January 4, 2009
America's finest fought and won a world war in Europe and the South Pacific simultaneously. Perhaps some of your relatives were involved in this massive undertaking. Tom Brokaw calls them "The Greatest Generation" and he was right.
Fast forward 70 plus years to present day America. Could you give the present day generation a fitting name?
Try the TV ads. They are geared to the various demographics for the sole purpose of selling their wares.
Do you recognize this? "It's my money and I want it now." Or "I want it all and I want it now."
Did you see the guy who is at the drive thru window paying for his order? A vehicle right behind him stomps his gas pedal and proceeds to push the guy past the window so he can take his place.
With tires squealing and smoke bellowing, he gets to the window and his line is "I just had to have my Arby's.
Maybe you heard the sad and shocking news of the man who was trampled to death by Wal-Mart shoppers on Black Friday.
And now there is an insurance advertisement stating that a certain company sponsors the NFL and Sundays. Since when did the Lord sell the sponsorship of Sunday? I must have missed the news.
I think I can give the present generation a name. I call it the "Me Generation." It's fitting because this comes straight from the word of God.
I) "The Me Generation." II Timothy 3:1-4
In this particular section of Scripture the Apostle Paul uses two (2) Greek words that appear no where else in the Greek New Testament The first is found in verse 2 "men shall be lovers of their own selves".
The second comes in verse 4 speaking of the same generation that Paul describes as "lovers of pleasure."
Some speculate that Paul coins these two words himself and applies them to a generation of men that would someday exemplify and typlify all that the apostle describes here.
An interpretative rule of Scripture states that whenever a word is used only one time, it is almost without exception worthy of our utmost attention. It is used to emphasize a point of truth and not to be passed by lightly.
I propose to you that the words are bookends. If you omit all that appears between those two words you arrive at a simply conclusion.
What Paul sees prophetically is one generation, above all past generations, that will be characterized as a race of people that are "lovers of their own selves" and "lovers of pleasure."
The Scripture says it would come for notice verse 1 "This know also, that in the last days, perilous (or dangerous) times shall come. These dangerous times will come because mankind has only one lover: Himself.
In the movie "The Longest Day", the apex of the movie occurs in a German bunker along the Atlantic Wall at Normandy. An officer is aroused by a phone call from headquarters about possible enemy activity during the night. He dresses and proceeds to the bunker just before dawn. He peers out from the bunker. The fog and darkness has decreased his visibility. He sees nothing.
Convinced there is no danger, he spends a few minutes and prepares to return to his quarters.He takes one more look and through the fog and the fleeting darkness he spots a ship. And then another, and then, he sees the whole Allied armada awaiting off shore. The invasion has come.
Before our very eyes, the "Me Generation" has emerged. It started with the idea that man's self worth and esteem are too low. It must be corrected. It must be elevated. The psychological prescription was man must love himself more. And he has!!!!!
Verse 1 pinpoints the time, Verse 2-4 describes the traits of that generation. Is it on the horizon? Is it in the near future? No and No. It is here.
II) The We Generation. I Thessalonians 4:13-18
This particular passage is familiar to most Christians. It describes for us an event that is often called "The Rapture of the Church."
I personally believe the Rapture will take place once the "Me Generation" has taken center stage. It is a logical fit.
When Jesus came the first time, there was a small group of Jews (very small by all accounts) that anticipated His coming. William Barclay referred to these as the "Quiet Ones." We meet two of them in Dr. Luke's account of Joseph and Mary bringing the babe Jesus into the temple on the 8th day after his birth. (See Luke 2). One is Simeon, the other is Anna.
Just as with His first coming, When Jesus returns for the church, there will be a group of believers who are anticipating His coming.
Note the whole of Paul's writing to the Thessalonians in chapter 4 verses 13-18. While it is not our intent to explore the passage in detail it is striking to notice the term "we". While Paul so anticipated His Lord's return, it did not occur in his lifetime.
However, Paul prophetically is writing to people not yet even born. They are the "We" Generation.
Look to verse 15 "That we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord" and again in verse 17 "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up"
Clearly there is a "We Generation". The generation of believers that will be eye witnesses too and participants in the Rapture of the Church.
As Paul writes to the Corinthians "Behold, I show you a mystery ; We shall not all sleep (there is the mention again of the "We Generation") but we shall all be changed" (includes those who died in Christ and will be resurrected along side the living ones) I Corinthians 15:51
So in the midst of the "Me Generation".....the lovers of self and the lovers of pleasure there will be a "We Generation". A group awaiting the next great event on the prophetic calendar.
And the truly blessed part, when the me generation emerges and it has, the event of the rapture can not be very far behind. Let us be looking up, "for our redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:28
III) Conclusion:
You and I will find ourselves in one or the other. We belong either to the "Me Generation" or to the "We Generation." There are no other options.
As is always the case, Jesus is the dividing line in the sand, the decision of all decisions.
You do nothing to remain a member of the "Me Generation." You were born into the human race. You must be born again to be a member of the "We Generation". I trust you belong to Him.
Till next time.
Glenn Bentley
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Sunday, November 30, 2008
7 Steps to Studying the Scriptures Part II
Greetings in the Lovely Name of Jesus:
In October we dealt with the Historical/Cultural and Grammatical steps in studying any passage of Scripture. Today, we lay out the four (4) remaining steps we pursue as we study the Word of God.
1. Step #4. The Contextual Perspective.
It is vitally important to understand any particular passage in light of the context in which it is written. The context defines the parameters the author has set.
For instance, take any parable Jesus gave and study it in light of the context. In fact, you can ask the question, what prompts His parable? This is generally a dead give away at what He was really saying and to whom it was said.
Down through the centuries the church has battled those who take a passage of scripture, dismiss the context and formulate a false thesis and platform to lead others astray.
If you have ever wondered how some who pretend to be biblical experts, arrive at their interpretations of Scripture, its really easy to get it. They simply take verses out of context to fit their preconceived ideas.
We would not have so many misguided teachers/followers and movements if people who study the bible would look at the Word of God in Context.
You can't cherry pick scripture and be a serious student of the Word of God at the same time.
Stay in context with your study.
2. Step #5. The Doctrinal Perspective.
I am automatically suspicious of any movement that relegates Christian doctrine to a less than central role in the life of the church. Movements such as the Seeker Friendly group and the Emerging Church growth crowd certainly fall into this category. Sadly many churches claiming bedrock Christianity have succumbed to the lie of Satan that doctrine is not really important.
So what is doctrine? The N.T. word for doctrine is literally teaching. We could call it an embodiment of ideas that someone formulates and presents to others. Inherent in the use of doctrine is the idea that whatever is believed will be taught to others.
Why is doctrine important? Many raise their voice and say Doctrine divides. It is irrelevant, boring and certainly divisive to many. I chose to disagree.
Biblical doctrine is important. In fact it is vitally important. Doctrine does not divide, it defines. Doctrine defines the great truths of Scripture that the church has rested upon down through the church age.
Think about the Doctrine of Salvation! What about the Doctrine of Justification or Sanctification? Are these truths no longer relevant to our church and the culture of the 21st century.
Anyone who tells you doctrine is not central to the Christian life is trying to lead you in an opposite direction or attempting to simply dumb you down so you won't know the different.
When you study the Scripture, look for the Doctrinal aspects of the passage. They may not always be in the forefront but they will certainly be in the background.
One example will do. In Genesis 3 we have the sin and fall of our first parents. The Lord God's response and dealing with Adam and Eve state at least four cardinal doctrines that run from "civer to civer" as an old timey preacher once said. What are they, you ask?
Genesis 3 gives us the first look at the Doctrine of Salvation, The Doctrine of Justification by Faith; The Doctrine of Original Sin; The Doctrine of Grace just for starters.
Because the Bible is a Symphony these doctrinal truths appear over and over again. A student who is cognizant of doctrinal truths will be rewarded in a deeper understanding of the Word of God.
3. Step #6. The Literal Perspective.
God has revealed Himself in His Word. His revelation is not mystical, nebulous nor mysterious.It was meant to be understood. His word is conveyed to rational minds in a simple and straight forward fashion.
In studying the Scripture I have always made it a point to abide by a basic principle: "If the literal sense makes good sense, seek no other sense." That's simple isn't it? If the passage in question makes literal sense, don't go get you a spiritual pick and shovel and start trying to unearth a meaning that is not there.
If you maintain this literal perspective God's word will make much more sense to you. And as a footnote, this literal approach will even help you identify those passages in the Word that are obviously symbolic. Revelation 14 comes to mind.
Remember, take it literal. As Stephen Olford often said, "God says what He means and He means what He says."
Once passage come to mind: Isaiah 55:6-7
"Seek ye the Lord while He may be Found
Call upon Him while He is near
Let the wicked forsake his way
And the unrigtheous man his thoughts
Let him return unto the Lord
And He will have mercy upon him
and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
I'm no Philadelphia Lawyer, but I think I get what my Lord is literally saying.
Step #7. The Personal Perspective.
I have saved this for last. The study of Scripture is not an academic exercise. Study and Prayer are the ways we stay in touch with our Master. It is the primary way He communicates with us. This S & P has nothing to do with the financial markets. It has to do with the real Him and the real You.
Now, if I want to hear from Him, it is essential I study His Word. If you will take the time to incorporate the six (6) steps mentioned -----Historical, Cultural, Grammatical,Contextual, Doctrinal, Literal------------He will speak to you. He will speak to your heart personally.
On numerous occasions, I have been approached many times as I arrived at church, "Brother Glenn, I need to speak to you after the worship service is over. I have an issue, a problem, a crisis,,,,,etc...etc....that I need some advise on."
More than once, that person that met me at the door comes back afterwards and says, We don't have to talk, God spoke to my heart through the message or the lesson that was just presented. Strange uh? No, not really. It is often the way the Lord speaks to us if we are really listening.
HE indeed will speak to US personally.
I'm sure there have been times in your life when you realized that an event, an endeavor, or some enterprise had simply wasted your time. No serious student of Scripture will say that.
Until December or His Call, have a blessed and holy Day.
Glenn Bentley
Sharing The Truth Ministries
In October we dealt with the Historical/Cultural and Grammatical steps in studying any passage of Scripture. Today, we lay out the four (4) remaining steps we pursue as we study the Word of God.
1. Step #4. The Contextual Perspective.
It is vitally important to understand any particular passage in light of the context in which it is written. The context defines the parameters the author has set.
For instance, take any parable Jesus gave and study it in light of the context. In fact, you can ask the question, what prompts His parable? This is generally a dead give away at what He was really saying and to whom it was said.
Down through the centuries the church has battled those who take a passage of scripture, dismiss the context and formulate a false thesis and platform to lead others astray.
If you have ever wondered how some who pretend to be biblical experts, arrive at their interpretations of Scripture, its really easy to get it. They simply take verses out of context to fit their preconceived ideas.
We would not have so many misguided teachers/followers and movements if people who study the bible would look at the Word of God in Context.
You can't cherry pick scripture and be a serious student of the Word of God at the same time.
Stay in context with your study.
2. Step #5. The Doctrinal Perspective.
I am automatically suspicious of any movement that relegates Christian doctrine to a less than central role in the life of the church. Movements such as the Seeker Friendly group and the Emerging Church growth crowd certainly fall into this category. Sadly many churches claiming bedrock Christianity have succumbed to the lie of Satan that doctrine is not really important.
So what is doctrine? The N.T. word for doctrine is literally teaching. We could call it an embodiment of ideas that someone formulates and presents to others. Inherent in the use of doctrine is the idea that whatever is believed will be taught to others.
Why is doctrine important? Many raise their voice and say Doctrine divides. It is irrelevant, boring and certainly divisive to many. I chose to disagree.
Biblical doctrine is important. In fact it is vitally important. Doctrine does not divide, it defines. Doctrine defines the great truths of Scripture that the church has rested upon down through the church age.
Think about the Doctrine of Salvation! What about the Doctrine of Justification or Sanctification? Are these truths no longer relevant to our church and the culture of the 21st century.
Anyone who tells you doctrine is not central to the Christian life is trying to lead you in an opposite direction or attempting to simply dumb you down so you won't know the different.
When you study the Scripture, look for the Doctrinal aspects of the passage. They may not always be in the forefront but they will certainly be in the background.
One example will do. In Genesis 3 we have the sin and fall of our first parents. The Lord God's response and dealing with Adam and Eve state at least four cardinal doctrines that run from "civer to civer" as an old timey preacher once said. What are they, you ask?
Genesis 3 gives us the first look at the Doctrine of Salvation, The Doctrine of Justification by Faith; The Doctrine of Original Sin; The Doctrine of Grace just for starters.
Because the Bible is a Symphony these doctrinal truths appear over and over again. A student who is cognizant of doctrinal truths will be rewarded in a deeper understanding of the Word of God.
3. Step #6. The Literal Perspective.
God has revealed Himself in His Word. His revelation is not mystical, nebulous nor mysterious.It was meant to be understood. His word is conveyed to rational minds in a simple and straight forward fashion.
In studying the Scripture I have always made it a point to abide by a basic principle: "If the literal sense makes good sense, seek no other sense." That's simple isn't it? If the passage in question makes literal sense, don't go get you a spiritual pick and shovel and start trying to unearth a meaning that is not there.
If you maintain this literal perspective God's word will make much more sense to you. And as a footnote, this literal approach will even help you identify those passages in the Word that are obviously symbolic. Revelation 14 comes to mind.
Remember, take it literal. As Stephen Olford often said, "God says what He means and He means what He says."
Once passage come to mind: Isaiah 55:6-7
"Seek ye the Lord while He may be Found
Call upon Him while He is near
Let the wicked forsake his way
And the unrigtheous man his thoughts
Let him return unto the Lord
And He will have mercy upon him
and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
I'm no Philadelphia Lawyer, but I think I get what my Lord is literally saying.
Step #7. The Personal Perspective.
I have saved this for last. The study of Scripture is not an academic exercise. Study and Prayer are the ways we stay in touch with our Master. It is the primary way He communicates with us. This S & P has nothing to do with the financial markets. It has to do with the real Him and the real You.
Now, if I want to hear from Him, it is essential I study His Word. If you will take the time to incorporate the six (6) steps mentioned -----Historical, Cultural, Grammatical,Contextual, Doctrinal, Literal------------He will speak to you. He will speak to your heart personally.
On numerous occasions, I have been approached many times as I arrived at church, "Brother Glenn, I need to speak to you after the worship service is over. I have an issue, a problem, a crisis,,,,,etc...etc....that I need some advise on."
More than once, that person that met me at the door comes back afterwards and says, We don't have to talk, God spoke to my heart through the message or the lesson that was just presented. Strange uh? No, not really. It is often the way the Lord speaks to us if we are really listening.
HE indeed will speak to US personally.
I'm sure there have been times in your life when you realized that an event, an endeavor, or some enterprise had simply wasted your time. No serious student of Scripture will say that.
Until December or His Call, have a blessed and holy Day.
Glenn Bentley
Sharing The Truth Ministries
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
