Japan Mission Summary 2011

Click HERE to see some photos of the trip.

Click on the video to watch a clip of me helping the carpenters rebuild a home.

Another short video of our relief work in Japan.

Wow. Thirteen days of non-stop movement!!! It was an amazing and exhausting trip and well worth both the cost and the effort. How can I summarize such a diverse and life-changing two weeks?

Here's a day by day summary:

1. Wed. 11/16 – The Wrights (Kathie, William, Lewis and I) rose early morning to get to the airport at 8:30 AM. We spent the next 18 hours en route to Japan. We arrived at 4:30pm Thursday 11/17 (yep a day later) in Tokyo. We then took a cab to the hotel and had a delightful but expensive dinner.
2. Fri. 11/18 – We slept well and then met up with Dennis and Kaku Sager who came to pick us up at the hotel. As a special treat to the boys we spent the day in Tokyo Disney. For those who know us, Disney is a family tradition, and since it is right on the way we indulged in this as a motivation to overcome jet lag ... it worked. We had a fun time. Then left Tokyo around 5 pm for the 3 hour drive to the Sager's home.
3. Sat. 11/19 – This was our least busy day. It rained non-stop and we spent much of the time recovering from the journey and helping the Sagers prepare for the trip to Sendai area for the tsunami relief.
4. Sun. 11/20 – We rose early to go to church. I ministered at their Sunday morning service. Afterward we had a Birthday Party for the Sagers and Kathie and I – as all our birthdays fall within the week. We then spent the entire day preparing the food and materials for the trip. We did not make it back to the Sager's home until 7 pm, 11 hours after leaving.
5. Mon. 11/21 – We rose early and met up with a truck loaded with supplies that drove in late the night before. With two vans and the truck we depart for Yokohama to pick up the team from New Day who flew in on Sunday. After some confusion in Yokohama, we find the hotel and load up the team and a third van and drove to our lodging at a Bible training center about 1 ½ hours out of Sendai. We arrived at 8:30 pm at the bath house (Onsen) for a delightful but quick wash before going to the camp to settle for the night. Oh, it was sunny and warm at the Sager's but the last 2 hours of driving was in the snow. The climate is much colder there.
6. Tues. 11/22 – The ladies slept upstairs and froze, as the room heater was broke. The guys downstairs had a wood stove and were comfortable (but noisy). We all woke up early to load up for the big day of working in the tsunami area. We drove through the area where nothing but foundations were left prior to reaching the homes where we ministered. The devastation, even this many months latter was staggering. In the distance we could see many mountainous piles of debris and ruined vehicles as they sorted it out to recycle. About half the team set up and cooked a feast for those who live in the remaining homes – all of which were heavily damaged. The other half of the team either helped clean out mud, or helped the carpenters. I was fortunate to have carpentry skills and was put to work prepping walls for drywall installation. I worked all day with four other carpenters in one small home. While working everything was all business – no chatting. But during the breaks, it was pleasant to get to know these guys who have given months of their lives to rebuild other's lives. During lunch we all gathered for the BBQ. I was able to hear the story of one woman who survived, although her nephew, a police officer, perished while trying to save others. His bride is overcome with depression. This woman cried on my shoulder as I prayed for her (a very un-Japanese behavior). We served the first beef that these people have eaten since the disaster and the first fresh cooked rice (not prepackaged). You could see the delight on their faces. We also had a large quantity of food to give away, and once we announced it was free to take, the people rushed to get the fresh fruit, rice and other stuff. This caused Kaku Sager to cry, as it was so un-Japanese behavior. You could see their desperation. After a long day we loaded everything back up in the trucks and vans and at sunset headed out. After a brief dinner we again went to the bath house for an amazing Japanese Onsen!
7. Wed. 11/23 – Another day of travel. But the big truck would not start and we eventually had to leave it behind to wait for a service vehicle. The time waiting for them to try to get it to work ended up becoming an intense time of prayer and intercession for the region and especially for those who live in Japan that were with our team. There were a total of six pastors on the team, each representing a different church – what a great expression of unity. It was warmer and sunny and the fall colors were at their peak in this area. The drive back to Yokohama was long, but pleasant. After nine hours on the road we finally arrived late in Yokohama in time to eat dinner and crash for the night. Although some of the young ones went out and explored the city a bit.
8. Thur. 11/24 – We woke to a delightfully sunny and warm (low 60's) day in Yokohama. We spent the morning and early afternoon prayer-walking the city. We prayed at Yokohama Grace Bible Church with Pastor Scott and his team – it was a powerful time of intercession. We then prayer-walked through a very old part of the city, and the original Christian section – the first “modern” Christians to resettle after over 400 years of exclusion were restricted to this part of the city. It no longer has much visible Christian influence, yet we believe the prayers of those who went before are still heard in heaven. We also prayer-walked through China town. Afterward we left at about 2 pm for the several hour journey back to Izu city (where the Sager's live) on the Izu Pennisula. After arriving there we unloaded everything and got the team members to their host families and said our goodbyes to the other pastors that had come with us to do the relief work. We were all exhausted after so much travel and hard work – but we all felt fulfilled and glad to have been able to help.
9. Frid. 11/25 – In the morning the New Day team along with the Sagers went to Hope International Church to spend the morning in prayer and intercession. I stayed back at the Sager's home to work on my teachings for Sunday. The prayer time ended up going much longer than expected with many prophetic words and pictures being shared. Kaku Sager picked me up to join the team for lunch at a favorite dinning spot – Jib Curry. After dinner we had some free time for shopping and then the team members had dinner and spent the evening with their host families.
10. Sat. 11/26 – This was a busy day as the trip was winding down. A group of us hiked up the Castle Rock mountain – about an hour hike up a steep path. This mountain overlooked the entire city and region and is a great spot to pray. Heather Hays also arrived via train from where she is living in Japan teaching English. It took her 5 hours to get to us – but we were all so happy to see her. After descending the mountain we had lunch and then prayer-walked a local Shrine, school and the area around where the Sager's lived. I always find the times praying in the temples and shrines to be especially powerful. At 3 pm the entire team along with many from Hope International met at a church members new home as it was only about half constructed. They desired to not have the Buddhist monks perform the regular rituals during the construction of their home, and asked that we do Christian alternatives. So the Sagers had prayed and anointed the ground before groundbreaking, and now were were blessing the home and placing Bibles and prayers in the framework before the finish work was done. It was another powerful time of prayer. Following this we all packed into vans and visited a very old Buddhist Temple and town nearby. This temple in Shuzenji is the primary temple in this region and has “zen” in its name as it was the place where Zen Buddhism was established in the region. This was the first time I visited in the evening and although it got very cold, it was beautiful seeing the town all lit up with festive lights. After returning late, some of the team couldn't resist going to the Onsen, for a delightful time soaking in the hot springs – Japanese style!
11. Sun. 11/27 – We again rose early to go to Hope International Church. Some of the team assisted the worship team, others ministered in prayer, and some helped with the children. I again preached the sermon. After church we had another wonderful meal prepared by the church members. We then had an additional teaching time in the afternoon so that I could finish up my series on “Relationships – It's Complicated” -- an abbreviated version of what I recently preached in Kalamazoo. We finished the afternoon session and had just an hour or so before heading out to dinner. The day was again concluded with a visit to the Onsen for one last refreshing and relaxing soak. I was glad that both my boys and Kathie enjoyed the Onsen as much, if not more than I do!
12. Mon. 11/28 – Again we rose early to load up the vans for the long drive to the airport. We left the house by about 10 am and got lunch on the way at a rest stop (which are much different than in the states – most have stores, sit-down restaurants, as well as fast food and even cart vendors, and of course the ever present vending machines). The Wrights departed from Terminal 1 whereas the rest of the team from Terminal 2, so we said our good-byes when we were dropped off at the terminal. We spent about 4 hours waiting for our flights and finally departing at 6:45 pm Monday. We landed in Chicago ahead of time (literally) at 3 PM the same day (due to crossing the dateline). Rather than waiting until 10 pm for our flight to Kalamazoo we rented a car and drove home, getting here around 8 pm. We were all exhausted even though we all slept some on the plane.

Thank you to all who helped through prayer and financial support. We, along with many others, have used this disaster to minister the love of God and the hope of the Gospel to the people of Japan. The pastor in the Sendai area was overwhelmed at the openness of the people in the aftermath of the disaster. Now with a continual stream of Christians coming to help – more has been done for Christ's sake than we could have ever imagined.

Click HERE to see some photos of the trip.

Here are my notes for the final part of the Is It Relative? series.  As always, you will be able to listen and download the notes as a pdf after I preach them on Sunday (11/13/11).

Is It Relative? Living morally in an Amoral World.

Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Relative Truth and morality (right & wrong)?

• If everyone is true... then there isn't any real truth...
• Not applicable in the material world – Natural law operates with absolutes.
• Not consistent with “real life”
  • If a child takes a cookie when told to not take a cookie... did the cookie really exist?
  • Moral Relativity would say, that the child must decide for himself if it's time for a cookie
• Not reflective of God's nature

The problem with the idea of Relativity is that it is almost right

• There are many things that are dependent upon culture, language and circumstances
• God relates to each one individually, in this way there is an aspect of “relativity” that is true.
• But it is a corruption of this truth to say that because some things are relative, that there is no objective truth. The statement “all things are relative” is taken as objective, absolute – and therefore negates itself.
• It is more correct to say, because some things are “dependent” all things are “dependent” as all things are dependent upon God – and God is not vague, ambiguous, or indifferent.

Jesus is the truth – Do you believe Jesus when He says, “I am THE truth.”

• Truth is not relative, it is relational – in the sense that being true is defined by your relationship with the person Jesus Christ.
• John 8:31-32 NKJV Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. (32) And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
  • “abide” = dwell, remain, to live in.
  • Experiential truth, Biblical truth is never merely academic or intellectual, it is experiential
• John 3:3 NKJV Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

What about Romans 14:14-23 “I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. (15) Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. (16) Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; (17) for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (18) For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. (19) Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. (20) Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. (21) It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. (22) Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. (23) But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

• Specifically addressing two things – food and observing of religious holidays
  • Conflict of Judaism (Ritual law) and Paganism (eating meat offered to idols) with Christian freedom
  • Goal – unity and love, NOT abusing personal freedom!!!

1 Corinthians 6:9-13 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, (10) nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (11) And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (12) All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (13) Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.

• Christian freedom does not allow what is clearly forbidden here and elsewhere
• Anything, even if it is not forbidden, is a trap – if we are “brought under the power of any” -- the question is = who is in control
• Is this something Jesus would do?
• Which fruit of the Holy Spirit does this express?
• How will this affect those around me, will it lead to greater holiness?

Isaiah 5:20-21 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (21) Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.

Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Future Judgment:

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. (14) For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

Matthew 25:31-32 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. (32) All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

These are my notes for the second segment of the Is It Relative? series.  You can hear the podcast by clicking on the link in the side panel to the right.  You can download these notes from this LINK.

Is It Relative? Living morally in an Amoral World.

Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

• Joh 18:38 Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" …

What is truth? Four common views of “truth”: Philosophical, Logical, Moral and Religious

1. Philosophical (ontological) truth:
   1. Accurate and adequate idea of existence as ultimate reality
      • This is the “truth” Pilate was referring to
      • This use is never the primary intent in Scripture – as it is presupposed
      • Philosophical truth is dependent upon the philosophical theory one ascribes to – Relativism being one theory.
      • Deconstructionist influence over the past century...
        • Attempt to remove every cultural influence in order to get to truth
        • In the end dismantle everything to the point of disorder – nothing means anything if you pick it completely apart
      • Rather, our cultural “grid” enables us to grasp what exists beyond our culture
        • This happens every day, it is an essential aspect of human life
        • Bridging the gap between perspectives, is one of our strengths and is something that we need to use to understand one another and the whole of truth – not something that gets in the way
   2. Blind men and the elephant
      • One sees a tree trunk, one a wall, one a snake, one a fan...
      • Philosophers are keen to say, Jesus saw one aspect, Buddha another, Muhammad another – all seeing in part
      • This sound good, until you realize that it assumes that these wise men that shifted entire cultures were not as wise as we are?
      • They didn't consider this idea of relative truth? Really? They were too simple to understand something we can explain to a child?
      • And we are so arrogant to dismiss their claims?
      • Relativism is an arrogant response, that demeans others – even though the intention is the opposite.
2. Logical Truth – Something is true if the concept corresponds with the facts.
   1. Logical truths are truths which are considered to be necessarily true. This is to say that they are considered to be such that they could not be untrue and no situation could arise which would cause us to reject a logical truth.
   2. That wall is white. Law of non-contradiction – something cannot be true and untrue at the same time.
   3. This use of “truth” is also not the primary sense in Scripture
3. Moral Truth - the primary sense that the word “truth” is used in Scripture
   1. It includes:
      • The correspondence of expression with inner conception - “I believed and therefore I spoke;” “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
      • Correspondence of thought & intention, of concrete reality with ideal type.
      • Something is true inwardly AND outwardly – something is true when it aligns to external reality and internal motive and intention.
      • Is about being whole, complete, consistent and fulfilled in our identity and purpose - inwardly in relation to ourselves (heart, soul and spirit), and outwardly in relation to others and ultimately to God.
4. Religious Truth – A modern term, “no sound basis in reason & none at all in the Bible”
   1. All truth is ultimately religious and only superficially can one think of something as a religious truth independent of logical, moral and philosophical truth.

Three Ideas about Biblical truth –

1. Truth is revelation. It is not something separate, self-contained, a standard by which we judge everything including God.
   1. God is not “subject” to truth in this sense. If so truth would be greater than God. Truth is true because it finds it's meaning & definition in the person of God.
   2. “In the Bible, the known will of God is final for man as a standard of truth, not as arbitrary, but as expressive of God's nature. God's nature is all-comprehensive of fact and goodness, and so is, all and in all, the source, support and objective of all concrete being. The will of God thus reveals, persuades to and achieves the ideals and ends of complete existence. The term “truth” is sometimes, therefore, nearly equivalent to the revealed will of God.” ISBE
   3. People who are their own Gods can think this applies to them, hence “my truth vs. your truth” or Relativism. That error is part of believing the lie that the serpent fooled Eve with... “you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
2. Truth is personalized in Jesus Christ. He truly expresses God, presents the true ideal of man, in Himself summarizes the harmony of existence and becomes the agent for unifying the disordered world. Hence, He is the Truth, the true expression of God,
   1. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
   2. John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
3. Truth is experienced. It is primarily something to be realized and done, rather than something to be learned or known. Truth is God's nature finding expression in His creation. Truth in a Biblical sense is not primarily an intellectual affair, to be learned, but essentially a voluntary willful experience and duty to be done for the glory of God in the realization of the complete truth or nature of God.
   1. Not a series of propositions, to be accepted and contended for, but in the subjective way of experience, in a series of ideals to be realized and propagated.
   2. If anyone wishes to do God's will, he shall be able to decide the truth of religious teaching, and the Son who is true will give the freedom of truth
      • John 7:17 If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.
      • John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. (32) And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Real Life

1. This is not circular reasoning because, God is true because truth = God.
   1. God is an absolute – truth is that which accurately and adequately represent God
   2. “My idea of God” is not truth – but I can actually know God, as can anyone
   3. Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse”
2. Truth as a person, and not a list of propositions is more “real.”
   1. This is how people actually live (it better corresponds to reality)
   2. This is why love triumphs over reason – not that reason is unnecessary, it just isn't enough. People will do far more for love then they will for any good reason

Why this matters

1. If we understand truth in regards to the person of God, that God's person-hood is what is the basis for understanding truth, reality, existence.
2. Then we can see that the person-hood of each individual is what gives them value, regardless of any and every other aspect of their existence. The fact that they are means they have value and purpose and meaning.
3. Relativism attempts to give value by saying everyone's claim to truth is equal, but in the end that means that by definition if everyone is true; then no one is true, because there is no objective true. But if truth is the person of God, and God has invested Himself into each human giving them the opportunity to know and interact and experience Him – then each life has meaning – relevance, purpose – TRUTH.
4. God is a FATHER (Tell a story... what kind of father would you prefer?)
   1. Each of His children have meaning and purpose, He is invested into every one
   2. Relativism says, you are all gods, do whatever you think is right
   3. Jesus says, Matthew 5:48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
   4. Matthew 5:48 You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect. [Lev. 19:2, 18.]
   5. Relativism is the ultimate express of “orphan thinking.”
   6. John 14:18-21 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

Next week we'll focus on how behavior – living morally in an amoral world, flows from our understanding of truth. 

Here are my notes for the first in a three part series called: Is It Relative - Living Morally in an Amoral World.

The PDF of the note can be downloaded (Click Here) 

The audio podcast link should be in the sidebar on the right of this post. 

The book I recommend can be purchased by clicking on here: The New Tolerance

Is It Relative? Living morally in an amoral world.

Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

• Joh 18:38 Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" ...
• People have been asking that question throughout all time, and today as much as ever
• We have more information available than ever thought possible, yet are no closer to knowing what is true.
• This series is about Relativism – Truth relativism and moral relativism
  • Is there objective truth – is it true to say Jesus is the only way to have eternal life? Or are there as many ways to truth as there are people?
  • Is there objective morality – is it valid to say there are absolute standards of right and wrong? Or is right & wrong determined by our society or as individuals?

Intro Series

• Two huge challenges
  • Christians struggling to live right
  • How to answer our culture that says everything's right
• These challenges are more connected than we may like to admit
• We will never be able to answer those around us who claim there is no “right or wrong” if we are not able to live a life that demonstrates a belief in right and wrong
  • Or as an advocate of gay marriage said, “Christians can't deny “us” marriage until they deny themselves divorce – since they say it's about the sanctity of marriage.”
  • Although that statement is simplistic, and not relevant to the issue of redefining marriage – it does call us to account
  • How do you answer a person who says it's okay to have sex outside marriage, if you had, or are having sex outside marriage?
    • Or you laugh at it when you watch it displayed in a TV sitcom?
    • Or the movie that you say you love, was filled with fornication?
    • Or you listen and rave about songs that parade the misuse of sexuality?
• Likewise – our struggle to live according to the Biblical standard of purity is made VERY difficult by our culture.
  • We are bombarded by the things of this world – they affect us
  • Advertising, media, internet, all bombard us with images, ideas and opinions
  • We are not swimming upstream, we are against an avalanche.

What Is Relativism

• Is a/the prominent philosophy or ideology of our day
• Points of view have no absolute truth or validity, having only relative, subjective value according to differences in perception and consideration. Truth is always relative to some particular frame of reference, such as a language or a culture. What is right or wrong for you is not for me, or others. No Absolutes.
  
• Relativism is sometimes interpreted as saying that all points of view are equally valid, in contrast to an absolutism which argues there is but one true and correct view.
  
• Relativism asserts that a particular instance Y exists only in combination with or as a by-product of a particular framework or viewpoint X, and that no framework or standpoint is uniquely privileged over all others.
  
• Relativism is not skepticism. Skepticism superficially resembles relativism, because they both doubt absolute notions of truth. However, whereas skeptics go on to doubt all notions of truth, relativists want to replace absolute truth with a positive theory of relative truth. For the relativist, there is no more to truth than a personal or cultural belief, so for them there is a lot of truth in the world.
  
• GK Chesterton "When people stop believing in God, they don't believe in nothing -- they believe in anything."

Classic arguments against relativism:

1. Contradiction - Relativism inherently contradicts or refutes itself: the statement "all is relative" classes either as a relative statement or as an absolute one. If it is relative, then this statement does not rule out absolutes. If the statement is absolute, on the other hand, then it provides an example of an absolute statement, proving that not all truths are relative.
2. Natural Law – Simply put, the physical universe works under basic principles: the "Laws of Nature" which demonstrate that absolutes exist in nature and therefore exist in morals and ideas. Gravity, etc.
3. Corruption – Relativism undermines morality, resulting in the breakdown of social bonds between an individual and their community ties, with fragmentation of social identity and rejection of self-regulatory values.
   1. Relativism denies that harming others is wrong in any absolute sense. The majority of relativists, of course, consider it immoral to harm others, but relativist theory allows for the opposite belief.
   2. In short, if an individual can believe it wrong to harm others, he can also believe it right–no matter what the circumstances.
4. Negation - If everyone with differing opinions is right, then no one is. Thus instead of saying "all beliefs (ideas, truths, etc.) are equally valid," one might just as well say "all beliefs are equally worthless".
5. Impossible to be wrong – Finally some forms of relativism make it impossible to believe one is in error. If there is no truth beyond an individual's belief that something is true, then an individual cannot hold their own beliefs to be false or mistaken.

Respect and tolerance vs. Relativism

• The New Tolerance, Josh McDowell book.
  • Tolerance no longer means you treat with respect those you disagree with
  • You must ACCEPT what they believe as being equally true as what you believe
  • Anything less is considered intolerance, arrogant and even criminal.
• This is Relativism implimented
  • Not only is it wrong, but it isn't even helpful
  • It is contradictory and simplistic
  • It actually DE-VALUES people, rather than valuing.
  • It is an arrogant reaction against arrogance.
• Tolerance is to respectfully treat those you disagree with, valuing them as individuals but being willing to discuss and debate ideas, beliefs and behaviors in a way that is motivated by love and demonstrates love.
• 1Pe 3:8-9 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; (9) not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
• 1Pe 3:13-17 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? (14) But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "AND DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEIR THREATS, NOR BE TROUBLED." (15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; (16) having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. (17) For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Where Are You Looking?

• What is the source of your ideas, information, feelings?
• This question is really at the heart of this series and this idea.
• What we look to defines us. It is impossible to be unaffected by what you see and hear
  • Some things we have no control over
  • You and I have a great amount of control. We must accept this responsibility.
• Heb 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (2) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
  • As Christ followers we must look to Jesus
    • The author – initiator, leader, captian
    • And finisher – completer, the one who brings us to full maturity
    • To determine what we believe & how we behave.

Next two weeks

• Delve more deeply into the Biblical response to Relativism
• Look at how our behaviors are affected by this influence, and how to live Christ-like in a very non Christ-like world
• Discuss the verses that are commonly used as a defense of Relativism – and talk about certain issues that are relative.

Here are my notes for the final segment of the FILLED! sermon series.  Although the messages went well, I was not able to cover all the information in either service.  I think the notes also give the info in a more orderly meaningful way.  You can listen to the message and download the notes as a PDF by clicking here.

Final segment of our FILLED! Series

1 Corinthians 12:1 NKJV “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:”

• 1 Corinthians 12:1 AMP NOW ABOUT the spiritual gifts (the special endowments of supernatural energy), brethren, I do not want you to be misinformed.
• This is about spiritual gifts, in fact the word “gifts” isn't used in this verse – it just says concerning “spiritual, or supernatural, or divine” - so this is not speaking of natural talents or abilities but supernatural things.
• Chpts 12 – 14 deal with how to use these gifts in the context of a Church meeting
  • Paul's intent was to help bring fruitful order to the Corinthian church
  • We can learn about how these gifts are to operate both in a church meeting and in general – understanding this setting (in church meetings) helps us understand some of the things Paul says better.
  • All of the gifts are also to function in a believers life outside of Church meetings – in fact that is where they are to be most active!

Spiritual Gift lists: (“God is in the list, but the list does not CONTAIN God...” ~ B. Johnson?)

Romans 12:6-8 NKJV Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; (7) or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; (8) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Ephesians 4:11-12 NKJV And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, (12) for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

1 Corinthians 12:5-11 NKJV (5) There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (8) for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, (9) to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. (11) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

• There are actually over 20 different spiritual gifts identified in the NT, but today we will limit our talk to the verses in 1 Corinthians.
• “ministries, activities, manifestations”: all words used to describe the supernatural activities that are the expressions of the “spiritual gifts” we are given.
  • “Gifts” = “charisma” from which we get the term “Charismatic”
  • All of the gifts have the same source – the Holy Spirit, and therefore are intended to be used according to His purposes and His character (fruit)
  • It is not accidental that chpt 12 & 14 which talk about the gifts surrounds chapter 13 – which talks about the greatest Fruit of the Spirit
    • The fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit are to be intertwined and interdependent
  • Vs 7: “to each one” = every believer has supernatural gifts. No exception.
    • You may be unaware of yours, or uninformed – but if you have the Spirit, you are empowered.
  • Being filled with the Spirit
    • All of the gifts are available – because He is in you
    • Yet, He gives you particular gifts that He has appointed you to function in and based upon your unique calling.
    • Gifts are different than “offices” which refers to someone who functions “full-time” in a particular ministry with a high level of effectiveness & power
    • Gifts =/= character, or sign of God's approval, they are merely abilities that God has distributed with the intention that they be used, “for the profit of all.”
  • 1 Corinthians 14:1 NKJV (1) Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. -- We are to actively seek both the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit

What Are Tongues?

• We will discuss tongues in depth
  • Most basic yet misunderstood. If you understand tongues, the other gifts are easier to understand. Like math – if you understand addition, you can understand multiplication and division. But if you don't get addition – you'll never get the rest.
  • The whole of chp 14 is about tongues, and its use in corporate meetings.
• Major points:
  • Tongues are a personal spiritual language
    • Although at times the miracle of speaking an unlearned human language occurs, that is not the meaning of tongues
      • 1 Corinthians 14:2 NKJV (2) For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
      • Vs. 10 & 11, Paul compares tongues to human languages and uses a different Greek word. Basically he's saying without interpretation speaking in tongues is like someone who speaks a different language.
      • Acts 2, IMHO, is best understood this way:
        • Acts 2:4 NKJV And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
          • The apostles were speaking in tongues – a heavenly language
        • Acts 2:6 NKJV And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
          • Each individual heard (gift of interpretation) in their own language simultaneously
          • This makes more sense. That is why there was confusion, not that people were speaking a language, but that everyone heard in their own language at the same time. How could everyone understand without an interpreter – The Holy Spirit gave them all the interpretation.
    • 1 Corinthians 13:1 NKJV (1) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
      • Tongues is likely the language of Angels!
    • 1 Corinthians 14:4 NKJV (4) He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
      • Tongues is for personal edification – building up yourself spiritually
      • This is why it is thought of the “least of the gifts” not in that it is least needed, but least useful in edifying others in a public meeting.
    • 1 Corinthians 14:14 NKJV (14) For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
      • It is direct communication from your spirit to God
      • It bypasses the filtering of your mind and “understanding”
      • “I pray” and “my spirit prays” = Holy Spirit does not “take over” your body!!!
      • I is something you do, not dependent upon outside stimulus...
      • I believe this is CRITICAL for every believer
      • God would not withhold this vital gift from anyone
    • 1 Corinthians 14:5 NKJV (5) I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
      • This is not merely Paul's wish – this is inspired Scripture. God wishes “you all spoke with tongues.”
      • Tongues edifies you spiritually and enables you to grow so that you can function in other gifts that minister to the congregation
      • Paul boasted 1 Corinthians 14:18 NKJV (18) “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;”
      • I don't think God would withhold this gift from any believer.
    • The limitations put on tongues is for the sake of public meetings – so that the focus is on the building up of the whole
      • That is what is meant in1 Corinthians 12:10 NKJV (10) to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
        And in 1 Corinthians 12:30 NKJV (30) Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
      • In a public setting, not all have tongues, in fact it is only used with interpretation, but the personal prayer language is meant for all.
      • This ALSO gives us an understanding of the purpose of Church meetings
      • They are not for the personal ministry of YOUR gifts, so that you personally can “get something for yourself.” That is contrary to the heart of the Spirit.
      • Church meetings are to be structured so that the whole – the group, the community, the body – is edified, not as a showcase for personal gifts.
    • 1 Corinthians 14:28 NKJV (28) But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
      • We should not have tongues without interpretation in a public setting.
        • It does not forbid the use of personal tongues during a worship service
        • In fact “let him speak to himself and to God.” means exactly that, the person is to keep the tongue quiet and between him/her and God. Not raising the voice for all to hear, or in our day, coming up to the microphone.
  • Paul's conclusion:
    • 1 Corinthians 14:15 NKJV (15) What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
      • Paul says the BEST practice is to do both
      • Pray and sing in the spirit, and with understanding