My Testimony - Todd McCauley

 

I grew up like many I know, in a fatherless home (the full impact of which I’ll never know). Yet I’m grateful for a loving mother who did absolutely all she could for my younger brother and me. My mother died in 1989 battling cancer (I look forward to our heavenly reunion).

Not having regular interaction with a father I believe left me without a clear sense of direction. Fortunately, during my ninth-grade year in school, an English teacher took interest in me by asking if I was going to audition for the school play. I auditioned and won the role of the “fly eater” in a Dracula production. Through this concerned teacher, I found my niche and determined then and there that I was going to be a professional actor.

Now having a clear direction, I decided to study acting in New York City, the world's theatre capital. Only one small problem, where was I going to get the money? I then decided to join the Army in order to take advantage of their educational benefits. I was fortunate to get stationed in Monterey, California where I had the great chance to perform a lot. 

​Not only was my talent being developed, but I discovered that something else was developing in my life, my anger. I didn’t realize it, but I had a bucket load of unresolved hostility developed in my childhood. The theatre gave me an outlet for my anger, but could not cure it. I can recall my anger nearly causing me to get dishonorably discharged from the service. Fortunately, I was able to “act” my way through the rest of my tour of duty and leave with a clean record 

​(Whew!!!).

Back at home (Akron), I found myself disoriented and feeling incredibly empty and of course, angry. Sitting at my Mother’s kitchen table late one evening, staring blankly at the Television, I found myself unconsciously watching a religious program called the, “700 Club”. The program grabbed my attention as it showcased people whose lives were changed through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus was not new to me having grown up in the Baptist Church. But this night I heard with new ears how through personal trust in Christ a person’s life could go from bad to good, from frustration to peace, I wanted to hear more.

Soon the host appeared and said that those of us listening at home could have a personal, life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.  The host clearly let us know that, "All HAVE SINNED" and that the wages of sin would result in a Christ-less eternity. The host offered to pray with those interested and at THAT moment, I prayed and received Christ as my Lord and Savior.  Not long after that, I was publically immersed in the waters of baptism.

Jesus changed my life. I can remember my mother telling me, “…Son your life has really changed”. I could see clearer now than I ever could in my entire life. I was determined more than ever to go to New York City and study acting, but now I would study to influence many for Christ. In fact, I wanted to start a group called, “Actors for Jesus”. I got involved with a solid local church that taught me God’s word. Through good pastoral counseling, I was led to consider going down another path namely ministry. In 1985, I went on a summer-long missions trip with Operation Mobilization. I spent the summer evangelizing Muslims in Scotland and England. It was during this summer that I acknowledged my, “call to preach”. Upon my return home, I later enrolled at the historic Moody Bible Institute in Chicago where I received an outstanding biblical education.

Since my college days, I have by God’s grace served in a variety of ministry and non-ministry settings.  In 1992 I married who I believed was my life partner, but unfortunately, our marriage ended after several years. We were blessed with 6 beautiful children who I regularly pray will experience Christ in ways that I have never known. In 2017 I met the love of my life and we married in 2018.  I currently serve the Lord as a Chaplain for Senior Community Care of North Carolina.  My heartbeat has been and still is to serve the local church as a Pastor/teacher. 

One of my heroes in the Christian faith is the famed martyred missionary, Jim Elliot. He is credited with a saying that I wholeheartedly subscribe to: "He is no fool who gives what he can’t keep, to gain what he can’t lose”.

In His Grip,

Rev. Todd

My Doctrinal and Cultural Statement of Faith - Todd McCauley

I. The Scriptures I believe that the Bible is God’s written revelation to man, and thus the sixty-six books of the Bible given to us by the Holy Spirit constitute the plenary (inspired equally in all parts) Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:7-14; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

I believe that the Word of God is an objective, propositional revelation (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 2:13), verbally inspired in every word (2 Timothy 3:16), absolutely inerrant in the original documents, infallible, and God breathed. 

I Believe the literal, grammatical historical interpretation of Scripture which affirms the belief that the opening chapters of Genesis present creation in six literal days (Genesis 1:31; Exodus 31:17).

I believe that the Bible constitutes the only infallible rule of faith and practice (Matthew 5:18; 24:35; John 10:35; 16:12-13; 17:17; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

I believe that God spoke in His written Word by a process of dual authorship. The Holy Spirit so superintended the human authors that, through their individual personalities and different styles of writing, they composed and recorded God’s Word to man (2 Peter 1:20-21) without error in the whole or in the part (Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16). 

I believe that, whereas there may be several applications of any given passage of Scripture, there is but one true interpretation. The meaning of Scripture is to be found as one diligently applies the literal grammatical historical method of interpretation under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (John 7:17; 16:12-15; 1 Corinthians 2:7-15; 1 John 2:20). It is the responsibility of believers to ascertain carefully the true intent and meaning of Scripture, recognizing that proper application is binding on all generations. Yet the truth of Scripture stands in judgment of men; never do men stand in judgment of it.

II. The Interpretation of Scripture In some ways interpretation of Scripture would not be considered doctrine, yet as it affects the way our doctrine is arrived at, it is extremely important, and so becomes an essential doctrinal issue. Hermeneutics is the discipline of interpretation. There are indications in both Testaments as to the normative method of interpretation. Conservative, normal and literal hermeneutics takes a very tried and true approach to understanding the Bible that should include close observation of its grammatical and historical components. It would argue for but one sense or meaning for each passage of Scripture, leaving no room for a complementary or theological approach. Though taking the Word of God literally, and at face value, in classical hermeneutics there is room for poetry, figures of speech, illustrations, types, and symbols, but these literary genres do not take away from the foundational or normal interpretative understanding of Biblical truth. Normal interpretation also argues for progressive revelation, i.e., that the Holy Spirit over a period of time revealed certain truths in a progressive fashion. For example, the revelation of Jesus Christ starts in Genesis, but is not fully complete until the book of Revelation. Literal interpretation stands in opposition to allegorical interpretation. Though the Apostle Paul in Galatians creates an allegory in order to make an isolated point or illustration (4:21-26), allegory as a system is but an unacceptable philosophical approach to understanding the Word of God. It is clearly contrary to proper Biblical interpretation.[Luke 1:1-4; 24:35; 44-46, 48; John 21:20-23; Acts 10:8; 17:11-12; 26:6-7; 26-27].

III. The Godhead I believe that the Godhead eternally exists in three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit-and that these three are one God, having the precise same nature, attributes, and perfections and worthy of precisely the same honor, confidence, and obedience.[Mt. 28:18-19; Mk 12:29; Jn 1:14; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Cor.13:14; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 1:4-6]

IV. God's Grace I believe that according to the "eternal purpose" of God (Eph. 3:11) salvation in the divine reckoning is always "by grace through faith," and rests upon the basis of the shed blood of Christ. We believe that God has always been gracious, regardless of the dispensation, but that man has not at all times been under an administration or stewardship of grace as is true in the present dispensation of the Church.[1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 3:2; 3:9; Col. 1:25; 1 Tim. 1:4]

V. The Sovereignty of God Though God is Absolute Sovereign over all creation and history, He has a "determined plan for the whole world" and no one can alter His purposes (Isa.14:26-27). What He has planned that He will accomplish (Isa. 46:11). And, He "works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will" (Eph. 1:11); "Surely as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand" (Isa. 14:24). Sovereignty also extends to the providence of God whereby He sustains all creatures, giving them life and removing life as He pleases (Deut. 32:39). In sovereignty, all things were created for the glory of God and all things exist for Him (Rev. 4:11). The sovereignty of God also extends to the doctrine of divine election whereby those chosen by the council of the Lord’s own will, shall come to Him in faith. And yet, even though difficult to reconcile in human understanding, the sovereignty of God does not remove the responsibility of man. He is not the author of sin. Yet in some mysterious way, His decrees include all that takes place in the universe.[Jn. 6:37, 39, 44; Eph. 1:3-18; II Thess. 2:13; Hab. 1:6,11; Acts 2:22-23, 36].

VI. Angels, Fallen and Unfallen
I believe that God created an innumerable company of sinless, spiritual beings, known as angels; that one, "the anointed cherub" - the highest in rank - sinned through pride, thereby becoming Satan; I believe that a great company of the angels followed him in his moral fall, some of whom became demons and are active as his agents and associates in the prosecution of his unholy purposes, while others who fell are "reserved in everlasting chains under darkness until the judgment of the great day."[Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:11-19; 1 Tim. 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6]

VII. Man, Created and Fallen I believe that man was originally created in the image and after the likeness of God, as God’s representative ‘vice-regent,’ and that he fell through sin, in consequence losing his spiritual life. As`fallen he is “dead in trespasses and sins”, and that he became subject to the reign of sin and the power of the Devil. Paul adds that the lost are mentally blinded by Satan, the god of this world, and that the truth of the gospel is veiled from those who are destroying themselves (II Cor. 4:3-4). The Word of God makes it clear, there is no one who seeks after God (Rom. 3:11). So God has given mankind over to the lusts of his heart and to a depraved mind (Rom. 1:24, 28). Theologically, this darkness of mind and heart has been rightly called Total Depravity (Rom 1:28). Following the sin of Adam, man could only produce descendants who would be sinners. Therefore all mankind is under the death sentence and penalty of sin (Rom. 5:12-18) and thus are all condemned. Only through the reconciliation of Christ, by His death, are human beings who are enemies of God being saved (Rom. 5:10). Sinners are justified by Christ’s blood, and are rescued from the wrath of God.[Gen. 1:26; 2:17; 6:5; Ps. 14:1-3; 51:5; Jer. 17:9; Eph.2:1-6].

VIII. The Incarnation of Christ I believe that, as provided and purposed by God and as preannounced in the prophecies of the Scriptures, the eternal Son of God came into this world that He might reconcile men to God and become the Redeemer of a lost world. To this end He was born of the virgin, and received a human body and a sinless human nature. I believe that in fulfillment of prophecy He came first to Israel as her Messiah-King, and, being rejected of that nation, He gave His life as a ransom for all according to the eternal counsels of God. I believe that, according to the Scriptures, He rose from the dead in the same bodyin which He had lived and died, and that His resurrection body is the pattern of that body which ultimately will be given to all believers.[Luke 1:30-35; John 1:18; 3:16; Heb. 4:15; John 1:11; Acts2:22-24; 1 Tim. 2:6; John 20:20; Phil. 3:20-21].

IX. Salvation Only through ChristI believe that, owing to spiritual death through sin, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless born again; and that no degree of reformation however great, no attainment in morality however high, no culture however attractive, no baptism or other ordinance however administered, can help the sinner to take even one step toward heaven; but a new nature imparted from above, a new life implanted by the Holy Spirit through the Word, is absolutely essential to salvation, and only those thus saved are sons of God.[John 1:12; 3:16; Rom. 1:16-17; 3:22; Gal. 3:22] 
X. Lordship Salvation I reject what is called Lordship Salvation. This teaching seems to go against the clear biblical teaching that salvation is by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing can be added to His work on the cross, or to the proclamation of one’s personal faith and trust in His finished work of eternal redemption.

XI. The Believer Complete in Christ
Though the saved one may have occasion to grow in the realization of his blessings and to know a fuller measure of divine power through the yielding of his life more fully to God, he is, as soon as he is saved, in possession of every spiritual blessing and absolutely complete in Christ (positionally speaking), and is therefore, in no way required by God to seek a so-called “second blessing,” “second work of grace,” or a “second baptism.”[1 Cor. 3:21-23; Eph. 1:3; Col. 2:10; 1 John 4:17; 5:11-12] 

XII. Sovereign Election

I believe that election is the act of God by which, before the foundation of the world, He chose in Christ those whom He graciously regenerates, saves, and sanctifies(Romans 8:28-30;Ephesians 1:4-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter1:1-2). I believe that sovereign election does not contradict or negate the responsibility of man to repent and trust Christ as Savior and Lord(Ezekiel 18:23, 32; 33:11; John 3:18-19, 36; 5:40; Romans 9:22-23;2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; Revelation 22:17). Nevertheless, since sovereign grace includes the means of receiving the gift of salvation as well as the gift itself, sovereign election will result in what God determines. All whom the Father calls to Himself will come infaith, and all who come in faith the Father will receive(John 6:37-40, 44; Acts 13:48; James 4:8). I believe that the unmerited favor that God grants to totally depraved sinners is not related to any initiative of their own part or to God’s anticipation of what they might do by their own will, but is solely of His sovereign grace and mercy (Ephesians 1:4-7; Titus3:4-7; 1 Peter 1:2). I believe that election should not be looked upon as based merely on abstract sovereignty. God is truly sovereign, but He exercises this sovereignty in harmony with His other attributes, especially His omniscience, justice, holiness, wisdom, grace, and love(Romans 9:11-16). This sovereignty will always exalt the will of God in a manner totally consistent with His character as revealed in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ(Matthew 11:25-28; 2 Timothy1:9).

XIII. Justification
I believe that justification before God is an act of God(Romans 8:33) by which He declares righteous those who,through faith in Christ, repent of their sins(Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38;3:19; 11:18; Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Isaiah 55:6-7)and confess Him as sovereign Lord(Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians12:3; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Philippians 2:11). This righteousness is apart from any virtue or work of man (Romans 3:20; 4:6) and involves the imputation of our sins to Christ (Colossians 2:14; 1 Peter 2:24)and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to us (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21). By this means God is enabled to “be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus”(Romans 3:26).

XIV. The Extent of Salvation 

I hold that Christ’s atonement was unlimited as to its provision for fallen humanity without distinction but limited as to its application to the elect. [ Pet. 3:9; 1 Jn. 2:2; 1 Tim. 4:10]

XV. Eternal Security
I believe God keeps eternally all those He has elected and called to salvation and that none are lost. God will, however, chasten and correct His own in infinite love; but having undertaken to save them and keep them forever, apart from all human merit, He, who cannot fail, will in the end present every one faultless in Christ, and on His merits, before the presence of His glory and conformed to the image of His Son. We believe that saints can have eternal assurance that they are the children of God and so are eternally kept by the power of God. This assurance gives confidence and peace, helping the believer grow in spiritual and maturity.[John 5:24; 10:28; 13:1; Eph. 1:3-17; 1 John 5:13; Rom. 8:29; Eph. 1:3-17]

XVI. The Holy Spirit
I believe that the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, though omnipresent from all eternity, took up His abode in the world in a special sense on the day of Pentecost according to the divine promise. By His baptism He unites all to Christ in one body and indwells every believer. As the indwelling One, He is the Source of all power, all acceptable worship and service, and all spiritual gifts. I believe that the foundational spiritual gifts, such as tongues, prophecy, and knowledge, as well as the roles of apostle and prophet as well the foundational signs, miracles and wonders, have ceased.[John 14:16-17; 16:7-15; 1 Cor. 6:19; 12:1-14: 31; Eph. 2:22; 2 Thess. 2:7]

XVI. The Great Commission
I believe that it is the explicit command of our Lord Jesus Christ to make disciples in accordance with His Gospel, through evangelism of non-believers and the discipling of believers, for the building up of the body of Christ.[Mt. 28:18-19; John 17:18; Acts 1:8; 1 Pet 1:17; 2:11]

XVII. The Blessed Hope (i.e., The Rapture)
I believe that the next great event in the fulfillment of prophecy will be the coming of the Lord in the air to receive to Himself into heaven both His own who are alive and remain unto His coming, and also all who have fallen asleep in Jesus, and that this event is the blessed hope set before us in the Scripture, and for this we should be constantly looking.[John 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-14]

XVIII. The Apostasy of the Church
Without designating a specific time table, the Apostle Paul warns of a “falling away” from the faith(2 Tim 4:1)that will lead to a heeding of deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons(I Tim 4:2)Paul simply says it will occur in the “later times” and produce hypocrisy and a searing of the conscience. I believe this apostasy will be religious and moral in nature(II Tim 3:1-7)and will happen prior to the rapture of the Church and before the revelation of the son of destruction, the Antichrist(II Thess. 2:1-5). Paul further teaches that the seeds of apostasy are present in the Church but they will also completely mature in the last days, which he describes as “difficult times” (II Tim. 3:1)

XVIX. The Tribulation 
I believe that the rapture of the church will be followed by the fulfillment of Israel’s seventieth week(Dan. 9:27; Rev. 6:1 -19:21) during which the church, the body of Christ, will be in heaven. The whole period of Israel’s seventieth week will be a time of judgment on the whole earth, at the end of which “the times of the Gentiles” will be brought to a close. The latter half of this period will be the time of Jacob’s trouble(Jer. 30:7), which our Lord called the great tribulation (Mt. 24:15- 21). I believe that universal righteousness will not be realized previous to the second coming of Christ, but that the world is day by day ripening for judgment and that the age will end with a fearful apostasy.

XX. The Second Coming of Christ
​I believe that the period of great tribulation in the earth will be climaxed by the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth as He went. The millennial age will follow, with Satan bound. Israel literally will be restored to her own land and the Abrahamic Covenant will be fulfilled by the consummation of its three divisions – Land (Palestinian Covenant), Seed (Davidic Covenant), and Blessing (New Covenant finally brought to complete fruition). The whole world that survives will be brought to a complete knowledge of the Messiah.[Deut. 30:1-10; Isa. 11:9; Ezek. 37:21; Jer. 31:31- on; Mt. 24:15 - 25:46; Acts 15:16-17; Rom 8:19-23; 11:25-27; Rev. 20:1-3]

XXI. The Eternal State
I believe that at death the spirits and souls of those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation pass immediately into His presence and there remain in conscious bliss until the resurrection of the glorified body when Christ comes for His own, whereupon soul and body reunited shall be associated with Him forever in glory; but the spirits and souls of the unbelieving remain after death conscious of condemnation and in misery until the final judgment of the Great White Throne at the close of the millennium, when soul and body reunited shall be cast into the Lake of Fire, not to be annihilated, but to be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power.[Luke 16:19-26; 23:42; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Judge 6 - 7; Rev.20:11- 15]

XXII. Dispensationalism
I believe that the Bible presents the fact that God has not always dealt with mankind the same way in every age. According to Biblical terminology these distinct periods are called “administrations” in regard to the purpose of God or “stewardships” concerning the responsibility of man as originated from the New Testament usage of the Greek word, oikonomia. We believe that classical or traditional dispensationalism is the system that best represents the Biblical teaching on this matter. Classical or traditional dispensationalism is distinguished by a consistent literal interpretation; a clear distinction between Israel and the Church; taking into account progressive revelation; recognizing the glory of God as the ultimate purpose of God in the world.[Eph.1:10 3:2, 9]

XXIII. On Current Issues
I believe that corruptive influences have always been working against the Church, the body of Christ. Along with immoral forces, I reject the man-created philosophies of secular humanism, materialism, evolution, feminism, and the influences of secular psychology. While some truths may be imprinted into these and other opinion, basically, they run counter to the revealed truths of Scripture.[Rom. 1:18-32; 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim 1:8-11]

XXIV. Women in Pastoral and Deacon Ministry
I believe that in the body of Christ men and women stand spiritually equal and constitute the Church universal. I believe women have had and always will have their God-given gifts and roles within this body. Accordingly, as the primary role of believing men is to be husbands and fathers, so the primary role of women is to be wives and mothers. I encourage women to have personal ministries, but the Scriptures are clear that male leadership is called to the local church positions of Deacon, Elder, and Pastor-teacher. No amount of debate can water down what the Bible says about the individual and distinct callings of both sexes, in regard to gifts and positions. I encourage women to pursue study but the roles of Pastor-Teacher/Elder and Deacon are biblically reserved for men.[1 Tim. 2:9-15; 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 2:1-8; I Cor. 14:34-35]

XXV.  Openness of God

I reject what is known as the Openness of God theory that says, in so many words, that God does not know the future. He is "open" to the free choices people make, and then responds to their free agency.This view violates the omniscience of God. It also violates the fact that in sovereignty, He has ordained all things. As difficult a doctrine as this is, it is still clearly stated in Scripture. The view of the Openness of God should be considered a heresy.[Isa. 44:24-28; 45:3-7, 18-21; Rom. 8:28-30; 11:36; Acts 15:18]

XXVI. Progressive Dispensationalism

I reject the theories of Progressive Dispensationalism. The central disturbing tenet in this view is that the Lord Jesus Christ is now reigning on the throne of David in heaven. We reject the complementary hermeneutic, including the use of the “already/not yet” as an interpretive principle. We also reject the softening of progressive revelation and the forcing of a false continuity between the Testaments. The Lord is seated at the right hand of the Father presently in glory, but this is not the prophesied Davidic rule that will take place in time and history.[Lk. 2:32-33; Rev. 3:21; 1 Cor. 10:32]

XXVII. Sexual Identity

I believe sex is a gift from God to be enjoyed within the marriage relationship. I believe that God has commanded abstinence from any form of sexual/intimate activity outside of a marriage between one man and one woman. I believe that participation in any activity related to fornication, pornography, homosexuality, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, and/or adultery is a sinful perversion of God’s gift of sex. I believe that God created human beings male and female; therefore we hold the distinction between the two sexes to be sacred. I believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to change the appearance of one’s sex by hormones, surgery, or any other means. I affirm the Nashville Statement which is an Evangelical Christian statement of faith relating to human sexuality and gender roles authored by the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) in Nashville, Tennessee. [Genesis 1:26-28, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11]

XXVIII. The Marriage Covenant 

I believe that marriage is a union ordained by God and intended as a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman. [Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:18, Matthew 19:4-9, Mark 10:5-9, Ephesians 5:31-33]. In keeping with the Bible’s clear teaching on marriage as being between one man and one woman — I encourage Elders, staff or any ordained clergy member to not conduct same-sex wedding ceremonies. Moreover, I affirm that church facilities should be used for marriage ceremonies consistent with what the Bible teaches about marriage.

XXVIX.  Abortion and Euthanasia
I believe that human life is a sacred gift from God and must be respected from the moment of conception (fertilization) until natural death. We believe that the intentional, willful termination of a pregnancy (“abortion”) at any time after conception constitutes the taking of unborn human life. Accordingly, abortions, including for reasons of birth defects, gender selection, birth control, population control, or even in the tragic instances of rape or incest, and acts of encouraging, facilitating, or paying for abortions, are inconsistent with Scripture and the glory of God.  I oppose active intervention with the intent to produce death (“euthanasia”), whether for the relief of suffering, economic considerations, or convenience of the person, family, or society. We do not oppose the withdrawal or failure to institute artificial means of life support in patients who are clearly and irreversibly deteriorating, in whom death appears imminent beyond reasonable hope of recovery.(Psalm 139:13–16)

XXX. Divorce and Remarriage
I believe that God hates divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies. I recognize that divorce and remarriage might be permitted under certain conditions. However, whether a person has a biblical reason to divorce or whether a divorced person has biblical grounds for remarriage is subject to the teachings of Scripture. I urge those who are struggling in their marriages to seek biblical counsel from mature believers with fervent prayer that God might bring about reconciliation and renewed commitment to the marriage vows. (Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:16; Matthew 19:3–9; 1 Corinthians 7:10–13)

XXXI.  The Family 

I believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society and that a marriage which reflects biblical priorities and principles is the foundation of a healthy family. Children are a gift from God, and are both a blessing and a reward to their parents who are called to train them daily and diligently in God’s truth. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them to God through a consistent lifestyle example, appropriate teaching, and discipline. (Deuteronomy 6:7–9; Psalm 127:3–5; Ephesians 5:22–33; 6:1–4)  

I believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God and both are made in God’s image. God has given each sex distinct and separate spiritual roles in the home and the church. The husband is to love and serve his wife as Christ loves the church, to recognize that she is his essential helper and companion, and to live with her in a nurturing and understanding way. The wife is to submit to the headship of her husband as the church submits to the headship of Christ, to be her husband’s loving friend, and to respect him as a matter of spiritual service. A husband’s responsibility includes giving priority to spiritually leading his family and providing for his family’s material needs. A wife’s responsibility includes giving priority to home management and the nurture of her children. (Genesis 1:27; 2:15, 18; 3:19; 5:2; Proverbs 31:10–31; Ephesians 5:22-33; Titus 2:3–5; 1 Peter 3:1–7)
 

I also honor and respect those who remain single and are committed to a life of chastity and single-minded devotion to Christ. The Apostle Paul, who himself was single, taught that such a lifestyle was not only good but has the advantage of enabling the believer to serve the Lord without distraction. (1 Corinthians 7:8, 32–34)

Note:  This Doctrinal statement is not of my own devising but taken from several evangelical ministries.

To err is human, to FORGIVE Divine - Todd McCauley

In Matthew chapter six, Jesus teaches His disciples the right way to GIVE TO THE POOR (vss 2-4), the right way to FAST (vss 16-18), and the right way to PRAY (vss 5-15). I want to give attention to verses twelve, fourteen and fifteen which deal with the subject of prayer & FORGIVENESS.

In verse twelve Jesus instructs His disciples to say these words in prayer “……forgive us our debts, AS we also have forgiven our debtors….”

Let me translate what you are really asking when you repeat these words, “Father I want you to treat me the same way I treat others. Father, I want you to FORGIVE me to the same degree that I forgive others”.

So here’s a question. Why should I FORGIVE others? Why should you FORGIVE those who have who have either intentionally or unintentionally HURT, ABANDONED, ABUSED, LIED, USED, CHEATED or ROBBED you?

Why should you FORGIVE them?

Because much is at stake.

Let me give you FOUR things that are at stake if you refuse to forgive others.

#1 YOUR TESTIMONY IS AT STAKE. Verses 14-15 state, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses".

These verses can be looked at as evidential. You know, ANYBODY can claim to be a Christian. But like anything else, the proof is in the pudding. When a follower of Christ truly demonstrates forgiveness, they demonstrate that they are “REAL” followers of Christ. There is no GREATER evidence of a person’s regeneration than the ability to FORGIVE when he/she is offended. In my humble opinion, UNFORGIVING people AREN’T Christians.

So, what Jesus is saying is this. When you forgive others you testify, you demonstrate that you are a true, blue follower of His. The contrast is equally true. When you fail to forgive, you testify, you demonstrate that you are NOT one of His. It's that simple. Forgiveness is a family trait.

Alexander Pope correctly stated, "To err is human, to FORGIVE Divine".

#2 YOUR INTIMACY IS AT STAKE. A person CANNOT walk in intimate fellowship with Christ if he/she refuses to forgive others. Yeah, you can still look like a Christian, you can still do Christian stuff. But what you CAN’T do is be TIGHT/INTIMATE with Christ.

Imagine a married couple who has allowed conflict and drama to enter their relationship. Yes, they are still married, BUT the intimacy (i.e. the close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with that spouse) is gone.

#3 YOUR REWARD IS AT STAKE. FORGIVENESS in Scripture is a COMMAND, not a suggestion. Therefore, forgiveness is an ACT OF OBEDIENCE. Now get this! God cannot and does not reward disobedience.

#4 YOUR PEACE IS AT STAKE. Rom 12:18, “If possible on you part, live at PEACE with all people”. Heb 12:14, “Pursue PEACE with all……”

One of the ways that we foster peace with others in through FORGIVENESS. Some in the body of Christ have had the unfortunate experience of divorcing a spouse. While divorce is NOT the unpardonable sin, it is a very damaging sin. If one allows one of the fruits of divorce, unforgiveness, to linger, you’ll NEVER be able to move forward with your life.

Can I say this? Forgiveness does not reverse the consequences of what precipitated the unforgiveness. But what forgiveness does is allow one to live with the consequences without further condemnation and guilt.

So, what are the benefits of forgiveness? Let me ask another way, What are the benefits of being a forgiver.

#1 An Intact Testimony

#2 An Intense Intimacy

#3 An Incredible Reward

#4 An Inconceivable Peace

Are there Prophets today? - Todd McCauley

So here’s the question, Are there Prophets today? After reading through select passages of the OT, my answer is NOPE. Listen, you can call yourself whatever you want, but the proof is not in the title, but in the action. The Bible is clear as to what characterizes a True Prophet or Man of God. I’m right now looking at Deut 18; 2 Kings 1 and Jer 14) which gives several important traits of the TRUE Prophet of God.

1. True Prophets are God sent, not man sent (Deut 18:15 & 18) True Prophets don’t raise or appoint themselves.

2. True Prophets ONLY speak the word of God, Never their own word (vs. 18). True Prophets NEVER give their opinion or their “two cents”. True Prophets NEVER speak contrary to the revealed word of God (Deut 13:1-5).

3. True Prophets are accountable to God for what comes out of their mouths. A TRUE Prophet who speaks presumptuously (i.e., outside of the limits of what is permitted) or incorrectly is subject to God’s discipline (i.e., Death) [vs. 20-22].

4. True Prophets are 100% accurate (vs. 22).

5. True Prophets live humble, simple, God-dependent lives (2 King 1:8).

6. True Prophets are NOT ear ticklers. They are preachers, NOT life coaches. They are committed to telling men what God says versus telling men what they want to hear (1 Kings 22:6; Jer 14:15).

So in conclusion, are there Prophets today? NOPE. The Bible is clear that the church's foundation was already laid on the ministry of the Apostles and Prophets. Ephesians 2:20 states, "Together, we are his house, built on the FOUNDATION of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself". The Proclaimers (i.e.,God's mouthpieces) in today's economy are Pastor/Teachers and Evangelists (Eph 4:11).

Blessings

The Grace of God in Salvation Ephesians 2:8-10 - Todd McCauley

The Scripture passage pictured below I’m sure is very familiar. I decided to take this passage, tear it apart to see what I could glean. The verses below, taken from Ephesians 2:8-9 come from a larger CONTEXT, Ephesians 2:1-10. If I were outlining this passage it might look like this:

I. The Depravity of Man (vs 1-3)
II. The Grace of God (vs 4-10)

Ephesians 2:4-10 concern the Grace of God in Salvation. I won’t bore you with all the exegetical stuff but let me leave you with a few lessons that I learned about our great Salvation (i.e., Deliverance from the power and penalty of sin) from this passage, Ephesians 2:8-10:

1. Grace (i.e., God’s unmerited, sovereign favor) is the BASIS of our salvation.

2. Faith (i.e., Trust in Christ as a living person for forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God) is the means of APPROPRIATING our salvation.

NO ONE is saved apart from the Grace of God, and NO ONE is saved apart from exercising faith (i.e., trust in Christ alone). Therefore, the salvation transaction is by “Grace through faith” in Christ alone.

3. Salvation is a PERMANENT transaction (i.e., Once saved, totally saved).

4. Salvation is a GIFT from God (i.e., Something He gives, NOT something we earn).

5. God and God ALONE is the source of our salvation.

6. Salvation is NOT nor will it EVER be gained by Human EFFORT or PERFORMANCE (i.e., works).

Concerning points # 4 & 6, D.L. Moody said, “The thief had nails through both hands, so that he could not work; and a nail through each foot, so that he could not run errands for the Lord; he could not lift a hand or a foot toward his salvation, and yet Christ offered him the gift of God, and he took it. Christ threw him a passport, and took him into Paradise”.

7. The PURPOSE of Salvation is God’s glory ALONE (i.e., The is absolutely no room for human pride in the salvation transaction).

8. True salvation always works itself out in real life (i.e., We are saved to do good works, not by good works). Can I say this, Good works are the “True” evidence of Salvation.

in nōmine Patris et Fīliī et Spīritūs Sānctī

Expositors, NOT Motivators - Todd McCauley

I made a statement on Facebook the other day which was, "God has NOT called us to be

"Motivators", even though that may be a consequence of what we do. Rather, God has called us to be "Expositors". Someone responded and asked me to prove what I just said.

Here is my response:

Let's take a look at what I see as the start of the expository pulpit ministry. Check out Nehemiah 8:1-8 (NKJV)

8 Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. 3 Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.

4 So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose; and beside him, at his right hand, stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and on his left hand Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God.

Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

7 Also, Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law; and the people stood in their place. 8 So they READ distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they GAVE THE SENSE, and helped them to UNDERSTAND the reading.

***************So from the OT example above, the Expository method involves:

1. READING the Text,

2. EXPLAINING the text (i.e., giving the sense and helping them to UNDERSTAND the reading).

3. APPLYING the text (part of understanding is knowing HOW something works OR APPLIES).

This same Expository FRAMEWORK is seen in the NT where Paul instructs Timothy in his ministry.
…12 Let no one despise your youth but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public READING of Scripture, to EXHORTATION, and to TEACHING.

14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.… (1 Tim 4:12-14).

The same FRAMEWORK demonstrated in Ezra's ministry is the SAME FRAMEWORK that was and is to be demonstrated in Timothy's ministry and every Preacher's ministry since Timothy.

1. READ the text (i.e., The passage).

2. EXPLAIN the text (i.e., The passage) that you read (i.e., EXHORTATION).

3. APPLY the text that you've explained (i.e., TEACHING).

******Therefore,

in summary, Expository preaching is the kind of preaching that, "seeks to unfold the original meaning of the text for the listeners and apply it to their lives".

I’m amazed that in this post-Millennial, technologically driven age there are people who have problems with formal education. Let me be more specific. I’ve been “choppin it up” with some brothers on the issue of formal theological education and ministry. Is having a bible college or seminary education necessary for ministry? Of course, there are those who say it’s absolutely necessary, and then there are others who say it’s not. The later argue that formal education is a betrayal of the God, it’s somehow leaning on human understanding and NOT trusting the Holy Spirit. It’s been told me that formal education is idolatry. What! Idolatry? You mean to tell me that If a person invests time (Yes, it is an investment) at a theological institution, He or she is somehow displeasing God? You know this is a bit hypocritical in my opinion. We expect technical expertise in EVERY area of life, don’t we? I guarantee when you get on that Delta flight, you want that pilot to be educated on flying. When facing surgery, you best believe that you want him or her educated in surgery. So, why in the heck do we expect less for the people who keep watch over our souls (Heb 13:17).

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Tim 3:1-7 concerning the qualifications of the Elder (i.e., the pastoral leader). One of the key qualifications is found in verse two. He MUST be “…able to teach”. Commentator Steven Cole writes this, “…By “able to teach” Paul means that an elder must know Scripture well enough to be able to set forth sound doctrine and to refute error in a kind manner without quarreling (see 2 Tim. 2:24 where the word is also used). He must be a man of the Word who also understands people so that he can guide people into God’s truth. And since you can never arrive at a complete knowledge of God’s Word, an elder must be continuing to study with a teachable heart.”

Another Commentator states the following concerning teaching. “The Lord's servant must be didaktikos, which means, SKILLED in teaching, COMPETENT to teach…not only does he have skill in the communicating end of it, but he has the ability to make it believable because he lives it. The New Testament also encourages him to be paidionta which means to be TRAINED. This word comes from a word that means little child, to be DISCIPLINED or TRAINED or EDUCATED like a child. You put together then the SKILL in teaching and the TRAINING and you have what it takes to be an effective teacher (MacArthur).

I speak from experience when I say that to do teaching right, requires every ounce of one’s ability. You may never see the inside of a bible college or Seminary, but the requirements and standards for being a teacher of God’s word are no less demanding. I did a little research and discovered what the preparation time frames are for certain careers:
#1. Doctor 11-16 years.
#2. Dentist 8 years.
#3. Lawyer 7-8 years.
#4. Pilot 4-20 years.

If it takes this kind of prep for these important jobs, HOW MUCH MORE should the Physician of souls be properly prepared for the most important job in the universe. Listen up. It’s not the “Call” that qualifies you for pastoral/teaching ministry, it’s meeting the biblical qualifications that qualify you for pastoral/teaching ministry. And one of the qualifications is having the ability to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). Rightly dividing the Word is a learned/earned ability.

However, you learn it, whether, through bible college or seminary or church library, the skill of teaching must be learned. No excuses.