Wayside Gospel Chapel

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Strange Fire, Day Two

Strange Fire, Day Two - Thursday, 17 OCT 2013

"Ours is a war for the mind." - John MacArthur

“While the working of the HS is invisible the results are visible.” - John MacArthur

“Satan is behind every stronghold that raises itself against Christ. We must be faithful to the truth in demolishing these.” - John MacArthur

"The last words (2 & 3 John) from the last living Apostle in the last decade of the 1st Century: "Stand for the TRUTH." - John MacArthur

"How do you know you are a Christian? It is not your perfection, it is your direction." - John MacArthur

“…the deadly dangers of the unholy spirit…” - John MacArthur

“The true people of God have always had to battle the false prophets and the liars.” - John MacArthur

"In order for the charismatic movement to succeed, they have to turn discernment into iniquity." - John MacArthur

“It is essential for the Charismatic movement to survive to must silence discernment warriors. When truth prevails, they do not.” - John MacArthur

"If you endeavor to contend for the truth they will condemn you as the sinner." - John MacArthur

“If you try to Biblically correct error in the Charismatic movement, you are condemned by them as the sinner and the divider.” - John MacArthur

"It ought to be enough to make you question the movement just to know that they do not want (scriptural) examination." - John MacArthur

“Test 1: The true work of the Holy Spirit exalts the Lord Jesus Christ…The first test is a Christological test.” - John MacArthur

"All false religions and cults have an aberrant Christology; the Holy Spirit does not have an aberrant Christology.” - John MacArthur

“All cults and aberrant groups have a corrupted Christology. The Holy Spirit does not.” - John MacArthur

“The true work of the Spirit exalts the true Christ.” - John MacArthur

“The charismatic movement makes the Holy Spirit preeminent. The Holy Spirit makes Christ preeminent.” - John MacArthur

“Show me a person obsessed with the Holy Spirit and I will show you a person not filled with the Holy Spirit.” - John MacArthur

“When the Holy Spirit is the Person sought, His work has been rejected.” - John MacArthur

"Any Spirit-filled preacher will be Christ-dominated" - John MacArthur

“When you're filled by the Spirit, you seek to exalt Christ and humble yourself.” - John MacArthur

"Where are the Charismatics who know the truth about Christ in calling these [well-known Word of Faith heretics] out?" - John MacArthur

“Any movement that can fully embrace Roman Catholicism cannot be of the Holy Spirit because that is a false gospel.” - John MacArthur

“Any movement that accepts the Roman Catholic church is NOT a movement of God!” - John MacArthur

"If this movement can embrace Roman Catholicism it is not a work of the Holy Spirit." - John MacArthur

“The spirit behind the “catholic charismatic renewal” is not the Holy Spirit.” - John MacArthur

"24 million charismatics (i.e. Oneness Pentecostals) deny the Trinity." - John MacArthur

“The defining feature of all Pentecostalism is the health and wealth prosperity gospel.. the prosperity “gospel” preys on the sick and the poor.. it has no interest in the Biblical Gospel…the purveyors of this perversion stand guilty of presenting a false Gospel.” - John MacArthur

“Joel Osteen's gospel is "a shallow, saccharine variety of Universalism." - John MacArthur

“The Only way U can have your best life now is if Ur going 2 hell! If you're going to heaven, this is not your best life." - John MacArthur

"The prosperity gospel is Christianity's version of professional wrestling" - John MacArthur

“It is worldly men speaking to worldly people about worldly things.” - John MacArthur

“It is a spiritual version of Bernie Madoff.” - John MacArthur

“Over 9 out of 10 of the world’s charismatics live in poverty.” - John MacArthur

“The prosperity gospel movement is more reprehensible than a casino. People expect a casino to take their money. They take your money in Las Vegas, but you expect it.” - John MacArthur

“Test #3: The true work of the HS points people to the Bible.” - John MacArthur

“The charismatic movement is about what is in it for me.” - John MacArthur

Source: John MacArthur, General Session 5: “Testing the Spirits” (17 OCT 2013) at Strange Fire live streaming at http://www.tmstrangefire.org/ [accessed 17 OCT 2013].

See also:

Tim Challies, “Strange Fire Conference: John MacArthur Tests the Spirits” (17 OCT 2013) at

http://www.challies.com/liveblogging/strange-fire-conference-john-macarthur-tests-the-spirits [accessed 17 OCT 2013].

Mike Riccardi, “Strange Fire – Testing the Spirits – John MacArthur” (17 OCT 2013) on The Cripplegate at

http://thecripplegate.com/strange-fire-testing-the-spirits-john-macarthur/ [accessed 17 OCT 2013].

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"Every time that a dead sinner is awakened to the truth of the Gospel, it is a miracle of God's divine grace." - Tom Pennington

“Nothing eternal happens in a person apart from the Holy Spirit.” - Tom Pennington

"The man of God needs no additional revelation. It's all right here (the Bible)." - Tom Pennington

"The charismatic gifts are not the same as the New Testament gifts because they are not the New Testament gifts." - Tom Pennington

Source: Tom Pennington, General Session 6: “A Case for Cessationism” (17 OCT 2013) at Strange Fire live streaming at http://www.tmstrangefire.org/ [accessed 17 OCT 2013].

See also:

Tim Challies, “Strange Fire Conference: A Case for Cessationism” (17 OCT 2013) at http://www.challies.com/liveblogging/strange-fire-conference-a-case-for-cessationism [accessed 17 OCT 2013].

Mike Riccardi, “Strange Fire – A Case for Cessationism – Tom Pennington” (17 OCT 2013) on The Cripplegate at http://thecripplegate.com/strange-fire-a-case-for-cessationism-tom-pennington/ [accessed 17 OCT 2013].

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"Charismatic chicanery: attributing to the Holy Spirit words He hasn't spoken or works He hasn't done." - Phil Johnson

"Charismatics, as a group, suffer from a pathological scarcity of progressive sanctification." - Phil Johnson

“The charismatic movement is a breeding ground for charlatans, and ….” - Phil Johnson

“The charismatic movement from its inception has produced a relentless parade of scoundrels.” - Phil Johnson

“It is a pervasive problem.” - Phil Johnson

"It's a scandal and it ought to be." - Phil Johnson

“All of the religious rogues on TV are heretics of the charismatic movement.” - Phil Johnson

“They are the most visible face of American Christianity worldwide.” - Phil Johnson

“Charismatics as a group aren't taking their cues from the handful of reformed charismatics.” - Phil Johnson

“Being slain in the spirit had NO Biblical warrant.” - Phil Johnson

"Most of those who describe themselves as 'open but cautious' are cautious in exactly the wrong direction!" - Phil Johnson

“There are times when staking out the middle position is simply the wrong thing to do.” - Phil Johnson

“Biblically--A prophet is someone who speaks the Words of God. They must be true--always!” - Phil Johnson

“Charismatic prophets are not to be trusted. They have no track record of accuracy. All of them prophesy falsely.” - Phil Johnson

“Non-binding, non-infallible prophecy from God is an oxymoron.” - Phil Johnson

“Confusion about whether God has spoken or not is the most dangerous threat that I can imagine.” - Phil Johnson

“I don’t think there is a baby in the bathwater. I don’t think a baby could survive in a mess like that.” - Phil Johnson

“This problem is in the movement’s DNA.” - Phil Johnson

“It stems from a bramblebush, not a fruit tree.” - Phil Johnson

“It’s time to clean the sink.” - Phil Johnson

Source: Phil Johnson, Breakout Session 1: "Is There a Baby in the Charismatic Bathwater?" (17 OCT 2013) at Strange Fire live streaming at http://www.tmstrangefire.org/ [accessed 17 OCT 2013].

See also:

Mike Riccardi, “Strange Fire – Is There a Baby in the Bathwater? – Phil Johnson” (17 OCT 2013), on The Cripplegate at http://thecripplegate.com/strange-fire-is-there-a-baby-in-the-bathwater-phil-johnson/ [accessed 17 OCT 2013].

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"The prosperity gospel has no concept of the sovereignty of God." - Justin Peters

"There is no prosperity gospel; no social gospel. If you add an adjective to the gospel, then you don't have the gospel." - Justin Peters

Source: Justin Peters, Breakout Session 1: “The Devilish Puppet Master of the Word-Faith Movement” (17 OCT 2013) at Strange Fire.

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Nathan Busenitz, “Breakout Session 1: A Word from the Lord? Evaluating the Modern Gift of Prophecy” (17 OCT 2013) at Strange Fire.

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Word #1: Fire

"Theologically speaking, do we really want to call down fire from heaven?" - Todd Friel

Word #2: Anointing

“If you are a Christian, you are anointed.” - Justin Peters

"The "anointing" is actually the promise of the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Word, and every believer has it." - John MacArthur

Word #3: Glory

“If that was the glory of the God everybody in the building would be dead.” - John MacArthur

“I don't see how a true, born again, regenerate Christian can stay in that environment for longer than 2 seconds.” - Steve Lawson

“We are not dividing the Body of Christ in this conference. We are trying to identify the Body of Christ, and these people are not part of it.” - John MacArthur

“One of the things that makes it so hard to deal with the false teachers is when the good guys start associating with the bad guys…. What makes it so hard to warn the sheep about the wolves is when the leaders of the sheep are associating with the wolves.” - Justin Peters

Word #4: Dominion

“Dominionists say they will usher in the Kingdom. "You can't usher in the kingdom until the King comes.” - Steve Lawson

“Domininism is "an egotistical madness" and "a vast overestimation of the power they have."

- Tom Pennington

On Jesus Culture, International House of Prayer (IHOP), Rodney Howard Browne (Revival Ministries International), Bethel Church’s “Fire Tunnels” (Redding, CA), and Kundalini in the Word of Faith movement and the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR):

"Even evangelical churches are using the unacceptable music of the world to draw people in."

- John MacArthur

"The music is an avenue to draw people into their teachings" - Justin Peters

"It's not that we get more of the Holy Spirit, it's that He gets more of us." - Steve Lawson

“God put the worship of Himself in a box, in the second commandment.” - Tom Pennington

“Those who are in Christ are driven by the mind, by their understanding of truth.” - Tom Pennington

“Worship is either prescribed or modeled in the Bible. God set the standard for worship. Follow it!” - John MacArthur.

“If Satan can make people think that this is Jesus that is the ultimate deception.” - John MacArthur

Source: Panel Q&A 1: Todd Friel with John MacArthur, Steve Lawson, Tom Pennington, and Justin Peters (17 OCT 2013) at Strange Fire live streaming at http://www.tmstrangefire.org/ [accessed 17 OCT 2013].

See also: Mike Riccardi, “Strange Fire – Panel Q&A 1 – MacArthur, Lawson, Pennington, & Peters” (17 OCT 2013), on The Cripplegate at http://thecripplegate.com/strange-fire-panel-qa-1-macarthur-lawson-pennington-peters/ [accessed 22 OCT 2013].

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"Sola Scriptura:

1. It was defined by the Westminster Divines

2. It was deluded by the Quakers

3. It was defended by John Owen - England’s Calvin" - Steve Lawson

1. Sola Scriptura Defined by the Westminster Divines

Inspiration of Scripture

Inerrancy of Scripture

Infallibility of Scripture

Authority of Scripture

Perspicuity of Scripture

Sufficiency of Scripture

Immutability of Scripture

Invincibility of Scripture

Finality of Scripture

"God does not stutter in His Word. He has spoken in abundant clarity….God has not stuttered in His Word, He has spoken with precision and accuracy." - Steve Lawson

"Rome said, 'The man and woman in the pew CANNOT understand the Bible...The Puritans and reformers said, 'NO!'" - Steve Lawson

“Listen: Right will always be right, wrong will always be wrong, the way of salvation will always be the way of salvation. God's revelation is unchanging because God Himself is immutable and unchanging.” - Steve Lawson

"After the closing of the canon, there is no new revelation of Scripture given to man." - Steve Lawson

"Right will always be right; wrong will always be wrong. The way of salvation will always be the way of salvation." - Steve Lawson

"The Word of God is the most powerful object we will ever hold in our hands." - Steve Lawson

“All of these truths are inherent in this statement: Sola Scriptura.” - Steve Lawson

“Do not bring your “thus says the Lord” into this house if it is not found in chapter and verse.” - Steve Lawson

"After the closing of the canon, there is no new revelation of Scripture given to man." - Steve Lawson

"All Scriptures is given by inspiration of God, not by the inspiration of God AND man." - Steve Lawson

"This book (the Bible) is not hard to understand. It's just hard to swallow." - Steve Lawson

“As only a diamond can cut a diamond, so only Scripture can interpret Scripture.” - Thomas Watson, cited by Steve Lawson

"The Bible never contradicts itself, it speaks with only one voice." - Steve Lawson

“We’re not just dogmatic about this. We’re bulldogmatic about it. Sola Scriptura is non-negotiable. The Word of God is not up for debate. ” - Steve Lawson

2. Sola Scriptura Deluded by the Quakers

“Whenever God is doing His greatest work you can be sure that the devil is right there to bring in his false religion.” - Steve Lawson

"At the heart of the Quaker theology was this message: that one can be saved apart from the Scripture." - Steve Lawson

“You take one step off of Sola Scriptura and you are on a theological banana peel…” - Steve Lawson

3. Sola Scriptura Defended by John Owen[1]

“Any attempt to add to the written Word of God is actually an attack upon the perfection of Scripture.” - Steve Lawson, summarizing John Owen

“If you are seeking new revelations it is because you have no understanding of the perfection of the written Word of God.” - Steve Lawson

“There is absolutely no room for new revelations.” - Steve Lawson

"If [the Bible] is so incomplete to need poor mortal men to be adding to it where is its perfection?" - Steve Lawson, citing John Owen

"If the Scriptures are complete what need do we have for new revelation and uncontrolled enthusiasm?" - Steve Lawson quoting John Owen

“As the teachings of the fanatics contain matter alien to . . . the Scriptures . . . shun them as diabolical, execrable, useless, groundless, and false.” - Steve Lawson quoting John Owen

"What God has said to everyone, he says to you." - Steve Lawson

"May the Word of God regulate the entirety of our lives." - Steve Lawson

"May the Word of God and the Word of God only be our rule of faith... our standard for what is true in this world." - Steve Lawson

"May God give us much grace, that we may stand upon the Word of God." - Steve Lawson

“May we here tonight have a cessation clause in our personal statement of faith. . . . May the Word of God, and the Word of God alone, be our rule of authority and our standard. . . .” - Steve Lawson

Source: Steve Lawson, General Session 7: “The Puritan Commitment to Sola Scriptura” (17 OCT 2013) at Strange Fire live streaming at http://www.tmstrangefire.org/ [accessed 17 OCT 2013].

See also:

Tim Challies, “Strange Fire Conference: Scripture Alone” (18 OCT 2013) at

http://www.challies.com/liveblogging/strange-fire-conference-scripture-alone [accessed 22 OCT 2013].

Mike Riccardi, “Strange Fire – The Puritan Commitment to Sola Scriptura – Steve Lawson,” (17 OCT 2013), on The Cripplegate at http://thecripplegate.com/strange-fire-the-puritan-commitment-to-sola-scriptura-steve-lawson/ [accessed 22 OCT 2013].

[1] John Owen, Pro Sacris Scripturis Exercitationes Adversus Fanaticos (written 1658, published 1659), Eng. trans. A Defense of Sacred Scripture Against Modern Fanaticism found in Biblical Theology, trans. Stephen P. Westcott (Pittsburgh: Soli Deo Gloria, 1994). Full title: Pro Sacra Scripturis adversus hujus tempom Fanaticos exercitaliones apologeticae Quatuor . See Barry H. Howson, “The Puritan Hermeneutics of John Owen: A Recommendation”, Westminster Theological Journal 63:2 (Fall 2001), pp. 359-365; on John Owen at http://www.johnowen.org/media/howson_owen_hermeneutics.pdf [accessed 18 OCT 20-13].

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Strange Fire, Day One

1. Are you discerning, and have you exercised discernment, especially when it comes to the worship of God?

"The biggest problem in the church today is absence of discernment. . . Exercising discerment is the heart of Christian living because Christian living flows out of Christian thinking." - John MacArthur

"The most serious crimes against God occur in corrupt worship." - John MacArthur

"The charismatic movement offers nothing to true worship because it has made no contribution to biblical clarity, interpretation, or sound doctrine." - John MacArthur

"Sound doctrine is not a haven for false teachers; it's not where greedy deceivers end up." - John MacArthur

"The charismatic movement is successful because it promises what the unregenerate world already wants." - John MacArthur

2. What does the third of the ten commandments mean? “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”

"Taking the Lord's name in vain is more than just swearing. It's speaking of Him in an irreverent manner, or assigning to Him things He would never do and things He would never say." - John MacArthur[1]

3. Did the Spirit of God ever work in Jesus Christ during His humiliation to do anything even remotely similar to what goes on in the modern charismatic movement?

"If you want to see the true work of the Holy Spirit, look at what He did in and through Christ" - John MacArthur

“I will start believing that the truth prevails in the charismatic movement when I see the leaders looking more like Jesus Christ and I see that they really are partakers of the divine nature.” - John MacArthur

Source for quotes: John MacArthur, General Session 1 (16 OCT 2013) at Strange Fire live streaming at http://www.tmstrangefire.org/ [accessed 16 OCT 2013].

See also:

Tim Challies, “Strange Fire Conference: John MacArthur's Opening Address” (16 OCT 2013) at http://www.challies.com/liveblogging/strange-fire-conference-john-macarthurs-opening-address [accessed 16 OCT 2013].

Mike Riccardi, “Strange Fire – Session One – John MacArthur” (16 OCT 2013), on The Cripplegate at http://thecripplegate.com/strange-fire-session-one-john-macarthur/ [accessed 16 OCT 2013].

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On General Session 2 see Tim Challies, Strange Fire Conference: Joni Eareckson Tada” (16 OCT 2013), at

http://www.challies.com/liveblogging/strange-fire-conference-joni-eareckson-tada [accessed 17 OCT 2013].

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“My concern for charismatic friends is that they have too low a view of Pentecost and its place in redemptive history.” - R. C. Sproul, at Strange Fire via video feed at http://www.tmstrangefire.org/ [accessed 16 OCT 2013].

See also:

Tim Challies, “Strange Fire Conference: R.C. Sproul” (16 OCT 2013) at http://www.challies.com/liveblogging/strange-fire-conference-rc-sproul [accessed 16 OCT 2013].

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“Calvin's critique of these Anabaptist mystics applies to the charismatic movement today.” - Steve Lawson

“You will never have the Holy Spirit doing a work independent of the Word of God!” - Steve Lawson

“Even a dog barks if he sees someone assault his master!” - Steve Lawson quoting John Calvin

“a Calvinist charismatic is an oxymoron like freezer burns, jumbo shrimp…” - Steve Lawson

“There are not two streams of revelation, there is only one.” - Steve Lawson

“One stream of revelation mandates Biblical preaching. Two streams diminishes Biblical preaching.” - Steve Lawson

“Two streams of revelation severs and separates the Spirit from the Word. It drives a wedge between them.” - Steve Lawson

“…we must be exclusively committed to the written Word of God.” - Steve Lawson

"The gospel does not need to be revalidated." - Steve Lawson

Source: Steve Lawson, General Session 3 (16 OCT 2013) at Strange Fire live streaming at http://www.tmstrangefire.org/ [accessed 16 OCT 2013].

See also:

Tim Challies, “Strange Fire Conference: Steve Lawson” (16 OCT 2013) at http://www.challies.com/liveblogging/strange-fire-conference-steve-lawson [accessed 17 OCT 2013].

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“If the Church obeyed John 17:17 we would not have this chaos.” - Conrad Mbewe

“This is not good news. It is bad news, first of all because of the absence of the exposition of God’s Word.” - Conrad Mbewe

“You cannot have spiritual life when this Book is closed.” - Conrad Mbewe

Where the charismatic movement has gone in sub-Saharan Africa:

1. The Word of God is closed.

2. The Gospel is lost.

3. There is the loss of real worship.

“It doesn’t matter how many times people may repeat glory, glory, glory in the midst of that confusion, it is not the glory of God!” - Conrad Mbewe

“The issue is what ought to be the governing principle. Let’s go back to basics. What is Christianity?” - Conrad Mbewe

Source: Conrad Mbewe, “The African Import of Charismatic Chaos”, General Session 4 (16 OCT 2013) at Strange Fire live streaming at http://www.tmstrangefire.org/ [accessed 16 OCT 2013].

See also:

Tim Challies, “Strange Fire Conference: Conrad Mbewe” (17 OCT 2013) at http://www.challies.com/liveblogging/strange-fire-conference-conrad-mbewe [accessed 17 OCT 2013].

[1] Question 112: What is required in the third commandment?

Answer: The third commandment requires, That the name of God, his titles, attributes, ordinances, the Word, sacraments, prayer, oaths, vows, lots, his works, and: Whatsoever else there is whereby he makes himself known, be holily and reverently used in thought, meditation, word, and writing; by an holy profession, and answerable conversation, to the glory of God, and the good of ourselves, and others.

Question 113: What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment?

Answer: The sins forbidden in the third commandment are, the not using of God's name as is required; and the abuse of it in an ignorant, vain, irreverent, profane, superstitious, or wicked mentioning, or otherwise using his titles, attributes, ordinances, or works, by blasphemy, perjury; all sinful cursings, oaths, vows, and lots; violating of our oaths and vows, if lawful; and fulfilling them, if of things unlawful; murmuring and quarreling at, curious prying into, and misapplying of God's decrees and providences; misinterpreting, misapplying, or any way perverting the Word, or any part of it, to profane jests, curious or unprofitable questions, vain janglings, or the maintaining of false doctrines; abusing it, the creatures, or anything contained under the name of God, to charms, or sinful lusts and practices; the maligning, scorning, reviling, or anywise opposing of God's truth, grace, and ways; making profession of religion in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends; being ashamed of it, or a shame to it, by unconformable, unwise, unfruitful, and offensive walking, or backsliding from it.

Source: Westminster Larger Catechism, on Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/anonymous/westminster2.i.v.html [accessed 17 OCT 2013].

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Strange Fire

Are you discerning, and have you exercised discernment, especially when it comes to the worship of God?

What does the third of the ten commandments mean? “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”

Did the Spirit of God ever work in Jesus Christ during His humiliation to do anything even remotely similar to what goes on in the modern charismatic movement?

John MacArthur at Strange Fire live streaming at http://www.tmstrangefire.org/ [accessed 16 OCT 2013].

Happy Birthday Wayside Gospel Chapel!

Wayside Gospel Chapel began on October 16, 1973, 40 years ago today. Happy Birthday Wayside Gospel Chapel!

Monday, October 14, 2013

Pastor's Sermon Notes: The Trial of Stephen - Stephen on Center Stage (Acts 6:8-15)

The Trial of Stephen

Subtitle: Stephen on Center Stage

Acts 6:8-15

⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. ⁹ Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. ¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. ¹¹ Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. ¹² And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, ¹³ And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: ¹⁴ For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. ¹⁵ And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

Introduction:

Overview/Introduction of Chapter 6:

Patterns:

1. miracles → witness

2. preaching to the Jews → Gospel rejected by the Jews → preaching to the Gentiles

3. Jewish opposition to the Gospel and persecution of the Christians → the spread of the Christians and the Gospel

What takes place in this chapter is going to ratchet up the opposition to the Gospel by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. Their rejection of the Gospel will soon go beyond arrests and beatings to public murder.

Significant events - Between the first two “Pentecosts” (Jewish in Acts 2, and Samaritan in Acts 8), and following the birth of the Church in Acts 2

Significant persons - Peter is usually at the forefront in these early chapters of Acts, later Paul’s ministry will be the focus

Geographical movement - still in Jerusalem (Acts 1:8), soon to move to Judea and Samaria prior to the journeys to “the ends of the earth”

Outline:

I. Stephen the Target (6:8)

II. Stephen the Unimpeachable (6:9-10)

III. Stephen the True Witness (6:11-14)

IV. Stephen the Transfigured (6:15)

I. Stephen the Target (6:8)

⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

The focus shifts clearly on the personal level and even though Peter is not “out of the picture”, he is not mentioned at all in chapters 6-7. Why Stephen becomes a target must be considered on two levels.

1. The first level is what is explicitly recorded in this verse.

2. The second is somewhat between the lines here, but includes what was mentioned previously, i.e., the success of the ministry that he and the other members of “The Seven” were charged with.

II. Stephen the Unimpeachable (6:9-10)

⁹ Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. ¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

Two connections need to be made here, and perhaps another is in order as well.

1. Why members of this particular synagogue or these synagogues are explicitly mentioned as engaged in disputing with Stephen is not spelled out here, but may be understandable in the flow of the context.

2. One geographical area mentioned is of particular interest, i.e., Cilicia, since this is where Paul is from. Tarsus, his home city is in Cilicia.

3. Also, perhaps the influx of those from the geographical areas around Jerusalem due to the news spreading concerning the miraculous power of the Apostles may have begun to impact the home areas, friends, families and outlying synagogues related to these disputers.

III. Stephen the True Witness (6:11-14)

¹¹ Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. ¹² And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, ¹³ And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: ¹⁴ For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

Here we have false witnesses against the true witness. To make matters worse we have false witnesses meaning violators of the ninth commandment, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (Ex. 20:16), who are breaking the Law of Moses in their attempts to indict Stephen for blaspheming the Law of Moses. Stephen is the true witness of Jesus Christ demonstrating in the Holy Spirit by wonders, miracles and wisdom the truth of the Gospel of the New Covenant. This juxtaposition of false witnesses against the true witness hearkens back to those who spoke against Christ Himself. These counterposed elements in this controntation are a dramatic irony in the history of the early Church. This event is certainly a significant legal factor in this book establishing the legitimacy of Christianity and exposing the hypocrisy of the Jewish leadership.

The two common elements in their charge are the focus for them:

1) “this holy place” (6:13), “the place” (6:14), and,

2) “the law” (6:13), “the customs which Moses delivered us” (6:14).

What must be considered here are the connections to the accusations against Christ and Jewish sensitivity about anything to do with the Law of Moses and the Temple in Jerusalem. As the disciples themselves indicated in conversation with Christ the Temple was a focal point for Jewish pride, and the Law was the source of their distinctive identity second only to descent from Abraham.

It may be that reports of Stephen’s teachings had been filtering back with misstatements leading to misunderstandings. However, when face to face with Stephen getting it “right from the horse’s mouth” as it were, they could not deal with what he was confronting them with so they fell back on what may have only begun as a misunderstanding. What they did understand rightly was bad enough, and would soon be revealed to be true in fact.

IV. Stephen the Transfigured (6:15)

¹⁵ And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

Exodus 34 must be considered here especially in relation to the charge of blasphemy against Moses. To these leaders who knew their Bibles (our Old Testament) well, this must have been startling.

Conclusion:

The stage is now set for the great “sermon”, Stephen’s “defense” in chapter 7 which provokes his murderers to their bloody and illegal deed.

Let it be clearly understood that this world is composed of the children of light and the children of darkeness, the children of God and the children of the devil. There is no middle ground here. These identities are black and white distinctives between the elect and the reprobate. Sometimes appearances and impressions place these below the surface and they may not seem as clear as they are in reality. At other times the graphic nature of the differences comes boiling to the surface as here. Do not be surprised if you find it so in your own experience!

2 Cor. 6:14-7:1

[Sermon preached 13 OCT 2013 by Pastor John T. “Jack” Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, PA.]

Resources:

G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds., Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), pp. 513-606.

Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, eds. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007)

F. F. Bruce, The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952).

I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction And Commentary, Vol. 5 in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. Leon Morris (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980; 2008 reprint).

David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, The Pillar New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009).

John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Vol. 5 in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, gen. ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012).

William H. Willimon, Acts, in Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, series ed. James Luther Mays, New Testament ed. Paul J. Achtemeier (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010).

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Pastor's Sermon Notes: The First Deacons (Acts 6:1-7)

The First Deacons

Acts 6:1-7

¹ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. ² Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. ³ Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. ⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. ⁵ And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: ⁶ Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. ⁷ And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Introduction:

In this portion of Luke’s narrative we are confronted with an internal complication that had the potential:

1) to sidetrack the Apostles from their ministry in the Word and prayer, and also,

2) to split the early Church in Jerusalem along ethnic lines.

Overview/Introduction of Chapter 6:

Patterns:

1. miracles → witness

2. preaching to the Jews → Gospel rejected by the Jews → preaching to the Gentiles

3. Jewish opposition to the Gospel and persecution of the Christians → the spread of the Christians and the Gospel

Significant events - Between the first two “Pentecosts” (Jewish in Acts 2, and Samaritan in Acts 8), and following the birth of the Church in Acts 2

Significant persons - Peter is at the forefront here, later Paul’s ministry will be the focus

Geographical movement - still in Jerusalem (Acts 1:8), soon to move to Judea and Samaria prior to the journeys to “the ends of the earth”

Outline:

I. The Need for the First Deacons (6:1)

II. The Qualifications of the First Deacons (6:2-4)

III. The Installation of the First Deacons (6:5-6)

IV. The Blessings of the First Deacons (6:7)

Transition: Gospel success in this fallen world occurs in the midst of a spiritual battleground. In this warfare attacks come both from without, and from within the Church. This is true both on this corporate level and on a personal level so the lessons learned from the account of this incident may have broader applications than may be assumed from a cursory reading. Up to this point in the narrative Luke has recorded in this book opposition or resistance to the work of the Apostles in bearing testimony to the risen and ascended Messiah, and the consequent growth of the Church has come primarily from without. An exception in chapter five in the incident of Ananias and Sapphira actually includes one of only two mentions of Satanic opposition in the book (the other being 26:18).

I. The Need for the First Deacons (6:1)

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

1. The Multiplication of the Disciples -

The Setting: The Rapid Growth of the Early Church

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied

2. The Murmuring of the Gentiles -

The Problem: The Discrimination Complaint along Ethnic Lines

there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews

3. The Ministration to the Widows -

The Occasion: The Daily Distribution to Elect Widows

because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration

II. The Qualifications of the First Deacons (6:2-4)

² Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. ³ Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. ⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

1. Men With a Reputation for Honesty (6:3b)

men of honest report

2. Men With a Fullness of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom (6:3c)

full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom

Intermezzo: Were these seven men the first Deacons?

Note: The term is used 29 times in the New Testament. In all but three instances where it refers to the office of a Deacon (Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:8, 12) it bears the normal usage in context of “servant” or “messenger”.

Objection:

“Often the present passage is seen to be the initiation of the diaconate. The word “deacon” (diakonos) never occurs in the passage. The word “ministry” (diakonia) does occur several times, but it is applied to both the ministry of the daily distribution (v. 2) and the ministry of the word, the apostolic witness (v. 4). In fact, the word “deacon” never occurs in Acts. The office generally referred to is “elder” (Acts 11:30; 14:23, et passim). If one is inclined nevertheless to see the diaconate in this passage, that person should take a cue from Stephen and Philip. In the rest of Acts, nothing is made of their administrative duties. What one finds them doing is bearing their witness, even to martyrdom.”

Source: J. B. Polhill, (1995). Vol. 26: Acts. The New American Commentary (182–183). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Views:

“Were these the first deacons? Which church office is in view here? Three answers are given to these questions.

(1) Some say these were the first deacons. Several factors are used to support this viewpoint. First, the office of deacon is assumed in Paul’s letters (cf. Phil. 1:1). If Acts 6:1–6 is not an account of their beginning, it is argued, when and where did deacons originate? Second, several words related to deacon (diakonos) are found here: “distribution” (lit., “service”) in verse 1 is diakonia, and “to wait” in verse 2 is diakonein. However, these men were never called “deacons” (diakonoi) as such. Much later they were called “the Seven” (21:8). Furthermore, the words “distribution” and “wait” do not seem to have a technical sense here. These words in the Greek New Testament are commonly used in a nonspecialized sense.

(2) Others hold that these were precursors to the office of elder. This is not a common interpretation, but it gains its support from 11:30, which refers to relief money being given to the elders. If deacons handled these funds earlier (chap. 6), it is argued, they must have later become the elders (chap. 11). However, the office of elder has its origin in the Jewish synagogue.

(3) A third view is that these seven men held a temporary position for the purpose of meeting a specific need. This seems to be the best approach for a couple of reasons. First, these men were chosen for a particular task, not an overall one. Second, they were in a temporary responsibility because of the communal nature of the church at Jerusalem. Even so, these men do illustrate the role and function of the office of deacons.”

Source: S. D. Toussaint, (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck, Ed.) (Ac 6:6). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

40th Anniversary Celebration and Fall Family Festival

Wayside Gospel Chapel's 40th anniversary is October 16th, 2013.
This coming Lord's Day, October 13th, we will celebrate this anniversary with the following events:

Sunday Morning Worship
Fellowship Dinner
Fall Family Festival (see below)
Special Song Service with the Bradleys and the Guidas

We would love to have each and every one of your with us to celebrate this milestone in the history of Wayside!

Fall Family Festival information:

Wayside Gospel Chapel is hosting its Fifth Annual "Fall Family Festival" on Sunday, October 13th, 2013 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the church. Wayside Gospel Chapel is located in Greene Township on the corner of Roemerville Road and PA Route 390 about 4 miles south of Promised Land State Park in Pike County. The activities at the Fall Family Festival will include turkey bowling, leaf jumping, pumpkin carving, hay bale throwing, a scarecrow race, and much more. There will be free food and games for all ages. Activities will take place inside and outside, so please wear warm clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty! For more information contact Pastor Jack Jeffery at waysidegospelchapel at yahoo dot com.

Verse of the Day

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Monday, October 14, 2013

Tuesday, October 8, 2013