Words of Encouragement

As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves! You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature[a]; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself.  - Galatians 5:12-14

Freedom from sin. Paul is addressing the belief that was making its way into the church. That was the belief that some work must be done inorder for Christians to be saved. This was directed at the Gentiles by some that were called Judizers. Paul's words in the first part of this scripture are quite harsh. He calls these individuals "agitators". He calls them this because they are causing confusion among the believers. He says that he wishes they would emasulate themselves! Wow!

Talk about not being spiritually correct! Paul lets his readers know he is passionate about this believe that salvation is through any work of man. He tells them first that they are free from sin. Not to indulge in sinful behavior, but to live for God.

He says the entire scripture is summed up in one command, love your neighbor as yourself. Reading this scripture would make you think it does not flow together. How does the first line connect to the rest of this message? One could look at this scripture and say that it is the love of one another that will keep us from inflicting unnecessary "laws" upon others. It is also love that should direct us and keep us from causing confusion among the believers. When we love one another we will not only walk in the freedom we have but we will also allow others to walk in the freedom that God has called them to. We will not seek to place rules upon rules on what someone should do.

Instead, we will use our time to seek how to live for God and pray that others are able to resist the pull of sin upon their lives. We will love others enough to pray for their strength as we pray for our own. These believers that were  causing trouble had a problem that the Gentiles did not have to do any work. Remember for the Jewish people the commandments and the Laws to them were about rules for conduct and on how they should live. The be curcimsized was one sign of them being one of God's childrens. Now this "new" way was saying you did not have to do any more of the rules. For some this was difficult. Today we have to remember the same thing. For some that have been told that they have to follow "rules" find it difficult that you do not have to follow "rules" you only have to accept Christ to be saved.

I believe Paul's addressing of freedom is to remind them that while the rules have been fulfilled through Christ, it does not mean you have no responsiblity to what you were called to. In other words you were not saved from sin, to continue in sin.

Prayer: Today Lord we do not want to be like the people of Paul's time and place unnecessary burdens upon others. Help us to walk in the freedom given to all believers. Not freedom to sin as we will, but freedom from sin so that we can live right before you. Help us to love one another in prayer, in actions and in the way we encourage others to live for you. Help us to show ourselves as a unified body of Christ. Amen.

The Week in Review

C. O. M. E

College Online Ministry and Encouragement was created to encourage college students that are away from home and away from their home churches. Each Sunday we will present a new message and Bible scripture to help you continue to walk strong in your faith.


"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

"Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD" Psalm 34:11


This scripture is our admonishment to come to God and learn from him. More now than ever you need to continue to strengthen yourself in the word. You are away from home and making more decisions on your own. We want you to know you are not alone. We want to walk with you and encourage you in your Christian journey. Many youth leaders are excited about sharing a message of encouragement with you. We also want you, the college students to encourage each other. Send us a message that we can share with each other. You do not have to be a preacher to encourage someone. Share your testimony of how you got saved, or how God did something in your life. These are all the things that help us continue to make it on our journey.


To subscribe to College Online Ministry and Encouragement, send me your email address and information to: InHisWord@Comcast.net


Some of the featured speakers will be from minister James S. Williams, Rev. Mario Jenkins, Pastor Patrice Turner, Rev. Al Ivy and Arnetta Ivy, just to name a few. If you know of a youth minister/pastor that would be interested in sharing with our young people ask them to contact me at the e-mail address above.

Vision Carrier of C.O.M.E.

Minister Jewel Williams

The most important thing I can tell you about myself is I love the Lord Jesus Christ. I mentor and teach pre-teen and teenage girls, both in Sunday School and in Youth Church. I have been devoted to this ministry for over 20 years. I am the wife of James and we have three wonderful girls. My mission is to help others find their purpose in life, the reason God created them. We are fearfully and wonderfully made.

The Week in Review

The Image of God: Why Did God Create Me (part 3)?

Written by Minister Jewel D. Williams

December 11, 2008

Jesus: Restoration of the Image

Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. – Romans 5:18-19


McGrath argues, “the doctrine of creation in the image of God was also seen as being directly related to the doctrine of redemption. Redemption involved bringing the image of God to its fulfillment, in a perfect relation with God, culminating in immortality.”[1] Greathouse and Dunning affirm God’s love for humanity when they state, “Because God made man for himself and loves him, He cannot leave man in his sin and despair. How God works to bring man out of his predicament is known theologically as the doctrine of the Atonement.” They argue the whole meaning is that God has not left humankind to save ones self because Christ offers redemption.

Berry and Jeeves assert that humanity cannot be seen apart from God. This also calls for the discovery of how in Jesus Christ humanity sees who they are and therefore they see God. Howard reminds the reader that Jesus died for man. “He took man’s place and suffered the consequences of man’s sin. Christ suffered for what should have happened to man. He died the death that sinful man faces.”[2] Howard affirms that sin alienated man from God (distorted the relationship). The provision that Christ made on the Cross was to bring man into fellowship with God. This is reconciliation. This term is occasionally used with reference to man with man, but it also depicts the restoration of relationship between God and man.

The New Testament passages give perspective of Christ as the image of God. Jones states, “First, that Christ is the image of God (Col. 1:15; 2 Cor. 4:4; Heb. 1:3). Second, that we Christians are being renewed in the image of God day by day (Eph. 4:24, Col. 3:10, 2 Cor. 3:18).”[3] Christ’s purpose was to come and die for mankind so that man could be changed into the “image of his Son.” (Rom 8:29).

Norman states, “the New Testament materials add another perspective to this. Jesus Christ is called the ‘image of God’ and we are to be recreated in his image.”[4] Norman reminds the reader that creation and salvation are integrally related. “In the incarnation of the word, God’s image was finally fulfilled in Jesus Christ through his submission to the way of God in crucifixion and resurrection, he manifested the fullness of the image.”[5]

Walter McConnell in his article, In His Image: A Christian’s Place in Creation, writes, “The New Testament provides us with an even more pointed example of what it means to be God’s image because of its focus on Jesus Christ, ‘the last Adam’ (1 Cor. 15:45-47)”[6] Jesus demonstrates for mankind what it really means to be in the image of God. Jesus is the unique image of God in that he is God in the flesh. McConnell states, “the point is, if we want to know what God is like and how he would act, we will find out as we discover Jesus Christ, the Word of God.”[7] For Jesus to be the image of God meant that he was “exactly like God.” Jesus reflects God’s glory in the earth and he also takes the pre-eminent position in creation. McConnell states, “It should not go unnoticed that Jesus’ death does more than just reconcile humans to himself. He came to reconcile ‘all things,’ including the physical universe, to himself.”[8] McConnell’s premise is that Jesus came to mend all the damaged relationships due to sin. This would include the relationship between God and humans, but it would also include the relationships between different humans and between humans and the natural world.[9]

Greathouse and Dunning sum this section up with this statement, “Sin has stabbed the heart of God with holy grief, because it has separated us from His loving fellowship. Not only has sin separated us from God, it has defiled our human nature and existence.”[10] They further state God was the offended party who took our sin and guilt into his own heart by becoming our reconciler in Christ. The relationship was distorted and man’s sin called for the judgment of God. Instead, God offered forgiveness through Jesus Christ. They pose, “The Cross that was erected on Calvary has been from eternity in the heart of God.”[11]

This study briefly examined how Jesus restored man to a rightful relationship with God. A recap of the study thus far is the image of God in man is not physical or man’s ability to think. One could state these are attributes or benefits of how the image exhibits itself in man. If man is in a distorted relationship one is not able to see the full manifestation of the godly attributes in man. However, if man is in a restored relationship through Christ one is better able to see the benefit of that on how man thinks and how he responds in relationship to others. The study now moves to the final portion of what does it look like to have a restored relationship with God. The study thus far has shown how the relationship with God, other humans and the creation itself are changed. Jesus is the restorer of the relationship between God and man. Now the study turns to examine how that is exhibited in the life of the man or woman that has accepted this restored union. The question, “why did God create me” can now be answered (come back next week for part 4, God: His Purpose For Man).

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[1] McGarth, Christian Theology, 442.

[2] Howard, Newness of Life, 71.

[3] Jones, Theology of Holiness and Love, 109.

[4] Norman, “God our Savior”, 103.

[5] Ibid, 116.

[6] Walter McConnell, “In His Image: A Christian’s Place in Creation.” Asia Journal of Theology 20, no 1 (Apr 2006): 114-127. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed November 12, 2008), 124.

[7] McConnell, “In his Image,” 124.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ibid, 125.

[10] Greathouse and Dunning, An Introduction to Wesleyan Theology, 67.

[11] Ibid.

The Words of Encouragement

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. - Psalm 40:2-4

                                                                                                                                A new Song. These are some difficult times for many. Over and over again I am hearing about individuals losing jobs, health care, relationship problems and so much more. Yes, we have heard these things before, but now seems to be a season of these issues in the lives of people.  Many have become discouraged and are finding it difficult to wait on their changes. Many are losing hope and have become hopeless.
 
As I thought about how to encourage someone this week, this scripture came to my mind. The psalmist states that God lifted him out of the pit and set his feet on a firm ground. Think about this. What does it feel like when things are going against you? You feel as if you have been thrown in a pit and all the slimy, thick mud is trying to pull you further in. That's what this psalmist says, they were in a pit and it was pulling them under.
 
When financial problems hit or relationship problems arise it feels as if you are being pulled further into the problem and it is not comfortable. The wonderful news is that we do not have to simply be pulled into the problems further because we have an avenue of help available to us.
 
The promise to you and I is that God will place us on a firm foundation. Does this mean you will be exempt from problems? No, but it does mean that you and I do not have to be comsumed by them. What God promises to his children is that he will pull us up out of our situations and in the process he will gives us firm foundation. This firm foundation is him. We can stand on that "solid rock" that will never give away.
 
God promises to also put a new song in our mouth and a hymn of praise. Why do you think this is so exciting? Why this is so exciting is because it is out of the ordinary. It is normal for us to be discouraged, disheartened and like a caged bird that does not sing. It is out of the ordinary, a supernatural change that makes us able to sing in times when we are locked in the cages of our situations.
 
When we sing God says that others will see us and fear him. They will see our responses to the things around us but will be amazed at our response. Our response is not like an ordinary response. It is a supernatural response. It is supernatural because you and I cannot sing a new song unless God gives it to us. The scripture says God will give us a new song. 
 
Today, let us rejoice and sing the praises of our God as he places within our hearts a new song; a song of joy, peace, and love. This new song is not a sad song but one that calls us to rejoice because God has saved us from our pits and has set our feet on a solid foundation.
 
Prayer: Lord today we say thank you for providing for us in our times of lack and in our times of need. We thank you that you do not allow our situations to pull us down and to engulf us. We thank you for pulling us up, up toward you and setting our feet on solid ground. You are that solid ground that we stand on. You never change even when our situations and circumctances do. We sing praises to you because you have given us this song of praise. Amen.

The Week in Review

The Image of God: Why Did God Create Me (part 2)?

Written by Minister Jewel D. Williams

December 11, 2008

Sin: Its effect on God’s Image

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come. (Rom 5:12-14)

Jones states the image of God is not something that can be destroyed. It is not a thing. Jones argues, “understanding at this point will affect our understanding of what happened when Adam and Eve sinned, and will affect our concept of our human need, and what God does for us in salvation.”[1] Finger poses the imago dei of Genesis 1-2 points not only toward God, nor merely to other humans, but also toward the created world. Man was given dominion over the lower creation (Gen 1:26). Adam was told to name the animals (Gen 2:19-20) and to tend the plants (Gen 2:9, 15). However, “these relationships are adversely affected when humankind sins (3:17-19)”[2]

McGrath states, “For Tertullian, humanity retained the image of God after sinning; it could only be restored to the likeness of God through the renewing activity of the Holy Spirit.”[3] McGrath also present that Origen’s approach was that the “image of God” referred to humanity after the fall, whereas the term “likeness of God” referred to man after its perfection at the final consummation.[4] While these two approaches take different positions they do agree that man had the image of God even after the fall, the sin of Adam and Eve.

Berry and Jeeves argue the relationship with God has been disrupted by the fall, although the capacity for relationship remained (Gen 9:6; 1 Cor. 11:7). Greathouse and Dunning pose, “the most obvious fact about the human predicament is that man has fallen away from his original right relation to God.”[5] They further explain their stand regarding the scripture in Romans 5:12-21. They state Paul gives the historical meaning of the original sin. Adam’s disobedience allowed sin to enter the human race and death by sin. They explain, “in this passage Adam and Christ are more than two individuals, they embody the old humanity and the new humanity – the old humanity dead in sin and the new humanity alive in God and free from sin.”[6]

Towner asks the question, “Can the image be smashed or defaced? Since early times, many Christian theologians have taken the ‘fall’ recounted in Gen 3 to be the story of the smashing of the mirror, the irreparable loss of the ‘image of God’ within us.”[7] Towner however presents a different view, “sin and rage, human frailty and perverseness can obscure or distort the capacity – indeed, the inborn need – for relationships with God, people, and the world around us. . . But human nature, shaped in the divine image, remains constant”[8] Richard E. Howard in his book, Newness of Life states, “Sin, then, is self-separation from God in the sense of decentralization, the place which should be occupied by God being assumed by the self.”[9] Howard adds that sin is a relationship, a perverted relationship between God and man. This would agree with the understanding that man does not lose the image of God; it is simply marred or distorted. The relationship has moved from dependency upon God to one desiring to be self-sovereign. Howard states that sin darkened the heart and the mind was depraved. Clark also believes sin has affected man’s ability to think correctly. Clark states, “one result of the fall is the occurrence of incorrect evaluations by means of erroneous thinking.”[10] Sin interferes with thinking. It does not prevent one from thinking, Clark affirms as he states, “sin does not eradicate or annihilate the image. It causes a malfunction, but man still remains man.”[11] Thomas L. Brodie the writer of the article, Genesis As Dialogue – A Literary, Historical, and Theological Commentary, presents another view of the effect of the fall on the image of God. He presents the break in the relationship with Adam and Eve. Brodie states, “When God came around, he found them hiding and denying responsibility – shifting the blame. The result was a stinging call to reality – to their actual states and to the results of their own actions.”[12] Brodie poses that their lives from that point forward would involve pain, especially in relationship and work. When they have children, the children do as the parents have done. “Cain dissatisfied with his status, kills his brother, and when confronted by God, evades reasonability.”[13]


Brodie sums up this understanding in this way, “The alienation between humans, begun in the Garden (covering up, undue desire, and domination), become total in the murder. The relationship with the ground, already difficult in the initial punishment (Gen 3:17-19), becomes more so for Cain (4:10-12).”[14] This learning thus far has shown that the image is not something one possesses but the ability to have a relationship with God. Sins effect on that image is how the relationship has been marred. As stated previously there is still a relationship; however it is one that is distorted. Additional study shows that this relationship is not only distorted between God and man, but also between man and man, and man and all creation. As this study moves to the next section, one will be able to understand how this distorted relationship can be restored to a right relationship (come back next week for installment 3, Jesus: Restoration of the image).

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[1] Jones, Theology of Holiness and Love, 106.

[2] Finger, “Christian Theology Vol. 2/: An Eschatological Approach”, 108.

[3] McGrath, Christian Theology: An Introduction, 441.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Greathouse and Dunning, Wesleyan Theology, 54.

[6] Ibid, 55.

[7] Towner, “Clones of God”, 351.

[8] Ibid, 351-352.

[9] Richard E. Howard, Newness of Life. (USA: Richard E. Howard, 1975), 42.

[10] Clark, “The Image of God in Man”, 218.

[11] Ibid, 219.

[12] Thomas L. Brodie, “Genesis as Dialogue – A Literary, Historical, and Theological Commentary.” New York: Oxford University Press, (2001): 141-145. Oxford Scholarship Online. Oxford Press, (accessed December 8, 2008), 142.

[13] Ibid, 143.

[14] Ibid.

Week in Review

THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:

A CALL TO UNITY, A CALL TO PURPOSE (PART 4)

Written by Minister Jewel D. Williams

2/09

MISUSE OF THE GIFTS/IMMATURITY

Ballenger makes the point that the called have not reached perfection. It is a community is process. Bryant states outside of the Christian community individuals seek to elevate one’s self over others. “People strive to impress with their wealth, power, knowledge, reputation, and popularity. But as Paul sees it, the driving force of Christian fellowship cannot be proud self-assertiveness, jealousy, envy, anger or competitiveness.”[1] Ackerman presents Paul as stating gifts of the Spirit can be wonderful tools for the church only if they are filtered through the cross, but if used for self-service they can become the fuel for problems. Ackerman asserts that Paul wanted to set up a protective boundary of love and holiness around the Corinthian church (when addressing the issue of tongues). In order for this to happen, the believer has to have the mind of Christ, which imitates him by living a life of love as the Holy Spirit moves.


Boa warns of the dangers of abuse. He presents that spiritual gifts are not merely for personal use. They can be abused, however when the gifts are exercised in the power of the flesh. The discovery and use of spiritual gifts is not an option. It is the gifts that shapes one’s ministry. Spiritual gifts should not be a cause of discouragement. Development of the gifts requires time. Spiritual gifts should not be cause for pride. God gives the gifts as he chooses and they are not status symbols or trophies of ones achievements. Spiritual gifts should not be exalted. One should not exalt the gift above the gift Giver, God.


Hays warns that no one should boast about being “spiritual” no matter what gifts one may possess. All the manifestations of the Spirit are to serve God’s purpose for the benefit of the community. Kraus states, “instead what counts is evidence that those spiritual gifts are enabling the church to worship and witness in whatever culture it finds itself.”[2] The believer must be careful to present authentic gifts. These authentic gifts are in harmony with the character of Jesus Christ. They invigorate, they build up and they consol the body of believers. The beauty is the body is continually being changed, formed and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. As the believer continues to present himself or herself as living sacrifices to God, the Holy Spirit can help the individual to remove selfish motives in the usage of the gifts. This is what maturity does in the body to unity them in purpose.

CONCLUSION

Mission was absolutely fundamental to the early church, as it rose from God’s own mission of drawing the lost into a right relationship. The church today must be rooted in God’s love to be energized and empowered to draw others. This is the mission of the church. This purpose is why God equipped each believer with spiritual gifts. The spiritual gifts were given to men by the Holy Spirit to prepare them to work in unity for the purpose of building each other, adding to the kingdom and glorifying God in the process. This writing has shown that love has been the driving force behind the mission of God. It is essential motivation for the believer to be enabled to use ones gift. If the motivation is done without love it becomes selfish and self-seeking. Waldrop states regarding the mission as fulfilled through Christ “ . . . finding its course in a mandate given by him to his followers who would form the Church empowered for mission by the Holy Spirit. In this way, the Church participates in the mission dei as sign, agent and sacrament unto the consummation of the reign of God as the eschanton.”[3]


The Holy Spirit distributes the gifts to the body to facilitate maturity in the body as she fulfills the purpose of why Christ left her here in this world. Therefore, it is love that is vital to the believer fulfilling the mission and being the sign to a dying world as the gifts are exhibited.



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[1] Robert A. Bryant, 2004. "Romans 12:1-8." Interpretation: A Journal of Bible & Theology 58, no. 3: 287-290. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed January 22, 2009).

[2] Norman C. Kraus, God Our Savior, 168.


[3] Richard E. Waldrop, "PENTECOSTAL PERSPECTIVES ON HOLISTIC CHURCH MISSION TODAY." Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies 10, no. 2: 178-191. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed January 23, 2009).

Words of Encouragement

Love Motivates

                                                                                                                          When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.  - John 21:15-17

On yesterday, my pastor preached from this scripture. He titled his message Motive of ministry. As he was preaching there were several notes I took. As I wrote I knew this would be our lesson for this week. This is not his message. What in fact happened was as he preached, he sparked things in me that I believe the Lord was showing would be important for us this week.

There are several points this scripture brings to mind that is important for us to look at regarding our walk with God.

1. Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. - The reason was to help Peter understand what Christ is looking for from his followers. The question of do you love me, should spark us to ask ourselves this question. Do I do for Christ because of duty or am I motivated by the love within my heart. If one does for Christ it would seem logical that the answer is yes, it is love. Unfortunately this is not always the truth. Sometimes we have faulty reasoning or understanding about what is required of us from God. We believe if we "do" then that is what makes us safe. But if love is not the motivating factor we miss what Jesus was trying to present to Peter, if you love me, you will feed and care for my sheep. He did not says feeding my sheep shows you care, he said loving me (first) will motivate you to care for my sheep. See the order. That is what matters to God, putting our love for him in the right order.

2. Our love for Christ will motivate us to seek what we can give. - Peter was distressed when Christ asked him three times if he loved him. Why was he distressed? Peter was distressed because his love for Christ was important to  him and his desire was to show that love. He thought the questioning of Christ was in fact a doubt of his love. However, sometimes God has to challenge us, call us out or remind us by questioning us, do you love me? He does it to motivate our love for him to seek what is it you require of me. What can I give to you? If any believer is to be what Christ has called them to be, they must allow God's Spirit to challenge them about where they stand in God. Are you motivated to to give yourself to God? Are you so passionate about your love for Christ that you seek him daily to see what you can do to honor him?

3. Love motivates us to make everything about God and not about us. - This is one of the most important things any believer can understand, that this walk, this life is not about you, but about God.  I often tell people when they ask me why I do not promote myself, or seek for speaking engagement that this is not my ministry. I am not promoting myself. If God wants me to speak, he will direct the person to come to me. If he wants my book to be in different places he will open up the doors. I know this is considered unwise by some, but I know what God showed me. He told me he would promote me all I have to do is obey him. "If you love me, you'll obey me" is often what God speaks to me when I am trying to "win" my own way. It quickly reminds me of whose ministry this really is. So if we love God we will not seek to promote ourselves, our agendas or our plans. In fact we will simply find great pleasure in simply obeying what he tells us to do.

4. Love motivates us to love like Jesus loved us. - Jesus was also telling Peter a vital lesson in his question. What he was saying to Peter is if you love me as you say you do, then that love for me will motivate you to love others as I love you. I can say all the right things and appear just right, but if I do not love the people God loves (that is everybody) I miss the mark of what love means to him. Love to God means I am willing to pour myself out, I am willing to pick up my cross, I am willing to take the abuse, the rejection, the mocking, etc. all for the cause of Christ which in itself is to reach people. Christ came and died for sinners (me included), that's people! If we do not love people and seek to reach the lost can we really say we love God?

This week I pray for many that are going throught some difficulties and maybe you feel others have forgotten you. Maybe you have a need and you just need someone to walk alongside of you today. See, when Christ ask me, Jewel do you love me, and I says yes I want him to say, yes I see you are feeding my sheep (caring for those that need me.)

I pray that God would touch each of you this week that read these words. Father open financial doors for those that stand in need of a financial blessing. Touch bodies of those that are sick. Heal emotions, spirits and bodies. You call us to reach out to others because of our love for you so through this prayer may you touch the needs of those that are standing in lack this week. You are the provider. Give clarity to someone this week that is in need of direction, because you are the way maker. Heal, comfort, touch and bless. May you glorify yourself this week in us, this is my humble prayer, Amen.

The Week in Review

THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:
A CALL TO UNITY, A CALL TO PURPOSE (PART 3)
Written by Minister Jewel D. Williams
2/09

USAGE OF THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS

In summary, God’s Son through his love enacted God’s mission. The love of God then equips the believer to receive the empowerment of love to carry out the mission. To do this, God presented diverse gifts to the church through the Holy Spirit. These gifts have specific purposes. The purposes are to mature the saints, equip them for service and to build the kingdom.

Gifts – Maturing the Saints

Isam E. Ballenger in his article, Ephesians 4:1-16 posits the church, which accepts the mission of God is to be one with God. The purpose is to bring the whole creation into harmony. The Holy Spirit enables this to happen, “whereby humankind may participate with God for the purpose of restoring unity.”[1] David A. Ackerman adds to the topic of maturity in his article, Fighting Fire with Fire: Community Formation in 1 Corinthians 12-14. He presents the mature Christian community is made up of individuals who are Christ-focused and Spirit-filled. He states Paul begins his discussion in the scripture focusing of the gifts in the context of Christology. The reason is Christ lies as the answer for both unity in the church and empowerment for service. “Without the cross, the gifts of the Spirit become rallying points for self-glorification. Without the Spirit, the power of the cross is not able to penetrate the inner person where transformation takes place.”[2]

Sydney H.T. Page adds additional information regarding maturity. In his article, Whose Ministry? – A Re-Appraisal of Ephesians 4:12 states the scripture affirms that Christ gave gifts to the church in order that through exercising of them the body might come to maturity. Bryant states the life in Jesus Christ brings renewal and transformation for both the individual as well as the community. When the believer is seeking to live for God, to follow his way, then the Holy Spirit reshapes the lives and relationships of the believer. Repentance and acceptance of God’s redeeming grace makes it possible for a new way of living and loving in community as the believer matures.

Gifts – Equipping the Saints

As the believer matures, they are better able to use their gifts for the equipping of one another. Page states Christ provided the church with apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip the saints to do his work. Gilbert W. Stafford writer of the book Theology for Disciples posits that the wrong point to start when seeking to discover gifts is within ones self apart from the purpose of the church. The scriptural focus is to consider the needs of the church and how ones gifts would equip others within the body. He warns that charismata is never for individualistic pleasure but always for corporate edification.[3] He further states the gifts are evidence that God’s divine mission of edifying is taking place in the life of the church. He further intimates that part of Christian unity is the oneness of faith and order in the life, work, mission and witness of the body. As the people of God use the gifts they edify the body. The body then is able to grow as each invests in the whole.

Michael J. Anthony in his book, Christian Education: Foundations for the Twenty-first Century presents input from an educational stand. He states the church is placed in service to work in a three-fold way. The focus upward is to God to glorify, worship, love and be in communion with God. The focus inward is to grow and nature itself in love and community and to care for the needs of the saints. The last is outward, which is to bring the good news to a world without God.[4] Anthony argues the spiritual formation of the body is more than a transfer of knowledge from a teacher to a learner. It requires a holistic growth and development within the body. The goal is maturity. Boa presents three overarching reasons for the Spirit gifts. First, knowing one’s spiritual gifts brings satisfaction and helps the believer to present their unique significance to the body. The second point he presents is that one’s gifts edify others. The primary purpose is ecclesiastical – build up and purify the church as the body and bride of Christ. The third reason is God will be glorified. Ultimately when one uses their gifts it brings glory to God.

Gifts – Building the Kingdom

Bertil Ekström writer of the article, The Kingdom of God and the Church Today, states it is important for individuals today to look at the church and how she fits into the whole issue of the kingdom of God. “I believe the church is God’s idea and creation. We have, of course, the Old Testament background where a nation was formed to be the channel for blessing for the whole mankind.”[5] So, today the body of Christ must make the kingdom visible, attractive and present in a fallen world. As the body works in unity of the Spirit the world is able to see the kingdom active and the kingdom is advanced making disciples for Christ. Knell states mission is entrusted to the church. The church was left here on earth for a reason. It was to be a witness for Christ.
Richard E. Waldrop, writer of the article, Pentecostal Perspectives on Holistic Church Mission Today contributes by stating all mission begins with emanates from the Triune God. He states God is a missionary God (for he first sent his son). Waldrop quotes Emil Brunner as saying “The Church exists by mission, just as fire exists by burning.”[6] In regards to the different missionary ventures of the church, it is the Spirit that proceeds and inspires the mission. This reminds the believer it is the Triune God one follows and not one’s self or own abilities. The gifts of the Holy Spirit equip the believer to go into the world and make disciples (come back next week for the next installment).

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[1] Isam E. Ballenger, “Ephesians 4:1-16.” Interpretation: A Journal of Bible & Theology 51, no. 3:292. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed January 23, 2009).

[2] David A. Ackerman, “Fighting Fire with Fire: Community Formation in 1 Corinthians 12-14.” Evangelical Review of Theology 29, no. 4: 347-362. Academic Search Complete, ESBCOhost (accessed January 23, 2009)

[3] Gilbert W. Stafford, Theology for Disciples, (Anderson: Warner Press, 1996), 191.

[4] Michael J. Anthony, Christian Education: Foundations for the Twenty-first Century, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005), 40.

[5] Bertil Ekstrom. 2003. "The Kingdom of God and the Church Today." Evangelical Review of Theology 27, no. 4: 292-305. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed January 23, 2009).

[6] Richard E. Waldrop. 2007. "PENTECOSTAL PERSPECTIVES ON HOLISTIC CHURCH MISSION TODAY." Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies 10, no. 2: 178-191. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed January 23, 2009).

The Week in Review

The Image of God: Why Did God Create Me?
Written by Minister Jewel D. Williams
December 11, 2008

THE IMAGE OF GOD: WHY DID GOD CREATE ME?

THESIS

A great deal of attention has been given to the meaning of man being made in the image of God by the scholarly world resulting in many perspectives. However, to be made in the image of God fundamentally means one is created to be a child of God. The fall, sins effect on the image, if any, and the plan of salvation through Jesus all point to the image being man’s ability to have a relationship with God. This topic is one that is vital in understanding the truth of the human identity and gaining understanding into why God created man.

Introduction

A vast amount of attention has been directed at answering the question “what does it mean to be made in the image of God?” Writers R.J. Berry and Malcolm Jeeves in their article, The Nature of Human Nature confirm this quest for meaning when they state, “Unsurprisingly, scholars down the ages have wrestled to define the characteristics of humanness, ranging from Confucius in the fifth century BC, to Richard Dawkins in the twentieth century AD.”[1] W. Sibley Towner, in his writing titled, Clones of God, pose the question of who has the image when he writes, “Can it be that all of us alike – the saints, the sinners, the able, the differently abled, Christians, jihadists, atheists – are in some limited way ‘clones of God,’ who, to those who have eyes to see, display God’s likeness?”[2] Towner further clarifies when he states, “‘Clone’ is incorrect. But ‘image’ is exactly the startling theomorphic and indubitably powerful claim of the Bible.”[3] Towner’s position is that the Bible emphasizes human beings are distinct from their Creator, yet something inside is an “icon of God”.

The question, what is the image of God and what does it means to have it, is one that has been answered in many different ways. As the scholarly world presents the vast understanding of what it means to be made in the image of God, one important feature stands apart. To be made in the image of God fundamentally means one is created to be a child of God. The fall of Adam and Eve, sins effect on the image, if any and the plan of salvation through Jesus all point to this crucial position of the image of God in man is man’s ability to have a relationship with God. This study is one that will help the individual understand the truth of the human identity and gain understanding into why God created man.

Man: In The Image of God

Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Gen 1:26-27)

Alister E. McGrath in the book, Christian Theology: An Introduction, examines the place of humanity within creation. “A text of central importance to a Christian understanding of human nature is Genesis 1:27, which speaks of humanity being made in God’s image and likeness – an idea which is often expressed with reference to the Latin phrase imago Dei.”[4] McGrath presents one approach regarding what it means to be made in the image of God in terms of human reason. “The ‘image of God’ is understood to be the human rational faculty, which here mirrors the wisdom of God.”[5] McGrath presents Augustine argument that it is this faculty that distinguishes humanity from the animal kingdom.

Gordon H. Clark in his article, The Image of God in Man, states his concurrence that the image of God is related to mans ability to reason. “The image must be reason because God is truth, and fellowship with him – a most important purpose in creation – requires thinking and understanding.”[6] Clark poses without the ability to reason there can be no morality or righteousness because these two require thought. Animals lack these and are neither righteous nor sinful.[7]

Thomas N. Finger writer of Christian Theology Vol. 2/: An Eschatological Approach, pose theologians cite Genesis 1 and 2 regarding the image in humanity as the biblical basis for quite divergent anthropologies. Finger states, “For Thomas Aquinas, the imago dei referred ‘soley to the mind.’ For Calvin and Charles Hodges the will was also included. Hodge however also mentioned humanity’s rule over the lower creation (Gen 2:15, 20a; 9:1-3)”[8] Finger also mentions later Calvinism “cultural mandate” through which humanity subdued nature and developed civilization. This emphasis is on humanity’s ability to shape itself and the world in partnership with God.[9]

Berry and Jeeves argue a key feature of conventional Christian understanding of humanness has been a divine image enshrined within a human frame.[10] They state the debate about human nature have tended to have two focuses: our origins and antiquity on one side, and our intrinsic make-up on the other hand. Berry and Jeeves pose the traditional way of defining humanity is to seek particular criteria that show the uniqueness of the human condition. They propose five ways which James Barr identifies the image of God, the imago Dei. 1) Rationality as argued by Augustine and Aquinas and accepted by Luther and many of the Reformers, 2) the possession of a soul, 3) physical distinctiveness, 4) functionality – dominion over the world and 5) the capacity for relationship – with God and with other creatures.[11]

The imago Dei becomes not just the ability for relationship, but the relationship itself. The ability to have a relationship with God and with each other clearly is exemplified in Jesus who alone is fully the image of God. Berry and Jeeves submit one should not think of the image of God as something one possesses.

William M. Greathouse and H. Ray Dunning in their book, An Introduction to Wesleyan Theology, present their finding on what it means to be created in the image of God. “Man stands in a unique relationship to his Creator. He may obey God and enjoy holy communion with his Heavenly Father, or he may disobey and discover the judgment and wrath of God.”[12] Greathouse and Dunning quote John Wesley’s phrase, “capable of God.”[13] This capacity for God distinguishes man from all other creation. The Creator is personal and he created man to resemble him in this way. Nothing man can do will ever change that.

Norman C. Kraus in his writing, God Our Savior: Theology in a Christological Mode, argues this important point, “We achieve our authentic potential for human selfhood in a covenant relationship with God the ultimate person, when we live in mutual interdependence and personal respect for others under that covenant.”[14] This means humans have the ability for a relationship which demands an ultimate commitment. “In Biblical terminology the unique potential of the human animal and the human species for a free, self-conscious, and responsible relationship to God is referred to as being ‘made in God’s image.’”[15]

Kenneth E. Jones in his book, Theology of Holiness and Love, presents additional thinking regarding the image of God. “It is clear that human beings are not physically like God, as God has no physical appearance to be imitated.”[16] Jones poses in some Mormon writings God is said to have a physical body, however the Bible does not support this belief. Jones quotes from John 4:24 where God is a spirit and he seeks those to worship him in spirit and in truth. Jones also presents John Wesley’s three aspects on the image of God. These three aspects are natural, political and moral.[17] What Wesley meant by the natural image was the human power of understanding, the will and freedom to exercise the will by choosing. By the political aspect, he meant the ability and responsibility of exercising some protective control over God’s creation. Finally, the moral aspect of the image of God manifests itself in “righteousness and true holiness” (Eph 4:24).[18] Jones states the most important thing that can be said about the image of God is that a human is capable of knowing and loving God so as to live for his glory.

This writing cannot cover all the different views regarding the image of God. However in the views examined, there is an overarching reference to God’s image being mans ability to be in relationship with God. This leads one to the next question in the discovery of the image of God in man, does sin shatter this image or does the image remain in man yet somehow changed? This leads to the next topic of sin and its effect on man’s image.

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[1] R.J. Berry and Malcolm Jeeves, “The Nature of Human Nature.” Science & Christian Belief 20, no. 1: 3-47. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 3, 2008), 3.
[2] W. Sibley Towner, “Clones of God.” Interpretation: A Journal of Bible & Theology 59, no. 4: 341-356. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed December 3, 2008), 341.
[3] Ibid, 342.
[4] Alister E. McGrath, Christian Theology: An Introduction. (Malden: Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2001), 440.
[5] Ibid, 441.
[6] Gordon Haddon Clark, “The Image of God in Man.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 12, no. 4: 215-222. ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials, EBSCOhost (accessed October 26, 2008), 218.
[7] Clark, “The Image of God in Man”, 218.
[8] Thomas N. Finger, “Christian Theology Vol. 2: An Eschatological Approach.” Scottdale: Herald Press, (1989). NetLibrary Online Reader, eBook: 9780585246802, 102.
[9] Ibid.
[10] Berry and Jeeves, The Nature of Human Nature, 4.
[11] Berry and Jeeves, The Nature of Human Nature, 25.
[12] Williams M. Greathouse and H. Ray Dunning, An Introduction to Wesleyan Theology. (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 1989), 53.
[13] Ibid.
[14] C. Norman Kraus, “God Our Savior: Theology in A Christological Mode” Scottdale: Herald Press, (1991). NetLibrary Online Reader, eBook: 9780585233765, 106.
[15] Kraus, “God Our Savior: Theology in A Christological Mode”, 114.
[16] Kenneth E. Jones, Theology of Holiness and Love. (Lanham: University Press of America, Inc., 1995), 106.
[17] Ibid, 107.
[18] Ibid.

Words of Encouragement

I was talking to my husband about what he was studying this week. He told me he was studying about faith in God. He mentioned that there is faith in God's will, faith in his character and faith in God's ability. As I listened to what he was studying, I thought it would be a good lesson for this week. I hope this lesson will bless you this week as we talk about faith in God.

MONDAY
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. - Deuteronomy 7:9

A Faithful God. Today's scripture talks about the faithfulness of God. There is a promise in this verse. What is that promise? The promise is that God wll keep his covenant (his agreement). What did he promise? He said he would love generations of those who love him and keep his commands. The encouragement is to remember that the Lord is the only God and he is a faithful God. If God is faithful then that means we can trust in him.

There are some key points that we need to see and that is the promise of faithfulness is given to those that love God and keep his commands. We know that God loves all people and he shows that love because he continues to seek the lost, but the promise of the covenant is to those that belong to the Father. This means that we can seek from God and know that because we are included in his covenant of love we can find him and the answer to our prayers. Today let us rejoice in knowing that we have a faithful God in whom we can place our trust.

Prayer: Lord, today we thank you for first being a faithful God that keeps his promises. We have the assurance of your love and of your mercy, which is new every morning. Thank you for today's new mercy and your continued show of love. Amen.



TUESDAY

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1

Our Faith in God. What makes us able to have faith? We all have faith in something. We have faith in our own abilities, or in people or in things. If you sit in a chair again and again, after some time you trust that chair will continue to hold you. If you sat in a chair and each time you sat in it, you fell, you would not trust that chair to be useful. While this is a simply explanation, it is how faith works. Faith is simply trusting in something or someone to be reliable.

The faith we place in God is trusting in him to be reliable. We can know that God is reliable because he tells us he is and his history with his people has shown him to be so. This is a simply faith. What about a deeper faith, a trusting in God in those areas that we have never had to rely on him before?

The faith that we must have in God is one that says I trust him and am sure of his faithfulness. Because I am sure of his faithfulness I know what I hope in. We talked about hope last week, and we ended that on talking about our hope not being in things but in God. Therefore our hope in God is assured because we understand God to be faithful to the faithful. In this way we can have assurance of him providing even for those things we do not yet see. We may not yet see our release from our situations (lack of money, sickness, relationship problems), but we have a hope in the faithful God that will take care of our needs.

Prayer: Lord today we thank you for being the faithful God that we place our faith in. We do not trust in ourselves or in things because they are temporary, but you are eternal and everlasting and you never fail. Thank you today for your faithfulness in taking care of the needs of your children. Today we pray not only for ourselves but also for others that we see in need of a hope, a hope in you.


WEDNESDAY
Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God. What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge." - Romans 3:2-4


Faith in the Character of God. The question asked by the apostle Paul is if someone lacks faith does this nullify God's faithfulness? His response is NO (amen to that). This scripture speaks to the character of God. God is who he is not because of us or how we respond to him. He is! God's character does not change, but his character can change us! The scripture says that God is true and every man a liar. God's character is the total essence of truth, there is no wrong found in God.

Even when we lack faith (and if we are truthful to ourselves, sometimes we lack faith in the ability of God), God does not change. I rejoice because in those times when my faith is waning, the character of God helps me to see his faithfulness. I'll give you an example. Have you ever been in a situation where it did not seem to be going your way? Maybe you had a bill that was due and no money in sight. You began to doubt if things would be taken care of. That doubt is simply a lack of faith. Yet, it did not change God's faithfulness or his promise of love to those that love him. So from no where came the provisions for that bill. You rejoiced "after" it was paid, but you complained before it was. Your complaining did not stop God from being faithful.

I don't know if you're hearing me, but I rejoice in this reminder myself. I've complained when I didn't see my way. I've complained when I wanted things to stop. But my complaining did not stop the faithfulness of God. He still blessed me even when my "doubt", lack of faith in his ability in this situation rose its head. His character did not change, but his character is surely changing me!

Prayer: Lord, first forgive us our doubting and help us in our unbelief. Not just the unbelief in your word but our doubting your ability to care for us when we face difficulties. Help us to hold onto the assurance you have given us that you will never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you for being a faithful God and help us to be a more faithful people. Amen.


THURSDAY
 to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them master craftsmen and designers. - Exodus 35:33-35

Faith in the Ability of God. This scripture is talking about the work that was going on amongst the people of God regarding the requirements in the tabernacle. This scripture states that artistic abilites were given and that two men were give the ability to teach others.  It talks about the craftsmen and designers. These are all abilities that we sometimes take as just someones skills. However, the scripture reminds us who gives individuals abilities to do the artistic, the craftmanship and the designing. These gifts and all good gifts are pass down from the father above. Simply put, God is the giver off all gifts (to all mankind God gives natural gifts). There are other gifts that God only gives to his children by redemption (spiritual gifts).

What is the significance of this? It is to remind us that abilities come from God. I cannot write books, poems or any such thing had God not "wired" me a certain way. These gifts then should be given back to God so that he can use them along with the spiritual gifts he gives to add to the kingdom. Gods abilities work in several ways. He first enables us by giving to us natural talents and spiritual gifts. This enabling serves to be the avenue of God's power at work in the world.  The second way his ability works is that he is able to do as he says he will as well as he pleases. You and I have really no choice in how we are "abled". Meaning I did not decide what natural talents I would have. Nor do I chose what spiritual gifts I will have. God alone makes that choice and he does it because he knows what he wants to accomplish through every single person.  It should also encourage us by knowing that God has the ability to not only gift us, but he is able to take care of us. He is able to answer our prayers, change our lives and keep us in times of difficulties. God is more than able.

Prayer: Lord, today we say, we believe. We believe in your ability. You are the great God of all gifts. If you can give gifts as you choose, surely you can keep each of us. We believe in your power to save and to keep us until that day of judgment. We believe you are a God of love that will show us mercy and guidance. Today we settle it within our souls that if you say it in your word, even the devil himself will not shake that truth. Today we have faith in your ability. You are able. Amen.

FRIDAY
 So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.' "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." - Joshua 24:13-15

Faith in the will of God. Joshua was reminding the children of Israel about the goodness and faithfulness of God. Inspite of their continued disobedience, God showed himself faithful to them. Here Joshua reminds them that they have lived in areas they did not build, ate food they did not have to work hard for. God did the work. Therefore, he says serve him and let go of those other gods you have served before. Make the decision today to serve the one and true God.
 
The scripture serves today as a admonition for us to examine ourselves. Let's take a quick history lesson in our lives. Has God opened doors that you could not open? Has he provided provisions that you did not have to toil for? Did he provide a roof over your head, that you know you really shouldn't have, but he gave it to you? Then if so, the call is to be reminded this came about all because of the ability and character of a faithful God. He keeps his promises even if we falter and become weak. He calls then for us to turn away from all those other gods we served. What gods did we serve? We served ourselves, that false trinity of Me, Myself and I. We served the god of lust, seeking to please our flesh, we served the god of self-importance, and the list goes on. In one scripture from Jeremiah is said that the people had more gods than they had cities. That's how much we put in front of God. But today, we are called to place our faith in the will of God. That requires us to seek after what is pleasing to God. Today we make this stand as Joshua did, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord, because that is the will of God.
 
Prayer: Lord as we go to worship this weekend, help us to renew our faith in you. If we have seek that our faith is not as it should be, then we ask you to help us move from faith to faith, from glory to glory. Help us make the choice of yielding ourselves to you so that we can become the people you have called us to be. We no longer want to be a surface believer, but we want to go deeper. Have your way in us. Amen.

The Week in Review

THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:

A CALL TO UNITY, A CALL TO PURPOSE (PART 2)

Written by Minister Jewel D. Williams

2/09

WHO GIVES THE GIFTS?

McGrath points out that the church has traditionally understood the work of the Holy Spirit to focus on three areas: revelation, salvation and the Christian life.[1] He also posits that many writers believe the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the Christian life, both individually and corporately. He states Cyril of Alexandria was one that stressed this importance to bring unity within the church. He quotes Cyril as saying “All of us who have received the one and the same Spirit, that is the Holy Spirit, are in a sense merged together with one and with God.”[2]

There are other writers that express the Holy Spirit as the enabler for the people of God. Steve Mosher, the author of God’s Power, Jesus’ Faith, and World Mission: A Study in Romans states the abilities (spiritual gifts) are God-given, and result from God’s powerful mercy. He presents the gifts are gifts of grace that are divinely empowered and not natural abilities or hidden talents.[3] Kenneth E. Jones in his book, Theology of Holiness and Love adds to this declaration. He presents that all individuals have natural abilities, and these are also given by God but are different from the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He encourages all believers, however to develop those talents and use them for God.

Romanus Cessario inserts from his book, Christian Faith and the Theological Life when he states, “Not only does God infuse virtues into the believer, he also imparts to them the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These graces render the Christian living by faith fully alert and readily docile to God.”[4] He states that Christ promised to send the third divine Person of the blessed Trinity as Comforter and Advocate.


Cessario inserts that the church describes the gifts as permanent dispositions in the believer to equip the believer to surpass the basically human mode. Jones on the other hand argues that the gifts are not necessarily permanent. “If one backslides, for instance, he loses both the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus, and the special grace of God in the Holy Spirit by whom he was enabled to work in the Kingdom of God.”[5] Jones sums up this section as he explains the gifts are given to the church. They are given as God chooses. There are a variety of gifts and there is unity in this diversity. This is all done under the governance of God over the church through his Spirit.[6] Whether one believes the gifts are permanent or can be lost, all agree God gives the gifts empowering the believer through the Holy Spirit. The topic now turns to who receives these gifts, the church.



WHO RECEIVES THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS?

Richard B. Hays writes in his book, First Corinthians: Interpretation, A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching all members of the community receive gifts of the Spirit. These gifts are not simply for a few leaders or spiritual super-endowed prodigies.[7] He states furthermore that God gives these gifts for the benefit of the entire community not simply for private edification of the individual. Cessario affirms Hays’ point when he states, “at times in the history of theology, the gifts have been presented as spiritual endowments reserved for those very advanced in the spiritual life.”[8] He presents it was Aquinas that set this as an important point when he associated the gifts with everyday Christian life and taught they are a part of the life of every believer. He further presents Aquinas stated the gifts worked only through love. Cessario said Aquinas stated the gifts “are connected with one another in charity, in such wise that one who has charity has all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, while none of the gifts can be had without charity.”[9] Boa adds that the three major New Testament lists of gifts are all introduced by a description that states there should be unity and diversity in this body. He further states these gifts (Charismata) are signs of God’s free grace. These gifts are distributed in diverse ways so that “the church can never be homogeneous; it is to be made up of various individuals exercising different gifts and ministries.”[10]


Thomas N. Finger, author of Christian Theology Vol. 2/: An Eschatological Approach presents addition information to consider when thinking about the spiritual gifts. He states the earliest of Christian communities brought different kinds of people together. “While members of the earliest communities were Jewish, fellowship among Jews scattered throughout the nations was a notable occurrence.”[11] This community of believers as presented by Finger examples the earliest spread of the Gospel to the world. The Spirit uniting of different people spilled over to draw the Samaritans (Acts 8:4-26), an Ethiopian (8:26-39), Greek (11:20) and later Gentiles (10-11:18; 15). This continued movement of the Holy Spirit through the body of believers as they used their gifts continued the movement of God’s kingdom toward all nations.[12]


C. Norman Kraus author of the book, God our Savior: Theology in a Christological Mode tells more about this community of believers that receive the gifts of the Spirit. He states first the church is not a social community or movement, nor is it a private spiritual club. “It is more than an association of those who enjoy the same private spiritual experience.”[13] He affirms the church is the social body or organism that lives and is enabled by the Spirit under the Lordship of Christ. It is the gift of the Spirit that enables the gifts to be a sign of the coming rule of God.[14] Therefore, all the gifts (Charismata) are for the common welfare and witness of the church and there are a variety of gifts within the body.


John Burnaby in his presentation of Augustine’s work in the book, Augustine: Later Works posits Augustine’s words regarding the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Burnaby presents Augustine as stating not everyone has every gift, but everyone has at least one gift. Augustine further presents the importance of why there is diversity of gifts. “Both prophet and apostle have spoken in the plural of ‘gifts’ because through the one Gift which is the Holy Spirit there is a distribution to the community of all Christ’s members of many gifts, appropriate to each of them.”[15] As he further expounds that Paul asked the question are all apostles or are all prophets? He concludes the gifts are diverse for the building up of the body so they may become the house, which is called the church.

Jones presents there are five lists of spiritual gifts (Romans 12:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 12:28; 12:29-30; Ephesians 4:11). Each of these lists is different. Hays presents this is not an exhaustive list of spiritual gifts as we can see the differing list found in the scripture. He states these gifts only serve to represent the diversity of the working of the Spirit. Jones presents the gifts as first prophecy, which is on all five lists. This gift as stated by Jones refers to the proclamation of God’s truth under the anointing of the Spirit. Boa adds this can involve foretelling future events, although it’s primary purpose is forthtelling. Jones presents secondly, teaching. Teaching is on four of the five lists. It is the essential work of instructing people in the truth of the Bible. Boa adds it is the ability to explain clearly and to apply the truths of God’s Words so that others can learn. The third in the list is apostle. He adds this is mainly applied to the twelve and to Paul. Boa does not have this on his list.

Next are miracles and healings. Each is in three of the lists and are very similar. There are people God has gifted to bring healing to the sick. Christoffer H. Grundmann in his article, He Sent Them Out to Heal! – Reflections on the Healing Ministry of the Church offers his insight into the gifts of healing. “Healing is nothing alien to biblical tradition. Healing has been presented among the people of God from earliest times (Exod 15:26) and was linked to faith in the living God.”[16] He further states, however that healing poses enormous challenges to conventional theology. He believes this explains the reluctance of church authorities and theologians to address this matter. One of the challenges is that this gift is not a Christian prerogative and is not at anyone’s disposal. As proof of the doubt in the gift of healing, he states “already in the New Testament we read that Jesus’ own healings were doubted.”[17] Jesus healed by the authority of God and his disciples did likewise in “his name.” Grundmann argues this presents that the very ministry is vested with an authority not in the hand of the disciples but in the name of Christ. The challenge of this gift is if it is real or not, but it is not the requirement of the child of God to prove God right, that is God’s very own work. Hays poses healing, miracles and revelatory speech should be portrayed as everyday occurrences with this Spirit-endowed community.


Jones’ list continues as follows: tongues, which means language is on three lists. There is translations of tongues (on one list), distinguishing between spirits, utterance of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, helping, administrators, evangelism, pastor, serving, encouraging, giving, showing compassion and exhortation. Boa’s list has some slightly different names. On his list but different on Jones’ is leadership (which is the same as administrator) and mercy (same as compassion). All of these gifts are used to give something to the body as well as something to world. How are these gifts used within the body? (Come back next week for the next installment, "usage of the Spiritual gifts")

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[1] Alister McGrath, Christian Theology, 313.

[2] Ibid, 315.

[3] Steve Mosher, God’s Power, Jesus’ Faith, and World Mission: a Study in Romans, (Scottdale: Herald Press, 1996), 240.

[4] Romanus Cessario, Christian Faith and the Theological Life, (Washington: Catholic University of America Press, 1996), 159.

[5] Kenneth E. Jones, Theology of Holiness and Love, (Lanham: University Press of America, Inc., 1995), 294.

[6] Ibid, 297-300.

[7] Richard B. Hays, First Corinthians: Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1997), 211.

[8] Romanus Cessario, Christian Faith, 161.

[9] Ibid, 169.

[10] Richard B. Hays, First Corinthians, 210.

[11] Thomas N. Finger, Christian Theology Vol. 2/: An Eschatological Approach, (Scottsdale: Herald Press, 1989), 249.

[12] Thomas N. Finger, Christian Theology Vol. 2, 249-250.

[13] C. Norman Kraus, God Our Savior: Theology in a Christological Mode, (Washington: Herald Press, 1991), 164.

[14] Ibid, 166.

[15] John Burnaby, Augustine: Later Works, (London: Westminster John Knox Press, 1955), 163.

[16] Christoffer H. Grundmann, “He Sent Them Out to Heal! – Reflections on the Healing Ministry of the Church” Currents in Theology and Mission 33, no. 5: 372-378, Atlas Religion Database with ATLASerials, EBSCOhost (accessed January 23, 2009).

[17] Christoffer H. Grundmann, “He Sent Them Out to Heal! – Reflections on the Healing Ministry of the Church” Currents in Theology and Mission 33, no. 5: 372-378, Atlas Religion Database with ATLASerials, EBSCOhost (accessed January 23, 2009).

The Week in Review

John 3 and 4 Essay

Jewel D. Williams

God has such a great love for mankind, that he does not want anyone to miss receiving the message of salvation. Therefore Jesus gives the illustration of how to tell the message to others. Jesus encounters several people and relates to each of them in different ways. Jesus shows how to take an encounter and present information that motivates a person to seek him more. Jesus relates to specific people, Nicodemus and the woman at the well, and shows how to present the Gospel successfully.


In the book of John chapter 3, Jesus is approached by Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. Nicodemus was a learned man, a Pharisee, who understood the Law of God. This Nicodemus comes to speak to Jesus by night. It is not stated in the scripture why he came at night. One reason might be not to draw attention to his coming to Jesus. Another reason may be out of his fear of being seen by others, knowing the scrutiny that Jesus was under. Whatever the reason for the late visit, Jesus does not turn him away. The first lesson in this example is to be ready at anytime and in any situation to give an account about Godly things. A believer cannot pick the perfect atmosphere or the circumstances to present the Gospel. There may be some times when the opportunity arises and because of work or other obligations one can be tired, yet one must take the opportunity. One could imagine that after all that Jesus had done, night would have been a time he welcomed to be alone. Yet, he gave himself for the mission.


Nicodemus comes expressing his desire to know more when he calls Jesus a teacher from God. Jesus responds to Nicodemus by presenting to him the necessity and nature of regeneration or new birth. Jesus let Nicodemus know what he needed was a change in his spirit (heart), to be born again. The Jewish people were looking for a savior to come and change the political state, and Nicodemus may have come to be a part of that change. Yet, Jesus let Nicodemus know he came to change the spiritual state of man.


This second example is to let the believer know that one must be ready to give an accurate account of what changes people’s lives, the Gospel message. It will not be the social changes or programs set in place that will change the lives of people, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The pursuit of social changes and programs are only a band-aid on the real problem in society, sin. This is the message Jesus is giving to Nicodemus.

Nicodemus does not show arrogance, but willingly expresses his ignorance when he asks the next question of how is one born again. Jesus goes deeper in his explanation of the Gospel message. He tells Nicodemus that it is by water and the Spirit that one must be born again. Jesus is telling him, it is the cleansing of the Spirit that will make him new or born again. Jesus shows believers by his example, to be willing to take the extra step in explaining the Gospel story. There are those that do not understand and wish to have the message made clear, and one must be willing to explain the basic truth about salvation. Nicodemus was amazed at the message and he could not understand how these things could be. Jesus responds to him, are not you a teacher? The message is clear, even those that should be teachers may be in need of being taught the truth of God. Jesus is showing believers not to be intimidated when presenting the Gospel message to people with credentials or standing in your community. It did not matter that Nicodemus was one taught in the law Jesus knew he was in need of understanding the deeper things. Believers must recognize the Gospel message is for all people. God’s message is for the rich, the poor, the educated, and the uneducated. The Gospel message is for all people because they are precious in his sight.


Jesus used an example of salvation that was familiar to Nicodemus. He tells him about the serpent Moses lifts up in the wilderness. Jesus wants Nicodemus to understand that he was the one sent by God to heal the people of their sins and if Jesus’ name were lifted up, he would draw all men. Nicodemus may have been confused at what the message was, but Jesus continues to explain it. He tells Nicodemus those that come to the light will receive the gift of salvation from God.

“And there came also Nicodemus which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight” (John 19:39). This verse gives witness that Nicodemus had a change in his life after encountering Jesus. He went from knowing about Jesus, to knowing Jesus. This Nicodemus that came to Jesus at night, now comes boldly before all to minister to the Lord’s body. This is encouragement for the believers to be faithful in giving the message even if the fruit is not seen right away. It is God’s spirit that will convict the heart. It is not the individual that does the convicting, but God working through the efforts of those that either plant and/or water (come back next week for the next installment).