DISCIPLE presents a completely different point-of-view for Christianity in the next century. Because of its unique position, a newsletter is just about the only vehicle we could use to discuss with you your Christian ministry. You are a disciple, a follower of Jesus.

Our fundamental belief is service in the glorification of God. We believe this ministry is the right and the obligation of every Christian. The time for that service is every breathing minute. The place is everywhere, home, work, school and at leisure.

We believe today's "churches" are not suited for such ministry. It may be they are not even interested. Yet, with great conviction, we are convinced this is the calling of our Incarnate God.

History shows restricting Christian living to the church, and ministry to the clergy is futile. Luther saw that Church and Clergy had turned Christianity away from its original focus. Increasingly, they were assuming the role of intercessors between ourselves and our Lord.

Although churches may have a role in spreading the Word, it is not central. Certainly it is not intercessory. Today, when we think of Christianity and ministry, we do not think of ourselves and everyday living. Instead,we think of "church" and "clergy." Who made these rules? Who introduce "men of the cloth" and cathedrals into our worship? The veil of the temple was torn at His crucifixion.

Our mission is to tell you that you are wanted. You are needed. This is about you. You are the church and the priesthood.

God loves each of us. He needs the unique talents each has. No one can stand in our place. Nothing can serve as a substitute. Too many generations, have been lulled into sleeping in the pews with the misconception that others could do their work.

Jesus did not call scribes and pharisees to ministry, He called ordinary people to witnesses. Today, you are His missionaries to the world. His work is not exclusively that of the church or the clergy.

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Many times, Jesus invites us to follow Him. Mark and Luke record similar versions to what is recorded in Matthew,

 Matt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (NKJ)

 The dictionary defines a disciple as anyone who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another. The emphasis is upon the word "anyone." Anyone who desires - anyone.

DISCIPLE will be designed to encourage you and inspire you with the hope that comes from living His Word. We want to help empower you and open the way before you. We want to assist you to embrace your calling to follow the Master - to willingly take up your spiritual commission.

The future belongs to the Lord.

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In the tenth chapter of Luke, the account of the “Good Samaritan” is recorded (Luke 10: 25-37) Of the four actors in this drama, two were men, “of professed sanctity, whose offices obliged them to tenderness and compassion <Hebrews 5:2>, who ought to have taught others their duty in such a case as this, which was to deliver them that were drawn unto death:” (from Matthew Henry's Commentary) Yet, as we are aware, they did not act out of tenderness or compassion. That action was left to a (ugh!) Samaritan.

The action, or lack of action, of the Priest and his Levite attendant is fascinating; these two “men of professional sanctity.” So is the tender and compassionate care provided by the Samaritan. Just as likely as not, he was a descendant of those who opposed Zerubbable’s attempt to rebuild the Temple and Nehemiah’s effort to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Yet, it was he who stooped to help a Jew.

That’s where the story gets interesting. The victim; the one robbed, beaten and stripped of his clothing was a fellow countryman of the Priest and Levite. In all probability, he was not only a man of the nation of Israel, he was a member of their religious faith. Instead of helping, they distanced themselves as far and as quickly as they could.

If the victim were poor, they could have said, “The poor will always be with us.” and gone on their way. If he were blemished, they could have evoked one of their traditions prohibiting contact. He wasn’t either of these. He wasn’t a Samaritan whom they could have pretended a hereditary hatred or a Gentile whom they could have held in contempt. He wasn’t wealthy or, in the traditions of all religions, he would have been looked after immediately. He was just an average Jew.

We are told Priests and Levites frequently traveled the road from Jericho to Jerusalem. They would travel between their residence in Jerico to assignments in the city. Perhaps these two were late for an appointment. Maybe they saw him and recognized him as one who did not tithe to support the Temple. He may not have kept the commandments. Read the Torah improperly. From the wrong synagogue. He could have been a person of ill repute — a drunkard. Didn’t like the way he cut his hair. There are a hundred, a thousand reasons why they ignored him. All of them good. After all, just because he was a Jew does not mean they had to like him.

Aren’t we fortunate not to be in his shoes? Isn’t it true we’d never act as the Priest and Levite did? But, we were in his shoes. Hal Donaldson, Editor of Pentecostal Evangel, in an article in the January tenth issue writes, “Two thousand years ago, God saw our plight and extended His hand by sending His Son to die on a cross for our sins.” (p.4) Wow, that’s something to think about!

Donaldson concludes his article with this. “We were that man lying in the gutter, but God had mercy on us and didn’t pass us by. Today He asks us, in gratitude, to stop and be His hand extended to someone who doesn’t know Him.” Please notice, he said “in gratitude,” not out of obligation. And, maybe, we could extend our hand to everyone we see whatever the need or the hurt. In this life, can we exclude anyone from our neighborhood? †  

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More and more it is the fashion to “prove” our Christian principles and doctrines. Science, we are to believe, has the tools to help us with the proofs we need for our faith. For years, now, the Shroud of Turin has been the subject of intense “scientific” scrutiny. There is even interest in finding Noah’s ark. Geologists find, around the Black Sea, evidence of the great flood. Archeologists are uncovering ancient ruins of Biblical cities and evidence of Biblical events. There was the discovery and careful scholarly study of the Dead Sea Scrolls. One enterprising convert writes about the “proofs,” the “facts,” for Jesus Christ really existing. The evidence seems pretty good! Isn’t that fantastic! Even the classical conflict between evolution and creationism is less harsh. After all, the sequence of events depicted in the Book of Genesis approximates that of scientific evolutionary theory. As far as the seven days it reportedly took, scholars suggest that might simply be metaphorical rather than factual. And, what fun we have been having with the “End-times” Our reformation hero, Martin Luther, considered such an attitude, that all can be understood and explained, as an abuse of reason. He felt the idea that we can find out and know God by our own unaided reason, is snatching “from God a knowledge of Himself which is not His gift, but man’s achievement — a triumph of human brain-power.” (The Bondage of the Will, p. 46) Luther considered Erasmus’ “natural theology,” as it was called, to be the “Devil’s whore.” What is this new-fangled religion of yours,” Luther asks. “…you would take from us power to judge men’s decisions and make us defer uncritically to human authority?” (p. 69)

Desiderius Erasmus was a contemporary of Martin Luther. The idea of a “rational religion” is at least as old as Erasmus. His Diatribe, written in 1524, was, in Luther’s mind, an expression of this natural theology. It was theologians attempting “to find out and know God by the use of their own unaided reason. Luther believed that the “natural theology” of Erasmus would exalt man “… above his Creator, as one who could know God at pleasure whether or not God willed to be known by him. (p. 46)

In contrast, Luther’s position is that it “…is through Christ that God wills to be known, and gives saving knowledge of Himself. He who would know God, therefore, must seek Him through the Biblical gospel.”(p.46) Please underline that one short phrase, “saving knowledge.” God is inscrutable. We cannot possibly begin to understand Him. His nature, His will and His purposes are completely beyond the capabilities of human reason. However, there is one thing of which we may be completely certain. God, through Jesus Christ, provides enough knowledge of Himself for us to be saved.

Because He is God, it is to be expected that, “every doctrine, therefore, must of necessity terminate in mystery, and man must humbly acquiesce in having it so. God does not tell men more of His purpose than man need to know…” (p. 54) It is when we are faced with the incomprehensible, with seeming contradictions that faith must triumph because human reason will fail. However, He reveals enough of Himself in Jesus Christ revealed through the Word sufficient for salvation. “The whole work of man’s salvation, first to last, is God’s; and the glory for it must be God’s also.” (p. 48)

Then, what is it that makes Erasmus so tenacious? Somewhere between now and the Reformation, we seemed to have become Erasmus. This “natural theology” is so prevalent that some observers claim the leaders of the Reformation would neither recognize or claim today’s Christianity. The pulpit has become the point of entry for the infectious invasion of secularism. Human reason is the epitome of secularism and science its darling child. If words and concepts could be the antichrist, science would be the most likely candidate. The most cursory examination of its fundamental assumptions would be sufficient for even the casual observer to reject its positions as an adequate theological source. It is an absolute antipode to elevate such a scheme to the level of serious theology while at the same time bewailing “secular humanism.” If natural theology was the “Devil’s whore” in Luther’s time, science deserves that distinction today.

Luther said of Erasumus’ defense of natural theology, “… my heart went out to you for having defiled your lovely, brilliant flow of language with such vile stuff…”(p. 63) What prompts or persuades today’s theologians to embrace such vile stuff in defense of Christendom is as incomprehensible. When Christianity is foundd in “mighty Scripture proofs,” why would anyone offer such trivial, nonsensical defenses? It would seem cruel to suggest the motivation is as crass as the desire to fit in; to be part of the crowd – one of the boys. Yet, what other explanation is left?

To reclaim our distinctive and unique identity, it seems two steps are necessary. First, we need to seek God’s plan for us through the Word as directed by the Holy Spirit. The guiding principle of discipleship is leadership of the Holy Spirit. “We may not debate the secret will of Divine Majesty…. But let man occupy himself with God Incarnate, that is, with Jesus crucified, in whom, as Paul says, are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge….’

In Christ, God comes seeking the salvation of all men; “… rest on His word without fear; they who trust Him always find Him true.” As Luther contends, we cannot, “defer uncritically to human authority.” Nor can we with human rationality and reason decide what is and what is not Divine Truth. When the test of reason comes it will always fail. What appears reasonable about the seven days of creation, the virgin birth, the Trinity?

Shall we reject the resurrection along with His ascension because they appear to be irrational? The Scriptures appear to be foolishness to wise and studied men. Only the Holy Spirit reveals the wisdom of the Lord God Almighty. When we seek Him through the Incarnate Christ, we will never fail.

Second, we need to become convicted that the elementary doctrine of Christianity is that man exists to glorify God rather than God existing for man’s convenience. (p. 60) Miracles and healings are not brought about for the comfort and edification of men but the glorification of God. It is true that prayers are answered or not according to His inscrutable plan. If there is a formula to an answer, it is for His glory. Recognition of the sovereignty of God in all things is the very foundation of discipleship. It is for His glory that “the Spirit of God within, the living Teacher whose teaching is life,” will instruct us. Neither science nor contemporary natural theology are so directed or rooted. There is nothing in the leastwise “natural” about Him. Scientific theological apologetics is a fundamental contradiction whose glory is for the created, not for the Creator. †

Ezek 28:17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.(KJV)

Luke 5:21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies?
Who can forgive sins, but God alone? (KJV)

Luke 8:25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another,
What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. (KJV)

Matt 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (KJV)

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:(KJV)

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FOOLISHNESS OF MAN  

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Aren't the Scriptures wonderful? Just take a moment to reflect upon the truth found in Proverbs 19:3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD. We don't have to look very far to find myriad examples of human foolishness. Solomon was subject to the same affliction he wrote about. How many wives and concubines does one need for it to be "foolishness?" Daily newspapers are little more than accounts of recent foolishness. History books let us know there is nothing new about the news.

Scientists foolishly attempt to discern, with their own eyes and ears, the wondrous mysteries of God's unlimited universe. Christians scour numbering schemes and secret codes, much like a sorcerer divining tea leaves, attempting to discover what He has ordained not to reveal. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, John 14:17

We pervert His Word and His Son's life, making them into our own golden calves and graven images. We profane the very steps He took to Golgotha. Men are elevated over others as "Holy Sees" and "Vicar's of Christ"-priestly intercessors where there are to be none. Magnificent edifices constructed as fortresses against the living church of Jesus Christ. he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 14:11

The Pleasure Principle has become a Christian virtue. Children abandoned to the feverish rush for gold. Toys replace love. Careers supplant parenting. Houses are mansions, not homes. Still, we cry for more. he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Luke 12:21

Do we really mean to sing "Onward Christian Soldiers?" He is the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6. Imagine the true horror of the Crusades and Ireland in the eyes of God. We turn our backs on genocide and slavery while offering up greedy appeals to personal wants. In our gluttony, we watch millions starve or languish in bottomless despair searching the cast off garbage for this day's meal - "It is the will of God, 'The poor will be with us always!'" Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40. Ancient Christians thought earth the center of the universe. Modern Christians think they are. He that loveth his life shall lose it; John 12:25

In the midst of our perversity, we curse Him and abandon His ways when our peevish, self-willed stubbornness produces bitter fruit. How did all of this start? And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, Genesis 3:6

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Rev. Bruce Larson, in one of his books, Living Out the Book of Acts, suggests that "Acts of the Apostles" may not be the best title for the Book of Acts. For one thing, he points out, it does not talk about all of the Apostles. He prefers the original Greek title, Acts of Apostolic People.

Luther, Bruce reminds us, wrote that, "The church is not an organization with Jesus the founder. The church is an ecclesia, or a congregation, or a community of people as in the first century. It is a continuing community of people in whom the Lord is still alive and with whom the Lord is present."

Now, here is a definition of disciple: a. One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another. b. An active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy.

The church, therefore, is discipleship. It is those of us who are embracing the teachings of Jesus. That is how He is alive in us, we are an active adherent of His teachings. We are spreading his word in our homes, at work, on the highways. Wherever we are, we are discipling.

We are commissioned by Him to be His hands. It is through us that the work of the Kingdom is to be accomplished. That is what the Apostolic people did. That is where we need to return.

LUKEWARM

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Revelation 3:15-16
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth

With respect to this passage from John's Revelation concerning the church in Laodicea, Matthew Henry's Commentary states, "If religion is a real thing, it is the most excellent thing,". It continues, "If religion is worth any thing, it is worth every thing; an indifference here is inexcusable." Unfortunately, when we attempt to be all things to all people, we are nothing to anyone - we are inexcusable Spiritual eunuchs.

Modern Christianity's attempt to be "politically correct," is little more than trying to appeal to everyone and offend no one. Regardless of the sincerity of such efforts and in spite of honorable intentions, Christianity's forte is not to placate. That's pretty obvious by the verse quoted from Revelation. Talking to His disciples about what they were to expect, Jesus reinforces the image of the disquieting nature of our faith, Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34 It is doubtful that the LORD God Almighty is impressed with our attempts to be "well-received" by the multitudes.

It is recorded in Matthew 7:13 that Jesus said, Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat… This might even suggest that following Jesus is unpopular. We may even find that the masses of humanity are on the broad way. Our "natural" inclinations might be with the "herd" striving to be popular. Striving to be all things to all people is the extreme expression of the broad path to destruction. Let us pray that our religious expressions not there.

We are warned about preachers who "with a bland, gentle, plausible exterior; attempt to persuade us that the gate is not strait nor the way narrow, and that to teach so is illiberal and bigoted." (from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary) Certainly, being positioned on the brink of mediocrity is no virtue. Who would even think of suggesting that we should do a survey or take a poll before we decide what to preach from the pulpit? Is popularity, comfort or mass appeal sufficient grounds for interpreting the Word? Those who don't offend are dangerously close to taking such "political" action before they speak their broad interpretation of faith. Paul had something unflattering to say about this sort of thing in Galatians 6:12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. Isaiah is not as kind, His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Isaiah 56:10 Remember the story of Balaam? The "donkey" he rode upon had more insight.

Rather than popularity, solitude seems the suggestion of a narrow path. Narrow enough to allow only one person at a time to walk its course. We might even say our mission is to convert individual believers to that narrow definition of faith determined by the sayings of our Master as recorded in the Word. Jesus said, Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14 In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, our Lord and Savior proclaims, Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Amen , Amen and Amen

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THE THIRD MIRACLE

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There are times when it seems Reformed theology is consumed by the belief that "the dual miracles of the incarnation and the resurrection of Jesus Christ encompass the entire fabric of Christianity." Well, without diminishing the true significance of these two miracles and the central role they play in our faith, they are not. To believe this is to believe that the entire point of God's plan for us is our own personal salvation. That is why so much of modern Christianity stops when it should be just getting started.

Let's look at this. In John 3:16 we are told, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. God gave His Son for our salvation. Now, not too many theologians really dispute that, indeed, we do not, we cannot earn our salvation. Paul offers his explanation for this in his letter to the Ephesians, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Is that the end of it, then? The 66 books of the Bible have culminated in the gift of salvation? If so, why do we read this from John 16:7? Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. The Comforter is to "teach us all things and bring all things to our rememberance." (John 14:26) Doesn't that seem to suggest we have something to do? This "Spirit of Truth"

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Those who have read Ian Fleming's spy novels are familiar with James Bond. He is a super hero. From legendary stories, we find many heroic characters to fill our dreams and shape our fancies. Hercules, King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, Guinevere and Merlin are extraordinary people. Popular culture provides hero's as well; Superman, Batman and Robin, The Mighty Morphin Ninja Turtles, Barney. We dream about being a super hero even if we would not publicly admit the fantasy. The lure of being "In Her Majesty's Secret Service," is strong, appealing and pervasive.

We may dream of living a life like Joan of Arc or Mother Teresa, the Reverend Billy Graham, General Norman Schwartzkopf or Dr. Jonas Salk. These are genuine heroes and, as with many others, worthy of our praise and admiration.

Martin Luther, John Calvin and John Wesley, among others, molded Christianity into its present form. They were extraordinary people. In many ways, it is fitting for us to emulate them. Truly, they were in His service!

In other respects, hero-worship, our cultural tendency to focus on the lives of extraordinary people, can cloud and confuse the issue of living. As influential as such people are, life is in daily living. Like war, it is won in the trenches. Without great care, we miss the mark. While searching for the mountain-top, we miss life altogether. The kingdom can be delayed for want of a nail. King Richard, in Shakespeare's play, begs for a horse, not a hero or saint.

Missionaries to exotic lands are admirable, but so are those who witness in their homes, on the job, and in their communities. Without fanfare or the glare of public recognition, these ordinary people are the movers of the Kingdom of God.

There is a desperate need to eulogize the ordinary. After all, Jesus the Christ ministered to the ordinary. He left His ministry in their hands. There was nothing extraordinary or heroic about Matthew. He was a tax collector. Mark, the son of a wealthy family, was the source of contention between Paul and Barnabas. Luke, a physician, probably attended Paul. However, his efforts in that regard did not seem to be of a heroic nature. John, with several other disciples, was a fisherman. As we know, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was of lowly birth and, pregnant out of wedlock, liable to being stoned to death. Martha, or Elizabeth. None was a hero. None was even a professional clergyman. Only through their association with Jesus the Christ, and in looking back, have they become extraordinary. ·

"I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord, O'er mountain or plain or sea; I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord, I'll be what you want me to be" Rounsefell

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LIFE'S DECISIONS

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The decisions we face every day are always life changing. Often the degree of difference is so insignificant as to go unnoticed. We can never know what our lives would be like if we had chosen differently. Where, to use the words of Robert Frost, would the road not taken have led us?

By the decisions we make, we are forever changed. They cannot be reversed. We cannot go back. When the questions come, "What should I do? What should I say?" how we respond is critically important. Maybe the little things can slide - just maybe.

Who do we go to? What do we consider before the question of choice is answered with action? Why do we choose to believe some things and reject others? Do we ask friends, relatives, and loved ones? Do we consult astrological charts or spiritualists? How many of your friends know their "astrological signs?" Can they tell you how a Leo differs from a Capricorn? Why do they bother to learn such useless information? Unless, of course, they use that "knowledge" to pick marriage partners and decide other important things in their lives. Maybe they also play hunches and rely on their instincts.

Friends and authorities, writers and scholars, parents and pastors all may have good advice. Many times, perhaps most of the time, their insight and wisdom is excellent. The trick is to know when it is and when it is not. Regardless of their sincerity, scholarship or position in life, they are human. They are just as capable of errors in judgment as we are.

Should decision-making be different because we are Christian? Is that difference reliance upon the Holy Spirit? Who is better equipped to guide us? Who is more willing? The Bible tells us that all believers can walk and live by the direction of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told his disciples not to fear the road ahead although it was full of danger, fear, pain and death. He told them to rely upon the Holy Comforter. It is ready to help us in everything we do.

God our Father, through Jesus Christ, has promised that all we have to do is to ask for His guidance. If, as Luke writes, the Holy Spirit would teach the disciples what to say in times of great danger, will He for us? Yes, He tells us, if we just ask. If we just ask! Why wouldn't we? We are given the wonderful assurance that we have peace through His peace. Why choose the guidance and counsel of limited human vision over that of the creator of the universe? Who is more willing to guide us? Do we ask?

Some people believe that the Holy Spirit is unavailable for matters of everyday life. They believe He is reserved for special religious occasions. Just as they believe divine direction is just reserved for certain people, they believe the Holy Spirit is only found in church. Yet, we are taught that Christianity is living. It cannot be separated into that which is religious and church on the one hand and the rest of life on the other. Paul spoke about the unity of Christian life. All the parts exist in a living whole.

Some people act as though everyone but them is deaf to the calling of the Holy Spirit and dead to its presence in their lives? They want to claim special powers and privileges exclusively for themselves. Yet, John the Baptist said that Jesus Christ would baptize all of us with the Holy Spirit. All believers are anointed. Not just a few. Not just a special class. We all are empowered! Christ has anointed us the Scriptures say. The Holy Spirit allows each of us to distinguish between the Truth, the workings of the evil one and that which is simply human ambition, desires and wishes. Grab hold of that certainty and let Him help you with your life. Make Him a full partner in your decision-making, in your ministry, in your life.

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