Understanding the Mayan Calendar, 

 its origin, meaning, and any possible "threat." 

  Dr. Marc S. Blackwell, Snr. 

During the process of Judie and I planting our first new congregation - in the late 1960s,  a couple, Rick and Jodi Dougherty, who were  attending the new "church plant," encouraged me to work on my Spanish 'language skills' as "preparation for making some combined missionary and exploration trips" ... to the Yucatan. All of this was the result of a Castilian Christian missionary, Brother Enrique, who was ministering in Campeche, Mexico. Enrique had visited Sarasota looking for assistance for his efforts to build a Christian Camp near Muna, Yucatan.   

We agreed to take an initial 10 day trip to Merida, Muna and to investigate the possibilities of ministering in the Yucatan through the Christian Camp, Evangelism and Church Planting.  Other ministry and exploration trips followed during the early 70s. Our wives also joined us on one of our trips in 1971 and all of this led to a growing interest in the Maya as a people group, their history and the archaeology surrounding that history. I was especially interested in the Mayan Calendars that we "discovered" and studied - as a sort of 'side-hobby.' 

Now in 2012 an interest in those Calendars has been especially revived by the “New Agers,” looking for astrological phenomena and signs. These "New Agers" and self-proclaimed “wild-eyed doomsday” spiritualists messengers claim that (for whatever fanatical reason) that according to them ... the Mayan Calendar could be a warning that the earth is somehow “running out of time” or that when the long count cycle of the Mayan Calendar ends (21 December 2012) the world will either end or possibly enter an astrological new age some have called the “Age of Aquarius.”  

The Maya Calendar originates from the Central American region of Mexico. My own knowledge is limited to those discoveries in the Mexican state of Yucatán, and, of course the Calendar was also found in some of Mexico’s other States, such as Campeche, Tabasco, and Chiapas, the Maya people - approximating one million* people still speak their historic language. * In the 1860’s this figure was reported by Stephens as only around 600,000 Yucateks. This low figure was due to the 16th Century Spanish Invasion, the introduction of European diseases and the ultimate enslavement of the Mayan Nation. The pre-Spanish invasion numbers may have been as many as three million Mayans. drMSBsr   ¿Puede hablar la lengua Maya?   Spanish = ¿Qué dijo usted?    Maya = Ba'ax ka wa'alik? English = What did you say?Spanish =  ¿Cómo estás?  Maya =  B'ix a bè-el? English =  How are you? Spanish = Muy bien, muchas gracias. Maya = Jach ma'alob'.  English = Very good.  

As far as I understand the matter: The Mayan calendar consists of interrelated cycles or “counts” of different lengths. The larger count is a lunar based 260 day cycle called the Tzol-kin and this, when combined with a 365 day solar year cycle is called the Ha-ab that together form a cycle called the Maya calendar round. Then, smaller cycles of 13 days and 20 days completed the Mayan Calendar.  The oldest known Mayan Calendar was developed back in the 5th century BC.  Many aspects of the calendar are still in use in some areas of Central America, especially in Guatemala. The earliest reference to time by a Maya Calendar refers to date of their calendar’s "point of a  beginning" - 3114 BC . 

According to the deciphered hieroglyphics of La Corona's history references to the year 2012 commemorates a royal visit to La Corona (which the ancient Maya called Saknikte’) by the ruler Yuknoom Yich’aak K’ahk’ from the great Maya capital of Calakmul on Jan. 29, 696 A.D. In the text, he calls himself the "13 K’atun lord" -- the king who presided over and celebrated and important Mayan calendar ending, 13 K’atun calendar cycle, in the year 692. In order to vaunt himself even further and place his reign into an eternal setting, Yuknoom Yich’aak K’ahk, the Maya king of Calakmul, projected himself forward in time to when the next higher period of the Maya calendar would reach the same 13 number on 21 December 2012. (References and further details available by request.) 

Even though the fanatics claim the world ends when the Mayan calendar finishes its 13th Bak-tun ( or 13th cycle)"... one must ask if the end of a Bak’tun" ever predicting to be the end the world? No. These "prophecies" and "warnings" are nothing more than today’s “New Agers" and other fear mongers and naive’ end-of-the-world “prophets”getting carried away with their fanatical imaginary beliefs.  Qualified Archaeologists assure us that the Mayan Calendar's "end" or the "end" of this 13th cycle simply flows into the next Bak'tun - which “resets” and the Calendar restarts.  More importantly, these "New Ager" beliefs deny the truth of God’s Word.  

1 Thessalonians 5:1 (Amplified Bible) “BUT AS to the suitable times and the precise seasons and dates, brethren, you have no necessity for anything being written to you. 2  For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord will come [as unexpectedly and suddenly] as a thief in the night. 3  When people are saying, All is well and secure, and, There is peace and safety, then in a moment unforeseen destruction (ruin and death) will come upon them as suddenly as labor pains come upon a woman with child; and they shall by no means escape, for there will be no escape. 4  But you are not in [given up to the power of] darkness, brethren, for that day to overtake you by surprise like a thief. 5  For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we do not belong either to the night or to darkness. 6  Accordingly then, let us not sleep, as the rest do, but let us keep wide awake (alert, watchful, cautious, and on our guard) and let us be sober (calm, collected, and circumspect). 7  For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, get drunk at night. 8  But we belong to the day; therefore, let us be sober and put on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9  For God has not appointed us to [incur His] wrath [He did not select us to condemn us], but [that we might] obtain [His] salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) 10  Who died for us so that whether we are still alive or are dead [at Christ’s appearing], we might live together with Him and share His life." 

 Those who believe in a cyclical concept of history accept the idea that life and history are all a part of an endless circle of repetition. Life repeats itself continuously and returns or circles back around cycle after cycle. We need to answer this question:  “Does the history of mankind really go anywhere specific or is it just a series of random and repetitious and thus, meaningless events ?”  Some people optimistically “hope against hope” that somehow our modern intellectual and scientific advancements will yield results that will bring life to a more useful and successful level. But, many others remain fearful and their doubt about life or history leads them to a emotionally emptiness and feelings of hopelessness.   

 Generally speaking, the cyclical view of the aeons (or ages) was accepted in popular pantheistic cultures and is the basis of their many imaginative mythical conceptions of history.  For example: The Greeks, especially the Pythagoreans and Stoics (Acts 17) followed these ideas of ‘eternal returns.’ China was one of the oldest of these societies and they used this to establish their cyclical dynasties. In Ancient Egyptian and Modern Indian Hindu philosophies; history, itself, has no ultimate meaning but only allows some ‘existential value’ for a limited time - as in the single life span of the individual. In the Islamic mind, their emirates were to be governed around these patterns and processes. The cyclical concept is nothing more than a speculative theory of history and holds to a so-called “hope” of endlessness or eternal repetition. Such cyclical theories give no meaning to history or to the life of individuals - according to these theories life has no meaning beyond self-expression, itself. (Also consider the realities of Romans 1:18-26) 

 In the time of the Apostles and Early Church Fathers the Gnostics’ looked to their “Aeons” for hope to break free and somehow ascend through these forces of fatalism that they feared so much. All of these people hoped to achieve (somehow) a “higher level” of mystical consciousness. Some believe that they can transcend this cyclical reality by various mystical means, possibly via a “realignment” through some sort of “mystical connect” or “mystical harmony” with what they call the “natural order of the universe.”   

Many others try to ‘transcend,’ their inner self in a desperate effort to break free from this life of illogic and mundane repetition. Nonetheless, this cyclical concept of history consistently removes all of the individual’s personal responsibility and there is now way to achieve any real value in one’s own decisions. In the cyclical theory of life, reality simply disappears into a fatalistic inner emotional “dream world” of emptiness and meaninglessness! All real and personal significance is lost in this eternal “rat race” of so-called cyclical history. 

Only a"linear" plan is revealed in Biblical Scriptures - as God's plan for mankind. 

 To take this subject a bit further allow me to suggest a question or two that we need to be answering ...  First, Is God even in control of the unexpected or the unforeseen moments in history and in our lives? Allow me to reply by asking a second question .... another one of life’s most common questions - a question being asked by so many today: Is life just chance, chaos and confusion? or is it more? Another way to ask this question would be: “Is life really little more than random chance experiences, unsustainable chaotic events or senseless social confusion?”  

 As a student of the History of Christian theology, there is yet another way for me to ask this same question: “Does the history of man kind really go anywhere specific or is it just a series of random and repetitious and thus, meaningless events?”  Some people attempt a reply by optimistically looking to a “hope against hope,” or in other words, that somehow our modern intellectual and scientific advancements will yield results that will bring life to a more useful and successful level.  But, many others remain fearful and their doubt about life or history leads them to a emotionally emptiness and feelings of hopelessness.   Berkoff, Hendriquez, Christ, the Meaning of History, "Our generation is strangled by fear, fear for man, for his future and for the direction in which we are driven against our will and desire. And out of this comes a cry of illumination concerning the meaning of the existence of mankind and concerning the goal to which we are directed. It is a cry for an answer to the old question of the meaning of history." 

In further response let us look into .... 

THE LINEAR CONCEPT OF HISTORY, 

 or rather: “The Providential Linear Revelation of History.” 

 Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (KJV) 

Genesis 1 portrays time as linear and the events occur successively2 within it.  “YỒWM” (Heb.) or “Day”  is connected with the sovereignty of God, God existed before ‘eternity’ began (Psalm 90:4, Isaiah 43:13; Daniel 7:9), God created time (Genesis 1:1) and time is under His control - Psalm 74:16.. Note: Man must recognise the sovereignty of God over time by conforming. Exodus 20:11; 31:17. 

God assured the regularity of Time - Genesis 8:22 and Col. 1:17; God will suspend time - oneday in the future. Zechariah 14:7. But, God has a personal interest in time and human events - Genesis 24:55; 26:33.  “YỒWM” the Hebrew word for “Day” was not originally a time period divided by hours but by natural phenomena (Genesis 43:6; 15:12l 18:1; Exodus 18:13).  The day sometimes begins in evening - Esther 4:16 and sometimes with morning: Deuteronomy 28:66-67. History, then, has meaning and history is not cyclical. Man is meant to prove the worth of his life in the time God gives us - a  obviously linear period of time-life.  

“The Day” introduces events with particular importance in the history of “the day” as a word related to his salvation (See: Numbers 15:23 and Deuteronomy 4:32). “The day” is a time of repentance - Psalm 95:7. “The day” is a time of salvation - Psalm 118:24. “The day” is the time of His Incarnation - Psalm 2:7 (Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5).  In these periods of time - “YỒWM” - we are given opportunity to repent of our sin, accept God’s Grace and submit to His inner sanctifying work by His Spirit and all of this unlocks our potential as His believers and His servants. The “day of the Lord” is used eschatologically, as well. 

“YỒWM” is used 2,355 times in the Hebrew Old Testament. In Daniel 2:28 “YỒWM” refers to “the Latter Days.”  I have referred to God’s revelation of eternal knowledge as a “Providential Linear Revelation of History.”  The Eternal God, in a self-revelation of His Triunity, has sovereignly created and continues accomplishing (Colossians 1:16-20) His own purposes through (generally unseen or providential) acts4 of grace that are influencing the series of natural and human events. These events allow for human freedom and for many truly supernatural events, or Divine interventions, in carrying out the Divine plan in history.  

 Through the revelation of the Scriptures we are given a “window” into Providential history. We need to remember, God alone is truly autonomous! No one and no created thing, (other than the God revealed in the Holy Scriptures, the Bible) can be truly or totally autonomous! 

Due to mankind’s sinfulness nothing short of faith or trust in God’s redemption in Christ Jesus could reinstitute the original relationship God had in mind for mankind. 

Reconciliation to God is at the core of the Christian view of life. Though the Bible’s ‘true Truth’ is not “exhaustive truth” - it is the complete and unified truth that is necessary for us to understand our meaning or significance in life, in space and time or in other words in ‘linear” history.  In the case of Biblical or “Providential Linear Revelation of History” God is both personal and infinite and is already (eternally) “there.”  

The linear flow of Providential history is revealed in Scripture in a noncontradictory way.  Dr. Francis Schaeffer once pointed out, that: “The gods of the East are infinite by definition, in the sense that they encompass all — the evil as well as the good — but they are not personal.  The gods of the West were personal, but they were very limited. The Teutonic, the Roman and the Greek gods were all the same — personal but not infinite.”   

 The Christian God, the God of the Bible, is personal-infinite God.” Neither chance, not necessity, nor genetic engineering can explain the Christian God’s gift of salvation, of human worth and  of future life eternal in the New Heaven and New Earth.  No cycle here and no fatalism or determinism but a loving God redeeming a free and faithful remnant from a lost and rebellious society - and all of this amidst a line-of-time and space sovereignly overseen by a loving and just God. Efforts at “hijacking” the Linear Concept of History from the Judeo-Christian heritage has taken place any number of times. 

The Nineteenth Century’s period of “Enlightenment” introduced the belief that idealistic progress or social evolution had led the world through “stages” of human history: From savagery, to slavery, to freedom, to education, to cultural progress, to scientific advance, to personal peace, and collective prosperity.   Then the atheistic-existential view of history tried to “hijack” the Christian linear concept of history. They claimed that history was only “a meaningless line” (though not a series of cyclical repetitions,) yet just “a line of activities and personalities that was started by accident and without any end in mind.  

 Atheism became frustrated with rationalism’s efforts to explain life. In the name of so-called “science” atheists decided that all natural causes must be under the influence of a dominant and uniform force - in other words they just declared that “nature” must be “deterministic.”  Such a non-rational view of “linear history” has left it pessimistic. Determinism’s only “hope” is in a non-rational man living for himself and fighting for his own territory either in or somewhere on this “line” of life (- i.e.on a continuum of the atheist’s own imaginary and “hi-jacked” view of linear history.  

 We should mention there is another grouping out there, as well. These just live in irrational hope, founded in their imaginary interpretations of their own experience. These folks just follow their own “mystical irrational ‘other’ sort of god.” Most of these people feel no guilt when they “hi-jack’ the language of Christianity (or really just any sort of spiritual and religious words) - “leaping into the dark” and hoping for some meaning to life, but this is simply not to be!  

God has declared through His Word that Hope - all hope is in Christ Jesus, the Lord! 

Faith Missionaries! Who are they? "Why" are they?

We who are called "Faith Missionaries" are, in reality, "Fruit-bearing" Missionaries, but what is that? or rather who are they? More importantly: "Why" are they? 

In Wikipedia someone has tried to describe Faith Missions by saying that: "Faith mission is a term used most frequently among evangelical Christians to refer to a missionary organization with an approach to evangelism that encourages its missionaries to "trust in God to provide the necessary resources". These missionaries are said to "live by faith." Most faith missionaries are not financially supported by denominations." The contributor to Wikipedia went on to list: The "Early advocates of faith missions (to) include many Plymouth Brethren missionaries. Then others, such as: Hudson Taylor, missionary to China, and founder of the China Inland Mission, who advocated "Moving men, by God, through prayer alone" and not soliciting funds at all. Anthony Norris Groves, referred to as the 'father of faith missions'. George Müller, who ran orphanages in the Bristol area of England." 

In my opinion, much more could and should be said historically.

In Philippians 4:6 Paul explains the reality of being a fruitful missionary is founded in the core lifestyle of every true believer being a fruitful "learner." 

We are people: 

1. who learn to depend on honest prayers; 

2. who learn to look to God's peace...in Christ Jesus; 

3. who learn to find the presence of God by thinking on and doing the 'things" of God's Word; 

4. who learn to rejoice in the Lord through the care that is given us by our brethren;

5.who have learned "to be content" and/or to be learning "to do all things" through Christ who strengthens us; 

6.  who accept the limitations of only some churches "communicating"  or contributing to their financial necessities;  

7. who understand this is how God provides fruit to the account of a church, 

8. who appreciate gifts to be odours "... of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God;" and 

9. we are those who remind believers (by our lives) that "God shall supply all your need according to his riches ... by Christ Jesus!"

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

Due to the Biblical message of Philippians we who are teachers are in reality also learners!

The reality of learning to be and remaining as a faithful and fruitful missionary is a real day to day and life-long challenge of personal Christian faith. The prayers of others, our family, friends and caring congregations intercede on our behalf for God's gift of comfort, grace and strength (2 Cor 1:3-7). Then our human fears, frustrations and family pressures which (seem to come... just so often)... seem too great or so serious become the reality of sharing in ministry together! (2 Cor. 1:8-11) Often these challenges to our faith makes our personal responsibilities, such as meeting our family's needs, seem like an unbearable crisis of faith!  Sometimes (and regrettably often) on almost a daily basis - surely all too often throughout our lives - finances seem like nightmares. In 2 Corinthians 1:12 Paul explained: "For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. 13 For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; 14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. 

The realities of Health can challenge us too! The reality of uncooperative people - sometimes (yes) these people seem just somehow dedicated to be difficult toward us, they can challenge us, as well.(Hebrews 13:5-7, 17) There are other challenges too, of course but well, what can I say - maybe "dying to self" ... might be our greatest challenge. To keep these matters of faith  "under control" ... we daily read the Word of God (often Psalms, Lamentations or 2 Cor 4:7-12), we pray daily (often with tears), we (as couples) look to each other (often frightening each other), we individually read the biographies of those who went before us (often their lives seem easier) and we, of course, try to quieten our hearts in the peace that only God can give. 

The realities of the unknown, regarding what we cannot "see" that may be ahead. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father." 

We wonder what "reality" will be next, where now and then what challenge will be next  .... whatever, whenever and wherever? But we by faith have chosen and are choosing to be what we will be ... just, by His grace and by keeping-on trusting Him! 

There is no question about it , faith - at least not from my perspective - is, in "reality" really very "hard to have!"  One might rather say faith requires remaining focused (Hebrews 12:1-3) on Christ alone and this .... with the world, flesh, the devil, and the false teachers (1 John 2:12-19) can be hard or most complicated to maintain. Thankfully, God is ever faithful. We must be responsible, self-disciplined, committed to Him first of all! Surely, we must willing to love, forgive and hope ....just so we can walk by faith - to His Glory! We are to "Keep on keeping on" by living according to His Word .and ... He will greet such faithful ones with the words, "well done...."! 

Pray for us and be assured of our prayers for you, as well. 

Our Lord is coming soon and we want to be living lives that bring Him praise on that day! 

1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundanta mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for youb, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." 

Thanks for entertaining my thoughts! Thanks for praying for the many missionaries or church planting evangelists living by faith. Remember to pray for all the others living by faith, as well! So many pastors serving (especially in smaller) congregations, Bible college students and the many faithful (uncompromising) church members who also walk by this Biblical plan of living by faith and living for their fruit to be credited to the accounts of others who walk alongside them.  

Marc Sr

Cape Town

Taking a step FORWARD need not seem like "taking a dare."

The following observations are really meant to encourage our smaller churches and new church plants ... "to dare to be just a bit different." Uniqueness need not be a commitment to being "odd," "weird" or even worse by being "out of touch with reality." 


In our desire to take a FORWARDLY DIRECTION, uniqueness should be a commitment to the logical application of Biblical truth.  Especially in our world there seems to be so many that are committed to imitating one another that uniqueness can seem like we are "taking a dare!"  In the realm of Christian music - especially amongst our smaller churches - uniqueness might just stand-out and seem to many to be a refreshing stream of clear and pure water. 

 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are​​ not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12 

"Want ons waag dit nie om ons te reken of te vergelyk met sommige van die wat hulleself aanbeveel nie. Maar omdat hulle hul met hulself meet en met hulself vergelyk, is hulle onverstandig." Afrikaans OV 2 Kor. 10:12

For the smaller congregation, uniqueness in worship may truly frighten those who view something small as nothing more than a "miniature" version of something much larger. The possibility that small might be "just right" alludes any number of people. We might do well to honour smallness as a congregational "plus!" Small congregations are caring like a family, personal and communicative ... to give just a few examples. I have observed a rather sad and I am sorry-to-say "comical" result when "small" has tried to pretend to be "big." The small ensemble sized choir trying to sing to the recorded background music of a great orchestra in an auditorium for 80 people regretfully just comes across as "wishful thinking." The soloist that by-passes the simple piano arrangement and opts rather for a grand and complicated arrangement (often with full orchestration) usually ends up by finding that the whole experience has been more embarrassing than uplifting.

     Very little music is written for the small and uniquely Biblical congregation. This may be a serious oversight when we stop to realize that there are more small congregations than "Mega Churches." It is, at least for me, quite clear that most of the recent efforts at writing theologically conservative but 'contemporary' music has resulted in a theologically weak and confused message. I don't really consider this a totally new phenomena - just a regrettable fact of life. I wonder if this is due to most of those writing music today being more artistically talented than theologically or Biblically trained? Teamwork in combining musical notation with sound pastoral experience may be lacking?  Much of the current music being written or re-arranged for our Bible-believing churches seems, to me, to be missing the mark by not communicating the same message and themes common to our conservative Bible-believing pulpits. 

Another related matter is the observation that choirs, though found singing some really beautiful music, often as not, are found singing a message that is relatively unrelated to our simple New Testament doctrine. This is especially true if we are talking about independent Baptist or community Bible churches. On a number of occasions I have noticed that the distinctive focus of our pulpits on literalism and dispensational truth was overlooked in the music we were singing. Our congregations' commitment  to maintaining the propositional "truth Truth" of the Word of God, simply was not a clear message in our music.  


Many churches have naively used congregational, special and/or choir-music choices that were communicating a message of "strange fire." The Fundamental truths and Local Church distinctiveness that once gave or made our churches unique is still being preached from our pulpits but not being clearly communicated by the music being chosen .

I believe the influences of the Orthodox and/or the resurgence with the Reformed Movement has always had a good measure of influence (amazingly mixed-in with historic gems of Methodism or others denominations) in our hymnals and choir music.  I am increasingly convinced that those seemingly harmless choices may have had a greater influence than we realized. 


Over the generations of singing interdenominational music we may have subtly responded to an ecumenical musical message though trying to maintain a distinctively Biblical pulpit. Further, this trend, may be contributing to accepting new types of choral and congregational music.  The high profile of the "emerging," the Emergent and the constantly morphing variations of the "Praise and Worship" genre has added to further confusion between the message of today's music and the message of our pulpits.

Bible-believing churches, in their sincere desire to avoid the worldliness of many popular contemporary styles and of the manipulation of human emotions by Charismatic music have followed the lead of some of the Emergent churches by returning to old liturgical music styles. By choosing music on the basis of its 'conservative sound' and/or on the basis of its message of honoring the nature and character of God, an admixture of historic hymnody has brought more Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century Orthodoxy into today's Evangelical or Fundamental churches. This return to the past may be done in all sincerity but it is done without carefully asking if the message being sung is the same as the message they are preaching. To say we do this or that to "Honour God" is fine but one should remember that all Christianity for all time has made that claim.

To further open our dialogue ... re-consider, the following thought: Much of today's modern hymnology came - as often as not - from mixing Roman Catholic, Anglican, Puritan, Methodist and various non- conformist groups in the formation of today's hymnals. All of these sources of music had their own theological "agendas" ... but they were originally sung in times where audiences were aware of the message they were singing. These messages, themes and theological interpretations in the music sung were often born as a reaction to historical, sociological and historical influences of that specific time. 


We, over time, have lost any awareness of the reasoning or dynamic that gave birth to those earlier hymns. Some were filled with truth and some filled with error and some mixing both. We see a phrase in a hymn that seems to communicate our own personal beliefs or emotions and we mistakenly assume it can be applicable to our day. The fact that these songs have one applicable verse belies the fact that they may have three or four other verses that include anything from heresy to inconsistent denominational bound doctrine.


Regretfully, the source for todays "new music" renditions and re-arrangements often comes from the choices being made by well-meaning musicians who have not been thoroughly theologically or historically educated, themselves. For historically conservative evangelical or historically fundamentalist congregations, the discernment needed requires a clear knowledge of the New Covenant message of grace, the literal interpretation of Scripture and a solidly dispensational insight that recognizes the distinctive message of Scripture to the Gentile Nations, to Israel and to the Church of Jesus Christ. 


When pastors fail to carefully prepare their sermons on the basis of hermeneutically sound principles it is only a matter of time before the congregation will slip into a post-modern styled superficiality. Out of a superficial worship experience comes a subtle compromise! Then, finally the congregations slip one by one into a ecumenical direction that will rob it of any of the benefits of the historical advances made over the last five-hunder or more years to avoid Roman Catholic and Liberal theological error.

When, an otherwise sincere but theologically naive musician, (unwittingly) unites his or her creative efforts with the poetry of bygone eras, their failure to understand the historicity of theology means the message being sung often includes themes that advance this or that obsession with either Liberal, Modernist, Post-Millennial, A-millennial, Denominational, Calvinistic, Arminian or some new version of these historic religious influences. Such songs rarely project anything similar to the simple Gospel and Biblical message of our pulpits and, in reality, they should not be expected to do so. 


There is a serious need for writing new music that reflects the New Covenant message of salvation by grace through faith alone! We need to be found singing in agreement with our preaching regarding the Holy Spirit's regenerating work to accomplish salvation to all who believe. We need to be encouraging our congregations to rejoice in the sealing, indwelling and controlling work of the Spirit of God in this Dispensation of Grace. There is a need for music that rejoices in the Pre-tribulational Rapture message. There is a a need for music that sets our hope on the soon coming return of Jesus Christ and on His Millennial Reign. Songs that warn evangelistically of the Great White Throne Judgment. Music that tells of New Jerusalem and of the coming New Heavens and New Earth. Pray for young men and women talented and trained who will write just this sort of music! Pray that our churches' leaders will consider how to take this step, in a truly  "FORWARDLY" direction!

THE SIMPLE, SMALL AND SUPPLE

FORWARDS  BY THE MEANS OF THE SIMPLE, SMALL AND SUPPLE. 

To introduce the smaller congregation to the Biblical dynamic of simplicity can be so rewarding! In these "times" - we clearly live in a period that is convinced of the direct relationship between impressive growth or size and success! Now this can be truly challenging! ! 

Securing My Position.  

GROWTH, ADVANCEMENT, IMAGINATION: People have always enjoyed the activity and excitement of entrepreneurial styled growth. In fact, most of us are so secure and comfortable with our modern world's exciting advances and constant growth that we really don't let too much else bother us. Our modern world just seems to be filling our imagination with a growing excitement that gives a new sort of meaning to our lives.

EXPERIENCE, ENTERTAINMENT, ENCOURAGING, EXCITING: How can we explain what we are experiencing? There seems to be some most amazing advancements - almost every day - with more and more exciting entertainment options, more interesting technologies and more access to the amazing nature and beautiful scenery that seems more accessable then ever before. Naturally, any number of people will admit that their "comfort zone" may come under major pressure and stress from the problems of this world. Problems, while challenging our 'comfort zones,' must be accepted or,  rather,  to whatever degree possible - just ignored, since almost everyone agrees that 'one's life needs to be based on the positive and the encouraging, or even the exciting' rather than the negative things in this world.

FULL, FOCUS, FUN, UNDISTRUBED: Our modern perspective on living life to its fullest has no choice but to do what is necessary to maintain its focus on the positive. Fun runs, biking marathons, sports and our favorite "hide aways' play an important role in diverting our attention from all the potential or real negativity in our world. Social problems, ecological threats, political failures and the constant news of war or the potential for extremism and terrorism seem to exist only to cloud our happiness and our progress. It was never easy to unseat or move humanity from the patterns and habits of their lives and lifestyles. With the exciting entertainment mind-set of the current middle-class lifestyle few of us want to be disturbed and none of us want to be shaken from our comfort zones.

DISTRACTED, EFFICIENCY: There really is not too much that could "wake us up" - we are so busy - so distracted from life's real dangers and so well entertained. There is one obvious situation that can bring us to re-think our life's preferences - it is warfare at our doorsteps. In times of war attitudes might be more open to some re-think or some modification. During war, people might be more inclined to recognizing, (at least - for the moment,) that there may be a valid need for efficiency and effectiveness over excitement and activity. The need for efficiency is usually easier to explain when there is a recession or when someone has lost his or her job or as, already mention, in the case of the shocking reality of terrorism or a war situation.

REALITY, PERSONAL SECURITY: Accepting that terrorism or warfare is actually my "reality" is difficult to understand or accept if the war is not actually "at my own doorstep." In the case of "cyber wars" or "cold wars" or even "distant wars" the struggle to identify with the reality of conflict and the need to make the sacrifices needed are often just to abstract. Actual, what  most people just want to hear or want to be told is that their personal security and their economic position is unassailable and secure.

Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh​b​ and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints..." 

INTERRUPTING, DESTROYING: For the genuine Christian, a life of entertainment, exciting distractions and enjoying nature has been clearly interrupted by their knowledge of God's workings with Israel, the Lord's "Chosen People;" then further interrupted by the life, teachings, death and resurrection of their Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ; and finally or ultimately interrupted with the New Testament's message that Satan and the principalities and powers and rulers of darkness of this world are committed to attacking us due to our faith in God and His Word. Hard to believe, really, but this exciting, seemingly advancing world that is filled with fun, sport, nature and progress is actually behind all of this activity and is truly and primarily committed to destroying our walk of faith and joy in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Struggling with Perceptions.  

ETHICS, EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVE: But who wants to focus on the reality of warfare? Why must we be so spiritually serious, so morally sober and so ethically efficient?  The common perception is that there is an unacceptable level of simplicity to spiritual teaching and there is an embarrassing plainness to moral living.  The perceived colorlessness and drabness of a life that is committed to an ethical discipline or even worse to a commitment to efficiency and excellency is just beyond the imagination of many. The true Truth of God's Word has always struggled against the perceived excitement or "glitz" that surrounds growth and progress! Once people finally accept the idea that their secure situation is under threat - that there really is an impending war and that they can in reality be found "in harms way" ... then they may be willing to rethink the validity and value of truth, morality and disciplined and effective living. No one would argue that this is a real and serious struggle within man's mind and heart.

PROGRESS, SIMPLICITY, WARFARE, HUMILITY: Our perceptions regarding progress is that growth and size speaks of advancement and these are for most - especially young people exciting experiences. Simplicity and smallness, on the other hand, if often mistaken for regressiveness or taking a step backwards. In the Bible simplicity and smallness when focused on "the name of the LORD of hosts" offers far more than "meets the eye." Spiritual warfare as explained in God's Word is a relatively simple matter of maintaining an awareness or consciousness of the "matter at hand" -- rather than a matter of might.  Christians when first made aware of the threat around them,  often mistakenly look to the world for their model or strategy. This "knee jerk" reaction to facing life's threats leads to being concerned first for themselves with their own "felt" or perceived needs and the obvious answer is usually to find might, power and strength. The modern Christian needs to avoid reacting emotionally, out of fear, but in a quiet and reasoned faith they need to recognize their actual spiritual need for the simplicity of humility, prayer and service taught in God's Word, the Bible.

Simplified Equations. 

TRADITION, TRUTH, POWER: Of course, some will want to blindly hang on to their traditional responses to the threats of an enemy. In the case of the "Historic Christianity" - tradition, form and positions of power are their "equivalents" or replacements for faith, hope and love. The repetitive and comforting repetitiveness of liturgies and traditions found in so much of Christianity's long history are - in fact - so very - very far from the reality associated with the spiritual truths taught by Moses, David, Daniel, Christ, John, James and Paul. As already mentioned, most people just want to be told that their position is unassailable and secure. Christendom's various forms of Worship, be they the traditional comforting familiarity of liturgical worship; or, if it be the youthful and raw excitement of emotional entertainment in Contemporary Worship, come no less from the belief that problems can be resolved by some 'sense of strength' or some type of experience via a "revelation of power."

SIZE, ORGANIZATIONS, LEADERSHIP: Most often these attempts of Traditional and Contemporary Christendom to provide us with comfort and hope are centered on an assurance of strength and power that equates power to size. These traditionalists place their trust in economic and numerical size and success. The traditional church needed Grand Cathedrals that dominated the center of their towns or more recently offer the idea of a Mega-gathering of thousands that provides the promise of security and spiritual peace. Christendom's success was always related to the growth, the size and the complexity of their organizations. The growing Mega-Churches, like the Old Denominational Churches join with modern business and the current financial world by encouraging a belief in the necessity of dynamic leadership rather than Biblical Christianity's servant-leadership. These seemingly more dynamic leaders - are usually found where "Big" ideas, complex systems and large organizations abound. This strength in size seems, to most people, to be the best or safest response!

In 1 Samuel 17:15 we read of David returning from the battlefields of Saul, Israel and the Philistines ...
"to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. 16 And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days. 17 And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren; 18 And carry these ten cheeses​​ unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. 19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench​e​, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle. 21 For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army. 


22 And David left his carriage​​ in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren. 23 And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them. 24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid. 25 And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father’s house free in Israel. 26 And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 27 And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him. 28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. 29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? 30 And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner​g​: and the people answered him again after the former manner. 


31 And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent​h​ for him. 32 And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. 33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. 34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb​i​ out of the flock: 35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. 37 David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. 


38 And Saul armed David​ with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. 39 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.  40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook​k​, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. 41 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. 42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. 43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. 


45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will the LORD deliver​l​ thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands. 48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David."  

Small Perspectives.  

EDUCATION, SOBER, NORMAL:  Faith, love and hope are commonly viewed, in our secularized world, as 'fine emotional moments' but few really educated and thinking people accept these three concepts as sufficient for achieving 'real-time' success or for defending oneself against any of life's real threats or perceived enemies! The Holy Scriptures obviously see the whole matter from another, far more sober, perspective. We saw in 1 Samuel that David, as a youth was open to these normal reactions or responses. He was open to these world opinions and he understood the commonly accepted or traditional reaction to a threat. David was not "better than the rest" - he was no "Superman" or "bigger than life" youth.

OPINION, FAITH, WISDOM: David like any good Israeli, loved his people, had confidence in his country's cause and hoped for the best.  David gave size a "try" and was not above giving size "its due" - David listened to Saul and he yielded, at first, to the accepted opinion of the world. It was obvious that David was just a youth standing in front of his beloved nation's king.  I Samuel 17:39 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.  But for a man or woman of faith, even a young herder-boy, power and strength need not be accepted as a matter of "Great Cathedrals" or "Mega Crowds." David understood that the power or strength of anything or anyone - the greatness or the smallness of anything - is a matter of a reality rather than a perspective that can only be spiritually discerned or understood in terms of Divine Wisdom.

INADEQUATE, ENABLED, SIMPLICITY: In the tribulation God has set aside 144,000 witnesses to carry the Gospel into the world. But Jesus chose only twelve disciples rather than twelve hundred ... this seems (in human terms) inadequate for changing the whole world. One's perspectives need to be checked or carefully guarded through the use of the reality of the Word of God to enable us to see things from the Lord's perspective. All other things seeming to be equal, David did show more depth ... though he was only a shepherd boy. David had a simple but genuine love for God. David, as a relatively inexperenced youth may have had only a small meaure of faith but it was in God. (Romans 12:3 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly​​, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.) Do you feel you are struggling to maintain your confidence and demonstrate your faith?  Join David and think through the simplicity of his faith and the smallness of the stone he selected as he stood before Goliath. David's Lord and Master was none-other than Jehovah, the God of hosts. Romans 8:31b "If God be for us, who can be against us?"

Serious Acceptance.

VISION, HOPE, THE WORD: David's youthful vision might have been limited and effected by the influence of the simple hills of Bethlehem, but somehow his hope was far more in God's greatness and in a serious acceptance of the great Divine Promises - of God alone! The shepherd, all other things seeming to be equal, was just one - an individual person that found a depth of faith in the Lord ... though only a shepherd boy. David was a serious shepherd-boy who had a simple but genuine love for God. David, as a relatively inexperenced youth may have had only a youthful and small meaure of faith (Romans 12:3) but again we remind ourselves that his Lord and Master was none-other than Jehovah, the God of hosts. As already mentioned, David's youthful vision might have been limited by the quiet influences of the simple hills of Bethlehem, but somehow his hope was far more in God's mountain-like greatness and in that great God's Divine Promises - alone! Granted, the shepherds' life and culture was just a steady and quiet life. The shepherd was most usually focused only on the simple security found in personal peace and possibly only committed to creating a simple protectionist umbrella for his own future prosperity. Nonetheless, David chose to listen to the Word of the Lord - the Wisdom of the Ages over the influences of his culture and society and friends.

Simple as Supple 

SUPPLE, AGILE, SHIFTING: To be "supple" in the best sense - in the sense being used in this article - is not just a matter of compliance but rather is a matter of maintaining simple faith that has the characteristic of being supple for service to our Master. Spiritually agile when facing the mountains and challenges of serving the Lord is no minor issue. Great military ships require the support of smaller ships for their support and defense.  Flexibility is necessary to Biblically address the constantly shifting demands of society! The world's opposition to our understanding of God, our core or fundamental beliefs and moral values can only be defended by a supple church.  Tradition with is creedal and liturgical formulas, like legalism with its stubbornness of spirit is insufficient for doing God's work in God's way!

QUIETNESS, INTIMATE, STRENGTH: The individual's personal study of God's Word is effective in its quietness and stillness - its removal from the noise and excitement of this world. Like our Savior, our times for personal or private prayer are intimate moments in the presence of the God of the Universe. These small and humble experiences are available to all believers and they shut no one out. Where the small congregation encourages Biblical truth as strength itself and as truth delivered through personal care and concern for one another, the large congregation offers little more than grandeur and greatness - with a much greater potential for impersonal and superficial relationships with others. The large church with its complexities,  programs and corporate styled motivational experiences have done little more than usurp the intimacy of the congregational "body-life" that is taught in the Epistles of Paul, Peter, James and John.

SMALLER, PERSONAL: The smaller local congregation has some wonderful contributions to make in the life of the believers. The smaller local congregation provides that unique personal involvement of the "one another" passages that are so important to the life and growth of a Christian. Ephesians 4:2 "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love ..."  4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you."

INVOLVEMENT, IMPLEMENTATION: The smaller church allows for the personal involvement of the congregations spiritual leaders as in Acts 20:20-30; Romans 12-15; 1 Corinthians 16; Ephesians 4; Philippians 2, 3; Galatians 5-6; I Thessalonians 1-4; Hebrews 10; James 1-4; 1 Peter 3-5; 1 John 2 and Jude. The smaller church, by default, cannot offer all the 'Programmes' -Projects - Committees and Systems available in the larger churches and this fact encourages more involvement by individuals, couples and families in evangelism, care opportunities, acts of mercy and discipleship and/or counseling. Hebrews 13:17 is a far more practical verse to implement in the smaller church: (17) "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." 

Only ... 

by simple faith can we carry-out God's work.

Only ... 

by the supple labors of genuine love for God and others  can we represent Him.

Only ...

by finding the genuine patience of hope in 'small things made great' through the Lord Jesus Christ can we be found pleasant and pleasing to our God. 

Only ...  

if we ... live our lives in the sight of God and our Father, rather than in an effort to please or impress men can we expect to maintain the simplicity that allows us sufficient suppleness for service to the Lord.   

1 Thessalonians 1:2 

"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father."

Sources of Strength

SOURCES, PURPOSE, OPPOSITION: With the meek and gentle example and teaching of Christ as recorded in the Holy Scriptures, the simple faith, love and hope of the local church must always remain the only basis for its source of strength. The value of strength, be it spiritual strength or otherwise, has little or no meaning if we fail to appreciate why we have a necessity for strength! Strength for the sake of strength is only an allusion.  If we fail to recognise that there is a genuine purpose behind our service to the Lord - a real need in the world to understand the seriousness of our sin, His love and a genuine need to accept His offer of Salvation. Then, too, if we fail to recognise that there is actually an opposing force, we fail to understand the necessity of living our lives now - right now in real time and real space - for Christ alone.

2 Corinthians 10:1 "Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence​​ am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think​​ of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations​​, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ..."

STRENGTH, ENEMIES, OPPOSITION: The spiritual strength to do, (to accomplish the good that God has planned for us, as His Workmanship, to do - Eph. 2:8-10), depends on our preparedness and our strength to carry on a real 'warfare.' This requires that we see the real enemy in our world, our flesh and the devil. Only genuine spiritual warfare can explain why we should look for any spiritual "strength." Many commonly and popularly offer strength for  obtaining wealth, for living life more fully and happily but the strength offered in Scripture is to repulse the advances of our enemy!  Only when we accept the realities of this spiritual warfare can we appreciate ... the reason why we need "strength" as something defined as an 'intensity of force available' ... to do, to change and to defend. Only when, and if, we see the need for accomplishing God's goals and His will can we understand our need for His strength - His Mercy. Only when we see the need for making Biblical changes to our lives and attitudes will our personal need for His strength - His Grace allow us to walk daily with the Lord. Only when we accept the reality of our opposition will the seriousness of His strength become a reality in our daily living.    

Some Useful Observations 

Our opposition is not always from outside, rather it is more often than we recognise, from within us. 


2 Corinthians 10:12 "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are​​ not wise. 

Our opposition can be most subtle and we can be corrupted. We want what we want and we will get what we want ... even while we look so very humble. Satan will encourage you to see the "other side" and to compromise ... always being convinced - in your mind - that the simple is "simplistic and below you." Be sure, Satan will convince you of your rights and the rightness of your opinions! His techniques have been effective ... every since Eve.

 2 Corinthians 11:1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. 2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Our opposition will look so professional, so successful - so impressive! Beware! These types of smooth and amazing "ministers of righteousness" ... really do abound! Be aware! For the church today ... success is a numerical issue. For the church today "angels of light" do abound ... beware and be aware!

2 Corinthians 11:12 "But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 

The smaller congregation has the potential of focusing the Biblical dynamic of simplicity in Christ. 

Our focus need not be wasted on transforming our"Worship Experience" or even ... our music's dynamic power and emotional message. 

Our focus need not be on transforming our "Congregation" into a social or psychologically based motivational tool for the "Family's up-liftment!"

Our focus need not be on transforming ourselves into the"politically" correct or socially "acceptable."  

  OUR CONGREGATION'S "SIMPLICITY"

MUST BE FOUNDED INOUR PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO ...

A WORK OF FAITH

A LABOUR OF LOVE

A PATIENCE OF HOPE

IN CHRIST JESUS!

Character amidst Chaos is a call to continue in a 'forward' direction.

Philippians 3:13 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation​a​ is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."

The very thought that today’s families must accept that they have to continually live in and daily experience a life of chaos deeply troubles most people. Many wonder if they wouldn't prefer to go backwards rather than 'forwards' into the chaos. Our current lifestyle choices, tensions and pressures together with the insecurity over financial uncertainty, social violence and loss of one's personal privacy have brought many families and individuals to new levels of stress. Of course we all know that chaos and uncertainty have always gone together, but our awareness of this relationship between chaos and uncertainty as something we should expect resolves nothing. In fact knowing we must accept uncertainty only adds to our sense of uneasiness. None of us would volunteer to live in a period of anarachy with its’endemic uncertainty. No one asks for a chaotic set of circumstances. Most anyone would prefer clear direction, stability and order over the stress of uncertainty and confusion. At least, that’s how we surely imagine we want things to be, and it is how most of us wish things would be. In fact, all of us can picture how life “ought to be” in a “normal” world.



Yet, we must be aware of the danger of having a “smallish” or “provincial” way of thinking or of developing a limited or “short-term” mindset. How we imagine life and how we picture life may be far from reality. Scrounging around for ways to excuse our lack of being proactive toward the problems of our real world simply will not do! Avoiding a commitment to moving 'forward' or finding real solutions is simply not an acceptable response. The family and church’s only acceptable response (in these times), is a “lightening fast” reaction and spirit of innovative leadership. A practical and applicable Biblical strategy is needed and it alone will work – the world, itself, has no reply or answer.

The fact that our world has and is changing at a amazing pace is really not open to argument. The paradox of life is increasing with life itself growing in complexity. Our world is now a totally mobile society. Trying to stop this mobility or resisiting this fact of life will accomplish very little. In its hyperactive state the techno-world is producing change at such a frenzied rate that any response seems outdated. Uncertainty is now the norm and the rising philosophy of Post-modernism only ascerbates the belief that crisis is approaching. There is without doubt a type of madness afoot, and further complicating matters is the sense one gets that there is really nothing left that is truly predictable. Most Christians seem troubled by the chaos, confusion and constant change but we must not allow this uncertainty to keep us from “thinking smart” or being truly alert and prepared. In fact, uncertainty needs to be accepted as the 'new opportunity.'

For genuine Christians - as people of faith - the reality of a “sin-challenged” and constantly fluctuating world are realities that can lead us to greater opportunities for spiritual growth. Uncertainty in society is, for us, just another issue of our on-going pilgrimage or journey; an issue that calls for a greater measure of faith. There is far more to Christian living than just setting (and possibly successfully reaching) goals. Success, i.e. completion with its rewards, is in itself a deceptive concept. The life of faith is a life of pressing on towards the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus and faith never accepts that it has “arrived.” Going backwards is certainly not one of our choices... dsMSBsr