Bible Bridges: Part 18 "Tentative Confidence in a Late-Modern World"

Some people hear the word "postmodern" (or "late modern" - see Tim Keller's excellent article) and in their mind envision all sorts of dubious theories of knowledge, extreme subjectivity, and chaos of belief. While it is beyond the scope of the Bible Bridges series to engage in a deep discussion on the Enlightenment and what has resulted since, most of us can (hopefully) agree on one basic notion: to be "post" anything means something came before it. That something is often called modernity. The simple reason I mention it is that, like it or not, the contemporary church has been materially influenced by modernity (and yes late modernity as well - as Keller puts it, the late modern world is more a continuation of modernity). Do you doubt this? Check this out:

What strikes you at first glance? Right away I pick up on "Complete Analysis". Remarkable! Everything that could ever be deduced or induced from the Bible is contained in this exhaustive treatise (note my tongue and cheek are about to converge). Now, out of respect for those Bible scholars who preceded us, I can appreciate the work itself and its goals: "...the whole designed to facilitate the study and to promote the better understanding of the Word of God." Naturally, I do not have a complaint about that...in fact, the Bible Bridges series I have been putting forth has a very similar goal. 

So what's so wrong with this? It's the modern sense of complete certainty about a topic. This is what postmoderns critique, and with good reason: without question there could be someone living today who could add new analysis to this effort. Thus, it is no longer complete. Could it ever have been complete? Nein, dat it could not (spoken with my fake German accent). We are finite creatures carefully inquiring into the infinite God of the Word. Notice how I said that: God is infinite. Yet He has spoken definitively, and that Word (collectively) has been codified in the Bible. 

Scripture contains a limited number of words to be sure. With two millennia of study, Christians (collectively and individually) have gained access to much clear teaching. Yet should we presume we have a complete understanding? Seriously—every passage, every doctrine, every word—do we really want to declare we have an exhaustive, exclusive explanation and exposition of the entirety of the Word of God? Well, when you put it that way...

So why do well-meaning, sincere believers disagree on much of what is said in the Bible? That's a complex question, and there is no simple answer. However, two complimentary factors may be pride and fear. How can I say that? Because I have been there myself.

Many who knew me in high school would probably admit that I was extremely zealous about Christianity—more like offensive. It's one thing to offend with the gospel of Christ (cf. 2 Peter 2:8 "...A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense"). On this point, biblical Christianity hinges:

“For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18, NET)

Yet I have had many years to reflect. I will admit (to my shame) that I was both full of pride and fear as I argued with others about the Bible and every jot and tittle. As I have aged, I see the wisdom of John the Baptist: “He must become more important while I become less important” (John 3:30, NET).

So Jared, what does this have to do with Bible study? I'm glad you asked! In Christ and the gospel we have an essential confidence—unyielding and strong in the face of opposition. Upon this rock Christians must be bold (though not rude). I have no other hope, except what Christ has done for me. Yet as I read and study the Bible now, I find that humility is also essential. So I take care to discern between what is absolutely clear in the Bible (the doctrine of perspicuity of Scripture, or as Wayne Grudem puts it, the understandability of Scripture), and the more obscure passages that cause no small disagreement.

The crux of this installment of Bible Bridges: I advise a tentative confidence in those obscure sections. The truth is: you might be right, but you might be wrong. Keep studying. Keep questioning. Keep writing a journal on your reflections. You might discover your long-held assumptions are simply leading you away from what the Bible affirms. I have a good friend who journeyed from his adolescent saturation in Pentecostal teachings. Through prayer and hard work studying the Bible, he recognized the errors he had held and courageously jettisoned them for the truths he has since discovered in Scripture. I have also faced some assumed beliefs. In some cases I have re-affirmed them. Yet this is done with deeper inspection and a realization that I have much to learn. There are still much in Scripture for which I could have a clearer understanding.

What would it look like if more Christians graciously engaged one another this way? Yes, believers should draw certain lines. Yet where it is clear that they are in Christ, those of differing traditions and practice can extend the right-hand of fellowship and encourage dialogue. We might grab some coffee and talk about how we see Scripture affirming a principle, and maybe learn something from another believer who has a different view. I sometimes refer to this as a messy unity: under different ecclesiastical umbrella yet enjoying the sweet fragrance of the merciful rain that falls from heaven and helps us grow. It's actually God's Word that can offer the best path to collective growth and unity, if we season our discourse with a little humility.

Until next time...Christ be with you.

Trusting Christ on the Journey: Update on Prayer Request

A while ago I shared a Cat's Purrspective and Prayer Request, attempting to be transparent about where I find myself in this stage in life. As an admitted introvert, it helps me to write these ideas out and to be vulnerable to the world. Perhaps it goes against conventional wisdom to be so open. In an age where social media is often used for self-promotion and marketing, I have chosen to be as honest as I know how. Part of that process is to put in writing my thoughts and feelings as they unfold, without the benefit of later redaction or applying a positive spin after the fact.

In so doing, I am trusting. I am trusting all who read this not to jump to the wrong conclusion. This is not despair, but hope. This is thinking with real emotion, not unfettered feelings devoid of thought. This is a good faith process, not blindly throwing darts at an unknown target. I am trusting the process of journaling as a means of helping me come to terms with who I am and why I have been put on this planet.

Most of all, I affirm my trust in Jesus Christ. I make no apology in publicly announcing my steadfast belief in the God-man. The more I study the Bible, the greater confidence I have in its timeless truth. The Bible Bridges series that I have been writing has only strengthened my faith. The redemptive process through which God has been changing me has been sometimes marked with hardship and confusion. Yet I have not ever doubted the goodness of God. Again, in risking the disapproval of some for being so open of my journey, I will rest in the Lord. His loyal love towards me has been a bulwark, and in his ability to bring about the final good he promised is where I place my faith (cf. Romans 8:28). It is in the slow unfolding of his plan that I sometimes feel restless. This is precisely why I have petitioned the brethren for prayer.

In some recent conversations with my pastor, my boss, and other close friends I have realized that my primary gifts may lie in what the Bible calls administration. It is far more than just being well-organized or in getting things done. It seems as though analysis of data is a core strength. I enjoy synthesizing a data set and drawing out the important implications and decision drivers.

In the past, the types of data with which I was most comfortable was computers and technology. While I retain some of that capability, the days of reading every trade journal I could find and soaking in every piece of data pertaining to technology are behind me. True, I try to stay on top of industry trends for my current assignment. And I have also had education in business and can speak somewhat intelligently in that sphere. Yet to be utterly transparent I feel that I hold my own in this arena, but I'm not a dedicated professional vis-à-vis technology and business. 

In spending time writing this blog in recent months I have realized the data set with which I am most motivated and feel a sense of accomplishment is the Bible. I don't fully see how this will play out. I often thought while I was serving as an associate pastor that I was not an effective pastor, and I have come to terms with that. I believe God has made it clear that pastoring is likely not my destination. It also seems that higher education is really not an option, at least not as a full-time career. Simply put: I would require quite a bit of more education (PhD) and there are far too many PhDs for the few teaching positions that would be open. As I am in my mid 40s, spending thousands on an advanced degree with no certain placement is simply unwise. 

The truth is I really enjoy writing. If I could make a living at it, I would happily do so. I often ask younger people who are thinking of their career a simple question: if you had all the money in the world so that you had no financial worries, how would you use your time. I think I now finally have my own answer: to be an author. So this blog is simply an expression of living the dream without expecting any remuneration. I take great joy in hearing that even a few people grow in their walk with Christ in what I write. As Scripture teaches that we are to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20), I am content to work hard during the day and employ my evenings in writing. To that end, more installments in the Bible Bridges series await!

soli deo gloria

Bible Bridges: Part 17 "Upon further reflection..."

In the previous installment of Bible Bridges I cautioned that a verse-by-verse approach (particularly sermons) may unwittingly miss the larger context and lead to an improper focus on a micro-sized portion of Scripture. By following the flow of thought of the author and studying the natural discourse units of Scripture, we have a better chance of being faithful to the biblical text. I cannot overemphasize the importance of such a goal. Fidelity to the Holy Writ is an essential mark of a disciple of Christ.

Nevertheless, there is also a need to ponder the implications of certain words and phrases within the larger unit. Often the biblical authors would tightly pack important words one on top of another. This should alert us to pay attention not only to the larger discourse, but also to the nuanced phrases and words that pack significant theological themes.

It would seem in our modern writing style that we are used to reading and writing shorter sentences. Moreover, today's writing is generally far less complex than ancient writing. Even literature from as recently as the early 20th century hallmarked more elaborate phrases (e.g. independent and subordinate clauses, such as often punctuates my own writing).

Likewise, the vocabulary of our ancestors appear to be far more developed than is ours. I suppose in our hurry to speed through the information bombarding us, fewer people have the patience to wade through the deeper waters of inspired writings—particularly the divinely inspired Word of God. In embarking on this series, my hope has been to influence Christians in many stages in their journey to invest more of their time effectively searching the biblical treasure chest, the rewards from which are eternal. It should be a clear call to think more and more of the things above (Colossians 3:2).

In returning to 1 Peter 1, let us pick up at verse 17. I have copied the text from the Lexham English Bible below. Again, using Logos Bible Software's visual filtering, verbs are underlined and shaded based on voice (active or passive). The words in boxes are nouns in the accusative case. That filter helps me see the nouns typically acting as a direct object of a transitive verb. These two grammatical forms help pinpoint where the action is, and shows even further how verb priority can play out in stimulating study (see part 15 of this Bible Bridges series).

Now the discourse begins even before verse 17. Yet one can see there is so much being said here. Just look at all the theologically significant words: redeemed, blood of Christ, foreknown, revealed, last times, raise him from the dead, faith, hope, God, souls, truth, love, born again, living and enduring word of God, flesh, forever, word...proclaimed. Every one of these have profound significance.

This is where the practice of using cross referencing can be enlightening. Using a standard concordance, one can look up many of these words and see how they are used in other contexts. For instance, hope is a significant biblical theme. Using Logos, searching Scripture is a snap! The Greek word ἐλπίς elpis rendered as hope occurs 53 times in the New Testament.

Logos does a nice job of graphing the results. By displaying the number of hits per book, one can see the word is prominent in Paul's writings and the other epistles. However, it is not found in the Gospels:

What is cool is that in dwelling on a single, prominent word we are then drawn into seeing key biblical themes and how they weave together a tapestry of God's redemptive plan. Thus, upon further reflection, I contend it is a vital task to examine closely key words and phrases. For as we discern their use in their respective contexts, we can more accurately picture the overall destination that the Bible provides us. This blessed hope should compel us to know more about that heavenly calling, and lead us to live today as if that reality were here and now. I cannot help but see that vital truth in the word hope, for it grabs my heart and raises my daily life from self-obsession, selfish ambition, and the sin that so easily entangles:

“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, putting aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, let us run with patient endurance the race that has been set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the originator and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1–2, LEB)

Think long on this. Even though the word hope isn't used in this passage, it permeates throughout (and in its place is the word joy, itself a wonderful theological word). Earnestly pray to God for a greater understanding. Seek the Lord's strength to apply this practically in your life. Invest more and more of your time on this, for eternity is not so far off!

Bible Bridges: Part 16 "Verse by Verse?"

If you do a Google search for the phrase "verse by verse Bible study," you will find it returns over 11 millions results. It would seem that verse by verse Bible study and preaching is fairly popular. Now, in my experience verse by verse preaching is not really so common. Topical sermons are in vogue. In the name of relevance, nearly any topic seems to take center stage--from better marital intimacy, to retirement planning, to child-rearing. I will admit the Bible speaks to the day-to-day life we live, but sometimes modern preaching seeks to come off more like reality television than Scripture.

I have also heard sermons that use a single verse from which to launch into whatever the pastor felt was his hobby horse. For that matter, some preachers will hold the Bible in their hand and never bother to open it! Such preaching abuses are appalling. The klaxon has been sounded by many who decry the sad state of the pulpit in America today. I have to agree that there is a real cause for concern.

Thus, expository preaching has been promoted as the remedy. For instance, Mark Dever has published 9 Marks of a Healthy Church. As the 9Marks website site puts it: "An expositional sermon takes the main point of a passage of Scripture, makes it the main point of the sermon, and applies it to life today." All I can say to that is AMEN. Such an approach frees us from mundane or maligned agendas. Allowing the Bible to speak clearly today in our churches is a vital component of revival. Indeed, what might the church in America look like if we returned in earnest to digging deep into Scripture?

However, I will challenge an assumption that expository preaching equals the so-called verse-by-verse preaching method. I am not saying that a preacher should skip verses. Moreover, I am not saying that a pastor should ignore tough passages. What I am suggesting is that larger portions of Scripture are better preached than one verse at a time. Why is this?

In my previous installment of Bible Bridges, we looked at verb priority. Examining how verbs drive a passage only makes sense in a larger setting. That might be a paragraph or even a whole chapter (that depends on the context). I have really come to appreciate how our pastor covers several paragraphs (sometimes called a pericope [pronounced pe-ri-ko-pay]). A pericope is a unit of text that is essentially self-contained. It can be larger than a paragraph, but it is not excessively large.

The point is that it is of sufficient size not to lose the overall context. This is vitally important for our Bible study and for sermons. Many theological errors have occurred due to someone ripping a verse out of context. It is frankly one of the worst things that Christians do, and yet so very common. This is the primary reason that verse-by-verse preaching is unwise. The answer is to preach unified sections and unpack the main message of the pericope. It safeguards from over-analyzing a particular word, and it keeps the main point the main point.

Now, if your pastor preaches verse-by-verse, do not run up to him and blast him with this blog. Criticizing a pastor can be so devastating. I am simply encouraging us to be careful with our own study. And if you are budding preacher I encourage you to preach the Bible in sequence and in a large enough context to maintain the big idea (as Haddon Robinson puts it). Let us prayerfully guard against missing the big idea and/or ripping concepts from the Bible that are out of context.

Bible Bridges: Part 15 "Verb Priority"

When I was young, I really appreciated comic books. I still enjoy thoughtful strips, since they move the action forward quickly and I can easily grasp the meaning. As a youngster I was drawn to the funny pages in the morning paper. My favorite remains Peanuts. I admit that often I feel like Charlie Brown, though I aspire to the theological confidence of Linus. Anyway, I wasn't much of an avid reader, but comic books captured my attention since it was usually easy to understand the author's intent even if the message itself was somewhat sophisticated. That's the beauty of a picture! Concepts and ideas just jump out at the reader.

Sometimes I think it's a shame that the Bible wasn't written in comic book form. Then we would likely have fewer disagreements about what it says, though we might still struggle to obey. However, whether we realize it or not, it is written with visual and active language. It is up to the astute Bible student to carefully observe the textual markers.

Think about when you read Scripture, how there are certain words that stand out as important to a particular passage. The key is to make sure we are taking note of those words the author wishes us to notice more closely. That can take a lot of effort, since we are separated by time, language, and culture. 

Traditional inductive Bible study approaches are certainly helpful:

The three main steps of inductive study [1]:

• Observation – What the text actually says.
• Interpretation – What the text meant to those to whom it was originally written.
• Application – How do we respond to the timeless truths of the text today?

I certainly encourage using this methodology. However, it’s a little trickier than what the simple steps above suppose. As Possin puts it:

“Inductive study is an approach to the Bible that helps the student build their conclusions from observations of the text.” In other words – observation first, conclusions second. Sounds simple, but there are complications. [Ibid]

He goes on to talk about those complications. I appreciate his honesty, and it's helpful for all of us to realize that most people struggle to get to the real point of the biblical passage. 

To get to the point of today's installment, there is a comic book efficiency available to us in our Bible study methods by looking at verbs. Dr. Julius Wong-Loi Sing said in a hermeneutics lecture, you could make endless observations and still not really grasp the main thrust of the passage. Dr. “J” (as he is affectionately known at Moody Theological Seminary) introduced in that lecture a most important concept that I shall attempt to briefly unpack here: VERB PRIORITY.

The way Dr. J put it, if you recognize the placement of verbals (the parts of speech called verb and participles that denote action), you are on your way to understanding all the other words in a proper relationship. In other words, in a complicated Bible passage where you might not really get what is being said, look for the key verb forms and then see if you can put it together. This is really what is meant by the inductive approach of observing "what the text says". 

In the passage of 1 Peter 1:1-9, I have configured Logos Bible Software to use a visual filter to color verbs in shades of orange (brighter orange is active voice; dark orange is passive voice):

This passage is an excellent example of why searching the verbs is so helpful. There are so many other words (nouns, adjectives, etc.) that might make it really hard to get what is the key message. In verse 3, the main verb form is "born again." You can see that visually in comparison to all the other words above. Since Logos is filtering from the Greek, there is another verb in verse 3: the word "living" is technically a verb.

It is clear from the context that God has done this rebirthing work in us in relation to the resurrection of Christ, and the implications are woven in verses 4-5. Additional supporting data is provided in verses 6-9 on why it seems odd that things are difficult now, since the living hope would seem to make suffering a thing of the past. Instead, Peter is providing a framework for us to understand that our suffering and trials now have a purpose, namely to demonstrate our faith is real (1:7). 

Notice that the Bible editor put a heading starting at verse 3: "A New Birth to a Living Hope". They realized that those verbs (new birth and living hope) are the key to this section. So the more you can identify verbs in a Bible passage, the more confidence you can have in getting to the main theme and message the author wishes you to receive. Thus, the method of verb priority can accelerate your observation process. It will serve much like a comic strip in four panes, and quickly get you to the main point. Moreover, by practicing this method you can gain confidence in your interpretations.

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[1] http://blog.olivetree.com/2013/09/20/what-is-inductive-bible-study/