include administrative duties, such as communicating with supporting churches, scheduling year-round usage of the camp facilities, and over-
ties in addition to many mixed-use, hospital, and urban planning projects. He previously collaborated with Visioneering Studios on the award-winning Elevation Church project in Charlotte, which won both “Best Church Architect” and “Best Church Design: Renovation Project, 800 to 2,000 seats.” Visioneering’s other current projects include Northeast Christian Church (Louisville, KY); Saddleback Church (Orange County, CA); National Community Church (Washington, D.C.); and Parkview Christian Church (Chicago, IL). Visioneering’s unique philosophy of “architectural evangelism”— designing integrated “live, worship, play” environments—has led to its steady growth and current expansion.
seeing paid staff. The manager is also responsible for maintaining the camp’s buildings, grounds, and equipment. The position reports to the chairman of the camp board made up of representatives of supporting churches. Compensation package includes a private residence overlooking
the camp. Interested applicants should send a resume to Steve Salmon at lhpreacher@ gmail.com or First Church of Christ, 330 N. Vesper St., Lock Haven, PA 17745; phone (570) 748-3519. Inquiries must be postmarked by Jan. 15, 2011. The camp Web site is www. sylvanhills.org.
CHRISTIAN STANDARD INTERVIEW Continued from page 16
it be viewed as a simple piece of literature? I’m certainly hoping that this book will find an audience beyond the church. For so many people the Bible is the best book they’ve never read. We have grown up in Western civilization and, without argument, the Bible is a central document of Western civilization. It’s really unthinkable that a truly educated person would not be familiar with a key document of their civilization and yet, so many are. Bible illiteracy is a problem within and outside the church.
One of my colleagues here said that one of the things he likes about the book is that it has a lot of entry points. What he means is you can pretty much flip open any page and find something of interest, but it’s really designed to be read from beginning to end to give that full story of Scripture. It’s an introductory book—it is not an apologetic book, it’s not a salvation tract—it simply attempts to let the Bible say what the Bible says. It’s certainly something to be flipped through, but it’s meant to be read to get the entire story, the entire plan of God’s salvation.
Does the Bible have appeal to readers beyond the religious implications? Can
How would people use this book as opposed to just flipping open a Bible?
Brad Dupray is senior vice president, ministry development, with Church Development Fund, Irvine, California.
JANUARY 9, 2011 (35) 19
How does the Bible connect the story of God’s plan to what has happened in the developing history of humankind? I believe that when people understand what the Bible says about itself, they will see it as being rooted in history, and not see it as a fairy tale or legend. Scripture frequently talks about secular rulers and geographic places. The Bible is not “Once upon a time in a land far, far away. . . .” When people realize this, it causes some thinking, which helps people reevaluate what the Bible is. And I hope it also spurs them to deeper study.
IN OPINIONS, LIBERTY
The Cure for Moralistic Therapeutic Deism BY JON WEATHERLY
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biblically. Rightly confident that the Bible addresses life’s practical issues, we proclaimed biblical answers to everyday problems. We listened as people told us what bugged them: relationships, self-esteem, success, emotional health—or the lack of any of those. We combed Scripture for passages that provide answers. We supplemented Bible study with insights from behavioral science. We drew contrasts with conventional, secular wisdom. We made “how to” the catchphrase of every sermon and every Bible study and “inspirational” the objective of every program. And in the main, we gave pretty good answers. Now and then we conveniently may have lifted some biblical texts out of context or borrowed some sappy phrases from shallow self-help hucksters. But we were right in our estimate that the Bible would supply us with some powerful, practical insights. Nothing alarms church folk quite so But it’s worse if Christian adults think much as problems with the young folk. So this way. Unlike Smith and Denton, I it was about five years ago with Christian don’t have research about what American Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton’s Christian adults think. But I’ll venture an book, Soul Searching: The Religious and unresearched conclusion anyway: given Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers. the way we typically have preached and Smith and Denton’s research produced taught, I think many churches have lots of the phrase “moralistic therapeutic deism” moralistic therapeutic deists who are over to describe the typical American teen’s 21. view of God. It’s “deism” because the god of the typical teen is mostly distant and What We’ve Done uninvolved. It’s “therapeutic” because that We church leaders can blame ourdistant god still wants everyone to have selves for this sorry situation. To be sure, a happy life and occawe acted for what seemed like sionally is willing to get good reasons. We want to make We church involved when a person the Christian message accessible has an unhappy crisis. and relevant to people outside leaders can And it’s “moralistic” the church. No more dry theolblame ourselves ogy, no more doctrinal disputabecause this god wants people to be nice and tion, no more arcane vocabufor this sorry fair to each other, which lary. To be heard, the Christian teens think is the upshot message needed to be presented situation. of all world religions. in practical terms. “Give me So America’s Chrissomething on Sunday to get me tian kids have a problem. But I worry through the week!” was the demand that over a more serious problem. It’s bad if we answered. Christian teens think this way about God. And certainly we aimed to answer it
Feeding a Falsehood But in so doing, I fear we unwittingly fed the falsehood, not far from any rebellious human heart, that God can be domesticated. Humans in general want people to be good, so our hearers were glad to find a God who sets moral standards. Humans in general want to be liked, so our hearers were content to find a God who likes us. Humans especially want to run their own lives, so our hearers were anxious to keep God as distant as possible. But humans want help when their self-sufficiency seems insufficient, so our hearers still expect God to be available when they call the 911 prayer-and-forgiveness line. Thus the practical God we proclaimed was easily received as the deficient god of moralistic therapeutic deism. Everything we stressed may have been true, but little we said challenged the universal human tendency to create gods in our own image. Practical, Not Relevant I think we can describe what happened this way. In the pursuit of the practical, we missed the relevant. The
It’s bad if Christian teens think this way about God. But it’s worse if Christian adults think this way.
two are not the same. A hardware store is eminently practical, but it doesn’t tell me what my life is all about. If I am consumed with the “practical” issue of getting through the week with its problems and annoyances, will I ever think about what lies beyond those problems and annoyances? Will I understand why I am here and where I am headed? Will I come to grips with my deepest needs and longings, or will I just shuffle through the rat race with moderately better speed and comfort? As we have preached and taught the Bible’s practical wisdom, we may unwittingly have neglected the Bible’s central message. Certainly the Bible has a central message, and it is eminently relevant. Consider how that central message is stated in Luke 24:44, “He said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.’” It takes just a quick look at the original-language sentence structure to see that in this statement Jesus is not just saying there are some now-fulfilled predictions here and there in Israel’s sacred books. He said the entirety of Israel’s Scriptures are “fulfilled” in what he had just accomplished. And if we peruse the variety of texts to which the New Testament connects Jesus’ story, we see how true that is. We are accustomed to thinking Jesus fulfills the promises of the prophets. But Jesus himself says he fulfills all the sacred books: the Law, which shows what God’s righteousness is and how people fail to keep it; the prophets, who proclaim human failure but promise the fulfillment of human longing; and the Psalms, the inspired words that God’s people sang to express their devotion and their despair.
When we preach and teach the Bible but fail to make a clear connection to the cross, we have failed to preach and teach what the Bible is really saying. saving death for oneself. It is helping people understand the essential, organic, unbreakable connection between what the Bible says on any particular topic and what Jesus accomplished when he died and arose. Doing this has an elegant advantage: it makes our message practical and relevant and true, all at the same time. We can address the same workaday matters that we have believed our listeners need. But in doing so, we will share not just what to do but the deep, essential why, which takes us to the God of the cross. That is the relevant point to be made—that we struggling, suffering, dying people have a God who has struggled and suffered and died with us and for us—alongside us and in our place—bringing a victory that overcomes our inherent weakness and inevitable fail-
ure. In making this great connection, we have laid bare the great truth that puts all the Bible’s wisdom and all of our experience into a singular, coherent, utterly relevant perspective. The Foundation of the Cross Sounds good, but is this stretching to make a point? Well, consider the issue of relationships. Clearly the cross informs those: Jesus gave himself willingly in selfsacrifice for undeserving and ungrateful people. Take self-esteem or emotional health. The cross shows us not only God’s persistent, costly love but also our deep need to give ourselves similarly for others. And then success: who can miss the implication that the cross turns it upside down? On these or any other issues, what does the Bible teach that doesn’t in the end stand on the foundation of Calvary? We Christian church folk ought to get this well. We make it a point to keep the cross central by sharing the Lord’s Supper every Lord’s Day. But rightly done, our observance must be more than a mere “time set aside to remember.” Our remembering the cross needs to be organic to everything we say and do in worship as we preach, teach, sing, and pray. And then it needs to remain organic to everything we do and say when we worship outside our Lord’s Day assembly. Why did we ever wonder whether observing the Lord’s Supper could be “seeker sensitive”? What did we imagine seekers ought to seek? To cure moral therapeutic deism, take one cross constantly. It yields real morality—knowing how the cross defines and drives what is right and good. It yields real healing—from the One who heals us by his wounds. And distant deism? The God of the cross is not removed from our experience. He entered it. Jon Weatherly is vice president of academic affairs and professor of New Testament at Cincinnati (Ohio) Christian University.
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Fulfilling It All How does Jesus fulfill all of that in his death and resurrection? He enters fully into the story. He lives under the Law. He experiences the same testing that led oth-
ers to fail. He partook fully of the lowliness, obscurity, and weakness of people who live in a world dominated by evil. In what seemed like the end, he let the evil powers do their worst to him. And in doing that, he overcame evil, bound it up, set it at naught, and turned the history of human rebellion into a promise of God’s final victory. Note well what this means. Everything the Bible says ultimately connects to the cross. So when we preach and teach the Bible but fail to make that connection clear, we have failed to preach and teach what the Bible is really saying. Making the connection is more than simply tagging on an invitation to appropriate Christ’s
AND SO IT GOES
THE Story and My Stories BY PAUL S. WILLIAMS
With the help of our contributing editors, Mark and I decided to put an extra-special emphasis on Scripture in 2011. As we plan issues and assign articles on everything from how to study the Bible to how the Bible has been safeguarded through the centuries, my mind has wandered to Bibles of old. I don’t mean the Gutenberg Bible, but the ones from my own past. I still have my first pocket New Testament, a gift from my grandparents. The well-worn King James Version is nestled in its original cardboard box, with my name painstakingly written in cursive on the back. Inside is a sheet of paper with the first devotion I ever presented to our church youth group. It was written in manuscript form and memorized, just as I do with sermons today. The devotion is rather pedestrian, but hey, I was 13 when I wrote it.
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BY SIMON J. DAHLMAN
Associate Professor of Communications Milligan College, Tennessee
The most valuable Bible in my library is a leather-bound Thompson Chain Reference Bible—New International Version. If my office catches fire, I’ll retrieve it first. With a concordance, dictionary, and lots of other bells and whistles, that one volume would cover me until I could build up a new library. A wonderful volume on my shelf is an absolutely exquisite New King James Version Bible that Dusty Rubeck gave me as a gift. From its look and feel, I figure it cost about a $1,000, more or less. Seriously, it has the most buttery leather I have ever felt. In our family room I have two Bibles from my grandfather, George William Stone. They are rather ordinary, befitting his simple tastes. One is as well-worn as the old saddle hanging in his barn. The other is a hardbound Bible he received later in life. I remember watching him read in the evenings. He always read a Zane Grey novel or that hardbound Bible. I went through a phase in my 20s when
The McDonald’s advertising slogan— “I’m lovin’ it”—might speak more truth than we ever knew. A new study, led by researchers from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, found that consumers can forge such close emotional bonds with a brand that they are willing to sacrifice time, money, energy, and reputation to stay attached to it. If forced to buy a competing product, some consumers even suffer separation anxiety. It is brand attachment that explains consumers’ devotion to Apple computers or Chevy trucks, fans’ intense reaction at celebrity deaths, and the agony of teenagers who are denied their favorite brand of jeans. Through brand attachment, the study suggests,
I still have my first pocket New Testament, a gift from my grandparents. I worshipped the Bible. That was not so good. The book doesn’t save anyone. Jesus, not the record of his doings, is the object of our adoration. Nevertheless, my memory bank still holds the details of a long study of the book of Romans I completed during those years. I hope the memories of Bibles from my past keep coming during our yearlong emphasis. Bibles tell stories, both inside their pages and through the hands that have passed over them. They leave a legacy from generation to generation, as they tell the old, old story. And, thankfully, so it goes.
consumers see the brands as an extension of themselves. —“Brand Attachment and Brand Attitude Strength: Conceptual and Empirical Differentiation of Two Critical Brand Equity Drivers,” Journal of Marketing, November 2010, by C. Whan Park, Deborah J. MacInnis, et al (http://www.marshall.usc.edu/assets/135/22824.pdf) “The way we live is eroding our capacity for deep, sustained, perceptive attention—the building block of intimacy, wisdom, and cultural progress. Moreover, this disintegration may come at great cost to ourselves and to society. Put most simply, attention defines us and is the bedrock of society. . . . Yet increasingly, we are shaped by distraction.” —Maggie Jackson, journalist and author, Distracted: The Erosion of Attention and the Coming Dark Age (2009)