Foundational Gifts

The Shocking Servant of Yahweh

As we celebrate the Lord's table together, we want to commemorate the sacrificial work of Jesus on our behalf. We rejoice in his work on the cross for our sins. Isaiah writes in the fourth of the Servant Songs, recorded in Isaiah, of the sacrificial atoning work of Jesus on our behalf. Isaiah uniquely prophecies of the coming sacrifice of Jesus, the suffering he would endure on our behalf. Because of his sacrifice for us, Jesus is worthy of exaltation and worship because he alone purifies humanity from sin.  Celebrating the Lord’s Table together as a body of believers affirms our personal testimony of salvation and draws us together in unity around the sacrifice of Jesus. As a church, we strive to exalt him in our gathering and interactions together. Communion reminds us of our reasons for gathering every week – it’s Jesus and his sacrifice for our sins.

Maturity, Conscience, Theological Triage & the Gifts

As evidenced by 1 Corinthians 12-14, the gifts of the Spirit can cause divisions within the church, and therefore, the gifts of the Spirit must be carefully understood and engaged. In order for believers to appropriately engage with one another, we must be spiritually mature. This maturity then leads to informed consciences that seek to understand truth and appropriately engage others. Because the Holy Spirit has given gifts to the church, we must remember that we have each been gifted as individuals for the good of the whole body. At times, our gifts can cause divisions that do not honor the Lord or his name among unbelievers. So, Christian maturity must inform our consciences, and we must be discerning in our encounters and even in our conflicts with one another. Great care must be given to our manner with one another, because the great name and work of Jesus are at stake as others witness our encounters with each other.  The ministry and work of the Holy Spirit are often confused by modern interpreters. What is the role of the Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives? Does the work of the Spirit always produce shocking, miraculous signs? Everything that we believe about the Holy Spirit must begin with the instruction that Jesus offers his disciples in the upper room, the night before he is tried and dies. This instruction about the Holy Spirit given by Jesus is the foundation for any true, accurate understanding of the Spirit. With this in view, the five explanations of the Spirit given by Jesus, recorded in the gospel of John frame our view of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is given to empower us, to teach us, to convict us and to indwell us forever.

The Wise and Powerful Message

As Paul continues to address the divisions in Corinth, he does so by pointing the people to the word of the cross, the message of the gospel. The message of the cross is the power and the wisdom of God. The message of the cross saves those who believe, by faith in that message, but the message of the cross also offends. It is an offense to both the Jews and the Greeks (Gentiles) for different reasons. Ultimately, the message of the cross demonstrates the superior wisdom and power of God. As believers, we must receive and proclaim the powerful, wise and saving message of the cross (the gospel), because it surpassing the wisdom of the culture. Truly, the word of the cross, this message is sufficient for our daily lives.  The ministry and work of the Holy Spirit are often confused by modern interpreters. What is the role of the Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives? Does the work of the Spirit always produce shocking, miraculous signs? Everything that we believe about the Holy Spirit must begin with the instruction that Jesus offers his disciples in the upper room, the night before he is tried and dies. This instruction about the Holy Spirit given by Jesus is the foundation for any true, accurate understanding of the Spirit. With this in view, the five explanations of the Spirit given by Jesus, recorded in the gospel of John frame our view of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is given to empower us, to teach us, to convict us and to indwell us forever.

Dangerous Divisions

As Paul begins his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul exhorts them about the divisions, quarrels, and factions that characterize them. Paul grounds his charge in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ calling the Corinthians to live for the name of Jesus, not their own sakes or the sake of those who minister among them like Paul, Peter, and Apollos. Paul calls them to say the same thing as one another. This is not a call to unanimity, but a call to think like Jesus, to care for the whole rather than only serving personal desires and priorities. Paul reminds these believers that the gospel is the priority. The gospel calls believers to unity, because the gospel emphasizes others, serving and a Jesus only focus on all of life. Because the gospel calls us to unity, Paul pleads for united thinking and a united purpose for the church.  The church was not designed or created by humanity; it was designed and instituted by God to fulfill his plan for his followers on earth. It is paramount that we understand the nature of the church, the priorities that should characterize the church and the character of the individuals that compose the church. We must ask and understand the answer to the question: what is the church? Therefore, the church is a committed fellowship of believers in Jesus, who passionately live their lives together, striving to live and advance the magnificent truths of their Savior, who’s example perfectly establishes, directs & prioritizes their daily lives.

Toward a Theology of Singing

Why do we sing in church? What is the priority for singing? What makes singing important or even necessary? Is there a right or wrong way to sing? What is the biblical model for singing? These are all important questions that deserve consideration as we contemplate the Biblical Foundations for the Church. Singing is an important part of our worship. Singing provides believers the opportunity to praise and exalt God; it also provides believers the opportunity to minister to one another. Singing is an essential element of true worship, and our singing must be focused on our God and Savior. Our singing must be biblically grounded, theologically rich and lyrically satisfying. Our singing matters and as the congregation sings together is promotes growth and edification.  The church was not designed or created by humanity; it was designed and instituted by God to fulfill his plan for his followers on earth. It is paramount that we understand the nature of the church, the priorities that should characterize the church and the character of the individuals that compose the church. We must ask and understand the answer to the question: what is the church? Therefore, the church is a committed fellowship of believers in Jesus, who passionately live their lives together, striving to live and advance the magnificent truths of their Savior, who’s example perfectly establishes, directs & prioritizes their daily lives.