Showing posts with label Biblical studies. Show all posts

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, August 23, 2011

Spiritual Gifts: Prologue, by Jay Quine

Your Gifts, Your Values: Prologue -- It could be your organization!

The church closed. No singing. No greeting. No sermon. No children. No love. Closed.

“If you do not repent I will remove your lampstand.” God’s word in Revelation 2 came to her mind as she locked the church office for the last time. Once, the multi-staff of administrators, pastors, elders, deacons and countless volunteers kept the place buzzing 24/7. This was not a church busy only on Sundays. It was always bustling! But now it was closed.

Once, there were countless community, adult, and children ministries where adults, children, married, single, men, women, addicts, depressed, educators, business thinkers, and car tinkers all interacted to love and support one another. Now it was gone. Once, there was hope to share with the world. Now, there would not even be the sharing of memories.

Thud. The dead-bolt locked. Amanda pulled the key, and walked slowly to her car. The expansive parking would be used by the shoppers of the strip mall coming soon. She was tired; so tired. “No more tears, no more sorrows,” she mocked herself. Those once promising words of the Lord’s return now only revealed her emotional exhaustion. Over the months so many tears were shed. But not today. She was too spent.

Each generation of a local church has a simple responsibility. It is not novel. It is not unique. To many, the mission is too simple, and they complicate it. But for each generation it is nothing new. It is simply their turn.

Theirs is to share the good news of Christ’s work of love. It is their turn to share the gospel of God’s grace. Theirs is to turn to love and forgive, as God loved and forgave them. It is their turn to love one another; to trust one another; to respect one another. It is their turn to be in a greater work—greater than the sum of their parts. It is theirs to be transformed by the Spirit, and the Word. The work of every generation is not special only to them. It is simply their turn. But it is supernatural.

Pastor Dirk began at Alpha-Omega Community Church five years ago. He arrived conflated--full of passion, and anticipation in what God would do on the one hand, yet pensive and anxious of the trust for a church God gave him on the other. “I must not fail,” he said to his wife, Jean, that first Sunday.

Amanda was inspired by Dirk’s first sermon. It was a call to vision, togetherness, and duty. “The body,” said Dirk, “is meant to grow.”

As the congregation experienced the freedom to use their giftedness the church grew. As the church grew, so did ministry needs and opportunities. As needs grew, so did ideas to meet those needs. As the ideas come forth, so did the chaos, as individuals and groups sought to carry out the ideas. There was overlap, redundancy, confusion, and competition for church building space and resources. Soon the church and its parking lot, was active every day of the week. Pastor Dirk felt like he was losing control. He shared his feelings with his wife. Jean suggested administrative safeguards to keep things from getting out of hand. Pastor Dirk agreed. A committee was formed to develop and manage policies regulating the church’s ministries.

The committee’s first report was simple and straightforward. Two needs were clearly identified: the need for discovery of each one’s spiritual gift(s), and second, the need for the identification of the organization’s core motivational values. The first would identify what God had entrusted to them, and the second would point out what they were passionate about in implementing those gifts. Knowing these two components would allow them to coordinate the competing pressures upon the church’s resources and the volunteer time of his people. But how to discovery the gifts and values of his congregation?

Pastor Dirk did some research. He spoke to industry leaders in his church. There were plenty of tools that exposed direction, vision, and mission of a business or even mega-corporations, but little for a local church. He knew he was unequipped to adopt a business based test for the church. Dirk asked certain committee members who understood these consulting tools in the business setting to help him. They agreed.

What happened over the next year was disastrous. It resulted in confusion, pain, and the church closing. The conflict between applying a basic “bottom line” business model to the function of spiritual gifts and spiritual values was too sharp. A survival mentality was imposed. “If it is too great a drain on the church finances, it must go,” one committee member explained. Passion was soon lost. The conflict between defining business plan and the Spirit’s spontaneous leading was too great. Hard feelings arose. Some people decided to leave. It took some months but with departure came projected financial instability. Financial instability eventually led to closure. Pastor Dirk was forced to resign. Amanda closed the church.

Impossible? Not really. The timeline may be different, but many reading this book have lived it. This book is an attempt to give ministry leaders and congregations a tool to understand spiritual gifts, coordinate them with one’s personal motivational values, and implement them through the church mission. The gifts-to-values relationship is a ministry piece when missing cripples churches like Dirk’s or stagnates healthy spiritual growth in churches like yours. Prayerfully read how you and your church or organization can benefit from understanding your spiritual gifts in relationship to your personal values.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Remember the Word "Character" by Dr. Jay A. Quine

Character -- Romans 5:3-4
Some of our friends are real characters. My teenage boys can sometimes be real characters. But it is not for moronic behavior that bible uses the word “character” but for being mature. So we read, “tribulation brings perseverance, and perseverance proven character.” If we deliberately rely on the power of the Word of God, and presence of the Spirit of God, we and can mature, even the core of our character. God molds in us the character to face anything. This is Dr. Jay Quine. Remember the word. Hang in there; persevere and know that God allowed your circumstance to perfect your character.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Dr. Jay A. Quine reflects on Jesus' use of "blessed"

Jesus is considered by scholars such as Weber ...

Quine on the meaning of BlessedMatthew 5 "Blessed"
Don’t worry; be happy; was a popular song some years ago. But with all the pressures and trials of life, be happy don’t worry sounds like a fantasy! How can I not worry when I have bills to pay, and kids to raise, and a job at which I am to succeed, and pressures from extended family. And then I am supposed to be involved in ministry! I’m too pressured to be happy. But Jesus said, Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Blessed are the gentle. Blessed are the peacemakers. This is Dr. Jay Quine, remembering the word “blessed”. It means to be content, at peace, at rest, to be happy, regardless of all the concerns and pressures of life. Oddly it is Recognizing your poverty of spirit you can be happy –for yours is the Kingdom of heaven.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Jay A. Quine: Remember the Word "Anxious"

Philippians 4:6

“Don’t be anxious about anything.” Sounds like a mindless platitude. After all, I have to worry about my job, the economy, terrorism, wars and the near outbreak of war all over the world, my health, let alone my kids, their college tuition, and what to do for dinner tonight! Yet the Bible says, “Be anxious for nothing.” Ridiculous? No. For it tells us how. “But in everything by prayer, supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” This is Dr. Jay Quine. I know it is not easy to trust God. There is so much to be worried about. But remember this word, and talk to Him. He can take care if it… He can. Talk to Him, and with thanksgiving you may find peace in the midst of worry.

Dr. Jay A. Quine: Overview of the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ

Written by John, c. A.D. 90

After being banished for some time from his duties in Ephesus and surrounding Asia Minor (begun c. A.D. 70) the Apostle John writes to seven churches that which has been revealed to him from the Lord, namely how Jesus Christ exercises dominion and authority over the world (either directly or through agents) in the outworking of His eternal plan toward the culmination of history for the encouragement of those believers facing persecution.

Chapter 1 The Vision of the Lord

John notes that the revelation contained in this book is from the Lord, transmitted to him through angelic messengers. It is about Jesus Christ to the seven churches in Asia minor. After describing the magnificence of the resurrected Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit in the throne room of heaven, John is commanded to write what he sees.

Chapters 2--3 Seven Messages to Seven Churches

To seven churches John has an individual message commending each, yet also condemning each for particular errors. To each is a promise to believers ("he who overcomes") of encouragement and hope.

Chapters 4--22 Message of Things which Will Take Place

Progressing though three series of seven judgments each John records the events of mostly the last half of the future tribulation period. Each set is interrupted by a flashback concerning personages prominent in this time. While the promise of salvation and preservation is affirmed to believers (some are martyred, others are sealed for entrance into the Millennium), this period is a demonstration of God's authority for the benefit of unbelievers in a gracious offer of salvation. Yet in stubborn rebellion they refuse to repent. They, with the rebellious angels headed by Satan, are banished to the lake of fire forever. Believers of all ages have the joy of sharing in the reconstruction of the heavens and earth for all eternity.

Key Verse: Rev 22:12-17

"Behold I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. . . I Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost."

Dr. Jay Quine on Jude: Epistle against the Crude!

Written by Jude, c. AD 70-80

In response to the infiltration of false teachers who deny the necessity of obedience to Christ and promote a life of licentiousness, Jude, the brother of James (and therefore the half-brother of Jesus) writes so these believers (mostly Jewish) vigilantly defend the faith in doctrine and practice.

Verses 1-16 The Danger of False Teachers

Writing to those “kept” by God’s persevering love, Jude mentions his purpose for the letter: to warn against those who were tainting the purity of their shared salvation. Circumstances mandated a strong warning, for ungodly men have smuggled themselves into the congregation. They are recognized by their encouragement toward licentiousness and denial of Christ as the one and only “Master.” Based on God’s treatment of past rebellion, Jude warns these false teachers of judgment against them as against all unredeemed.

Verses 17-25 The Duties of Believers

To help his readers battle against the false teachers, Jude encourages them to remember the words and teaching of the apostles. An attitude of love toward one another and to reflect the love of God toward others will fight off the practice of falsehood. They are also to pray in the power of the Spirit, and to look for the mercy of God toward them in their lives, while showing mercy toward others. Jude closes by praising God for His persevering work in their lives, which will ultimately bring them into eternal joy and glory.

Key Verse: Jude 3

“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once and for all delivered to the saints.”

Comments on Paul's Last Letter, by Jay Quine

The Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy

Written by Paul from Roman Imprisonment, c. AD 68

Paul writes Timothy his last epistle from prison in Rome to encourage him to be faithful in his ministry of the word in the midst of doctrinal declension and apostasy by outlining the course and character of a faithful servant of Christ for the welfare of the people of the church.

Chapter 1:1-18 A Call to Enduring Faithfulness

After identifying himself, and praying for Timothy, Paul reminds Timothy of the heritage from his mother and grandmother, and to fan the fire of the gift God had given him (1:5-7). He is not to be timid but bold, guarding the treasure God entrusted to him (1:8-18).

Chapter 2:1-26 A Call to Character

Timothy is to pass on this heritage to other faithful men (2:2). Using the metaphor of a soldier, Paul notes that in Christian service there is often similar hardship. Further, like an athlete or a farmer, self-discipline and consistent hard work is required. But the reason for this endurance is for the sake of others to be saved (2:7-10), knowing our own security and reward of reigning with Christ (2:11-12). Therefore, Timothy is our model, who is encouraged to serve with honor, in a manner which is sensitive to the lost (2:14-26).

Chapter 3:1-17 Warning of Apostasy

As in 1 Timothy, Paul issues a warning here that in these last days some will deliberately attempt to turn others from their faith. These apostates are known by their valueless works. Conversely, Timothy followed Paul’s teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience and love. Ultimately, it is the word of God which will equip Timothy to accomplish every good work (3:16).

Chapter 4:1-22 Exhortation to Service and Final Words

Paul charges Timothy to do five things: to preach the word, by being ready at all times, to reprove, rebuke and exhort others. Paul compares his life to a libation offering to the Lord, and fully expects his life to end. He asks Timothy to quickly visit him, for he has been abandoned by all but a few, and when he comes to bring the word of God.

Quine's View of the Key Verse: 2 Timothy 2:1-2

“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things which you heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

Comments on the Letter to the Colossians, by Jay Quine

The Epistle of Paul to the Colossians

Written from Rome c. A.D. 60-62

While under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28) Paul received several visitors from the Lycus River Valley in Asia Minor. One of these visitors, Epaphras, reported to Paul of the potential danger of a syncretic Jewish/Greek heresy in Colossae threatening the purity of Christianity. To repel this threat, Paul writes this letter of warning, proclaiming the supremacy of Jesus Christ's person and work over human philosophy, experience, mysticism, and asceticism (1:15--2:23); a supremacy which should direct the course of their lives (3:1--4:6).

Chapter 1:1--2:23 The Fact of Christ's Supremacy

After a prayer of thanks for the fullness of the Christian life being manifest in the church in Colossae (namely "faith," "love," and "hope," 1:3-5) Paul notes that the "truth" came to them bearing much fruit (1:6-8). The "truth" is centralized in Christ, of whom Paul describes the supremacy of His person in relation to God (1:15a), in relation to creation (1:15b-17), and in relation to the church (1:18-19). Based on who Christ is, Paul then describes the supremacy of His work involving both reconciliation (1:20-23), and proclamation of the true knowledge of God (1:24--2:3). Thus, Paul demonstrates Christ's supremacy over human philosophy (2:4-10), Judaistic legalism (2:11-17), mystical existentialism (2:18-19), and personal asceticism (2:20-23). Because their faith is rooted in the supreme person and work of Christ, and not in any human solution, their faith has a solid basis to produce certainty for wise living.

Chapter 3:1--4:18 The Functional Effect of Christ's Supremacy

Citing first the governing principle to focus on things above (3:1-4), Paul explains that the supremacy of their faith being established alone in Christ has profound effects on one's personal life (3:5-17), family life (3:18-4:1), social life (4:2-6), and church life (4:7-18). The Colossians can live changed and confident lives because Christ is the supreme basis of faith.

Dr. Quine's View of the Key Verse: Colossians 2:2-3

"That their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is Christ Himself."

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Dr. Jay Quine or Simply Jay Quine, is not a typical professor, nor is he a typical lawyer.

Image via Wikipedia

Jay Quine

Name: Jay Quine
School: Philadelphia Biblical University
Location: Langhorne, PA
Department: Religion

4.7 Overall Quality
4.6 Helpfulness
4.8 Clarity
2.8 Easines

Dr. Jay Quine is not a typical professor, nor is he a typical lawyer. Born in Washington State, Dr. Quine married at the age of 21 and became a municipal court judge at the age of 24. He was a prosecutor, and is now a pastor, professor, and parent—and the discipline it took to become a lawyer and the faith he came to know personally in college have taught him to persevere through the toughest of trials.

Dr. Jay Quine is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., and Ph.D.), the University of Idaho college of Law (J.D.), and Washington State University (B.S.).

Image via WikipediaDr. Quine is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., and Ph.D.), the University of Idaho college of Law (J.D.), and Washington State University (B.S.).
For several years he enjoyed the practice of law as a prosecuting attorney and municipal court judge while teaching Business Law and maintaining a private practice.
He has served as a pastor for 16 years in Texas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, as the Chair of the Master of Divinity Program, and Dean of the College of Biblical Studies at Philadelphia Biblical University before becoming a Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Published and honored on multiple levels and in many arenas, he is considered to be a VOICE OF LEGAL AUTHORITY on issues involving church and para-church Christian institutions.

Dr. Jay Quine

Dr. Quine is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., and Ph.D.), the University of Idaho college of Law (J.D.), and Washington State University (B.S.).

For several years he enjoyed the practice of law as a prosecuting attorney and municipal court judge while teaching Business Law and maintaining a private practice.

He has served as a pastor for 16 years in Texas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, as the Chair of the Master of Divinity Program, and Dean of the College of Biblical Studies at Philadelphia Biblical University before becoming a Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary.

Published and honored on multiple levels and in many arenas, he is considered to be a voice of legal authority on issues involving church and para-church Christian institutions.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Definitions

Ritual or Religious Baptisms

Baptism Today

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Thursday, August 4, 2011

Jay Quine

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