Thursday, December 1, 2011
Responding to Laws We Don’t Like
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Thoughts on Complacency about the Third World
by Bruce Mills
As I write this, I am sitting in a beautiful mountain lodge home in the mountains of north Georgia, looking out over a sun-drenched vista filled with autumn leaves of spectacular colors, with temperatures hovering in the middle 70s. I am living the American dream…a wonderful wife and family, a nice job which provides me with an adequate income to own my own home, modern appliances and technological devices that make life much easier (i.e., dishwasher, clothes washer & dryer, central heat and air, computers, smartphones, etc.), as well as the opportunity to periodically take vacations in lovely locations. I can afford to visit the doctor and dentist for regular checkups, to buy the medications I need to maintain my health. I can get in my nice car and drive wherever I need to go, whenever I want to. I attend a church, which even though the building is aging, still has nice pews, carpeting, as well as a modern sound system with video screens, and air conditioning.
Meanwhile in Honduras, the second poorest country in Central America, there is a young pastor who spends each day working the ground on his small plot of land, subsistence farming, hoping the weather will be favorable so he can raise enough beans and corn to help feed his family as well as sell some at the local open air market. He plows and hoes his crops all day, every day, struggling to provide enough for his family to survive. His pregnant wife carries the little bit of clothing their family owns down to the river to wash and scrub it in the water and then dries it in the sun. She also walks a half mile each way to the nearest well to fill her water jug in order to have enough water to last for the day, then carries it all the way back home. She will repeat this every day. She then works to prepare the evening meal for the family, one of only two they will have that day. The family is fortunate at the present time; there are times when they only have one meal per day. This woman has had no pre-natal care for her unborn child and their other two living children have never had a shot to immunize them against any of the many childhood diseases which can quickly claim a life in a nation with poor medical care. In fact, last year their two-year old daughter died after contracting measles.
Every night, after finishing his work in his field and eating a small bowl of rice and beans for dinner, this young pastor spends time reading a tattered paperback copy of the Bible which he received from some missionaries who used to minister in the area, through whom he first heard the gospel of Jesus Christ when he was just a young teenager. It is the only book he owns. He studies it intently, trying to learn all he can about the Christian faith, but he is limited because he has no formal instruction and no other theological commentaries or reference books to help him understand the flow of Scripture or how the gospels and the epistles fit together. Each Sunday, this man stands before a small congregation in a hot, humid building, where only a few of the others own a Bible, and attempts to teach the people there what he has found in God’s Word that week.
Who is this young pastor? Well, I admit that he is fictitious man of my own imagination, but there are many pastors around the Honduran countryside just like him. Meanwhile, I sit here in my comfortable surroundings, thinking about my extensive theological library back at my home in Florida, and the opportunity I had to attend seminary to receive advanced theological training, and the joy I experience from studying the Scriptures and my books each week before standing to teach my Sunday School class of about 45 people in a comfortable, air-conditioned building. Those Honduran pastors have never experienced any of those things, and cannot imagine ever having such opportunities. But they continue faithfully teaching their little flocks of believers, even though they hardly know more about the Bible than do those who attend their churches.
Why am I thinking about these matters? Because I am reading David Platt’s excellent book, Radical, which challenges my thinking about such issues, and I am embarrassed by my complacency toward men such as this fictitious young Honduran pastor. Christ commanded us to go to all the nations and make disciples. That includes building up the men who will shepherd the flock there in those nations. I went to El Salvador in 2002 to teach at a church leadership conference, but I have not done such since then. I am ashamed of my indifference toward these men who live their lives with the goal of shepherding God’s flock, but do not have the training and resources to do so effectively.
But I also know that I can do something about this. As one of the pastors of my church, I will have the opportunity to go to Honduras within the next year or so to minister to pastors and other church leaders in that impoverished nation. The pastors of our church have agreed to minister in conjunction with S.O.S. Ministries to some of the evangelical church leaders in Honduras in order to help them better understand and teach the Scriptures. We will also provide them with Spanish language resources for study. Some of our pastors went there in July, and others are scheduled to go in December. I’m not certain when I will be scheduled to go, but I will eventually go, Lord willing.
My question for those reading this is: Are you as concerned about making disciples and building them up as Jesus commands us to be? We often use excuses about not feeling called to go to those in other nations, which is, in reality, nothing more than a cover-up for our unwillingness to get out of our satisfied, comfortable, American dream lifestyle and go to the third world and reach both those who need to both hear the saving gospel of Jesus Christ and those who need to be built up in the faith. I’m guilty of thinking that way…what about you? The Great Commission is not a call to complacency and the satisfied life; it is a call to engage the enemy on the battlefield in the war for the souls of men. May we repent of our sinful thinking and get busy in the work of reaching the world!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
An Outstanding Response to Pat Robertson
This past week, Pat Robertson made headlines when he stated that Alzheimer’s disease is the equivalent of death and an individual who is married to an Alzheimer’s victim is justified in divorcing their spouse under such circumstances. I thought about writing a post in response to his horrific declaration, but I believe Dr. Russell Moore, Dean of the School of Theology and Senior Vice-President for Academic Administration at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, has answered Robertson far better than I ever could. So I have copied his blog post on this issue for your edification. If you wish to read more of Dr. Moore’s blog posts, you will find them at his blog, Moore to the Point, at www.russellmoore.com.
Christ, the Church, and Pat Robertson
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Guaranteeing a Debt: A Biblical View on Surety
I was the other elder who shared his thoughts on this matter, and while my response is not as technical or analytical as Curt’s, here is what I had to say:Here’s my two cents on this. I would say that there’s a danger in reading Proverbs as a list of prohibitions and commands. There’s a difference in terms of genre between proverbs and law. When a proverb says, “don’t” it doesn’t necessarily mean “never.” Take for example the interpretive guide to the book found in Proverbs 26:4 and 5: “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes” (ESV). If the Proverbs were meant as commands in every case, we’d be in big trouble at this point. The writer has purposefully included these two opposing and yet harmonious proverbs next to each other to illustrate the fact that different situations may call for different courses of action. It’s interesting that a few verses later, it says, “Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools… Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.” (Proverbs 26:7, 9 ESV). The writer is warning against the misuse of proverbs, while in that same context giving us a clue as to how they work. They’re wise sayings that guide us toward wise living. In some cases, they tell us foundational truths about the wisdom of God, such as “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Sometimes, they do rephrase commands from the Mosaic Law in the form of a proverb (e.g. Deut. 19:14 and Prov. 22:28), but at other times, they simply tell us what is “generally speaking” the best course of action to take or what is “generally” true.As far as I can tell, Proverbs 6:1-5 is of the latter, and is giving us a warning of the danger of becoming legally liable for someone else’s debt. It does not mean that one can never do this. Clearly this is a concern of Proverbs as similar ideas are mentioned throughout. Sometimes the emphasis is on the foolishness of doing this with a “stranger”, that is, a foreigner (20:16). Sometimes it is more generally stated to include “neighbors,” that is, fellow Israelites (17:18). Here in Proverbs 6 it is stated comprehensively and includes anyone (notice the merism “neighbor” and “stranger”, i.e. everyone). I would say it’s teaching us that, generally speaking, it’s not wise to become liable for someone else’s debt. It could wreck you financially. But I would not say this proverb is saying that it is sinful to do so. What I think helps confirm this is that it does not appear to be a restatement of a Mosaic prohibition. Of course, even if it was, we may still need to evaluate it’s setting within the Old Covenant.Proverbs 6:1-5 would seem to be a general warning against taking on liability for someone else’s debt, but not without exception. Were we to go back to the setting of ancient Israel and ask about whether we could apply this to a father and his son, I think we’d hear an exception, but proverbs do not generally state exceptions. They’re just pithy statements of wisdom. Plus a son or daughter would not generally be referred to as a “neighbor” much less a “stranger,” so it’s even more likely they would not have been included in this general principle. Proverbs 6:1-5 is not a treatise on right and wrong business practices; it’s a short poetic discourse on the dangers of financial irresponsibility. So I would not conclude that cosigning a child’s loan, or one for someone who was like family for that matter, would be wrong. There may be other situations where this would not be wrong. In general, however, it’s wise to stay away from debt, and it’s unwise to take on others’ debt.
I would concur with Curt's explanation that the Proverbs are not designed as absolutes. The book of Proverbs is a guidebook for godly conduct, consisting of practical principles for righteous living. In his commentary on the Proverbs, Jay Adams states, "...the proverbs warn, instruct, expose folly, point the way to wisdom, tell you what to expect in life (describing what it is like), show you how to live life in ways that please God and give you an idea of how things tend to work out without always being absolute about it."I agree with Curt's analysis and interpretation of Prov. 6:1-5, so I will not repeat what he has said. However, let me add a couple of other observations. In studying the practices of lending that were permitted and not permitted under the Law, it is clear that there was to be no interest charged to a poor person. But it was permissible to charge interest to others. However, usury (the charging of exorbitant interest rates) was prohibited. In Nehemiah 5, there is discussion of the people mortgaging their houses, fields, vineyards, etc. in order to buy food. And in verses 10-11, Nehemiah orders the rulers to stop charging usury to the people which was apparently 1% per month (12% per annum). Just like today, if someone had a mortgage that they were paying 12% APR on, we would all agree that it was exorbitantly high, particularly when mortgage rates are around 4% right now.My point is that many commentators believe Prov. 6:1-5 is warning against cosigning for someone on a loan on which the interest rate is so high as to be usury and you find yourself trapped by the agreement. Notice the conditional aspect in verse 2: "if you have been snared." But if a parent is financially capable of assisting their child in obtaining a student loan or an auto loan or an apartment lease agreement by cosigning for them, and the interest rate is low and affordable, then I do not believe Proverbs is absolutely prohibiting them from doing so. However, there is still the warning that something might go wrong and the parents would become responsible to pay back that loan, and then they may become trapped by their agreement to pay. In such cases, Proverbs advises them to plead with the creditor to release them from the agreement or modify it so as to be affordable.Another interpretation of this passage is that it is warning against making rash agreements to become surety for another which may trap the individual in something they haven't really thought through. Since the Proverbs are written to young sons as a means of instruction, this would warn young men of the danger of making rash agreements that they have not thought through or about which they have not received any wise counsel. Charles Bridges, one of the most famous commentators on the Proverbs, points out that there are some examples of becoming surety for another that were apparently okay (Reuben and Judah for Benjamin in Gen. 42:37, 43:9, 44:32-33; Paul for Onesimus in Philemon 18-19). So while we think of surety as applying to financial arrangements, the Scriptures do not carry that limited meaning or understanding. The concept of surety is that of a guarantee to be liable for someone else, whether for his debts, damages, or default. To bring it up to today, a parent who carries their child on their auto insurance policy has agreed to become the surety for that child's actions while driving the family vehicle. The principle of Proverbs would apply in that situation just like they do in your example of co-signing a loan. So if you are going to consistently apply your understanding that Proverbs is absolutely prohibiting surety for another (including your children), then a parent would be prohibited from including the child on their auto insurance policy (even though the insurance company requires such while the child is still living at home), merely because to do so is to be surety for that child. I'm not certain you would want to take the principle that far.So, as Curt stated, the principle of Proverbs is to avoid debt if possible. If a child or close friend needs the money and it is within the individual's ability, they should give them the money or they can loan the money to them at no interest. But if they don't have the money that is needed, and the child has not yet reached the stage in life where they have the ability to get the loan (or auto insurance) themselves, the principle from Proverbs is BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS ABOUT CO-SIGNING FOR ANYONE OR BECOMING SURETY IN ANY WAY FOR THEM, BECAUSE YOU MIGHT GET TRAPPED. But because the Proverbs are not absolute edicts, I do not believe you can take it to mean that co-signing or becoming surety in some other way is absolutely prohibited. It may not be wise (particularly if it is an apartment lease agreement), but it is not prohibited.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Our Current Economic Situation
by Bruce Mills
I have a good friend, Grant Wolf, who for many years served as the Executive Director of the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers. Grant spent many years in the insurance industry and has been involved in financial counseling for both believers and unbelievers who are struggling with dire financial straits. He sent me a copy of an email he sent out to folks on his email distribution list. The principles are just what Christians need to hear during these difficult economic times, so I am posting it here for your edification.
Our Current Economic Situation
by Grant Wolf
Perhaps you are one of millions of Americans who find yourself severely affected by the current economic crisis. Our nation is in serious trouble, and it will take serious remedial action to get us back on track.
Many now find they owe more on their homes than the current selling price, and that their investments – 401K or otherwise – have taken sharp hits.
As Christians, how do we react?
First, we must keep strong our faith in God and his overarching protection. Isaiah 31:1-3 says: What sorrow awaits those who look to Egypt (government, men) for help, trusting their horses, chariots, and charioteers and depending on the strength of human armies instead of looking to the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. In his wisdom, the Lord will send great disaster; he will not change his mind. He will rise against the wicked and against their helpers.
Second, we need to make certain we are serving God and not money. (Matthew 6:24 - You cannot serve both God and money.)
Third, we are not to worry about the morrow. (Matthew 6:34 – Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for today are its own troubles.
Fourth, we need to count our blessings. (Matthew 6:30-32 – Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? For after all these things the Gentiles (unbelievers) seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.)
Finally, God is able to make up for our financial loss. In 2 Chronicles 25:6-9, King Amaziah of Judah “paid about 7,500 pounds of silver to Israel to hire 100,000 experienced fighting men in order to prop up his own army. But a man of God came to him and said, ‘Your Majesty, do not hire troops from Israel, for the Lord is not with Israel.’ Amaziah asked the man of God, ‘But what about all that silver I paid to hire the army of Israel?’ The man of God replied, ‘The Lord is able to give you much more than this!’”
I read a “letter to the editor” the other day from a woman who said their house was now worth less than what they owed. However, she said it didn’t make any difference. They liked their home, the mortgage was in line with their ability to pay, and the sale or mortgage values made no difference. They were “just figures on paper.”
For many, the value of homes, stocks, bonds or other assets are “just figures on paper” and do not affect day-to-day living. So we just go forward rejoicing, as a country gospel song goes, “Looking forward to the City coming down, not the cities going up!”
Selah!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
A Ministry that Honors Jesus Christ
by Bruce Mills
Saturday, July 30, 2011
God’s Marvelous Provision
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Widows, Orphans, & Aliens
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Eternally Secure
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The Consequences of Camping
Saturday, May 14, 2011
A Great New Book
Saturday, April 30, 2011
30 Years of Faithful Ministry
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Glory of the Incarnate Word
by Bruce Mills
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Jesus Christ displayed His glory to the fullest degree in His death, burial, and resurrection. By that act, He reconciled lost sinners to Himself, turning them from slaves of sin into His children. Praise His glorious name this Easter!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Saturday, April 16, 2011
The True Light
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Does Love Win or Does the Truth Lose?
Friday, March 11, 2011
Why Five Smooth Stones?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Lessons in God’s Sovereignty from a Little Girl
Monday, January 31, 2011
A Lesson in True Integrity
Sunday, January 23, 2011
An Open Letter to Brian McLaren
This link is to a post of an open letter by Frank Turk over at Pyromaniacs to Brian McLaren, one of the founders and primary protagonists of the Emergent Church movement. It is lengthy, but it hits the spot so perfectly, I just had to link to it for others to read. Thanks, Frank, for calling things as they truly are.
http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2011/01/open-letter-to-brian-mclaren.html
Friday, January 14, 2011
A Man Named Elisha
The Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus, and when you have arrived, you shall anoint Hazael king over Aram; and Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. It shall come about, the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall put to death. Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.”So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, while he was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. And Elijah passed over to him and threw his mantle on him. He left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Please let me kiss my father and my mother, then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” So he returned from following him, and took the pair of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the implements of the oxen, and gave it to the people and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah and ministered to him.