The Purpose of Discipline from God

When those Christians who do say it, say that God does not punish sin in our lifetimes (or really, at all for the believer), they do so reckoning upon the punishment for our sins Christ took upon himself. No condemnation remains for us to bear as a result. By that reckoning, anything painful experienced in this life which might appear punitive is either not coming from God or is not intended as a punishment. I must admit, there's much to commend in such a thought.

However, our thoughts about what God does or doesn't do must line up with each and every passage of scripture. Whereas it is certainly biblical to say that the Devil is seeking to bring us pain, it is not biblical at all to say that God won't or can't bring us things that are painful or punitive or both. We can say biblically that if God brings us to something painful, whether punitive or not, he does so for our own good and his grace is sufficient to bring us through it. To hold otherwise puts people who hold otherwise in the regrettable position of trying to make excuses for a theology that doesn't work in real life (unscriptural theology never does), or becoming incredibly self-absorbed trying to improve their faith to get a more desirable outcome.

"...have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons: “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him. For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives.” 

It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."               Hebrews 12:3-12 NASB

Why would a loving father discipline his children through hardship and suffering? I think we have to trust that there is no other way to get us to where he wants us to be. Ultimately, that is by his side in eternity, sharing in all that is in Christ. Between now and then, Christ is our example, suffering can be a teacher, and the humility that goes with it is a boon to faith.

The bottom line in all this is understanding the reasons our forgiving God might use punitive measures in our lifetimes. Let's be clear, God's corrections mean legitimacy and life and are never without purpose. God uses corrective discipline so we do not go off the deep end and lose all we had in Christ. If punishment from God comes to believers, it comes not to write them off but to preserve them.

There's no reason to walk about shivering in fearful anticipation, looking over our shoulder expecting divine retribution for some misstep to overtake us and ruin our lives. God is not like that, he walks softly among us. But understand this: if you're on a path that could lead to your destruction as a believer, God is not above making an effort to stop you in your tracks and correct your course with a big stick.

The Big Dog List

All scripture is God-breathed and useful. Nonetheless, there are sections which are more densely packed theologically than are others. These segments are both challenging and revelatory, focused and expansive. I think more of our sense of who God is, who we are, and what that might mean is packed into these places than any others. What are they, imo? The annotated list follows...

• Genesis Chapters 1-3: the most intriguing, deep, encompassing segment of the entire scriptures.
• Romans 8: the most densely packed, practical guide to being a Christian in the entire scriptures.
• Isaiah 53: the most insightful exposition of the atonement of Christ in the entire scriptures.
• Revelation Chapters 12-13: the most extensive, yet abridged revelation of end-times in the entire scriptures.
• The Gospel of John: the most revealing treatment of the life and teachings of Christ in the entire scriptures.
• Revelation 19:19-21:8: the only clear explanation of what will happen after Christ returns in the entire scriptures.

What about you? Have any ideas of what might be added to the list. If you convince me, I'll add them to the Big Dog List. :-)

The Top 10 Church Fallacies

Perhaps a little thought exercise might be fun...

I offer you my top ten list of fallacies adopted by the modern church. They are in no particular order, and done a month from now, the list would most likely be a bit different. Each item is followed by my commentary on the subject. Agree, disagree, regardless, take a moment and comment on any or all of them. If, however, you find fault with any of them, please tell me why, scripturally. 

Bon voyage!

1. Churches should decide things by voting on them

Democracy, although a blessing in human government, is not so much as hinted at in the NT for governing the church. It is an invention of western civilization rather than the scriptures. It has seeped into the church by osmosis, rather than arising from the inspired instruction of God for his church.

2. God has commanded the church to tithe

This is a relatively recent invention, developed out of a misappropriation of the OT law. Christians not only don't have to, they should not do so, if doing so is an attempt to gain status before or blessing from God (i.e. legalism). If one tithes, he or she should not think that it merits a blessing from God, and especially not if it's treated as if it's the contracted response to consideration paid. 

3. Modern pastors get paid too much

The Bible says that elders, especially those that labor in the word, are worthy of double honor. The context is remuneration. If you work full time, take whatever you make, multiply it by two, and that is easily what your pastor is worth. A good pastor is worth his weight in gold! Now, I'm not saying that is what pastors should get paid, but certainly, 99% of churches have no reason at all to complain about what their pastors do get paid.

4. Church growth should be the first concern of church leaders

Biblically, church growth is not in the purview of church leaders, nor church members for that matter. Leaders sow the word, and water it, but God alone is responsible for the increase. A focus on church growth can only result in the dethroning of God and the subsequent substitution of human methodology in place of the work of the Spirit. If we control it, as we must if it is ours to determine, than it also follows that it must be generated from our creativity and determination. One can expand the clientele of a supermarket through good marketing, it doesn't follow that we can or should do the same for our church.

5. Evangelism requires Christians to act as unbelievers do

I have to admit, this one bugs me. Jesus didn't collect taxes, get drunk, or use the services of prostitutes. He didn't dress like them nor act like them. He did hang out with them, minister to them, and win them. He changed them, they didn't change him. How is cussing, drinking, watching questionable entertainment, or gutting the gospel following Christ's example? I don't think Paul's statements about cross-cultural evangelism can be taken to mean that we should either.

6. Pastors chief role as leaders is vision casting

Where to begin with this? The Bible would be the wrong answer. This is out of the business world pure and simple-- Peter Drucker rather than Simon Peter. The word pastor literally means "a feeder of sheep', a bishop is literally "one who watches over", and an elder is an aged one. The only thing the Bible suggests that leaders cast is... feed.

7. Christians in every generation need to apply their creativity to reinvent the church

The church is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We never get to scrap it and start anew, for no other foundation can be laid than what has already been laid. We must, instead, be careful how we build upon that which was built before. The church is his and the faith has been delivered once for all time. We had better do what we do out of the grace of God given us, rather than out of the manipulative fads of the moment.

8. The church is meant to transform society and cure its ills

Though we are salt and light, I see no promise that we will change the world. Just the opposite in fact: the poor will always be with us, evil will wax worse and worse, and evil men will proceed to their doom. The ship is going down, all we can do is to get as many as we can into eternity's lifeboats before it goes down.

9. It is acceptable for believers to treat other believers in error or sin with disdain

All I have to say is Galatians 6:1-2 and 2 Timothy 2:23-26.

10. The Republican Party is the only acceptable political party for American Christians

Having said all that I have above, is there really anything more necessary to say about this?