5/21/13

From Mark Copeland... Principles Of Discipleship

                          "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                  Principles Of Discipleship (9:38-50)

INTRODUCTION

1. Previously, we saw Jesus teaching His disciples the way to true
   greatness...
   a. A way involving servitude - Mk 9:33-35
   b. A way involving humility - Mk 9:36-37
   c. Both important principles of discipleship

2. In response, John brings up what seems to be a totally unrelated
   subject...
   a. How the disciples tried to prevent someone who would not follow
      them - Mk 9:38
   b. Which Jesus answers, relating it to principles of discipleship
      - Mk 9:39-50

[The principles taught may appear unrelated (at least to my mind), but
they all relate to the matter of following Jesus as His disciples.
Let's consider them one by one, beginning with...]

I. HE WHO IS NOT AGAINST US IS ON OUR SIDE

   A. THE PRINCIPLE...
      1. Stated in response to John's question - Mk 9:38
         a. The disciples saw a man casting out demons in Jesus' name
         b. Whom the disciples tried to forbid because the man would not
            follow them
      2. Jesus' response:  do not forbid Him - Mk 9:39-40
         a. The man was clearly empowered to do works in Jesus' name
         b. So empowered, it was unlikely he would speak evil of Jesus
         c. So while he did not follow the other disciples, he was still
            on their side

   B. THE APPLICATION...
      1. A common misapplication
         a. Many commentators use this passage to decry denominational
            rivalry
         b. Which might be appropriate if denominational distinctions
            were not wrong
         c. But denominationalism is wrong within itself - cf.

            Jn 17:21-23; 1Co 1:10-13; 3:3-4
      2. A more proper application
         a. Do not fault individuals or churches who may choose to do
            things differently
         b. Assuming that what they do is "in His name" (by His
            authority) - cf. Col 3:17
         c. There are often different ways to do the will of the Lord;
            if someone prefers not to do something "our" way, we should
            not forbid them doing it "their" way

[Next, we learn the value of...]

II. A CUP OF WATER IN HIS NAME GIVEN

   A. THE PRINCIPLE...
      1. He who gives a servant of Christ a cup of water in His Name
         will be rewarded - Mk 9:41
      2. The principle further explained in Matthew's gospel - Mt 10:40-42
      3. Even the smallest acts in helping others serve the Lord will be
         noticed by Him

   B. THE APPLICATION...
      1. When we help the brethren of the Lord, He takes notice cf. Mt 25:34-40
      2. When we support their ministries, we have fellowship in their
         work - Php 1:5; 3Jn 1:5-8

[Then we are warned of...]

III. CAUSING LITTLE ONES TO STUMBLE

   A. THE PRINCIPLE...
      1. Causing the little ones who believe to stumble is a great
         offense! - Mk 9:42
      2. Again, Matthew's gospel expands on this theme - Mt 18:6-7,10

   B. THE APPLICATION...
      1. We should be very careful about our example and influence on
         the young
      2. Every one is a role model, either for good or evil
      3. The best way to show love for the children of God is by loving
         God and keeping His commandments - 1Jn 5:2

[Another principle is that sometimes it is necessary to have...]

IV. RADICAL SURGERY TO AVOID HELLFIRE

   A. THE PRINCIPLE...
      1. Sometimes radical actions are needed to avoid hellfire - Mk 9:43-48
      2. Eternal life is worth whatever cost it takes - ibid.

   B. THE APPLICATION...
      1. Not to be taken literally, because one could still sin with one
         hand, one eye
      2. But anything close to us (family, job, friends, etc.) that
         would keep us away from God must be removed if necessary - cf.
         Mt 10:37; Lk 14:26,33
      3. Note:  Jesus believed and taught the reality of hell! - cf.

                Re 20:15; 21:8

[Finally, Jesus segues from the punishing effects of hellfire to the
positive effect of a different kind of fire...]

V. SEASONING EFFECTS OF FIRE

   A. THE PRINCIPLE...
      1. We are seasoned with fire, like sacrifices are seasoned with
         salt - Mk 9:49
      2. The salt makes the sacrifice better, so fire can make one
         better - Mk 9:50

   B. THE APPLICATION...
      1. Appreciate the purifying nature of trials and difficulties - Jm 1:2-4
      2. As difficult as it may seem at the time, there can be glory in
         suffering - cf. Ro 5:3-4

CONCLUSION

1. Thus we find in our text five principles regarding discipleship...
   a. He who is not against us is on our side
   b. A cup of water in His name given
   c. Causing little ones to stumble
   d. Radical surgery to avoid hellfire
   e. Seasoning effects of fire

2. Seemingly unrelated perhaps, but important to serving Jesus with
   humility...
   a. Others don't have to follow "our" ministries, plans, etc., to be
      faithful
   b. Sometimes we may only help in the smallest of ways, but the Lord
      notices
   c. We cannot arrogantly overlook the needs of the little ones around
      us
   d. Sometimes we have to deny ourselves those things that mean much to
      us
   e. We need to humbly accept the seasoning effects of trials when they
      occur

Indeed, the way of following Jesus requires much humility on our part.
With such humility, we will find ourselves at peace with one another (Mk
9:50).  Are we willing to humbly follow Him...?

5/20/13

From Gary... A rainbow, a gift and empty pockets

I went to Sunday evening services last night, expecting a perfectly normal time. Then, a young man (He told us later on in the Adult Bible Class that he was 24) came in and sat down it the row of seats on the other side of the auditorium. He was very dirty looking and most of the time just played with his cell phone. When it ran out of juice, he just walked around until he found a charger and with nothing to do, he participated in the class. He spoke as though he thought he was a wise old man and related his experiences with drugs and alcohol as if he had now conquered all his problems; this, while being homeless and asking us for food. At the close of the service, most everyone reached in their pockets to pool money to buy him the nourishment he sought. I felt awkward because I was broke and so I left as quickly as possible. On the way home, I felt awful that I couldn't help him and I was depressed. This morning, I was sprucing up some of the pictures for use on the blog and had a headache, so I sat in the recliner for a long time with Buddy using my left leg as prop. As I closed my eyes, I thought of the picture at the top of this post and realized how hard life must be for those who live on the street; and how, even there, people know they can get help from "church folks". And it was THEN, that I thought of this passage from the Gospel of Luke...

Luke, Chapter 7

1 After he had finished speaking in the hearing of the people, he entered into Capernaum. 2 A certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and at the point of death. 3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and save his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they begged him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for you to do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he built our synagogue for us.” 6 Jesus went with them. When he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. 7 Therefore I didn’t even think myself worthy to come to you; but say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude who followed him, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel.” 10 Those who were sent, returning to the house, found that the servant who had been sick was well.

The Centurion knew he wasn't one of the chosen people and yet, in time of need, went to Jesus. The soldier was a man of authority with a great deal of responsibility, but felt unworthy to even be in the presence of Jesus. When his servant was healed, I can imagine him saying to himself... he did this for me??? The picture shows the rainbow coming right to you, as if it is yours for the taking. A very special gift, just for you. I think this is how the Centurion must have felt by Jesus' gift of healing for his servant. And, I hope that the homeless man felt blessed by the help the church gave him. I just wish that I had something in my pocket to help him in his time of hunger. Maybe next time...

From Jim McGuiggan... Divorce or mere Separation?

Divorce or mere Separation?

Does "apoluo" mean "divorce"? The correct answer's yes and no. It means divorce in some texts and it doesn't mean it in others. The basicidea of the word is some kind of loosing, freeing or separating from a given place, condition or circumstance. Apoluo is used of numerouskinds of separations or releases. It's used of the release of Barabbas, of a man being loosed from his illness or of people forgiving each other (releasing them) and Timothy freed from prison. In marital contexts in the Gospels it is the word of choice to speak of the separation that is divorce. In the NT the word doesn't occur outside the Gospels in a marital/separation/divorce context.

In a marital context in the Gospels it is correct to say apoluo means divorce but it's the marital context that gives apoluo the meaning of divorce—it doesn't have it otherwise! This word, like every other generic word, means in a given text what the author intends for it to mean.

Does aphiemi mean divorce? The correct answer's yes and no depending on what texts you have in mind. If you had many texts in mind like the 5^th century BC Herodotus (Histories, 5.39) the answer would be yes. He tells us that Anaxandridas refused to "put away" his childless wife and marry another. This use comes all the way down to Paul who uses it of divorce in 7:11 and 13. All of this is uncontroversial, as the scholars show us.

Of course, the word is used of many kinds of separations and it's repeatedly used of sins being (so the speak) "sent away"—that is, forgiven, which is how it is rendered over and over again in the NT.

Does chorizo mean divorce? The correct answer's yes and no depending on what text you have in mind. If you had numerous ancient marital-contract documents in mind the answer would be yes because the scholars tell us that's how chorizo is used in them. The answer would be no if you had Acts 1:4 or Hebrews 7:26 in mind where the apostles were told not to leave the temple and where Jesus is said to beseparated from sinners.

The answer would be yes in Matthew 19:6 and Mark 10:9 where Jesus, speaking of divorce, said what God joined together man must notseparate."

The answer would be yes in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11. In addressing a Christian woman Paul says he has a word from God through the Lord Jesus rather than one that comes from God through Paul. The word from the Lord Jesus in the gospels is about divorce and not mere separation. If the women are contemplating divorce Paul says the word from Jesus Christ is "me chorizeto"—do not put asunder (Matthew 19:6 and Mark 10:9). Jesus was talking about the destruction of a one-flesh union in a divorce section (see the texts) and he uses "chorizo" to cover it.

It isn't the mere use of the word "chorizo" that matters here, it's the fact that Paul takes the Lord's teaching on divorce and applies it in this 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 situation. To paraphrase loosely (but I think accurately) the teaching here we might say, "To married Christians I give this command. [The truth is, I'm only repeating what Jesus Christ himself taught us earlier so the command is from him. He has already spoken on the matter.] A wife must not divorce her husband."

It's legitimate to translate the word chorizo here as "separate" because that's what it means! The translators were uncertain about Paul's meaning so they give "separate," the undoubted and basic meaning, rather than "divorce" which is a specific kind of separation. It's also legitimate to translate the word chorizo as divorce because divorce is a marital separation, which is how it is used by early writers as the scholars show us. The matter is not settled by which word is used but by the context, which gives the generic word its specific content.

David Daube (368, see below) takes the word of Christ in Matthew 19:6, "What God has joined let not man put asunder" to mean: "What therefore God hath married into one let not man divorce." He speaks of chorizo as having a general and narrower use.

In applying the Lord's personal ministry teaching on divorce in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 Paul uses the word chorizo. What does that tell you? It tells me two things: 1) This is a divorce section and 2) chorizo is being used of a separation that is a divorce.

David Daube in The NT and Rabbinic Judaism (363) speaks of Paul's use of chorizo in 1 Corinthians 7 saying, "No special justification is here needed, the verb being a proper term for divorce." This is typical of scholarship! Daube goes on to show relative to Roman and Greek sources that all manner of words are used to refer to divorce. Ekballein, apopempein (cast out and send away) and others like them are used.

To say these don't "really" mean divorce is silly. You can "separate" from a husband or a group of fellow-tourists but it's the context that gives "separate" its content. You can "throw out" a wife or a pair of old shoes and you can "send away" a husband or a ill-smelling piece of fish. Ekballein doesn't "mean" divorce but in a marital context it's a proper word to express the nature of the action in divorce.

Maybe 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 has nothing to do with divorce (though I don't believe that) but it's silly to base that conclusion on the fact that the word used is chorizo and not apoluo.

Such words are generic and they're given their specific "meaning" by the context in which they appear. In a marital context they are a specific illustration of the generic meaning. These words all have something basic in them, that is, some kind of loosing, freeing or separating from a given place, condition or circumstance and that basic idea remains even in the text where the rupture of a marriage is in view. Divorce is a severing, sending away, loosing, separating or casting out experience. In a discussion of marriage being ruptured we knowapoluo speaks of divorce rather than someone being commissioned for a task (as in Acts 13:3) but we know it not because the word apoluois used but because it is a marital context in which apoluo is being used.

No, the reason we debate the meaning of the word chorizo in 1 Corinthians 7 is due to our views on the biblical teaching on marriage, divorce and remarriage. To render the word "divorce" generates difficulties that need to be worked out. In my view, to render it "separate," meaning merely separation as opposed to divorce generates greater problems.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland... The Way To Greatness

                          "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                     The Way To Greatness (9:33-37)

INTRODUCTION

1. Quietly passing through Galilee, Jesus and His disciples came to
   Capernaum...
   a. On the way, Jesus foretold His suffering a death a second time
      - Mk 9:30-32
   b. Also on the way, the disciples disputed who would be the greatest
      - Mk 9:33-34

2. Jesus took this opportunity to teach His disciples the way to true
   greatness...
   a. A way involving servitude
   b. A way involving humility

[Like many other paradoxes found in the Scripture (e.g., Mt 5:4-5), the
way to greatness in the kingdom of God is different than the way to
greatness in the kingdoms of men.  From Jesus we learn it involves...]

I. THE WAY OF SERVITUDE

   A. IMPORTANCE OF SERVITUDE...
      1. "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and
         servant of all." - Mk 9:35
      2. Greatness in Christ's kingdom is different than kingdoms of men
         - cf. Mt 20:20-26
      3. To be first (great), we must serve, just as Jesus served - cf.
         Mt 20:27-28
      -- The way of servitude is the way to greatness!

   B. EXAMPLES OF SERVITUDE...
      1. Serve others in evangelism
         a. Someone led you to Christ, can you not lead another to Him?
            - Jn 1:35-42
         b. Begin by being hospitable, offering acts of kindness and
            service
         c. At the very least:  invite to services, offer a Bible
            correspondence course
         d. Open your home to host Bible studies
         e. Hone your skills in personal evangelism, seek to improve
            your ability to share the gospel
      2. Serve others in edification
         a. Many have contributed to your spiritual growth, can you help
            others? - Ep 4:16
         b. Begin by being present at every service, greeting every one
            present
         c. Take special interest in those who are new, encourage them
         d. Offer to teach the children, even if only to assist another
            teacher
         e. Volunteer whatever service you can render in the work and
            worship of the church
      3. Serve others in benevolence
         a. Has anyone ever showed you kindness?  "Be kind to one
            another" - Ep 4:32
         b. Visit the sick or elderly, at home and in the hospital
         c. Render service such as cleaning, transportation, errands,
            etc.
         d. Minister to the poor, the hungry, or those otherwise in need
      -- These are just a few ideas of how we can serve others

[In order to offer the kind of service that really pleases God, and
thereby makes one great in the kingdom of God, the virtue of humility is
required.  And so Jesus taught His disciples...]

II. THE WAY OF HUMILITY

   A. IMPORTANCE OF HUMILITY...
      1. Jesus used a little child to teach the importance of humility
         - Mk 9:36-37
      2. The humility of small children provides an example for us - cf.
         Mt 18:1-4
      3. Like servitude, humility is a cardinal virtue in the kingdom
         - cf. 1Pe 5:5
      4. When we humbly receive others in Jesus' name, we receive both
         Him and His Father in heaven - Mk 9:37
      -- The way of humility is the way to greatness!

   B. EXAMPLES OF HUMILITY...
      1. In the area of evangelism
         a. Be open to opportunities to learn how to do personal work
         b. Ask others if you can accompany them as they teach others
         c. Reach out to those who are different than you
         d. Especially those less fortunate than you - cf. Jm 2:5
      2. In the area of edification
         a. Gladly accept subservient roles in teaching, preaching,
            worship
         b. Encourage and assist those who teach our children
         c. Warmly welcome those below or above your "social status"
            - Jm 2:1-4
         d. Help with mundane tasks (e.g., cleaning the building)
      3. In the area of benevolence
         a. Help those less fortunate than you - Lk 14:12-14
         b. Perform menial tasks where needed
         c. Offer to babysit, provide meals, help with expenses, etc.
      -- These are just a few ideas of how we show humility toward
         others

CONCLUSION

1. It may not seem like much, but the way to greatness is not possible
   without...
   a. A servant heart and servant hand
   b. A humble heart and humble hand

2. Jesus proved the greatness of service and humility by His own
   example...
   a. Coming to this earth in the form of a servant - Php 2:5-7
   b. Humbling Himself to the point of death on the cross - Php 2:8
   c. Thereby being highly exalted by God - Php 2:9-11

If we desire to be great in the kingdoms of men, we are setting
ourselves up for a fall:

   "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles
   himself will be exalted." - Lk 14:11

If we desire to be great in the kingdom of God, let us humbly serve one
another and those in the world...

5/19/13

From Gary.... Your Choice Is...

My first reaction to this picture- cute, very cute!!! Next thought was- been there, done that!!! Computer operating systems and their necessary programs can sometimes drive you crazy with how they want you to do things. How many times have I been in a hurry to "get off the computer" only to have Windows announce to me that I NEED TO UPDATE- NOW!!!! But, what if God told you to do something that you didn't want to do- Would you do it??? Good question... here is one man's choice...

2nd Kings, Chapter 5

1 Now Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him Yahweh had given victory to Syria: he was also a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. 2 The Syrians had gone out in bands, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maiden; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “I wish that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! Then he would heal him of his leprosy.”

4 Someone went in, and told his lord, saying, “The maiden who is from the land of Israel said this.”

5 The king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.”

He departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 He brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, “Now when this letter has come to you, behold, I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy.”

7 When the king of Israel had read the letter, he tore his clothes, and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends to me to heal a man of his leprosy? But please consider and see how he seeks a quarrel against me.”

8 It was so, when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.”

9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariots, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. 10 Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again to you, and you shall be clean.”

11 But Naaman was angry, and went away, and said, “Behold, I thought, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of Yahweh his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leper.’ 12 Aren’t Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them, and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.

13 His servants came near, and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had asked you do some great thing, wouldn’t you have done it? How much rather then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean?’”

14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Naaman was a somebody, but he had a problem- leprosy. God's prophet (Elijah) told him to do something and he didn't like it and became angry. Sound familiar? How many people like to cling to long held beliefs that have no basis in God's word? They might hold to a family tradition or the teaching of some religious leader or even a close friend; if it something other than the word of God; then it will do them absolutely no good whatsoever!!!

Jesus has said:

John, Chapter 12

44 Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me, but in him who sent me. 45 He who sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness. 47 If anyone listens to my sayings, and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke, the same will judge him in the last day. 49 For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak.”

I know that what I have said may cause some of you to be upset, because if you are anything like me; once you have your mind made up about something- its hard to change. But sometimes a change is in order. Consider the faithful Jew of the first century. One who had sincerely tried to follow God in all his commandments- and then to be told this...

Acts, Chapter 2

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in your midst, even as you yourselves know, 23 him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed; 24 whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him,

‘I saw the Lord always before my face,

For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.

26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced.

Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope;

27 because you will not leave my soul in Hades,

neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay.

28 You made known to me the ways of life.

You will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

29 “Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was his soul left in Hades, nor did his flesh see decay. 32 This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear. 34 For David didn’t ascend into the heavens, but he says himself,

‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit by my right hand,

35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’

36 “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” 40 With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.

The Jews felt desperation at the realization of their guilt and asked what to do. They were told to become as new converts to God- and be baptized. They had a choice- do what God wanted or hold to their "Cookies". I am glad for them, that they (like Naaman) made the right choice. Only thing that remains is a little self analysis... Have I obeyed God and been baptized for the remission of my sins??? Your choice is...????

From Jim McGuiggan... Cross or Resurrection: Which is It?

Cross or Resurrection: Which is It?

At the cross Christ was the once-for-all sin-bearer but in the resurrection he is the glorious Lord. The cross was a single event (inextricably connected with a unique life and person, of course) in past history but the resurrection brings in an unceasing glorious reign as Lord.

Should we then consign the cross to the past, leave it there and proclaim the present and continuing glory and majesty of Christ as Lord?

The answer looks like yes because it is in fact true that the cross was an event is past history; unrepeatable. The Christ will not have to undergo that experience again. He died unto sin once for all (Romans 6:9-10). Since it is so definitively in the past, shouldn't we leave it there and now proclaim him only as Lord?

That must not be our response; it's a misunderstanding both of the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the way in which God carries out his reconciling work in the world.

For starters, Paul who knew very well that Jesus Christ is Lord said he had made up his mind when he got to Corinth that the only thing he'd preach was Jesus Christ and him crucified (1 Cor 2:1-2; of course Paul never saw the cross as completely detached from the resurrection, which is part of the whole "Christ-event").

To proclaim Christ's Lordship without the cross would be to leave out the atoning work of Christ in bearing the judgment of human sin. If we were to do that, there could be no reconciliation for people in sin because without receiving (Romans 5:11, present, active verb) the reconciliation no person is reconciled. So the atoning work (the cross) must always be a part of the proclamation of Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, the offence of the cross still confronts us even at this late date because we have difficulty in coming to terms with a Lordship that is lordship by virtue of self-giving rather than simply "calling the shots".

We need to be asking what kind of majesty it is that God has vindicated before the eyes of the universe. What led God to make Jesus King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Philippians 2:5-10 gives a part of the answer--in Jesus he found one who surrendered reigning power in order to exercise saving power by the giving of himself. This is what God sees as the supreme use of power and in Jesus the person and character of God himself is perfectly imaged (2 Corinthians 4:4,6).

The glory of Christ is not simply his position of power; the glory of Christ is the character that grounds his position of power and authority. This glory and authority is continuously exhibited in "the body of Christ" . Note the terminology, it is being exhibited in Christ's body (not the church's body).

The cross while it was an event in past time exhibited a changeless perspective on God's own form of glory as he works to reconcile sinful humanity. This means that the character of the one on the throne is the same as the character of the one on the cross. In truth, it's precisely because of his character and obedience exhibited on the cross that Christ was made Lord. The Lord of Lords is a specific and unique historical figure, Jesus; but in Jesus God acknowledged his own view of power.

It wasn't Christ's power over demons, diseases and the forces of nature that made him the logical/natural King of Kings. It was holy love of the Father and his Father's wayward children that led him to make himself vulnerable in the extreme--that is what made Christ the right one to receive a name above every name, the name Lord.

There's a third reason why the cross must never be dropped from the Christian message. While it's true that the cross of Christ is an event rooted in past history we aren't to think the suffering of Christ has ended. It's true that the cross outside Jerusalem completed the atoning work, but the message of that atoning work must be brought to each generation so that reconciliation is possible in each generation.

The cross isn't only an atoning historical event, it is the means by which we come to know God. In his body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:27) the killing of Jesus is continually paraded (see 2 Cor 4:10, where Paul uses "nekrosin" rather than the usual "thanatos"--note C.K. Barrett on the text and F.F. Bruce's translation). Note 4:10-12.

So that the suffering which Christ endured on the cross, suffering which completed the atonement, goes on in his body the church to bring before the world the reconciling work of Jesus Christ which took place on the cross in time past.

From a somewhat different angle, but still making the point that the death of Jesus is to be seen as both a past and a continuing experience, is Paul's Romans 6:3-4 which says we are baptized into Christ's death (6:3) and then again, into death (that is a state of having been dead-6:4), from which we are raised.

It isn't into their own death they are baptized; it's into "his" death. This doesn't say that Jesus dies again every time one is baptized into union with him (6:3) for Paul goes on to insist that Christ died once for all (6:10). But it does require us to believe that the death of Christ continues to be accessible to those who want to be part of him and his experience. If the death of our Lord were seen in the New Testament strictly and solely as a single event, completed in past time, then it wouldn't be possible for later believers to access that death as Paul here insists they can and do.

They don't access the story of the death of Christ! They access the death of Christ.

All I'm wanting from the text is the truth that the cross is more than an historical event, it is an event which sets in motion and continues to sustain the truths and possibilities and a relationship for subsequent generations. These truths and that relationship are not maintained simply by the memory of that death. They are all made possible and accessible by the ongoing fact of it.

Paul affirms that the believer is baptized into Christ's death but adds, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death." This state of death (a death to sin, etc) is only possible with Christ and it is in fact Christ's death. In saying all this Paul is saying things about the nature of the death into which they entered through baptism and the dynamic fact of that death for everyone who is baptized into Christ. (Therefore, they can't live any longer in sin, living in union with the "old man".)

Back in Corinthians, Paul is telling us that the once-for-all death of Christ (which is still accessible even as he writes) is carried about, paraded, in the experience of the church which is Christ's body. It is seen most clearly in people like Paul who are the members of the body chosen by God to be put to grief (compare

1 Corinthians 4:9; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12). Paul sees this apostolic suffering as "for his body"--Colossians 1:24, as well as for the world at large.

[What we won't do is to make the mistake of equating Christ with the "body of Christ" is such a way as to make them identical. While it's true the only way we experience Christ today is through the Spirit of Christ and in the body of Christ which is indwelled by his Spirit, it isn't true that the body of Christ and Christ are the same. One is a metaphor (however rich and far-reaching it might be) and the other is the person of our Lord Jesus Christ who exists independent of his body the church.]

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland... Jesus Heals A Deaf-Mute Boy

                          "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                 Jesus Heals A Deaf-Mute Boy (9:14-29)

INTRODUCTION

1. Coming down from the mount of transfiguration with His three
   disciples...
   a. Jesus finds His other disciples embroiled in controversy - Mk 9:14
   b. Surrounded by a multitude, disputing with scribes - ibid.

2. The controversy apparently involved a failed attempt to heal a
   deaf-mute boy...
   a. Who from childhood had been prone to seizures
   b. Whose father desperately wanted him healed
   c. Whom the disciples of Jesus had not been able to heal

[The account of this miracle is one of most detailed in the gospels.
From it we can learn valuable lessons, but must also be careful not to
misapply what is said.  Let's start by examining...]

I. THE NARRATIVE

   A. THE FAILURE OF THE DISCIPLES...
      1. Jesus finds His disciples embroiled in controversy - Mk 9:14-16
      2. It appears related to their inability to heal a man's deaf-mute
         son - Mk 9:17-18,25
      3. Jesus chides His disciples for their lack of faith - Mk 9:19
      4. As the boy is brought to Jesus, he has a spirit-induced seizure
         - Mk 9:20
      5. The father describes how this has happened often since
         childhood - Mk 9:21-22
      6. The father begs for compassion if Jesus can help - Mk 9:22
      -- A chaotic scene, the disciples' frustration and father's
         emotions much in evidence

   B. THE SUCCESS OF THE SAVIOR...
      1. Jesus responds to the plea of the father - Mk 9:23-24
         a. If the father can believe, all things are possible
         b. The father professes faith, begs for more faith
      2. As the crowd draws closer, Jesus heals the deaf-mute boy - Mk 9:25-27
         a. The demon cast out with a great convulsion, leaving the boy
            dead-like
         b. Jesus takes the boy by the hand, lifting him up, and the boy
            rises
      3. Jesus privately informs the disciples as to the reason for
         their failure - Mk 9:28-29
         a. Jesus explains the need for prayer in a case like this
         b. Many manuscripts add the need for fasting as well
      -- The incident ends with a quiet teaching opportunity for His
         disciples

[The record of this miracle provides insight as to the role of faith,
prayer, and even fasting.  But we must be careful in how we understand
what Jesus is teaching.  With this in mind, we consider...]

II. THE APPLICATION

   A. CAVEATS...
      1. Avoid misapplication
         a. It can be tempting to take Jesus' words in isolation
         b. Especially "all things are possible to him who believes"
         c. Which some have taken literally, without exception
         d. Giving many people false hope, destroying faith in the
            process
      2. Consider context
         a. All things are possible, but must be within God's will - 1Jn 5:14
            1) E.g., Jesus in the garden - Mk 14:35-36
            2) E.g., Paul with his thorn in the flesh - 2Co 12:7-9
            3) As one brother put it:  "All things are possible, but
               they must be on the menu"
         b. Some things are not possible, when asked improperly
            1) For selfish and sinful reasons - Jm 4:3
            2) While not keeping God's commandments - 1Jn 3:22
      -- Jesus' words presume God's permission and our obedience

   B. PRINCIPLES...
      1. The importance of faith
         a. Faith cannot be underestimated - He 11:6; Mt 8:13; 9:22,29
         b. Such faith grows through the Word of God - Ro 10:17
         c. It certainly does not hurt to pray:  "Lord, I believe; help
            my unbelief!" - Mk 9:24
         d. But responses to faith are always subservient to God's will
            (cf. Paul's thorn)
      2. The power of prayer
         a. Our faith, while important, is not always sufficient
         b. God must be involved, for only with Him are all things
            possible - Lk 1:37
         c. Thus at time faith must be joined with prayer - e.g., Jm 5:14
         d. But also, responses to prayer are subservient to God's will
            - 1Jn 5:14
      3. The role of fasting
         a. Fasting was often joined with prayer to incur God's favor
            - Ezr 8:21-23
         b. Fasting served to humble oneself before God - Psa 35:13;
            69:10
         c. Such humility is more likely to incur God's favor -

            Isa 57:15; 66:1-2
         d. Thus people often served God with fasting and prayer -

            Lk 2:36-37; Ac 13:2-3
      -- Faith, prayer, and fasting working together can accomplish more
         if it be God's will

CONCLUSION

1. Many have misconstrued the words of Jesus...
   a. "If you believe, you will receive" (gospel of health and wealth)
   b. "If you can conceive it, you can achieve it" (power of positive
      thinking)

2. But they fail to take Jesus' words in the overall context of the
   Bible...
   a. What we seek must be in keeping with the Lord's will
   b. What we seek must not be for selfish purposes

3. On the other hand, many do not fully appreciate...
   a. The importance of faith in God
   b. The power of prayer to God
   c. The role of fasting in service to God

With the aid of the Word of God, we can better know what is in keeping
with His will.  Then we can better make use of our faith, prayer, and
fasting as we seek to do His will...