tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75034142862457776792024-02-02T10:47:32.806-08:00www.rj-mccauley.blogspot.comRJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.comBlogger301125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-19867060582281593192013-06-13T08:00:00.000-07:002013-06-13T09:53:17.088-07:00The Mission of God and Teens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBZyRvnDaBdaPfz3qJxXk55S-7clbyDYM1t14hyphenhyphenj0-OlntmB34f66P2Egp2fUnJ42mF8I0ZNyqrf6zVCBQFeYlFDoXOYeP36hUhYjOQreaOdwmcoxqHktbSfsbP738QUiFC0Ou61ZRHiv/s1600/Chris_Wright-The_Mission_of_God-book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBZyRvnDaBdaPfz3qJxXk55S-7clbyDYM1t14hyphenhyphenj0-OlntmB34f66P2Egp2fUnJ42mF8I0ZNyqrf6zVCBQFeYlFDoXOYeP36hUhYjOQreaOdwmcoxqHktbSfsbP738QUiFC0Ou61ZRHiv/s320/Chris_Wright-The_Mission_of_God-book.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
One of the greatest books that came out over the past ten years has to be <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Mission-God-Unlocking-Narrative/dp/0830825711/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371138263&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Mission+of+God"><i>The Mission of God</i></a></u> by Christopher J.H. Wright. In this book, he goes through the story of Scripture to reveal how God has had a mission from the beginning; a mission that is centered on a plan and purpose of redemption for all nations. I encourage everyone to invest in this book and apply it to your life. It will cause you to obey the Great Commission, and propel missiological functions in your ministries (i.e. home, family, work, church, small group, etc.).<br />
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One of my favorite biblical texts that mention the mission of God is in Ephesians. Paul writes to the Ephesians a biblical-theological, redemptive-historical summary of the mission of God similar to what Wright discusses in his book. Paul's message to the church in Ephesus was to know the goal of the Gospel - to reconcile sinners to a holy God. It is this reconciling Gospel that brings harmony and unity between God and man through Jesus Christ. Hence, from the beginning, God has been actively involved throughout redemptive history seeking and saving the lost, and it was this reality that came true in Christ among Jews and Gentiles. God does not just bring soteriological unity between God and man, but also among men, Paul says. Thus, Paul's emphasis about the mission of God is revealed in the unity of believers who have been saved through the Gospel. Those who believe in Christ are saved by grace, and therefore are apart of the plan and eternal purpose of God to know him, and are called to now make him known:<br />
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<i>"Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is<b><u> the plan</u></b> of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the <u><b>eternal purpose</b></u> that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory." (Ephesians 3:7-13 ESV)</i></blockquote>
Although this passage resonates with unity among different ethnicity and nationality people groups, I believe "the plan" and "eternal purpose" Paul is explaining absolutely encompasses and involves ages as well. The specific ages I am interested in is teens.<br />
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God desires to use the youth and has proven this to be true. Did you know that it is "college students" who lead the majority of recent revivals and great awakenings for missions over the past five hundred years? And how do you think these college students were able to go out and preach, teach, and reach the nations with the Gospel? They were taught the Word of God as teens. Faithful parents and laymen taught them the fundamental doctrines and truths of Scripture in their young age. God commanded the Jewish people to do this everyday with their children (i.e. teens) in Deuteronomy 6, 11. Throughout the Bible, the word "children" occurs the most in the book of Deuteronomy. The reason why it occurs the most in Deuteronomy is because of the casuistic instructions to remember, repent, and repeat the Word of God given by Moses during the Exodus so the younger generations would worship the one true God, Yahweh. Moses gives timeless instructions, "<u style="font-style: italic;">Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 12:28)."</u> Thus, Deuteronomy tells us to wake up and teach the younger generation so they will be apart of the tribe when they get older and lead the next generation. To lead the next generation, Moses says, is to participate in the plan and purpose of the mission of God he started in the Exodus (and later is fulfilled in Jesus Christ as Paul mentions).<br />
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There are two ways the mission of God unfolds through discipleship. First, biological discipleship is grounded in creational means because the Lord taught Adam to be fruitful and multiply "image-bearers" for God's glory (i.e. raise your children in the ways of the Lord). Simply, believers have children and make them into disciples with the hopes they will do the same when they get older. Second, generational discipleship is grounded in age groups (i.e. do not wast your youthfulness). Teens are to not waste their youth, but use it for the glory of God and reach others their own age. Therefore, in the plan and eternal purpose of God, I would suggest he desires for teens to know Him, and make Him known more than any other age group because of their diversity and ability to reach the massive numbers of the youth in the world.<br />
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I have a heart for teens, and for them to know Jesus Christ. However, that is not enough. My burden is broader than just that because intellectual assent (just a faith, no obedience) or biological acceptance (raised as a Christian) is emptiness. The true way for teens to know Jesus Christ is to know the truths of Scripture (apologetics), the doctrines of grace (salvation), and the love of God (sanctification). All of these things encompass the mission of God. I hope teaching these things to teens will get them involved in the plan and eternal purpose of God as Paul so clearly articulated.RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-79393052291854002322013-06-12T08:00:00.000-07:002013-06-13T10:11:44.619-07:00Dads Need to Read the Bible and PrayI found this so true. I am so disgusted at the fact Christian Dad's are not reading Scripture and praying, specifically in front of their teens. Mark Driscoll went to Twitter with this and tweeted:<br />
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Dads: If you don't read the Bible or pray, your kids will grow up thinking that a real man doesn't read the Bible or pray.<br />
— Mark Driscoll (@PastorMark) <a href="https://twitter.com/PastorMark/status/344942018600005634">June 12, 2013</a></blockquote>
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I am a firm believe alongside Driscoll because any teenager can use a cop-out and say, "You tell me I have to read my Bible and pray everyday, but I never see you read or pray, Dad!" Wow. Being a Dad is ministry. Being a soon to be Dad, who is in ministry, I want to make sure my children will see their Dad reading Scripture and praying in front of them (and with them of course) everyday. There is a visual display of active obedience to the Gospel that all parents must demonstrate. Do not be unrealistic or super spiritual. Reading Scripture and praying in front of our kids is not for personal boasting, but for boasting in the Gospel and importance of reading, studying, mediating, and living out the Scriptures! Be a witness in your home, Dads!RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-72189650607956006482013-06-01T08:00:00.001-07:002013-06-13T10:37:34.601-07:00I Am Going to Have a Girl!At beginning of June, my wife and I had a gender revealing party with our families to find out if we were going to have a boy or girl. We had special cupcakes made for us with a blue or pink filling. We asked the doctor who checked the gender for us during the formal ultrasound to put the gender in a sealed envelope and send it to our baker who would secretly fill the cupcakes with the appropriate filling.<div>
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Well we had the party, cut open the cupcake, and it was PINK! I am going to have a Daddy's girl, a little princess. My wife and I already have a name, Emma Rose McCauley. It is going to be amazing when she is born. I cannot wait!</div>
RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-10482028899658421202013-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:002013-06-13T10:17:11.282-07:00Ravi ZachariasI think<a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/HCN6wV_kD5SfE"> Ravi Zacharias</a> has some of the best content on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a> regarding apologetics and Christianity. Here is a short video on his debate about Jesus Among the other gods/religions. So compelling!<br />
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RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-61756364120464172342013-05-23T08:00:00.000-07:002013-06-13T10:40:02.135-07:00The Beauty of the UltrasoundHere is Baby Mc! Technology is amazing. Check out this shot from the formal ultrasound that my wife and I just came home from at LLUMC. It was a long day at the doctor's office, but it was worth it! This weekend at our gender reveal party, I will find out if it is a boy or girl!<br />
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<br />RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-75450340362440898422013-05-15T10:53:00.000-07:002013-06-13T10:54:57.677-07:00New Middle School Minster @ MABC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3cgfWld2rQSc7l9DFCPQKkhTyaAb0B57H8TEFWaTmMzidNvUbdY_y3asO26iknOjlz94q347hlxjyYRTpMf78I0ezkaJzADnINY2NE8c4s_x0DaBDCDtHsw0yICRX8JucjJVNRTBRi4I/s1600/971545_10201121509550049_1554808876_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3cgfWld2rQSc7l9DFCPQKkhTyaAb0B57H8TEFWaTmMzidNvUbdY_y3asO26iknOjlz94q347hlxjyYRTpMf78I0ezkaJzADnINY2NE8c4s_x0DaBDCDtHsw0yICRX8JucjJVNRTBRi4I/s200/971545_10201121509550049_1554808876_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>God works in mysterious ways. I ended up getting the job at Magnolia Avenue Baptist Church as the youth pastor for Middle School students (Jr. High). I am stoked! There is a lot of work that needs to be done, so pray that I can get on top of it. From worship to Bible study to outreach, I have developed a vision for the ministry to thrive. It is fresh and vibrant, and includes multiple activities to do. I pray the Lord will grow these students in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ unlike ever before (2 Peter 3:18). Teens are part of God's plan, and they need the Gospel! Therefore, it is my aim to do as Paul did and make sure they know Jesus Christ and him crucified above all else (1 Corinthians 2:2).<br />
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My first sermon was on the lifestyle of Romans 1:16, not ashamed of the gospel and living the cross-centered life. God is on the move at MABC Middle School Ministry!<br />
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<br />RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-55203401291464709522013-05-09T08:00:00.000-07:002013-06-13T10:44:49.510-07:00Baby McHere is our first shot of Baby Mc! (aka baby McCauley). My wife and I are so blessed and thankful to the Lord for giving us this precious gift of a child (cf. Psalm 127:3). We pray everything goes smoothly and the pregnancy will be a healthy one! Pray for us. In the meantime, say hi the Baby Mc. This is the baby's first picture, lol.<br />
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<br />RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-43859332427938112392013-05-03T08:00:00.000-07:002013-05-10T01:15:22.506-07:00SBTS OnlineGoing to school online has been very challenging but extremely beneficial. I have been challenged to meet the demands of each class. Yet, I have the flexibility of taking the courses online to manage my schedule throughout each week. Thus, my experience has been pretty awesome. I am impressed with the online <a href="http://moodle.sbts.edu/">Moodle</a> database I use at <a href="http://www.sbts.edu/">The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary</a>. Below are some screen shots of the different styles of courses. <div>
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Some classes are in-class lecture videos, and others are more of a personal in-office lecture videos. I really enjoy the personal in-office lecture videos better because they cover more information and move along quickly compared to the extremely long in-class lecture videos. Sometimes the in-class lectures have question periods which make the video very boring and disengaging since you cannot ask a question. The in-office videos, however, are very inductive keeping the student engaged with the content.</div>
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If you are looking for a seminary that has the scholarship and evangelical foundations, SBTS is the school you want to attend. A majority of leading theologians and OT/NT scholars all teach at this seminary, so it is worth the investment if you need to go online.</div>
RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-71157483387407617642013-05-01T08:00:00.000-07:002013-05-04T12:10:02.513-07:00The G.O.S.P.E.L. - D.A. HortonThis guy is LEGIT! I love D.A. Horton's passion for the gospel. He is the creator of the acronym, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/G-S-P-L-Damon-Horton/dp/0802405894">G.O.S.P.E.L.</a>, a clever way to explain the gospel in urban context:<br />
<br />G - God's Image<br />O - Open Fellowship<br />S - Sin Introduced<br />P - Penalty and Price<br />E - Enter Jesus<br />L - Life Everlasting<br /><br />
There is something I find in common with Horton. I line up with him in his vision on the gospel in ministry: <u><b><i>Contextualizing the gospel without undermining the biblical content.</i></b></u> He believes biblical ministry needs to have one foot in evangelical academia and the other in the church, so his service for the gospel contains a healthy biblical exegesis and exposition of the Scriptures in order to explain the gospel clearly and boldly to others in the urban context. I love this perspective because it is so "Pauline" you can say (cf. Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim. 2:15).<br />
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Enjoy the short message below about sharing the G.O.S.P.E.L. to those in an urban context, and how you can share the gospel in your own urban context for the glory of God!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/64344377?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=126097" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe>RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-60754687265192703822013-04-29T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-30T13:56:42.388-07:00C.H. SpurgeonOn of my favorite preachers in church history is the "prince of preachers" the "people's preacher" named <i>Charles Haddon Spurgeon</i>. There is new book coming out on the life of Spurgeon called <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://christianfocus.com/item/show/1583/">Living By Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon</a></u> by Historical Theology professor Tom Nettles from <a href="http://www.sbts.edu/">The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary</a>.<br />
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I really want to get this biography on Spurgeon and learn from his pastoral experiences. It is evident we need more faithful Christian preachers who will reach out to their world and teach the truth like he did for 38 years of gospel-centered ministry. Here is a great video (70 minutes long) about the life of Spurgeon. If you have not watched it before, you will be inspired. Enjoy!<br />
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<br />RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-311602690483824942013-04-27T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-30T13:35:39.973-07:00John Piper on C.H. Spurgeon<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/64724035" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe>RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-30133200772928680432013-04-26T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-28T01:52:02.594-07:00The Jewish Audience of the Book of James<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #313030; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Why did the Jewish audience need to hear about the law in James? They "needed to hear about the law" was because they were not being "doers" of the law, i.e. the Word (James 1:21-23). James was reminding them how to live for the glory of God. It appears those who were not being "doers" fell into antinomianism and lived a disobedient lifestyle contrary to the truth [gospel] (cf. James 1:18; 3:14; 5:19). This explains why James emphasizes the necessity of fruitful works as evidence of conversion. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #313030; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #313030; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #313030; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">In James, faith should produce fruitfulness, which in turn produces righteousness. Faith without faithful Christian witness and service does not validate true faith. Justification is vindicated through true faith in Christ alone, yet one who has faith must live accordingly to the implanted word, the truth, the royal law (the "Scriptures" cf. 2:8; 2:23; 4:4-5). Hence, positional righteousness is given to those who believe in Jesus, but practical righteousness should be displayed in Christians. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #313030; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #313030; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #313030; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">James argued that those who are justified by faith should demonstrate active obedience to God, just as the law taught from the beginning. The Jewish audience was then taught to obey the law in order to be a blessing, "<i>But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing</i>" (James 1:25). James writes to showcase how people [the Jewish audience] needs to live as a blessing and not a curse (e.g. partiality, speech, wisdom, jealously, anger, injustice, patience, prayer) which is vintage Deuteronomy 30.</span>RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-19352869449064762872013-04-23T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-23T08:00:10.839-07:00Warning Passages In HebrewsThe message of Hebrews is about the greatness of Jesus Christ and how he fulfilled all of God's saving promises through his coming (v. 1:1-3) life (v. 4:15), death and resurrection (v. 9:14; 10:14), and glorious ascension (v. 12:2) as the Son of God.<br /><br />Chapter 6 is the most important chapter regarding the warning passages in Hebrews. It is in this chapter we learn the reason why the warning passages were written:<br /><br />"And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Hebrews 6:11-12 ESV)<br /><br />Why does the Hebrews author write warning passages? To ensure the audience would show the biblical vigor to have the full assurance of the gospel in their hearts and live in obedience to that fundamental NT reality. <br /><br />These were the problems that lead the author of Hebrews to write warning passages:<br /><br />"Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment." (Hebrews 6:1-2 ESV)<br /><br />I agree with Schreiner who says, "The importance of obedience and perseverance is woven throughout the letter to the Hebrews, for the readers were tempted to relapse to Jewish practices to avoid discrimination and persecution" (p. 595). The warning passages do not suggest that the readers [who were reverting back to Judaism instead of Christ would] lose their salvation. The warning passages suggest that the readers were being taught with serious Christological-centered instructions describing not go back to the OT ways because Jesus is greater than all.<br /><br />I find the warning passages very practical and pastoral. They are practical because they are addressing correct way to see Jesus Christ. They are pastoral because they are assisting Christians to live with perseverance and faith during their difficult trials in the first century. Therefore, the challenges by the author of Hebrews carry weighty theological convictions, and must be taken serious. The warnings are figurative and exaggerated parallelism to show the stark contrast between Christ and those who revert back to Judaism.RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-76800471623000187342013-04-22T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-22T22:40:45.310-07:00Paul, James, and Justification<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The traditional debate centers on an apparent soteriological contradiction between the apostles Paul and James. The contradiction is underlined by the teaching of justification taught by Paul (cf. Rom. 2:13; 3:20, 3:24, 3:28; 4:2, 4:25; 5:1, 5:9, 5:16-18; 8:30; 10:30; 1 Cor. 6:11; Gal. 2:15-18, 3:11, 3:24, 5:4; Titus 3:7), compared to the teaching of justification taught by James (cf. James 2:21, 2:24, 2:25). Both Paul and James use the same Greek term for justification, not necessarily contradicting themselves. Even though they use the same terminology, however, they use it differently to showcase their purpose of justification in order to address different contextual situations and circumstances. I think it is easier to understand these alleged contradictions as complementary if seen in a larger and smaller context.<br />
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First, look at Paul in a larger perspective. Paul's huge missological function is to preach the gospel as justification to the Gentile world. The biblical narrative explains how Paul encountered Jesus and was commissioned to preach the gospel to the Gentile world. As Paul wrote to churches who were both Jewish and Gentile, all thirteen letters stress significant emphasis on the theological nature of the gospel and it's application. Paul addressed churches [in their respected contexts] about the person and work of Christ, and how Jews and Gentiles are united under the Lordship of Jesus. Hence, Paul wrote about justification to biblically explain the soteriological function of the gospel to those who believed in Christ (i.e. they no longer need to do works, but trust in the work of Christ). Pauline justification focuses on the forensic-judicial nature of justification. Therefore, Paul's emphasis on justification is correctly viewed as extraordinary righteousness in light of the larger context of Paul's purpose in comparison to James. <br />
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Second, look at James in a smaller perspective. James is writing one letter "to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion," who are definitely Jewish Christians in need of Christ-centered instruction. James uses vivid contrasts and a rich source of the Jesus tradition in order to reveal to his audience how they are suppose to live in community as the people of God. Thus, James mentions how faith without works cannot satisfy the demands of the gospel because "faith" as intellectual assent cannot produce righteousness. For this reason, James mentions multiple kinds of "works" throughout his letter that inherently speak of biblical fruitfulness and application that produce righteousness. As Schreiner mentions, "James is focused on righteousness expressed by vitrue of the works performed." Therefore, James' emphasis on justification is correctly viewed as ordinary righteousness in light of the smaller context of James' purpose in comparison to Paul.<br />
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Concluding that Paul and James do not contradict each other, let me list several reason why they compliment one another: (1) They both mention it is by faith alone one can be made right before God; (2) They both mention it is by faith alone and not works one can be made right before God; (3) They both mention justification is a work of God; (4) They both agree one's relation to God is based on faith and the results of that faith should be evident. This was absolutely an issue for the Jews who wanted to do works to earn a right relationship with God, and for Gentiles who emphasized intellectual assent without works.<br />
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Paul and James address a two-sided coin regarding an understanding of Christianity that came out of Judaism, "Not by works but by faith; not just faith, but a faith that shows good works." Paul, James, and justification are summed up wisely by Schreiner, "James responds to antinomianism, whereas Paul reacts to legalism."<br />
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RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-12990873101451723342013-04-17T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-18T22:29:27.093-07:00The Servant of the Lord<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The <i>Servant of the Lord</i> is a key biblical-theological theme in the book of Isaiah. It is specifically important because Jesus implicitly applies this title to himself multiple times in all four gospels. It was the NT authors who emphasized this theme from Isaiah to be explicitly fulfilled in Jesus Christ.<br />
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The OT historical-background regarding the <i>Servant of the Lord</i> was not understood as messianic in function, but was mysterious or symbolic because the intertestamental-period Judaism's interpretation of the Messiah was militaristic not a servant, and in postbiblical-period Judaism there is no evidence identifying these songs as messianic since Christians claimed it.<br />
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Hence, first century Christians understood these texts as messianic because they found strong evidence in the life and fulfillment of Jesus Christ as servant [i.e. typology]. Below are the four classic texts regarded as the "Servant Songs" of Isaiah. As Schreiner points out that these passages "are represented by a particular person, one who atones for the sin of the people [i.e. Jesus Christ]."<br />
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<u><b>There are four poetic passages known in the OT as the "Songs
of the Servant of Yahweh":</b></u></div>
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1. <i>First Song</i>: The servant proclaims he is the chosen one
and given the Spirit to establish justice (42:1–4).</div>
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2. <i>Second Song</i>: The servant reveals and identifies himself
as one called by God before birth for the nations (Isa. 49:1-6).</div>
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3. <i>Third Song</i>: The servant declares his confidence in God even
in the face of oppression and persecution (Isa. 50:4-11).</div>
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4. <i>Fourth Song</i>: The servant suffers and dies on behalf of
others so they can be healed (Isa. 52:13-53:12).</div>
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All four gospels present Jesus as the fulfillment of the <i>Servant Songs</i> and climax in the gospel-centered function of Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (There is a great book that discusses this climatic fulfillment called, <i><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gospel-According-Isaiah-Encountering-Suffering/dp/082542593X">The Gospel According to Isaiah 53: Encountering the Suffering Servant In Jewish and Christian Theology</a></u></i> by Darrell Bock and Mitch Glaser).<br />
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As a result, the <i>Servant Songs</i> in Isaiah identify the <i>Servant of the Lord</i> as a king, prophet, and new Moses. Israel is identified as the children of Abraham, his chose servant (cf. Isa. 41:8-9; 44:1-2; 45:4). God's chosen servant, Israel, fails to see and hear God's word making them flawed and sinful. Thus, the Servant of the Lord suffers and dies for them to forgiven and redeem them from exile (cf. Isa. 44:21-22; 48:20).<br />
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These theological realities were not realized until the coming of one like the Son of Man, Jesus Christ. The <i>Servant of the Lord</i> is personified in the person of Jesus Christ, who as servant is both Israel and transcends Israel because he is chosen by God the Father, and fulfills the requirements and commandments given to Israel. Therefore, it is appropriate to say that the "gospel according to Isaiah 53" is displayed by the righteous <i>Servant of the Lord</i> who suffered and died for the sake of transgressors. Amen!RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-38531353085626874202013-04-16T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-18T19:48:45.798-07:00"Christology + Pheumatology = Soteriology" by Fred SandersI really like reading and listening to Fred Sanders. He is a theology professor at <a href="http://www.talbot.edu/?utm_source=Google%2BAdwords&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Talbot12-13&gclid=CJntxO_P1bYCFa9cQgodwjkAyw">Talbot School of Theology</a>. You can check out his books <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/search?author=Fred%20Sanders&detailed_search=1&action=Search">here</a>. I highly recommend all of them! Below is a lecture he gave at a theology conference entitled: <i>Christology + Pheumatology = Soteriology</i>.<br />
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Sanders makes a great point in his lecture: God is at the center of salvation. It is essential to understand the size, shape, and access of salvation from a theological holistic whole. Knowing the doctrine of salvation is vast. Thus, Sanders rightly teaches a proper understanding of the vast doctrine of salvation must be seen through the Son and Spirit in a theological catalog of categories. Understanding the doctrine of salvation in a theological catalog of categories helps formulate a concise and comprehensive knowledge of what salvation means and how it is applied (e.g. the <i><a href="http://cdn.theresurgence.com/files/2011/05/28/bun-map.pdf?1306609659">Ordo Solutis</a></i>).<br />
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Sanders has a great sense of humor, so enjoy!<br />
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<br />RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-68704522624904132452013-04-15T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-15T13:38:51.507-07:00Biblical Theology Discussion: Kingdom Through Covenant vs. God's Glory In Salvation Through JudgmentHere is a great video that discusses biblical theology at <a href="http://www.sbts.edu/">The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary</a>. The people in the video are Dr. Gentry, Dr. Wellum, and Dr. Hamilton. They are all biblical scholars and professors at my seminary. It is impressive to know that my professors are putting out sound biblical theology and contributing to the evangelical church a wealth of God-centered literature. In this video, they discuss their most recent published works on biblical theology. Very informative!<br />
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<br />RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-78536587985894831432013-04-11T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-16T23:36:03.958-07:00New-Creation Theology In John's Gospel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is only natural to study Christology and find yourself buried in John's Gospel most of the time. I am taking three NT courses right now at <a href="http://www.sbts.edu/">The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary</a> that are all intersecting and overlapping one another on the topic of Christology. I planned this while registering my classes and it has worked out wonderfully. In my NT Theology course with Schreiner, I have gone over Christology in the all the gospels and letters. In Systematic Theology II course with Wellum, I have begun Christology in regards to divine action and providence. My third course is self explanatory, Doctrine of the Person of Christ with Wellum (it is an extensive look into the person of Jesus).<br />
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One thing that I have found interesting is the "new-creation theology" in the gospels, specifically John's Gospel. In John, there are many referents to Jesus inaugurating the new-creation (new age) in his coming to fulfill all of God's promises. One of my favorite NT scholars, Andreas Kostenberger, highlights this in <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deity-Christ-Theology-Community/dp/1581349793">The Deity of Christ (Theology In Community)</a></i> edited by Christopher W. Morgan:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>In John's Gospel, the resurrection of Jesus is part of the larger theme of a new creation. At the outset, Jesus is presented as the agent of God's original creation (1:1-3). In keeping with John's creation and <u>new-creation theology</u>, he presents the first week of Jesus' ministry as patterned after the seven days of the original creation (1:19-2:11, including the reference to Jesus' attendance of the wedding at Cana "on the third day" [2:1], which strikes possible overtones anticipating Jesus' resurrection; see 2:19). Possible <u>new-creation</u> language is also found in Jesus' reference to a "new birth" in his conversation with Nicodemus (3:3, 5), and later in the Sabbath controversy (5:17-18). The former passages invoke the prophetic expectation of an end-time renewal and decisive inner transformation in the last days (see, e.g., Isa. 44:3-5; Jer. 31:33-34; Ezek. 11:19-20; 36:25-27; 37), while the latter passage makes the point that, while resting on the seventh day of creation, God [i.e. Jesus] continued to be at work as he chose to act in his sovereignty and providence. Aligning Jesus with the Creator presents his ministry from the very outset against a universal backdrop. Just as creation extended to the entire universe, so also the life given by Jesus is universal in scope, extending not only to the Jews but also to Gentiles. In John's passion narrative, the Gospel's <u>new-creation</u> theology thickens. Possible instances of the <u>new-creation</u> motif include the following:</i> </blockquote>
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<i>1. The setting of the passion narrative in a garden, invoking the memory of Eden (18:1, 26; 19:41)</i> </blockquote>
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<i>2. Pilate's identification of Jesus as "the man" (19:5), which may present Jesus as the new Adam</i> </blockquote>
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<i>3. The possible portrayal of Jesus' resurrection as the beginning of a new creation (1:3; 20:1)</i> </blockquote>
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<i>4. The identification of Jesus as "the gardener" by Mary (20:15), reflecting misunderstanding and possible also irony</i> </blockquote>
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<i>5. Jesus' bodily resurrection and resurrection appearances to his followers in keeping with repeated earlier predictions in the narrative (2:20-21; 10:17-19; 20)</i> </blockquote>
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<i>6. Jesus' breathing on his disciples and his giving of the Spirit in the final commissioning scene (20:22), invoking the creation of Adam in Genesis 2:7 (Ezek. 37:9)</i></blockquote>
I love these insights! I have a lot to think about when it comes to "new-creation theology" promised in the OT and realized in the NT. There are so many OT and NT connections that I am seeing for the first time. Jesus inaugurated the new-creation by doing might deeds that no one has ever seen before. Jesus fulfilled all of the new-creation promises of God in the OT and made them a realized. Today, the gospel message is being preached in the already-not-yet bring about transformation of sinners into new-creation (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17). Nevertheless, on the day when Christ returns, the new-creation will be consummated and all things will be made new and restored back to their Edenic state of paradise. Eden to Eden, garden to garden, temple to temple, but with Jesus as the center of new-creation (see Revelation 21-22). Amen!RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-28146664209257680322013-04-10T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-22T22:44:48.480-07:00N.T. Wright or Wrong?It appears in evangelical circles that when people who are familiar with the NPP debate, they think of N.T. Wright almost indefinitely (not necessarily Dunn, Sanders, etc.). Even though I think N.T. Wright is wrong with his NPP in most recent scholarship, his work is very important to evangelical theology and the future perspectives that will emerge so we can defend the tenants of the gospel of grace.<br />
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Schreiner notes, "Paul never criticized anyone for the desire to keep God's law; rather, he found fault in the failure to keep it...He found them guilty before God because they failed to keep God's commands...any works in general are clearly in view, and they do not contribute to salvation, for otherwise grace is ruled out and human boasting is allowed" (p.527-528).RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-87759433330963053312013-04-09T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-16T22:20:16.694-07:00G.K. Beale: New Studies In the Old & New Testaments <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you want to learn about biblical theology of the OT and NT in depth, then biblical scholar <a href="http://www.amazon.com/G.-K.-Beale/e/B001JRXKXC/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1366174506&sr=8-1">G.K. Beale</a> is the guy you want to read. I have two of his largest works (both books in the picture on the left). Contained inside these two recent volumes are biblical theology and exegesis in its finest form. It is remarkable how much this man knows about the Bible, and the connections he has discovered through relentless research. He has definitely advanced the future discussions and academic interests regarding the usage of the OT in the NT. All Christians are in debt to him for his work to establish the correct theological interpretations of the redemptive-historical narrative of the Bible, and how that needs to be taught in churches because it is the gospel.<br />
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I have learned that it is that meta-narrative (i.e. redemptive-historical storyline) that the Apostles' preached, the Reformers proclaimed, and the Revivalists programmed into their church ministries. In the recent resurgence of biblical theology, Mark Dever has mentioned teaching biblical theology as the second mark of a health church in his book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nine-Marks-Healthy-Church-Dever/dp/158134631X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366174069&sr=8-1&keywords=9+marks">Nine Marks of a Healthy Church</a>." Hence, I personally agree with Dever that a healthy Christ-centered church will teach biblical theology undiminished I believe biblical theology is too important to ignore and must be taught in order to properly understand how the Bible unfolds and interconnects with diversity and unity throughout the canonical books from Genesis to Revelation.<br />
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Below is a link to a remarkable lecture hosted at my seminary, <a href="http://www.sbts.edu/">The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary</a>. This lecture emphasizes the challenges in biblical theology that are confronting the integrity and inspiration of the Scriptures. Some scholars are doing injustice to biblical theology and emphasizing only the thematic elements of the Bible, not the authoritative verbal-plenary inspiration of Scripture. The lecture is very informative, and if you have not heard an academic lecture on Christian theology before, this exposure will be riveting and exciting because of the biblical connections that are identified in biblical theology that are not necessarily emphasized on the pulpit. Click on the link below to watch and listen an this lecture regarding new studies in the OT and NT biblical theology.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sbts.edu/resources/lectures/gheens/recent-developments-in-old-testament-in-new-testament-studies-that-challenges-the-organic-integrity-of-the-testaments/">http://www.sbts.edu/resources/lectures/gheens/recent-developments-in-old-testament-in-new-testament-studies-that-challenges-the-organic-integrity-of-the-testaments/</a>RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-68325667799829727442013-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-16T13:49:13.142-07:00Fulfillment Formulae In Matthew's Gospel<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBiAhxUkiuEbxF8H3yfwtN4U7T7bYejaB-Jl2qyAVht7plShCD0yF3jzBK1K5XPz-L0D_6i4RSUnJYdNw_IYhXxxPvPe2Drd9R-8bCFzYrsZgcM2iam-EEscBYn8LwyBWYtQTHAr5TFoef/s1600/slide-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBiAhxUkiuEbxF8H3yfwtN4U7T7bYejaB-Jl2qyAVht7plShCD0yF3jzBK1K5XPz-L0D_6i4RSUnJYdNw_IYhXxxPvPe2Drd9R-8bCFzYrsZgcM2iam-EEscBYn8LwyBWYtQTHAr5TFoef/s200/slide-02.jpg" width="200" /></a>In the Gospel of Matthew, there is specific theme of "fulfillment" where the author uses OT texts to prove Jesus is the Messiah. This is know has the "<i>fulfillment formulae</i>" of Matthew. The formulae teaches us two things about the Lord. First, God's saving promises in the OT are being fulfilled. Second, God's saving promises in the OT are being fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Schreiner points out how "the fulfillment theme in Matthew demonstrates that OT prophecy anticipated and pointed towards Jesus." The various Scriptures that Matthew quotes teach us that Jesus is the new King (Matt. 2:1-6), the true Israel (Matt. 2:13-15), the new exodus (Matt. 2:16-18; 4:1-11), and the new covenant (Matt.4:14-16). Jesus ultimately fulfills the Scriptures at his baptism when the Holy Spirit descends upon him to "fulfill all righteousness" and identify him as the Servant of the Lord in the OT who came to suffer and die for the sins of his own people (cf. Matt. 3:15; 8:14-17; 12:18-21; 21:5-6; 26:50-56).</div>
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The emphasis on fulfillment in Matthew is important to understand because the author was writing to Jewish Christians who were still trying to live in old law of Judaism and not in the new law of Christ. The defining words by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount is the most profound fulfillment formulae usage that is not quoting an OT text to substantiate the claim, "<i>Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to <u>fulfill</u> them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished</i>" (Matt. 5:17-18). Even thought these two verse to not mention an OT text, they do encapsulate the idea that Jesus came to fulfill the Scriptures because they were always intended for him to accomplish and bring salvation to his people because man could never fulfill and accomplish the law.</div>
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The fulfillment formulae reveals how God's saving plans are realized in Jesus Christ. Thus, Matthew's Gospel ranges from Abraham to David, to all of the Law and the Prophets, to showcase how Jesus' birth-life-death-resurrection was not an accident, but was the promised-plan from the beginning. Indeed, the fulfillment formulae displays the inauguration of God's saving purposes that was proclaimed and prophesied from the beginning in order to confirm his messiahship who will consummate all things in the end.</div>
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RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-23571678657082322192013-04-07T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-22T22:53:38.660-07:00The New Perspective On Paul Diminishes the Atonement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I find the scholarship debate on first century Judaism in Palestine extremely over emphasized and leads to a incorrect perspective on Paul (exactly as Sanders and Dunn incorrectly do). Thus, a wrong view of Paul on the law and gospel inexplicably affects the interpretation of the doctrine of the atonement. I have always lived by this, "We must understand Scripture with Scripture in light of Scripture." It appears this approach carries less of that tone and focuses on an extreme emphasis of religious sensitivity and historicity, and imposing it on to the primary text of Scripture. This extreme emphasis unfortunately invites extreme misplacement, which diminishes the orthodoxy of Paul. The new perspective of Paul diminishes many important creedal-reformational-doctrinal beliefs, but the most striking has to be how it diminishes the atonement of Jesus Christ.<br />
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The NPP diminishes the atonement of Jesus Christ in several ways:<br />
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1) Sanders and Dunn argue that Paul's main ideological emphasis inherently focused on the Jewish participant in a form of mystical-spirituality with Jesus Christ. Thus, Paul's language (i.e. Scripture) was not judicial language (i.e. justification), but was a subordinate-type to the participate language, basically declaring mystical-spiritual religious life was a way of maintain salvation/sanctification in the first century. This is a covenantal-nomism understanding of the atonement, and deems it unsatisfactory or unnecessary since a relationship with God does not demand a payment of sin but a spiritual reconciliation. <br />
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2) N. T. Wright argues that Paul views Israel as only a representative of humanity and taking onto itself the sinfulness of humanity through history culminating in Jesus Christ. This is a kind of historicized-reconstructionism of Paul's Jesus and his understanding of the atonement, and deems it symbolically remedial. <br />
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The NPP basically means you can know God without his righteousness that is provided through the atonement of Jesus Christ. <br />
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I find it unfortunate and agree with Piper when he explains how the atonement is diminished by the new perspective on Paul, "The faith that justifies continues to hold fast to Christ alone as the ground of our having God as our Father who is completely for us. Whether this right standing with God consists in the imputation of righteousness from beginning to end or consists partly in the impartation of righteousness is a crucial and necessary question [because if answers wrongly, like N.T. Wight, it diminishes the atonement!]."<br />
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There is a reason why Paul says, "<i><u>For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh</u></i>" (Philippians 3:3 ESV).</div>
RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-51747527727075649072013-04-06T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-15T21:21:36.050-07:00Pre-existence of the Son of God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In my NT theology class we discussed the centrality of Christ in the Synoptic Gospels. One of the key doctrines that is emphasized in Matthew, Mark, and Luke is the pre-existence purpose statement formula of Jesus, "I have come." Not many people talk about the pre-existence of Christ outside of the Christo-centric nature of John. Simon Gathercole has written a great book on the pre-existence of Jesus called, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802829015/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER"><i>The Preexistent Son: Recovering the Christologies of Matthew, Mark, and Luke</i></a>," and argues that there are three sayings in the Synoptics that relate particularly to the coming of Jesus in regards to his pre-existent nature as God.<br />
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First, Jesus has two occasions where he faces demons and they ask if he "has come" to destroy them (cf. Matt. 8:29; Mark 1:24; 5:7; Luke 8:28). This presupposes that Jesus existed beforehand with authority as God.<br />
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Second, Jesus has six sayings where he declares why he "has come" into the world: to preach the gospel of kingdom, to call sinners to repentance, to fulfill the law and prophets, to cast judgement, to bring a sword, and to bring division among families (cf. Matt. 5:17; 9:13; 10:34-35; Luke 12:49). These reasons are all rooted in the activity of God in the OT (cf. Josh. 5:13-14; 1 Chron. 21:16), especially Luke 12:49 when Jesus says he will cast fire down on earth (cf. Gen. 19:24; Ex. 9:23; 2 Kings 1:10-12).<br />
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Third, Jesus uses the same theological title two times to articulate why he "has come" as Son of Man (Matt. 20:28; Luke 19:10). All of these "I have come" sayings according to Schreiner mean, "The purpose of Jesus' coming, implying that Jesus comes from outside the human sphere for a mission upon earth, which in turns suggests that his origin hails from outside the sphere of humanity." The Son of Man references are directly linked to Daniel 7 and suggest Jesus is like the "Ancient of Days" who is indeed God. All of these "I have come" statements are found in the OT by angelic visitors to God's people as well (cf. Dan. 9:22-23; 10:12, 14, 20). Therefore, they all point to Jesus Christ as the co-equal of the Father and display his pre-existence.<br />
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In Matthew 23:34-36, Jesus' pre-existence as the Son of God is fully disclosed. Jesus says he has sent the prophets just as God did in the OT. The OT clearly teaches God sent the prophets to his people. Gathercole notes for Jesus to say that "he sends the prophets" absolutely aligns him with Yahweh rather than with other human beings [prophets & wisdom teachers]. Schreiner mentions that there is no biblical or extra-biblical literature that mentions a prophet or wisdom teacher that claims such deity (i.e. pre-existence). This is pretty good internal evidence to support that Jesus is the pre-existent Son of God!RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-5673142892609514612013-04-03T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-15T23:54:58.509-07:00Creeds and Scripture: The Deity of Christ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To maintain a biblical Christology that is timeless and evangelical, Stephen Nichols states one must submit to tradition (Creeds) and text (Scripture) in the book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deity-Christ-Theology-Community/dp/1581349793/ref=la_B004ANHHD6_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1366065961&sr=1-2">The Deity of Christ</a></i> edited by Christopher W. Morgan. Submission to tradition means to adhere to the christological creeds of the early church such as the Nicene and Chalcedon creeds. Submission to text means to adhere to the Scriptures alone as the ultimate authoritative source for a biblical Christology. The historical Jesus is grounded in historical realities based on the Bible. Thus, submitting to traditions regarding Christological creeds is submitting to Scripture in once sense.<br />
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<i><b>Submission to Tradition</b></i><br />
The creeds of the early church fathers teach us the correct interpretation of Jesus and how we should submit to their framework in order to not error in heretical doctrine. Nicene teaches us that Jesus is equal with God "of one or of the same substance" (regarding his trinitarian relationship). Chalcedon teaches us that Jesus is "fully God and fully human, and that those two natures conjoin perfectly and fully in one person" (regarding the identity of Christ). Both of these creeds do not cancel each other out but rather compliment each other because they do not overemphasize the deity of Christ or the humanity of Christ. These creeds both uphold the same things but address different heresies of their day. They both uphold the divinity of Jesus without rejecting his humanity, and uphold his humanity without rejecting his divinity as the Son of Man. Therefore, tradition teaches us we should honor the Lord Jesus in this respect and know him through a confessional-creedal tradition that was supported by the earliest believers in Christianity instead of trying to figure out the identity of Jesus.<br />
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<b><i>Submission to Text</i></b><br />
The text of Scripture compiles the ultimate and authoritative source revealing who is Jesus Christ. The Scriptures teach us everything we need to know about Jesus Christ because all of Scripture testifies of him. "We should only go to the Jesus of sacred Scripture, God incarnate, who lived and died and rose again and is now seated in power at the Father's right hand. We need to be reminded that we are required to submit to the whole counsel of God." It is in Scripture we learned about Jesus and how he is our great God and savior. Therefore, we must trust and obey what the Bible reveals to us about the identity of Jesus and proclaim that message to the nations.RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503414286245777679.post-12843293810933641092013-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:002013-04-15T15:04:25.618-07:00Dr. Wellum @ SBTS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am truly blessed as a seminary student at <a href="http://www.sbts.edu/">The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary</a>. One of my professors, <a href="http://www.sbts.edu/theology/faculty/stephen-wellum/">Stephen Wellum</a>, is one of the leading systematic theologians in evangelicalism. I am impressed by the amount of biblical information this man of God knows, but even more impressed by how he communicates theological matters and always brings everything back to the centrality of the gospel. Every class begins with prayer and ends with prayer. He comes off incredibly smart and humble in my class lectures and interactions (especially if you do not agree with him on something, he explains things very gracefully and responds systematically). I hope to meet him this summer on campus at SBTS and share with him the things I have been learning.<br />
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I have two courses with Dr. Wellum this Spring semester, and because of these classes so far, my theological and hermeneutical understandings have developed significantly. I guess this blog entry is a kind of tribute because he has contributed to my theological formation. Thanks for being a great teacher, Dr. Wellum!<br />
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He has required the most reading I have ever had in school so far (10 of my 12 books are required for his classes among my three courses). The reason why Dr. Wellum provides all of the reading is to challenge students so they can develop a comprehensive and objective understanding of topical information (i.e. God, Christ, Scripture, etc). I have definitely achieved that goal. With the all of the required reading comes his passionate lectures. If you ever hear him teach, it is clear that he cares deeply about the primary text, i.e. Word of God, and desires to glorify Jesus. Both of my courses discuss the person and work of Christ, and as a result have learned many great things about the Lord.<br />
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I found out that his "Jesus courses" are going to be summed up into a magisterial writing in the theology series, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Foundations+of+Evangelical+Theology&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3AFoundations+of+Evangelical+Theology">Foundations of Evangelical Theology</a>. I am looking forward to his new book to come out next year and have him possibly sign it at ETS San Diego in 2014. It will be the leading Christian theology book on Jesus Christ for sure, which is my favorite subject! It's all about Jesus, and that's why I enjoy Dr. Wellum's courses so much.RJ McCauleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14061603829887635613noreply@blogger.com0