Monday, December 12, 2011

"But I say to you..." Jesus' Sermon on the Mount

Five Antithesis in the Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5--7

“you have heard”

“but I say”

Explanation / application

Direction of the Law:

“do not commit murder”

“whoever commits murder is liable in court”

“do not be angry”

saying “raca” is enough to be liable in the supreme court; banished to hell.

Be reconciled to another before you present your worship to God. Better to make friends than go to court.

The law spoke to not merely the external but the psycho-sins lying behind the act, such as anger and insults.

“do not commit adultery”

“Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of dismissal.”

“do not look…commit adultery in your heart”

“Everyone who divorces his wife makes her commit adultery…”

Be rid of those parts of your body which offend God rather than all of you perish.

Except for the cause of unchastity

The law condemned not only actual acts, but the psycho-sin of lust.

The law allowing divorce supported marriages, not to permit their dissolution.

“do not make false vows, but fulfill your vows to the Lord”

“make no oath at all”

It should be enough that you stand behind your word

The law of oaths was to make your word good, without the need for an outside witness.

“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”

“do not resist, but turn the other cheek..

“give your shirt and coat… walk two miles… give to him who asks.”

The law instructed Israel’s judiciary for the punishment to fit the crime. The law limited prohibited unmeasured vengeance.

“love your neighbor, and hate your enemy”

“love your enemies”

God’s common grace is a pattern for ethical living.

The Law never allowed for preferential treatment of others.
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Monday, November 28, 2011

Baptism: What it Was and Is -- by Jay Quine

Definitions

Literally, the word “baptism” (baptismo in Greek) means “to dip” or “to submerge.” It was used for dying clothing as well as for various ritual baptisms.

Ritual or Religious Baptisms

In ancient Israel a person could be baptized for a variety of purposes. For instance, if a Gentile wanted to convert to Judaism and participate in the benefits of the Covenants God made with Israel he had to go through a ceremony which included public baptism. This demonstrated that he was breaking from his past heritage, and identifying with the God of a new nation, and a new community. Baptism (through immersion) became known as identification – to cease to become identified with the old to be associated with the new.

When John the Baptist arrived as the herald of the Lord, the Pharisees did not ask him “What is baptism?” (for they were familiar with the practice of baptism) but “Why do you baptize?” (they were not familiar with the reason he baptized). He baptized those who wanted to identify themselves with his message of “repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand” and “behold the Lamb of God who comes to take away the sin of the world.” Those whom he baptized wanted to demonstrate that they were leaving the old (the religious system of Pharisaic Judaism) and associating with John’s message of the King and the coming Kingdom. As was the practice of their day, it was an outward expression of what they already accepted, the truth of John’s message.

Baptism Today

Jesus commanded his disciples to go to the people of Israel and preach the message of repentance and of the coming Kingdom (Matthew 10). It is likely that they baptized the people who accepted their message. The people would be acquainted with this practice, and understand its significance as an outward demonstration of leaving the old and identifying with this message of God’s grace. Thus, when Jesus again commanded the disciples to “Go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28) they did not question Him, wonder what He meant, or why. They baptized converts who accepted their message of grace and peace through Christ as an outward demonstration of the inward reality. Baptism of these new believers would outwardly show identification with Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Thus, believer’s baptism today continues to be used as an outward demonstration of one’s identification with Jesus Christ by grace through faith. It is for those who have accepted the gospel message and wish to show that they have left their old way of religion or way of approaching God and embraced the truth that Christ established the only way to eternal life with God by His death and resurrection. Baptism demonstrates that they have trusted Christ alone as their Savior. Thus, we may draw some conclusions:

· Baptism is not for infants—it is reserved for those who have accepted the Gospel message of Jesus Christ as their Savior.

· Baptism does nothing to add to our salvation—it is the outward expression or demonstration of the inward reality that has already occurred.

· While baptism may be spoken of as a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (by the immersion of the person) its historical practice which continues to serve as the roots of our practice was certainly not used that way. However baptism does symbolize our identification or union in Christ (Col 2:12) which includes His death, burial and resurrection (Rom 6:1-10).

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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Jay Quine quips, "Seize today!"

Hebrews 3:13 Carpe Diem
"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today."

Haveyou ever thought, “I’ll be happy when I make more money; when I graduate fromcollege; when I get married; when we have children, or when I retire inFlorida?” We often find ourselves livingfor the future when some benchmark is achieved, as if today isn’t goodenough. But today is when and where weare to live. The Bible says, “Encourageone another day after day, so long as it is called “today.”” This is Dr. JayQuine. Let me encourage you today, notto live in the dream of the future; and don’t be crippled by an event in the past. Enjoy this moment, right here, rightnow. Stay here, in the living presence of the risen Savior, and by faith enter intoHis rest, knowing that the Lord wants fellowship with you today in the here andnow.
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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Quine on God's View of Your Work (not works!)

Colossians 3:23 Do your work as unto the Lord
Christians need to understand the value God places on our work. These are not our jobs, but are a means to worship the Lord, for theBible says, “do your work heartily, as for the Lord, rather than for men.” Thisis Dr. Jay Quine, looking with you the Lord's instruction for your“work”. Work well done rises like a hymn of praise toGod. This means that the doctor on the rounds, the scientist in the laboratory,the teacher in the classroom, the musician at the music, the artist at thecanvas, the shop assistant at the counter, entering data at the computer, thebusiness owner, or board member, the homemaker in the kitchen -- all doingtheir work as it should be done are joining in a great act of worship. Remember, you don't work for yourself, even if you own your own company. Do your work as if Jesus was in your office--because He is!!!
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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Jesus escorts all who are bound for heaven, by Jay Quine

c. 1632 Jesus' Death is Universal!!1 John 2:2 Unlimited Atonement of Jesus Death and Resurection
DidJesus die only for the sins of those who would be saved, or did He also pay forthe sins of those forever lost? Theologians have wrestled for centuries over limited vs. unlimitedatonement. Logic tells us that work ofChrist would never be wasted. He wouldnot die for the sins of the lost where it would have no effect. But we understand spiritual truth notprimarily through a grid of logic, but one first by faith. We are first biblicists, not logicians. The Bible tells us that Christ died “not forour sins only, but also for those of the whole world.” I’m Dr. Jay Quine. This is an amazing truth: Christ’s completepayment for sin is sufficient for all, but efficient only for those whobelieve. Jesus died for everyone youmeet. So tell them: every person in the restaurant, on the football field, and in the stands. Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Jesus is coming back!
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Monday, September 5, 2011

Spiritual Gifts: Chapter 8 - Concluding Hypothetical, by Jay Quine

The Flagellation of Our Lord Jesus Christ (1880)The Flagellation of Jesus, posted by Jay QYour Gifts, Your Values -- Quine

Conclusion—What Gift?

It is Easter dinner. Everyone who should be is there. Mom and Dad, your brothers and sisters are there. Cousins, nieces and nephews: all present. It’s a great family gathering! The lamb is perfectly done—with a nice wild herb marinade, having penetrated the meat wonderfully. There it sits on the center of the platter, surrounded by a ring of new potatoes and parsley. And here it comes—carried out to the dining room table where everyone is seated. It’s heavy, and your holding it out, slightly unbalanced—whoa! you stumble on the rug! Down it all goes on the floor. You dive for it, but too late!

Notice how the spiritual gifts come into play. The person gifted in service jumps up, and heads into the kitchen for paper towels, and another tray.

The teacher stands up and explains, “the reason why that happened is that it was unbalanced—two thirds of the weight was towards the front so that even a slight angle would spill the entire contents.”

The exhorter adds, “there are three things we can learn from this experience…”

The merciful smiles and says, “Hey, this is no big deal. I remember when I did the same thing when I was first married in front of my new mother-in-law.

The administer gets up pointing, “Okay, okay, where do we go from here? Is it salvageable. Tom, look up a number for pizza. Jill, take a look at those potatoes—will they work? Sam, see if you can get that lamb picked up off the floor and wash it off. Is it too late to make any more herb marinade?”

The giver puts on his coat and declares, “Don’t worry about it, I’m off to the nearest deli to buy some more meat. I’ll take care of the whole thing.”

The person with faith says, “This is no problem for God. Don’t get upset. Let’s just take a moment and pray.”

The wise sage among them says, “God has His purpose behind this. If we work together, forgive and love one another we can still enjoy a marvelous meal. Remember, in all things give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.”

The beginning of this study noted that God has called us. He has called us to a great banquet—a banquet in celebration of that which the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us. In the meantime, get involved, discover and employ your spiritual gifts and enjoy the journey, for there is a great meal coming!


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Spiritual Gifts: Chapter 7 - Survey Challenge, by Jay Quine

Your Gifts, Your Values -- Quine

The Values Based Spiritual Gift Maturity Survey

A Call to Action

Businesses and consultants, colleges and universities, marriage and family counselors all use a similar tool: personality and aptitude tests. We should do the same to discover and provide more avenues and outlets of our spiritual gifts. There should be something to measure our progress, and evaluate our maturity. The following survey is just that tool.

The Values Based Spiritual Gift Maturity Survey is a tool to help you evaluate where you are in identifying and utilizing your spiritual gifting potential. It is an instrument to bring to light those areas of maturity, and to expose your need for maturing transitions. It is deliberately written in non-Christian language. It is not designed to help you discover your gifts (for you have more than you will ever utilize!). It is designed to challenge, prod, and encourage you toward maturity in view of those gifts measured against your personal values.

The results of the Survey are stated in terms of values. The values influence our decisions and actions at every stage in life. They reflect our current understanding of our spiritual gifts. As we make stage shifts through our maturation process our spiritual gifts have opportunity to blossom and flourish. The values are related to the descriptions and definitions of spiritual gifts explained in this booklet. Although not determinative, we include a chart to only help you correlate your values to your spiritual gifts. Accompanying the output of your results are discernment or discipleship questions. These questions are designed to probe into your gifts and values to look at what lies behind your current level of Christian maturity. They are for you to reflect upon your own journey and progress in Christ. We hope you take the survey, and thoughtfully reflect upon its output.


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Spiritual Gifts: Chapter 6.5 - Music, by Jay quine

music to the hymn An Wasserflüssen Babylon by ...Is there a Gift of Music? post by Jay Quine

Your Gifts, Your Values -- Quine

Music

A strong case can be made that there is a gift of music. In the lengthy passage on spiritual gifts in general (1Corinthians 12—14) Paul includes this instruction in 14:26.

What then shall we say brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.

Paul mentions some coming to the assembly with a “hymn,” just as he mentions others coming to utilize other spiritual gifts. It seems likely then that some are gifted in music for the common good, just as others are gifted, for instance, with the ability to instruct.

Conclusion: The person with the gift of music is enabled by the Spirit to enhance a local congregation’s praise and worship of God through music.

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Spiritual Gifts: Chapter 6.4 - Craftsmanship, by Jay Quine

Moses with the tablets of the Ten Commandments... Rembrandt: Moses with the Tablet of the Law, post by Jay QuineYour Gifts, Your Values -- Quine

Craftsmanship

In the past, God has given special abilities of craftsmanship to certain individuals for special projects. Exodus 31:1-6 records one example:

Then the Lord said to Moses, See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you.

Some suggest that just as the Holy Spirit gifted certain men in the in this way in the past He does so now. Since no list is an exhaustive compilation of all the spiritual gifts, it can be argued that there are others not mentioned in the New Testament which God still gives. The gift of craftsmanship may fall into this category.

Conclusion: This gifted person is empowered by the Holy Spirit to use their hands and minds for the common good through building, designing, artistic, and creative expression.


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Spiritual Gifts: Chapter 6.3 - Gift of Missionary, by Jay Quine

Your Gifts, Your Values -- Quine

Missionary

Although it is never explicitly mentioned as a spiritual gift, it is possible that Paul, the missionary to the Gentiles, described the characteristics of someone with this inclination in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to wine the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (through I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Some people are just given to reaching out to other cultures, whether across the ocean, or across the fence.

Conclusion: The Holy Spirit gives certain members of the local church the desire to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in a second culture or second community.


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Spiritual Gifts: Chapter 6.2 - Gift of Hospitality, by Jay Quine

Your Gifts, Your Values -- Quine

Hospitality

Good reasons can be stated that there is a spiritual gift of hospitality. Many of us worry about seemingly every detail when they have people over that they make everyone uncomfortable and tense. They spend so much time being nervous that no one can relax or have any fun. But others seem to be able to put everything together, and effortlessly, and are able to enjoy themselves as well. When they have guests, they even have people help out—participate in the dinner, or in the dishes. Somehow it all works for them. The difference is dramatic. It is a spiritual gift.

I Peter 4:9-10 may be speaking of this gift.

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

Notice, in the context of mentioning spiritual gifts, hospitality is mentioned in the prior verse. Although this is the only place where it may so clearly be found, hospitality seems to be a spiritual gift.

Conclusion: Hospitality is a special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to open their homes willingly and offer lodging, food, and fellowship cheerfully to other people.


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