Great Christmas Miracles P1: Inspiration of the Scriptures

Matthew 1:1 The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham:

As you read the infancy narratives of the first Christmas in Matthew and Luke, you are struck by how often the Holy Spirit is mentioned.  As I read the birth accounts of the Lord Jesus Christ as they pertain to His humanity, I find five miracles done by the Holy Spirit that provide the foundation for our Lord's coming into this world that first Christmas:

1. Inspiration of the Scriptures.
2. Incarnation of Jesus' humanity
3. Virgin (Conception) birth
4. Hypostatic Union
5. Infinite Providence of the Holy Spirit

Today's blog will look more in detail at that first miracle behind the first Christmas: the inspiration of the scriptures.

The Inspiration of the Scriptures by the Holy Spirit: The great miracle leading up to Christmas
In Matthew and Luke's accounts, we see evidence of the product of the scriptures as the work of the Holy Spirit in preparing for the first advent of Jesus Christ.  1 Peter 1:10-11 "As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow."  As much as these past few blogs have been about the Holy Spirit's work in Christmas, I must hasten that the whole ministry and purpose of the Holy Spirit is to point to God the Son.  His chief method is through the production of inspired scripture. 

What then is the nature of Divinely inspired scripture?  In the opening of the Christmas account in Matthew 1:1-17, we can note six qualities of Divine Inspiration that the Holy Spirit used in getting His people and the world ready for the Savior's arrival:

1. Inspiration of the Scriptures. Inspiration is the work of the Holy Spirit "breathing out" the words of God through and into the prophets and Apostles writing of the Bible books.  Passages such as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:21 testify to this unique act of the Spirit of God.  The remaining five terms below define further why Divinely Inspired Scripture was the required tool produced and used by the Holy Spirit to prepare His people for Jesus' first coming in the first Christmas (Advent).   

2. Inerrancy of Scripture Matthew 1:1-17 covers over 2,000 years of time, mentioning 52 generations of people from Abraham down to Joseph.  Inerrancy has to do with the Holy Spirit producing scripture without error.  In their original production they were without error, with the subsequent copies and translations carrying the authority of inerrancy.  Think of how accurate the scriptures had to be throughout the Old and New Testaments.  The Holy Spirit gave the Prophets the words to write in their own writing style to record perfect history, scientific facts, geographical information, family bloodlines and theological truth. Information from history contained between the close of Malachi to the beginning of Matthew (some 400 years!) is included in Matthew's opening geneaology.  It was perfectly edited through Matthew to represent the chief men in the royal blood of Christ's humanity.  

3. Infallibility of Scripture By reading the Christmas accounts of Matthew and Luke, can I trust that they will lead me accurately and not lead me to error?  Absolutely!  If inerrancy has to do with the fact that the scriptures have no errors, then infallibility deals with the fact that the scriptures cannot err in how the lead God's people into all truth.  The Holy Spirit had to produce an inerrant and infallible book so that God's people would know and recognize the true Messiah and His arrival as the baby boy in Bethlehem.  But notice the third trait of divinely inspired scripture: its unity.

4. The Unity of Scripture
Matthew 1:1-17 is a summary of the major people and events stretching through the 39 books of the Old Testament.  Think of how the Holy Spirit brought together information from each of the three major sections of the Old Testament.  The Law (first five books) are appealed to as seen in the mention of Abraham and the patriarchs.  The Psalms or the Writings, authored by men such as David, are alluded to in the songs that dot the infant narratives of Luke.  Then the Prophetic writings, such as Isaiah and Micah, find their place in Matthew and Luke's narratives, especially concerning the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14) and Christ's birthplace. (Micah 5)

5. The Clarity of Scripture
Is the scripture clear, or obscure?  Did the Holy Spirit clearly communicate and connect the dots for God's people to see the Messiah by faith?  Consider the response of the Magi in Matthew 2.  They affirm the identity of the then two year old boy as God in human flesh by their appeal to Micah 5 and Genesis 49:10.  Or how about the songs of Elizabeth, Zechariah and Mary?  They use several Old Testament texts to declare the clarity by which they see this baby boy as none other than the Messiah.  Only through scripture could the Holy Spirit make an otherwise difficult to grasp truth so clear to believers. 

6. The Sufficiency of Scripture
As we read the birth accounts of Jesus' humanity in Matthew and Luke, as well as the prophecies and pictures of the Old Testament pointing to His first coming - we ask the question: are these scriptures sufficient?  In the time following the completion of the New Testament, several documents claiming to be divinely inspired were produced by a heretical group called the Gnostics.  They speculated about Jesus making mud birds and making them come alive, uttering full speeches from the manger and playing pranks on his childhood friends.1  When people begin to stray from the scriptures, false doctrine and speculation will soon follow.  In 1871 at the Vatican I Council,  the Catholic Church invented the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary, claiming that she was born without sin.2  To add to or deny the sufficiency of scripture leads to an adding to or diminishing of Jesus Christ.  We will either add untrue details, compromising the Savior's sinless character (i.e the gnostic gospels) or detract from the Savior's glory, making Christmas to be more about Mary than Jesus. 

More to follow tomorrow....

Endnotes______________
1 The Gnostic Gospels were a group of writings produced from 150-250 A.D, some 50 to 100 or more years after the death of the Apostles.  A document called "The Infancy Gospel of Thomas" reports of Jesus making the clay birds as a child and playing pranks, while the "Infancy Gospel of James", written before 200 A.D, reports the baby Jesus speaking from the cradle.  In both these works, the doctrine of Jesus Christ is way different from the Biblical portrayal.  The Infancy Gospel of Thomas gives the sense that Jesus as a child had a propensity to sin and be mischievious, something of which is alien to scripture, which affirms His sinless nature in passages such as 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 2:22 and Hebrews 4:15 and 7:24-25.  The other forged gospel, the "Infancy Gospel of James", diminishes the true humanity of Jesus, since as an infant, he would had developed normally as any other child in his mind, motor skills and emotional life (yet without sin of course). (compare Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 2:12-15)  These false gospels were immediately rejected by the early Christians due to their not being written by an Apostle, their erroneous theology and Gnostic source.   

2. The Roman Catholic Church affirmed the Immaculate Conception of Mary in the 1 Vatican Council of 1871.  This move represented a theological shift towards elevating Mary in status that had been occuring for more than a millennium.  In 1950 the Pope affirmed the doctrine of her assumption, wherein she ascended into Heaven much like Jesus did in the Biblical Book of Acts.  Neither of these doctrines (Mary's Immaculate Conception nor her bodily Assumption) are found anywhere in scripture.  Rather they are church tradition that Rome has used to bolster her belief in Mary's function as a co-redeemer with Jesus and the cult of the saints. 

The Holy Spirit's work in Christ's first coming

Hebrews 9:11a "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come...."

Yesterday we began exploring how the Holy Spirit prepared for the arrival of Jesus Christ in His first coming.  We noted that the Holy Spirit used the entirety of Old Testament history to prepare for the Son's arrival at Bethlehem.  Today I want to get more specific and help the read understand a little bit more of what the Holy Spirit did in making it possible for God the Son to enter into this world as a virgin born human being.   

The Holy Spirit's involvement in bringing Christ from eternity into time
How is it that Jesus Christ, God the Son, came into this world from eternity into time? Answer: by the working of the Holy Spirit. If it had not been for the Holy Spirit's active involvement, the first Christmas or Advent of Jesus would not had been possible. Think of how the Holy Spirit was involved in Christ's arrival into this world by consider three main activities: His work of inspiration, the virgin birth (incarnation) and His working of Providence. 

1). Inspiration of the Scriptures. 1 Peter 1:11 tells us concerning the Old Testament Prophets: "seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow." In Isaiah 7:14, we see such an example of the Spirit's work of Divine inspiration: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel."

2). The Virgin Birth (incarnation). As we just read, the Holy Spirit through the prophet Isaiah predicted the virgin birth of Jesus Christ.  Bible scholars refer to the whole journey of God the Son from Eternity to humanity as His incarnation (literally His coming "in the flesh").  The virgin birth's relationship to the truth of Christ's incarnation explains "how He arrived", with the term "incarnation" simply explaining "what took place".  Both truths are cornerstone doctrines of the Christian faith. The angel Gabriel told Mary in Luke 1:35 - "The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God."

The Holy Spirit's work in the virgin Mary's womb enabled the Divine Son to journey from eternity into time, since it was the Spirit who worked with Mary's DNA to fashion a body of humanity for Christ to assume. (Hebrews 10:5-9) The Holy Spirit's work in the virgin birth preserved Jesus' humanity from inheriting the original sin of Adam, since the sin nature is transmitted through the father's bloodline going all the way back to Adam. (1 Peter 1:18-19) 1 Timothy 3:16a gives insight into the Holy Spirit's preservation of Christ's human nature from sin: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit...." (KJV). 

In a miracle that we cannot fully comprehend, the Holy Spirit used the womb of Mary to create a genuine human nature for God the Son to assume. Simultaneously the Spirit bypassed the need for a natural human father to ensure that the Son's human nature would be sinless. Quite literally Christ in his humanity was the genuine Son of Mary while in His Deity remained Eternally the Son of the Father, equal in power and glory. (John 1:1)

3. The Spirit's work in providence in Christ's first coming.  We alluded to the Holy Spirit's work in yesterday's blog with regards to His usage of time and events in the Old Testament.  When we speak of God's right to reign - we call that "Sovereignty".  When we refer to God's ruling reign - we call that "Providence".  Being that the Holy Spirit is as much God as the Father and Son are God, it only stands that He too works forth in Providence. (compare Acts 5:4-5; 2 Corinthians 3:16-17).  The Holy Spirit is the one who in conjunction with the Father, orchestrated and synchronized times and seasons. Consider Galatians 4:4 - "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law".  Who "made" Christ's humanity in the virgin's womb?  The Holy Spirit.(Luke 1:35)  Who revealed the coming of Jesus as a virgin born baby? Again, the Holy Spirit. (Isaiah 7:14).  Who then providentially used time itself to bring about the right moment in which the humanity of Jesus would be conceived and birthed?  The Holy Spirit. (1 Peter 1:10-11) 

The Holy Spirit's Preparation for Christmas

Hebrews 9:9-11a - 9 "The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing, 10 which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation. 11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come ....."

The Holy Spirit through the writer of Hebrews signifies that the entire history of the Old Testament was orchestrated by God the Father and spoken forth by the Holy Spirit through the pens of the prophets to prepare for the first coming of God the Son.  In Numbers 28-29 for example, we see a listing of every major sacrifice, Jewish Festival and Priestly activity to be carried out in the Jewish calendar. 

Who the Holy Spirit was pointing to in the Old Testament
When you read such chapters and scratch your head saying: "so what?"  The so what of the details of the sacrificial system point us to the "So Who" of eternity.  In Hebrews 9:9-10 the writer tells us that all of the little details and ceremonies were imposed by God "until a time of reformation".  The word for "reformation" speaks of "straitening, improving, healing a broken limb, making better".  In other words, the Holy Spirit was working through the "times of the Old Testament" to get ready for the ultimate season, the fulness of time in which Christ would come in the virgin birth. The Old Testament way of doing things was not adequate to cleanse the conscience.  God had a better system, a better covenant in mind - whereby He was going to take every promise and prophecy and bring them to completion in the Person of Jesus Christ.    

How the Holy Spirit prepared for Christ's First coming
All times, ceremonies and people of the Old Testament were but shadows of the True Light who was to come - Jesus Christ.  Hebrews 1:1-2 states: "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world." What God the Holy Spirit was moving all of human history and redemptive revelation to bow at the feet of the One who would be in the cradle, hang on the cross and rise to be the victorious Conqueror - Jesus Christ.  As Hebrews 9:10 tells us, all of these things were "imposed" by God.  That word "imposed" speaks to the idea of "insisting or driving home the point".  The Holy Spirit was persistent and progressive in the revealing of the 109 prophecies, dozens of foreshadowings, rise and fall of empires and 39 Old Testament books.  

The Holy Spirit's involvement in bring Christ from eternity into time
 Hebrews 9:11a states: "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come...."   How is it that Jesus Christ, God the Son, came into this world from eternity into time?  Answer: by the working of the Holy Spirit.  If it had not been for the Holy Spirit's active involvment, the first Christmas or Advent of Jesus would not had been possible.  Think of how the Holy Spirit was involved in Christ's arrival into this world:

1). Inspiration of the Scriptures.  1 Peter 1:11 tells us concerning the Old Testament Prophets: "seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow."  In Isaiah 7:14, we see such an example of the Spirit's work of Divine inspiration: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel."

2). The Virgin Birth.  As we just read, the Holy Spirit through the prophet Isaiah predicted the virgin birth of Jesus Christ.  This truth is a cornerstone doctrine of the Christian faith.  The angel Gabriel told Mary in Luke 1:35 - "The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God." 

The Holy Spirit's work in the virgin Mary's womb enabled the Divine Son to journey from eternity into time, since it was the Spirit who worked with Mary's DNA to fashion a body of humanity for Christ to assume. (Hebrews 10:5-9) The Holy Spirit's work in the virgin birth preserved Jesus' humanity from inheriting the original sin of Adam, since the sin nature is transmitted through the father's bloodline going all the way back to Adam. (1 Peter 1:18-19)  1 Timothy 3:16a gives insight into the Holy Spirit's preservation of Christ's human nature from sin: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit...."  In a miracle that we cannot fully comprehend, the Holy Spirit used the womb of Mary to create a genuine human nature for God the Son to assume.  Simultaneously the Spirit bypassed the need for a natural human father to ensure that the Son's human nature would be sinless.  Quite literally Christ in his humanity was the genuine Son of Mary while in His Deity remained Eternally the Son of the Father, equal in power and glory. (John 1:1) 

More tomorrow.....

The Lamb of God: Central to Christmas' mission

Numbers 28:2 “Command the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be careful to present My offering, My food for My offerings by fire, of a soothing aroma to Me, at their appointed time.’

Yesterday we began to look at how the Lamb of God is central to God's plan of salvation in regards to Christmas.  We traced the idea of the lamb from the Old Testament sacrifical system, noting how God had the lamb as the centerpiece of the timed cycles of sacrifice throughout the Jewish year.  Timing was everything in the Old Testament, which is why it is even moreso in the New Testament.  We closed yesterday noting how Jesus Christ came in the fulness of time as the Lamb of God. (Galatians 4:4).  Today we want to take this same idea and consider how the Lamb of God is central to the mission of Christmas. 

The centrality of the lamb in communicating the mission of salvation
In thinking on the centrality of the lamb, we know that the lamb is used to picture the Lord Jesus Christ in His first coming. John the Baptist for example spoke the following words about Jesus John 1:29 "The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" As John states, Jesus, the Lamb of God came to do a mission: to take away the sin of the world. 

In Numbers 28, God prefaces his summary listing of the major sacrifices with the notion that they were all prescribed to provide a "sweet soothing aroma" in His sight.  This idea speaks to how when a sacrifice was offered in the place of a repentant sinful human being, satisfaction of God's wrath would be accomplished.  This is why the word "atonement" or "propitiation" is used through the Old and New Testament, since both terms describe how satisfaction of God's just wrath was made in the shedding of innocent blood. (Leviticus 17:10-11; 1 John 2:2)

The mission of that first Christmas was for Jesus to come as a virgin born baby, the Lamb of God.  The angel for instance tells us what the baby was to be named in Matthew 1:21  “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

What Jesus came to do in His first coming is spelled out through His title as the Lamb of God.  The New Testament has over twenty five passages that describe Jesus' mission with this idea of Him being the Lamb of God:
1. John 1:29 "Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world"
2. John 1:36 "Behold the Lamb of God"
3. Acts 8:32-34 Phillip explains a passage from Isaiah 53 of the prophecy about the Lamb, and then proceeds to tell the Ethiopian Eunuch about Jesus
4. 1 Corinthians 5:7  "Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed."
5. 1 Peter 1:18-19 redeemed by the blood of Jesus, likened unto a lamb without blemish
6. 1 Peter 2:22-24  we see the Lamb who was without sin and guile

In addition to these references, we find almost twenty references in the Book of Revelation concerning the Lamb of God and His mission.1  Interestingly, for a Book that is focused on the events surrounding Christ's second coming, it reminds us that without His first coming accomplishment, the second coming adoration would not be possible. 

Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is the center piece of Christmas.  Without Him, that first Christmas would have no mission nor purpose. 

End Notes____
1 For those interested, here are most of the references in Revelation pertaining to Jesus the Lamb of God. They are as listed from Nave's Topical Bible, an excellent reference tool:  Revelation 6:16; 7:9, 10, 14, 17; 12:11; 13:8; 14:1,4; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7; 21:9,14,22,23,27; 22:1,3

The Lamb of God and Christmas' timing

Numbers 28:4 ‘You shall offer the one lamb in the morning and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight"

Today I want to talk about the centrality of the Lamb of God to Christmas.  Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God no less than 25 times in the New Testament.  Being that this title speaks primarily to His first coming, and being that Christmas celebrates God the Son coming to this planet as a virgin born baby, we simply propose that Christmas' center is the Lamb of God.  In thinking on this theme, we we want to look at how the Bible uses the Old and New Testament to show us some truths about how Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the focus for God's plan for the first Christmas.  In today's post we will deal with the centrality of the Lamb of God as He pertained to the timing of Christmas. 

The centrality of the lamb in communicating the timing of the sacrificial system
In Numbers 28 we see a summary list of all the major sacrifices and festivals that were to be celebrated by the Jewish people.  Lambs figured quite significantly into God's provision of the sacrifical system in the Old Testament.  For example, with regards to the timing of the sacrifices, Moses writes in Numbers 28:2 - “Command the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be careful to present My offering, My food for My offerings by fire, of a soothing aroma to Me, at their appointed time".  That phrase "appointed time", as well as the word "festival", communicate the combined idea in the Hebrew a dress rehearsal.  The sacrifices and feasts of Israel were like dress rehearsals, with Jesus Christ being the final and only performance of salvation.  As you go down through the remainder of Numbers 28, we see how lambs were significant in the daily, weekly, monthly and the annual Passover celebration:

-Daily there were to be two lambs offered, one in the morning, and one in the evening. (Numbers 28:1-8)

-Weekly, or every sabbath, two male lambs were to be sacrificed. (Numbers 28:9-10)

-Monthly, at the beginning of each month, the people were to sacrifice seven male lambs without defect, along with other types of animals.  (Numbers 28:11-15)

-Annually, once a year, at the Passover celebration, commemorating the Jews Exodus from Egypt, the Bible speaks of the people roasting a lamb for the passover meal and spreading its blood over the door posts of their homes. (Numbers 28:16; Exodus 12:1-13)

We could go further into the chapter, but the point is made: lambs were central to the cycles of time in the Old Testament sacrificial system (mentioned some 30 times or so in Numbers 28-29 alone). 

The Lamb of God - central to God's timing in accomplishing salvation
Truly the Old Testament is used to prepare for Christ's first coming in the New Testament, with His title "The Lamb of God" being no exception.  In the New Testament, the Bible is very clear about Jesus, the Lamb of God, coming at the right time.  We know that from eternity Jesus was regarded as the Lamb of God.  Consider for example Revelation 13:8 "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." (KJV)  Being regarded as the Lamb of God in eternity, He came to become the Lamb of God in time.  Galatians 4:4-5 tells us: "when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."

The timing of Jesus' coming into the world was no doubt perfect.  The first Christmas centered on the Lamb of God coming at just the right time.  In Luke 2:1-7, we see several indications of the timing of Christmas being centered around the Lamb of God - Jesus Christ:

1. The timing was right historically  - Luke 2:1-3 tells us of a census taken in the Roman world which prompted Joseph and Mary to go up to Bethlehem, some 90 miles from Nazaerth, where Joseph and Mary resided.  

2. The timing was right for His birth -Luke 2:5-7 tells us that Mary had reached full term with the God/man in her womb, revealing that the timing of His birth was right.

3. The timing of heaven and earth was right - Luke 2:8-20 that shepherds were in their fields, watching their flocks of sheep (lambs!), and suddenly the hosts of heaven made the announcement of Christ's birth. 

4.The timing of creation was right - Then in Matthew 2:2 we see the magi coming to worship the now two year old Christ child upon seeing a star which appeared over the night skies of Persia in their land.  For two years they traveled to see this wonder of wonders - the Lamb of God. 

God brought all this together to reveal this truth of the lamb of God coming at the right time that first Christmas.   

Four ministries vital for spiritual formation

Ephesians 4:11-12, 15, 25 11And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ....15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ....25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.

Quick summary of the book of Ephesians - unveiling the Christian's true identity in Christlikeness: the aim of spiritual formation
In today's blog I want to do a thumbnail sketch of what I see the Apostle Paul outlining in terms of spiritual formation in the local church.  The whole book of Ephesians is all about revealing the identity of Christian as an heir of Christ, chosen by God in love (chapter 1), called by grace through faith, with such faith then expressed by the human will (chapter 2) to know the love of Christ (chapter 3).  With the Christian identity spelled out in Ephesians 1-3, the walking out of such identity is explained in Ephesians 4-6.  Thus believers are to walk worthily (chapter 4), walk in love (chapter 5) and walk in victory (chapter 6).  If any verse could sum up Ephesians, it would be Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."

The four ministries vital for spiritual formation
Once I understand who I am and Whose I am in Christ in Ephesians 1-3, only then can I live out the expectations and commands of Ephesians 4-6.  The spiritual formation outlined in Ephesians 4-6 follows the major commands comprising those chapters:

1. "Walk in a manner worthy of the calling" Ephesians 4:1
2. "Walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind" Ephesians 4:17
3. "Walk in love" as beloved children of God Ephesians 5:1-2
4. "Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise" Ephesians 5:15
5. "Finally, be strong in the Lord"  Ephesians 6:10

These five major commands comprise in my mind the essence of spiritual formation in Jesus Christ in the local church.  Thankfully God has not left Christians by themselves to achieve this otherwise impossible mission. God has so ordained 4 major ministries to enable the local church to accomplish its goal as the number one community ordained by God to win souls to Jesus and to affect spiritual formation for its members.  Please take note:

1. Pastors - Ephesians 4:11.
Note the underlined word "pastors" in the beginning passage of today's blog entry.  The pastoral office is a distinct office from that of the "teacher".  The pastor's main role is to equip the saints, shepherd the saints, feed the saints, love the saints and lead the saints by God's Word.  A Pastor is vital to spiritual formation, since his ministry aims to exhort the heart, compell the will and nurture the soul of the saint of God. 

2. Teachers - Ephesians 4:12
In the passage above I also underlined "teachers".  Teachers are necessary to help train God's people in the realm of doctrine, application and God-focused thinking.  Often we see the offices of Pastor and Teacher overlap, sometimes being done by the Pastor who has teachings gifts, and by the teacher who can effectively shepherd those taught.  Men and women who teach God's word in the local church are invaluable in the Sunday School ministry, which is the chief strategic way to mobilize, train and disciple Christians to do Great Commission work.  More could be said but we will move onto the next major ministry in Ephesians 4: The Church Body.

3. The Church Body - Ephesians 4:12
In other passages such as 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12 and 1 Peter 4 we see God the Holy Spirit and God the Son gifting every Christian to minister and serve one another and reach out to the world.  Church body ministry is the direct result of consistent preaching and teaching of God's Word.  I don't doubt for a moment that Paul had this in mind, which is why He places body ministry right after the offices of Pastor and Teacher.  Christians cannot grow and spiritually transform without being regularly connected to the body of Christ - the local church. (Hebrews 3:12-13; 10:24-25)

4. The Counseling Ministry - Ephesians 4:15,25
What a fine definition of counseling in Ephesians 4:15 and 4:25 - "speaking the truth in love".  In Ephesians 4:15 and 25 we find such a ministry being described.  Counseling is like preaching except rather than speaking to many it is one on one.  Counseling is also like teaching except rather than just aiming primarily at the mind and then the heart, it tries to connect on equal footings the mind and the heart.  Counseling is a major ministry of body ministry, since the work of ministry entails fatigue, need of wisdom, need of encouragement and conflict resolution.  Counseling ministry ideally would include the main efforts of the Pastor, as well as mature believers whom are walking with the Lord, regularly in the word and prayer.  Any Christian who desires to counsel must be submitted to the first three vital ministries if their counseling ministry is to flourish. 

As you can see, every Christian has a place of ministry: whether we are talking about Pastors, Teachers, Church members excercising their spiritual gifts or those who perform counseling.  The aim is spiritual formation in Christlikeness. 

Suggestions for getting back into your Bible

Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success."

How does one begin reading the Bible when they have never really read it?  Where do you begin and what suggested books or sections of the Bible would you read?  I have been asked questions like these and have found some helpful ways to "jumpstart" getting back into consistent reading and study of God's Word.  Below are some methods that either I have used or have heard from others in cultivating a consistent, daily time in the scriptures.

1. Read a Proverb a day. There are 31 chapters or Proverbs in the book of Proverbs.  Are you looking for wisdom in life or a greater effectiveness in your walk with the Lord?  Read Proverbs.  By reading one chapter a day for five minutes, you should be able to cover Proverbs in one month.  Once you have read through Proverbs in that first month of reading, read it again the second month - a chapter a day.  Then do it again.  I have done this and discovered something new and insightful from the Lord everytime I read.

2. Read 1 John in one week.  1 John is all about the Christian life and assurance of salvation.  There are some seventy statements in this little book that give you assurance of knowing who you are and Whose you are as a Christian.  There are five chapters, which means if you were to read a chapter a day, you could read 1 John six times in one month.  Make it your goal to read 1 John once a week, and watch your Christian life begin to soar as you discover more of who you are and Whose you are in Christ

3. Read five Psalms a day for a month.   As you read God's Word more, you'll find yourself wanting to read more of God's Word.  There are 150 Psalms.  Five a day for a month will get you through the book.  The Psalms speak to the personal and experiential side of your walk with God, and His thoughts toward you.

4. Read a chapter in each of the four Gospels per day.  The four Gospels introduce you to the person and work of Jesus Christ.  Matthew has 28 chapters.  Read a chapter a day and you'll get through Matthew in the first month, Mark almost twice in say the second month, Luke in the third month and easily John in the fourth month. 

The above plans are suggested reading plans which come highly recommended.  Whenever you and I make our intent to read and think on God's Word every day, growth and strength in faith will be on the way.