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.

The death of Prince in Biblical perspective.

I was driving earlier today to pick up two of my children when on the radio comes the report that Prince was dead at the age of 57. At first, I couldn’t believe it.  What Prince is he talking about? He can’t be talking about the recording artist Prince?  I guess what shocked me was the suddenness of it.  Was he killed?  Was he in an accident?  Was he sick?  You know, even as a follower of Christ, I will NEVER get used to this death thing.  One day a person you love is here and the next day they're gone. It’s crazy.

What helps me makes some sense of the craziness experienced in this life is to ask myself, “what does God’s word have to say about this”? And you know what? There is a word from the Lord. In the Book of Hebrews, chapter nine, verse 27, the writer states, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”. In order to make sense of this “death thing,” we MUST understand God’s perspective on death.

Before I dig any deeper, I must say that what you read here may not bring you immediate comfort or encouragement. This exposition may not alleviate your fear or angst about the subject of death. But, what I hope happens is that you gain some clarity on what takes place when a person you love dies. 

Hebrews 9:27 uncovers for us FOUR (4) important realities about death that we all need to know.

Reality #1
Death is CERTAIN (“And as it is appointed….”)
The word “appointed” means, something that is reserved, certain, and destined. Therefore, the writer declares that death (physical death) is reserved, certain and mankind’s destiny. Folks, there is no surer reality in life than physical death. Someone asked me, “Why do people have to die? The Bible is clear. The reason why mankind is subject to death is because of SIN. When Adam violated God’s righteous standard (Gen 2:15-17) the Bible states sin thereby entered the world of humanity followed by death (Rom 5:12). Because of sin, death is reserved, certain and destined for all humanity. Why did the 9 people in that Charleston South Carolina A.M.E church die?  Because they were black? Well, their ethnicity may have been the Catalyst, but the true cause is because they like you and me, are sinners and therefore subject to the curse of sin, namely death. Why did Prince die?  Because like the rest of us, he was a sinner (Rom 3:23). Let me add this.  Everybody is NOT guaranteed to die quietly in their sleep like my grandfather, many of us will die kicking and screaming like his passengers. Again, the point is NOT how we die, but WHY we die.  The Bible clearly states, "the wages of SIN is death"(Rom 3:23).

Reality #2
Death is certain FOR ALL MEN (“….for men…”)
The word “men” here is a generic term which speaks of “ALL humanity”. Every Human being regardless of gender or age is subject to physical death. Friends, death is no respecter of persons, death is not racist, death doesn’t play favorites, death is not politically correct.
   
                                                        EVERYBODY IS GOING TO DIE. 

     The Book of Hebrews, chapter 11 verses 36-38 states, “Still others had trials of mocking’s and scourging’s, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth”. 

Reality #3
Death is an ONETIME event (“…once to die...”)
Folks, concepts like reincarnation are FALSE. We don’t get several shots at this life, men and women are not born with 9 lives. In light of this fact, we should take the Apostles Paul’s advice seriously, “make the most of your time” (Eph 5:16).

Reality #4
Death leads to CERTAIN judgment (“…….but after this the judgment”)
Physical death is NOT the end. When people die they don’t cease to exist. The Bible is clear, following death comes judgment. This is the divine judgment carried out by Christ. The Bible speaks of judgment for BOTH the believer and unbeliever when they die.

Allow me to briefly explain what happens to a person when they die.

FIRST, what happens when the BELIEVER dies?
A. His/her, soul/spirit goes to Heaven to be with Christ (2 Cor 5:8).

B. At the Rapture of the Church the believer’s soul/spirit is reunited with his/her resurrected body (1 Thess 4).

C. All believers are reunited with each other and the Lord in Heaven during the time of Tribulation on the earth (1 Thess 4; John 14:6). It’s in heaven that the believer’s works are judged in order to determine his/her degree of reward (2 Cor 5).

D. At Christ’s Second coming all the saints return from Heaven with Him to live and reign on the earth during His Millennial Kingdom reign (Rev 20:4-6).


SECOND, what happens when the UNBELIEVER dies?
A. His/her, soul/spirit goes to Hell where in conscious torment they await the Judgment of God (Luke 16:19-31); Rev 20:11).

B. After the Millennial reign of Christ, the Dead are brought before the “White throne” of judgment where their works will be judged, not to determine whether they go to heaven, but to determine their degree of punishment in the “Lake of Fire” (Rev 20:11ff).

When I think about the death of Prince my hope is that he truly knew Christ as Lord and Savior. What I mean is this.  I hope that at some point in his life he was able to REPENT of his sin and put his whole weight upon Christ. Because if he did, the Bible assures us that he is more alive today than he ever was in his life on earth. Jesus put it this way, “...I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies” (John 11:25).  The plain truth is that many folks are not ready to die.  How about you?  Are you ready?  If you died today, do you know where you would go?

Listen, the real tragedy is NOT Prince dying.  The real tragedy is if he died NOT having trusted Christ as Lord and Savior.

It's not too late, Trust Jesus Now.

Todd.

Song title: So in Love

Artist(s): Jason Nelson

Reviewer: CoolImprov

Chorus

I'm madly, insanely, desperately in love with you.
And nothing will ever distract me from loving you

I'm in love with you, you Jesus
You, you
I'm in love with you, you Jesus
You, you

Verse 1

You graced me, embraced me, you stayed with me when everybody walked away
You loved me, unconditionally that's why I will forever give you the praise

Chorus

I'm madly, insanely, desperately in love with you.
And nothing will ever distract me from loving you.

I'm in love with you, you Jesus
You, you
I'm in love with you, you Jesus
You, you

Verse 2

You see me, you know me, you still love me
Thanks for your amazing grace
And my heart is turned toward you that's why I love for the rest of my days.

Chorus

I'm madly, insanely, desperately in love with you.
And nothing will ever distract me from loving you

I'm in love with you, you Jesus
You, you
I'm in love with you, you Jesus
You, you

Oh, oh you have my love forever

Jason Nelson is a well-recognized voice in Christian music. Besides being a Stellar award winning artist, He is also a Pastor, Husband, and Father. For those of you who have read my reviews in the past know that I have a love-hate relationship with contemporary Gospel music. Some of it I love and a lot of it I hate.

The song that captured my attention for this review is a ditty entitled, "So in Love". A few days ago I'm driving in my vehicle and on comes this tune. It starts off, "I'm madly, insanely, desperately in love with you...." I thought to myself, "Oh, a Christian love song". Again, I said to myself (since I'm the only one in the car) "You know, we need MORE romantic, Christian based love songs". The song continued and that's when I put on the brakes and almost caused a 10 car pileup (Just kidding). Jason wasn't singing about some woman, He was singing about JESUS.

Hold up, hold up. I have a big problem when we romanticize the Saviour. "He's my heavenly boyfriend", "He's my lover", "He's my husband". I did a little research and discovered that there is a movement out there called, "The Romancing Jesus movement". Here is an example from many, of the Romancing Jesus ideology, "I fly to Paris and discover how to make love to God.” This closing chapter, “The Joy of Intimacy,” is her discovery of God through something akin to sexual intimacy. In a chapter laden with intimate imagery she falls in love with God again, but this time, hears him urging to respond. She wants more of him. And then, at last, she experiences some kind of spiritual climax, some understanding of what it means to fully live, of what it means to be one with Christ, to experience the deepest kind of union. “God makes love with grace upon grace, every moment a making of His love for us. Couldn’t I make love to God, making every moment love for Him? To know Him the way Adam knew Eve. Spirit skin to spirit skin?” (From Ann Voskamp's book, One thousand gifts).

Much of Jason's song I can get with, "You graced me, embraced me, you stayed with me when everybody walked away
You loved me, unconditionally that's why I will forever give you the praise.....You see me, you know me, you still love me
Thanks for your amazing grace and my heart is turned toward you that's why I love for the rest of my days".

Amen to the above sentiments. BUT, I have a BIG problem with, "....I'm madly, insanely, desperately in love with you...." especially coming from a MAN. I don't mean to go off topic, but this Romanticizing Jesus movement in our churches is ONE of the MANY reasons men treat church like the plague. A'int no red-blooded, meat-eating, HETEROSEXUAL brother gonna be caught dead telling another MAN, "I'm in love with you", Jesus or not (No disrespect Lord).

There is a world of difference between "Loving the Lord" and being, "in love with the Lord". One is Biblical and the other is Sensual and Unbiblical.

Let me close with a quote from a blogger named Erin. She puts a nice cap on this subject. "Romanticism cannot express the essence of the Christian life accurately or Biblically. It's usefulness as a way of describing the Christian life has been greatly exaggerated, and based mostly on a wrong reading of the Song of Solomon. The theme of the Bride of Christ is important in the New Testament, but it never resulted in expressions of romanticism in the life and worship of the church. Instead, images like the bride resulted in higher esteem for the church as a redeemed community, not a more personalized and emotional individual experience for the believer. Romanticism is not a significant Biblical expression of praise, certainly not worthy of becoming a regular part of our worship, prayer, and communication of the Gospel. As understood and experienced today, romanticism is a flawed metaphor for delighting in and loving God. It is vastly inferior to scripture's own description of love for God as seeking our joy in obedience to the Lord. "Come fall in love with Jesus," is not an invitation to faith that we should endorse or repeat" (donotbesurprised.com)

In His grip,
CoolImprov

What "I can do all things through Christ" really means.

Let me introduce you to one of the most misunderstood, misinterpreted, misquoted verses in ALL of the Bible. It’s Philippians 4:13. The Apostle writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard this verse used to justify every conceivable idea and endeavor known to man.

What is this verse really teaching? Is Paul teaching us that no matter what we put our minds and efforts to we CAN DO IT, we CAN achieve it?

Let’s see.

Philippians 4:13 is surrounded by a CONTEXT. Let me address this important concept for just a moment. In Bible college, one of the things that were drilled into our heads in exegesis class was this, “CONTEXT IS KING”. You cannot, you should not attempt to understand any verse of scripture apart from the context from which it derives. It is believed that the Professor and Bible Teacher D.A Carson is credited with saying, “"A text without a context is a pretext for a proof text." In the words of one writer, “without examining the context in which something (in this case, Scripture) was said, one can easily (or even intentionally) misappropriate or misuse or misapply or misrepresent a text to support a position that it, in fact, does not support”.

Folks this kind of Bible mishandling happens ALL the time by very well meaning folk. Let me give you another example. Folks often want to feel good about the size of their Tuesday night prayer meeting. Exactly 4 people showed up and one of them was a child. So, in order to help us feel better, we tell each other, “Where two or three are gathered in His name……” You know the rest. That verse found in Matthew 18:20, I hate to tell you has nothing to do with prayer meetings. In fact, this verse is not even talking about prayer, in other words, prayer is NOT the subject matter. This is why CONTEXT is king.

So, what is Paul teaching in Philippians 4:13?

The CONTEXT of verse 13 begins in verse 10 and runs through verse 20. Paul tells the Philippians that he's excited that their concern for him has reignited (vs 10). He goes on to say that he knows that they always cared, but the problem was that they lacked opportunity. In verse 11 he states that he’s not referring just to physical need and that through his neediness he has learned the awesome lesson of CONTENTMENT (vs. 12).

Bam!! This is what verse 13 is all about. When Paul states that, “he can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens him.” He’s talking about CONTENTMENT, NOT Ability or Opportunity. The "ALL THINGS" are found in verse 12, which are the varied circumstances of life. Paul states whether rich or poor, hungry or full, I know how to be CONTENT. Contentment can be defined as, "sufficient to self" (self-sufficient and competent) and so to be independent of external circumstances and independent of all people. One secular writer used autarkes in reference to a country that supplied itself and had no need of imports. True contentment comes only from our Lord, and enables believers to be satisfied and at ease in the midst of any problem. Autarkes therefore describes the man who needs nothing externally to be satisfied in life for all he needs is within. the believer who has Christ dwelling within”.

Let me say this, and I don’t mean to be offensive. The reasons why so many Christians are running around like chickens with cut off heads looking for the next thing, the next level, the next blessing, the next outpouring, the next, the next, the next, is because unlike Paul they have not learned this critical skill of CONTENTMENT. The reason why divorce is running rampant through the Christian community is because we have not learned the critical skill of CONTENTMENT. The reason why Christians are chasing experience after experience is because we have not learned the critical skill of CONTENTMENT.

So, what is Paul talking about in Philippians 4:13 when He says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”? He’s talking about CONTENTMENT.

The great Bible Teacher John Calvin wrote, “"Whatever my condition may be, I am satisfied with it. "Why? because saints know that they thus please God. Hence, they do not measure sufficiency by abundance, but by the will of God, which they judge of by what takes place, for they are persuaded that their affairs are regulated by his providence and good pleasure."

Amen!!

Todd

Christian Music Review

Song title: Wanna be happy

Artist(s): Kirk Franklin

"Kirk Dwayne Franklin (born January 26, 1970) is an American gospel musician, choir director, and author. He is known for leading urban contemporary gospel choirssuch as The Family, God's Property and One Nation Crew (1NC), and has won multiple awards, including seven Grammy Awards. Early years. A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Franklin was raised by his aunt, Gertrude, having been abandoned as a baby by his mother. Gertrude collected and resold aluminum cans to raise money for Kirk to take piano lessons from the age of four. Kirk excelled in music, being able to read and write music, while also playing by ear.

He received his first contract offer at the age of seven, which his aunt turned down. He joined the church choir and became music director of the Mt. Rose Baptist Church adult choir at the age of twelve.

Despite his strict religious upbringing, Franklin rebelled in his teenage years, and in an attempt to keep him out of trouble, his grandmother arranged an audition for him at a professional youth conservatory associated with a local university. He was accepted and, while his life seemed to be on track for a while, the announcement of a girlfriend's pregnancy and his eventual expulsion from school for behavioral problems proved otherwise.

Kirk Franklin studied music with Jewell Kelly and the Singing Chaparrals at Oscar Dean Wyatt High School. He was under her tutelage for music direction as she allowed him to be the pianist for the choir.

After the shooting death of a friend, Franklin returned to the church, where he began to direct the choir once again. He also co-founded a gospel group, The Humble Hearts, which recorded one of Franklin's compositions and got the attention of gospel music legend Milton Biggham. Impressed, Biggham enlisted him to lead the DFW Mass Choir in a recording of Franklin's song "Every Day with Jesus." This led to Biggham hiring Franklin, just 20 years old at the time, to lead the choir at the 1990 Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention, a major industry gathering" (Wikipedia).

Kirk just released a new solo album called "Losing My Religion". This is his twelfth studio album. This album was produced by RCA Inspiration a division of RCA Records alongside Fo Yo Soul Recordings, Kirk's label.

The song being reviewed today is one of the cuts off his new album, "Losing my religion" it's called, "Wanna be happy". It is currently numero uno on Billboards Hot Gospel songs chart. "....The recording artist, songwriter and producer explained the concept of his new song, Every human being was wired with the desire for happiness. And we will try different things all in the pursuit of that feeling. With this song, I'm saying, if you really want to be happy, you have to start with the originator, Franklin said in a statement shared with The Christian Post. My goal is to try to lead people to the manufacturer of their souls" (The Christian Post).

Here are the lyrics to Kirk's song:

The truth can hurt you
Or the truth can change you
What would truth do to you

I just wanna be happy
But if I keep on doing the things
That keep on bringing me pain
There's no one else I can blame
If I'm not happy
Wasted time but now I can see
The biggest enemy it was me
So I'm not happy

Cry yourself to sleep
Shout and raise your hands
It wont change a thing child
Until you understand

If you're tired of being the same
If you're tired of things not changing
It's time for you to get out the way
Don't get stuck in how you feel
Say Jesus take the wheel
He knows the road that you need to take
(But it only works if)
If you wanna be happy
(Look at yourself and say)
Don't you wanna be happy
I just wanna be happy

But if I keep on giving my heart
For people to tear apart
The healing will never start
So I can be happy
Will I ever be happy

if I'm talking to you then say)
If you're tired of being the same
If you're tired of things not changing
It's time for you to get out the way
(You been down too long)
Don't get stuck in how you feel
Say Jesus take the wheel
He knows the road that you need to take
(I feel different right here)
It's so easy to complain
Addicted to the pain
You give you heart, they push it away
(But I got good news for ya)
Jesus knows just how you feel
Just let him take the wheel
The love you need, he already gave
(But the question is)
Do you wanna be happy
(If you're tired of you then say)
I just wanna be happy
(Now if you really mean that, open up your heart and say it)
If you're tired of being the same
If you're tired of things not changing
It's time for you to get out the way
(Are you ready, come on)
Don't get stuck in how you feel
Say Jesus take the wheel
(What you doin')
He knows the road that you need to take
(So easy to complain)
It's so easy to complain
(Come on)
Addicted to the pain
You give you heart, they push it away
(There's somebody that'll never leave ya)
Jesus knows just how you feel
Just let him take the wheel
The love you need, he already gave
(But the question is)
Do you wanna be happy
(Took a long time but I'm ready)
I just wanna be happy
(Thank you Lord, every day ask yourself)
Do you wanna be happy
(Yes, pull over, let him drive)
I just wanna be happy

Okay, it is clear from the reading of these lyrics that the central theme of this song is the desire to be happy. Earlier in this review Kirk stated, "..."Every human being was wired with the desire for happiness. And we will try different things all in the pursuit of that feeling....." Kirk is right. Every Human being desires happiness and will indeed try different things in pursuit of that FEELING. This is where the rubber hits the road. How one defines happiness is critical.

Psychology researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky elaborates, describing happiness as “the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.” (http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/).

Wow, if you do a search on the Internet for keys to being happy, you are going to be overwhelmed with suggestions. Allow me to mention a few:

1. Build relationships
2. Give thanks
3. Practice kindness
4. Give up grudges
5. Don’t focus on material wealth
6. Embrace Change
7. Have Your Own Back

What does Kirk in his song have to say about obtaining happiness? He says that the way that you get happiness is by SAYING, "Jesus take the wheel" which by the way is the title of a Carrie Underwood tune. Kirk also states that if you want to be happy, you need to look at yourself and SAY, "Don't you wanna be happy, I just want to be happy". Sounds like positive confession to me.

Unfortunately this is not a biblical formula for true happiness. The Bible is clear, Happiness IS NOT a pursuit, it is the result of a certain kind of life. In Matthew 5:3-12 the word "Blessed" is used 9 times. This word can be translated "Happy". But Check this out!! Jesus in this passage NEVER commands his disciples to pursue the blessed/happy life. Instead He teaches his followers that the blessed/happy life is the result of a certain kind of life lived. For the Christian, Happiness is not some temporary fix for a season, rather happiness is an ongoing permanent state of being. So Todd, does this mean that I'm always going to be laughing and smiling and High-fiving everybody, everyday? No, but what it does mean is that as a follower of Christ I can EVERYDAY experience in the words of Rob Morgan, "...inward contentedness that is not affected by circumstances. That is the kind of happiness God desires for His children, a state of joy and well-being that does not depend on physical, temporary circumstances".

The reason so many of our marriages are nose diving into the toilet is because we've bought into the myth of the pursuit of HAPPyNESS. When we stop experiencing that "loving feeling" for our significant other, we call it quits. Listen, happiness is not found in the pursuit, it's in the process. By process I'm speaking of the process of "Sanctification".

The kind of Happiness that Christians should be experiencing is the, "...inner satisfaction and sufficiency that does not depend on outward circumstances...This is what the Lord offers those who trust Him!

I like this song musically, but lyrically and theologically, this song gets a big thumbs DOWN. Kirk, we've waited four years for this? Maybe another four years will make a difference

In His grip,
Todd

Ephesians, The big picture

Before you ever begin a detailed verse by verse study in any book of the Bible, it's important that you first get a handle on the historic and cultural context of said book. In other words, before you go scuba diving in a particular book, it's first necessary to do a fly over in order to take in the big picture (i.e., get a feel for what took place; historically, politically, socially, culturally and geographically). When I do the contextual study of a particular book, I ask the same key questions:

1. To whom was it written?
2. By whom was it written?
3. When was it written?
4. Where was it written?
5. What was the purpose for writing it?
6. What is the theme of this book?
7. Around what circumstances/occasion was it written?

Now, there may be other questions, but these are the main ones that I use. As we tackle these questions it's important for you to know that you will not find the answers to all these questions in the actual text of Scripture. You will have to go outside of Scripture and use other resources to glean this information. I suggest that you get your hands on some good Bible introductions, handbooks, commentaries, atlases, etc. Listen men, without this big picture background work, you will have a much more difficult time understanding the details of a given book. Another reason why I'm focusing on the Book of Ephesians is to demonstrate the importance of book studies versus topical studies. If you have a teaching ministry to God's people there is no better approach than verse by verse book studies. Your people will rise up and call you blessed because they're learning the Word of God. Dr David Howard makes the following point concerning the importance of book studies, " I recommend that pastors practice expository preaching through books of the Bible (or portions of books, if the books are extraordinarily lengthy) as their primary approach to preaching. With this approach, preachers and congregations can be immersed in the overall message of a book in its context, along the lines suggested above, and not just isolated verses or passages".

Now, looking at the book of Ephesians, let's get a big picture:

I. To whom was Ephesians written? Ephesians was written according to verse 1 of chapter 1, "To the Body of Christ (i.e., Saints) in Ephesus".

II. By whom was Ephesians written? Both internal and external evidence point to the Apostle Paul as the author of this epistle.

III. Where was it written? Paul clearly wrote as a prisoner in Rome (cf. Ephesians 3:1, 4:1, 6:20).

IV. When was it written? All external conservative evidence points to the date of A.D. 61 (Colossians and Philemon were written during the same year, possibly the same time).

V. The Purpose of Paul writing this letter? Kenneth Boa writes, "Ephesians was not written to correct specific errors in a local church, but to prevent problems in the church as a whole by encouraging the Body of Christ to mature in Him. It was also written to make believers more aware of their position in Christ because this is the basis for their practice on every level of life". I'm convinced that many of the problems that exist in the Body of Christ today are the result of:
1. Immaturity
2. Lack of understanding of our position in Christ which inevitably affects our practice in life.

VI. What is the theme of this letter? The theme of Ephesians revolves around who we are positionally in Christ. In this epistle Paul makes it clear that we (those in Christ) are the church, the body of Christ. The Church is NOT a denomination, nor an institution, nor a building on the corner. The church is a new community purchased by Christ to carry out the purposes of God in this world.

A word about the city of Ephesus. As I study Paul’s writings, I'm convinced that Paul loved the city. He loved the sites the sounds the hustle and bustle of urban living. Ephesus was a major seaport destination. Ephesus was a hub of entertainment, trade, politics, education as well as religion. The famed Temple of Diana, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient world was housed in Ephesus. This was a very strategic city and Paul knew that. Of course as you know city living brings city problems and Ephesus had her share of problems.

I won't go much further than this brief introduction. Next time we'll put on our scuba gear and dive into the text.

But before I close allow me to summarize some lessons learned from our intro:

1. Context is King. A Historical, cultural background study is necessary for effective Bible study.
2. The Bible was given not to denominations nor to institutions. The Bible was given to the Church, the people of God (the body of Christ).
3. The Bible was not given to make us smarter, but mature.
4. Strategy plays a part in ministry. Someone has well said, "If you aim at nothing, you will surely hit it"

Soli Deo Gloria

Charleston S.C in Biblical perspective (Hebrews 9:27)

Whether you live in Charleston or not, everyone has been impacted by the tragedy that took place on Wednesday evening at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Nine people including the Pastor lost their lives in a senseless attack by 21 year old Dylann Roof. The responses to these killings shoot the gamut from anger to forgiveness, to debates as to whether churches should now “arm” the Ushers. My response as a follower of Christ is always to ask, “What does God’s word have to say about this”? And you know what? There is a word from the Lord. In the Book of Hebrews, chapter nine, verse 27, the writer states, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”. In order to make sense of this senseless tragedy, we MUST understand God’s perspective on death. Before we dig deeper, I must say that what you read may not bring you immediate comfort or encouragement. This exposition may not alleviate you anger and frustration. But what I hope happens is that you gain some clarity on what took place in Charleston.
Hebrews 9:27 uncovers for us four (4) important realities about death that we all need to know:

Reality #1
Death is certain (“And as it is appointed…..”)
The word “appointed” means, something that is reserved, certain, and destined. Therefore the writer declares that death (Physical death) is reserved, certain and mankind’s destiny. Folks there is no surer reality in life than physical death. Someone asked me, “Why do people have to die? The Bible is clear. The reason why mankind is subject to death is because of SIN. When Adam violated God’s righteous standard (Gen 2:15-17) the Bible states sin thereby entered the world of humanity followed by death (Rom 5:12). Because of sin, death is reserved, certain and destined for all humanity. Why did the 9 people in this Charleston South Carolina A.M.E church die, because they were black? Well their ethnicity may have been the Catalyst, but the true cause is because they like you and I were sinners and subject to the curse of sin, namely death.

Reality #2
Death is certain for all men (“…….for men…….”)
The word “men” here is a generic term which speaks of “ALL humanity”. Every Human being regardless of gender or age is subject to physical death. Friends, death is no respecter of persons, death is not racist, and death doesn’t play favorites. Everybody is going to die. But here’s the deal, there is not a set prescribed way that people are going to die. For example, everybody’s not’s going to die at 88 yrs. old peaceably in their bed. The Book of Hebrews, chapter 11 verses 36-38 states, “Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth”. This also includes churches.

Reality #3
Death is a onetime event (“…..once to die……”)
Folks, we must understand that based on this verse concepts like reincarnation are false. We don’t get several shots at this life, men and women are not born with 9 lives. In light of this fact we should take the Apostles Paul’s advice seriously, “make the most of your time” (Eph 5:16).

Reality #4
Death leads to certain judgment (“…….but after this the judgment”)
Physical death is NOT the end. When people die they don’t cease to exist. The Bible is clear, following death comes judgment. This is the divine judgment carried out by Christ. The Bible speaks of judgment for BOTH the believer and unbeliever when they die.

First, what happens when the believer dies?
a. His/her, soul/spirit goes to Heaven to be with Christ (2 Cor 5:8)
b. At the Rapture of the Church the believer’s soul/spirit is reunited with his/her resurrected body (1 Thess 4)
c. All believers are reunited with each other and the Lord in Heaven during the time of Tribulation on the earth (1 Thess 4; John 14:6). It’s in heaven that the believer’s works are judged in order to determine his/her degree of reward (2 Cor 5).
d. At Christ’s Second coming all the saints return from Heaven with Him to live and reign on the earth during His Millennial Kingdom reign (Rev 20:4-6).

Second, what happens when the Unbeliever dies?
a. His/her, soul/spirit goes to Hell where in conscious torment they await the Judgment of God (Luke 16:19-31); Rev 20:11).
b. After the Millennial reign of Christ, the Dead are brought before the “White throne” of judgment where their works will be judged, not to determine whether they go to heaven, but to determine their degree of punishment in the “Lake of Fire” (Rev 20:11ff).

When I think about the deaths of these folks in Charleston S.C. my hope is that each of these nine precious souls knew Christ as Lord and Savior, because if they did, they are more alive today than they ever have been in their entire lives. The plain truth is that many of us who name the name of Christ are not ready to die because we either have a non-existing or underdeveloped theology of death. Listen, when one knows the truth of God's word related to death, no matter what the circumstances we can and will experience the hope that's ours in Christ.

Amen.