P2 - Cultivating A Proper Spiritual Atmosphere

Psalm 133:1-3 "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, Even Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forever."

Introduction

In the last post we considered what it takes to cultivate a proper Christian spiritual atmosphere. We noted that a spiritual atmosphere has to do with the climate necessary for heightening awareness of God's movement. We then noted three ingredients required for this atmosphere:

1. Forgiveness
2. Obedience
3. Prayer

Today we will consider three more ingredients and conclude this short blog series. What else is necessary for cultivating a proper spiritual atmosphere in the heart, home and church? 

1. Faith. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

No less than four times does Paul allude to the proper spiritual atmosphere of which we are expounding in this post (with words like "aroma"). A Christian life and church exercising itself in a proper spiritual atmosphere for Jesus' sake will give-off a certain scent. Psalm 133:1-2 states - "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brothers to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Coming down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard, Coming down upon the edge of his robes." 

Anointing oil in the Old Testament was a special mixture of spices and oil, meant to give off a scent and to symbolize that person's place in the things of God. Ephesians 5:1-2 uses this same "aroma" imagery to capture the walk of faith with God as we aim to be "imitators of God." Certainly, who can forget the woman who anointed Jesus with her feet by sweet oil and her tears in Luke 7:44-50. The aroma released in the house of Simon the Pharisee was a stench to those untouched by grace. Yet, Jesus said of the woman: “your faith has saved you." The proper spiritual atmosphere was resident in the woman's heart due to faith. Notice fifthly...

2. Bible. 2 Corinthians 2:17a

We have seen thus far that in order to have a proper spiritual atmosphere that heightens our awareness of God's movement, we need forgiveness, obedience, prayer and faith. Here we find Paul referring to another ingredient, the sacred scriptures of the Old and New Testament. In 2 Corinthians 2:17a, we read: "For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity....". Hebrews 4:12 reminds us of the place of scripture in cultivating a proper spiritual atmosphere: "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Colossians 3:16 tells us: "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

It wasn't too long ago that our family had attended a concert put on by an award-winning harpist. The church where this event was held was among the more beautiful sanctuaries I had visited since moving to our area. As I listened to the harp being played, I marveled at the architecture. The large stained-glass windows, the statuary, paintings, grand-organ in the background and sweeping pulpit were all for the purpose of expounding the sacred book of God. We could say that the sanctuary was "richly adorned" for God's Word. Paul's point in the above text is not just to have our interior hearts adorned for scripture, but to have scripture richly adoring or dwelling the heart!

3. God. 2 Corinthians 2:17b

In this final ingredient, we find that this is not just any ingredient. We could say that without God, the other prior ingredients fail. God is God, and there is no other like Him (Isaiah 44:6). Romans 11:36 puts this final point so concisely and eloquently: "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." We need God for our proper spiritual atmosphere in our hearts, homes and churches, since He is the one for which it is set. Psalm 63:1-3 states: "O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. 3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You."

Closing thoughts: 

When I was a boy growing up in rural Pennsylvania, I recall herds of deer roaming the country side of my home area. It would be during the late Autumn, usually after the fall rains and when the little creeks were trickling with water. The deer knew the right atmosphere and places to find the water they needed. They searched it out. What are you and I in search of today? Do we want God? If the answer is yes, then let us be sure the spiritual atmosphere or climate proper for heightened awareness of God's movement is evident in our hearts, homes and churches. Let us exercise ourselves in forgiveness, obedience, prayer, faith, the Bible and God.

P1 - Cultivating A Proper Spiritual Atmosphere

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? 17 For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God."

Introduction:
This past week was Valentine's day. Of all the holidays celebrated in a given year, perhaps none emphasize the importance of atmosphere like Valentine's day. Why is it, for instance, that two people in love prefer to eat at a dimly lit restaurant by candlelight rather than a play-place at a fast food chain? Or, why is it that for our family dinner on that day, my wife had candles, balloons and little heart-shaped tins with chocolates for the children to enjoy? One word: "atmosphere". Atmosphere, on a human level, deals not so much with the air we breath as it does in setting a tone, a mood and a context. The effort aims to raise awareness of the person with whom we are spending time. As we are made aware of that person, we come to appreciate them and to enjoy their company by not what they do for us but by who they are. 

When we think of this concept with reference to the spiritual atmosphere of our hearts, home or churches, certain ingredients are necessary. To define what I mean by "spiritual atmosphere" as understood from the Bible, I mean: "The climate suited for heightened awareness of God’s movement." In this post and the next, we will consider six ingredients needed for the right spiritual atmosphere in your heart, home and the church? Our main text will be 2 Corinthians 2:5-17. Let's note them in short order....

1. Forgiveness. 2 Corinthians 2:5-8, 10-11

When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He included the importance of forgiveness, as evidenced in Matthew 6:12-13 "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’] Jesus knew that if we are to have a healthy spiritual atmosphere in our heart, from whence we launch our prayers, there must be forgiveness. Or how about in our churches? Consider Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” I have sat under many preachers who proclaimed God's Word winsomely and powerfully, only to see such messages bounce off the congregation with no effect. Why? Someone had taken up offense, and soon, a portion of the whole was affected. 

The person referenced by Paul here in 2 Corinthians 2 had committed a horrible act of immoral behavior. The church rightly responded, but now the man was openly repenting of what he had done. The people needed to let go, loosen and love. If you and I take up an offense, it means we are preferring bitterness rather than forgiveness. We ought to only take-up one thing: our Bibles. We ought to never take-up offenses, lest we be put down. It is told in Mark 6 that Jesus had journeyed to the town of his childhood (Nazareth), only to receive ridicule and spite. The text tells us in Mark 6:3 that the people "became offended at him". They perceived Jesus had crossed a line and chose to be bitter rather than to get better. The result? In Mark 6:5 we read: "And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them." 

If only we will practice forgiveness and not take up offense in our hearts, our homes or our churches, we will then begin to see God's working. But now notice a second ingredient necessary for a proper spiritual atmosphere...

2. Obedience.      2 Corinthians 2:9

Paul states in 2 Corinthians 2:9 that he wrote what he did to see whether or not his readers would respond in obedience. Unless you and I are ready to obey from the onset, at some point we will switch horses mid-stream so-to-speak. Obedience flows from faith. Among the many blessings that attend a lifestyle of obedience to God, we will name two.

First, the power of the Spirit is experienced when we obey God. Acts 5:32 states: “ And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” To have the Spirit's power issuing forth into our thoughts and actions marks the presence of a proper spiritual atmosphere. Note a second blessing, as spelled out in Galatians 6:9 "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Obedience to God can give us the opportunity to see the fruits of certain labors. Such verses remind us that obedience to God is worth it! So, we need forgiveness and obedience for a proper spiritual atmosphere. Let's notice a third ingredient... 

3. Prayer. 2 Corinthians 2:12-13

Famed evangelist A.W Tozer once noted that before we get with it, we must first get with Him. In 2 Corinthians 2:12-13, we find Paul referring back to the beginning his second missionary journey in Acts 16:8, 14-16. It was in this second missionary tour to Macedonia that Paul ended up preaching in Corinth for 18 months, with the church planted by his missionary associates Priscilla and Aquilla. I'm certain as Paul alluded to those early days, the church at Corinth, to which he wrote, would had recollected. 

During those days, Paul was ever in prayer. We know Paul was in prayer due to the powerful vision he had to go to Macedonia. Paul and his companions were trying to pursue ministry into one area, and God directed them to pursue Macedonia instead in Acts 16:8-9. The result? The first European convert, Lydia, has her heart opened by the Spirit to freely trust in Jesus Christ in Acts 16:14. Then later on, Paul sets free a slave girl in bondage to a spirit of divination. Paul and his ministry partners went to the place of prayer in these episodes. Much prayer marked the early Christians, and sadly, little prayer often marks our sermons, services and activities. 

A dear, dear friend of mine has taught me this little phrase: "more prayer, much prayer". Prayer, we could say, composes the oxygen of a spiritual atmosphere. Without prayer, the lungs of faith cannot breath. 

More next time....  

Reflections On Psalm 133 And The Importance Of Christian Fellowship In The Local Church

Psalm 133:1-3 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard, coming down upon the edge of his robes. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon
Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forever.

Introduction:

Often the poetic books in the Old Testament paint with emotions and poetry God's dealings with His people in their history. Whenever we enter into the short Psalm above, the author is reflecting upon the historical event of the beginnings of the Levitical Priesthood and the anointing of it's first High Priest - Aaron (see Leviticus 8-9). Why this event? It was a one-of-a-kind event. It was accompanied by sights and sound. The aroma of anointing oil being poured over Aaron and his sons signaled to the nation of Israel that God's appointed mediators between He and they were now in place. To certify Aaron and his son's as representatives of the people to God - God consumed the sacrifice on that first altar by the fire of His presence. 

Such a commemorative event is used to highlight the importance of uninterrupted fellowship among God's people. In the sight of God, when God's people are enjoying each other's company in His presence, His presence in turn will become more known to their awareness. God of course is everywhere, this we know. However, the senses of even a Christian person can be made dull by a combination of this world, the frailties of the flesh and the deceptions of Satan. To be part of a lively, Christian fellowship like the local church kindles the flame for God.

The manner of the description of Aaron's anointing on that inaugural day of his ministry is placed in slow motion. We are directed to behold every detail, every drop of that sweet anointing oil. Why the attention to detail? To slow down the reader to pause, to meditate, to pray.  

Aaron and his sons were called to not only serve God and the people, but to tend to the fire of the altar, lit by God. That fire would feed the heat source necessary to make smoke in what was called "the altar of incense", located in the first room of the tabernacle. The priest would make his way into that place to light the lamps of the golden lamp stand, to eat of the food off the table of shew bread and to seek God in prayer at the altar of incense. 

As the Christian is called to Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest, such a calling includes the identity of being a spiritual priest in the things of God (1 Peter 2:9-12). Psalm 133:3 transitions from Israel's history to Israel's geography. The mountain chain extending from Mount Hermon (pictured below) to the North to Mount Zion to the South occupies the writer's thoughts.



Mount Hermon is of special interest, since upon that mount the Lord Jesus Christ transfigured Himself before Peter, James and John (see Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36).  Just as God designed the breezes of that high range to influence the weather patterns of Jerusalem to bring rain in due season, Jesus' identity as God in human flesh, revealed on that Mountain, would influence and shape what would occur in Jerusalem. His death and resurrection was but proof of all He revealed atop of that mountain.

When God's people are dwelling together in unity, a wonderful atmosphere develops that brings increased awareness of God's power and presence. The Spirit's ministry in the Word, prayer and evangelism is reinforced. The scent of Christ's presence moves and shapes God's people and soon, all around note a difference between the church and the world (see 2 Corinthians 2:14-18). 

Gospel-Shaped Giving - Proverbs 3:5-10 and other scriptures

Proverbs 3:5-10 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine.

Introduction: 

Years ago when I served in my very first official ministry capacity as an assistant pastor, a particular family in the church had invited everyone to their farm for a celebration. It was during the time of corn harvest, and this particular family was known for their generosity. Every year people from all over would come to get free bags of corn offered by the family. The family believed in the Biblical teaching on giving of one's "first-fruits". Our family had the opportunity to partake of the corn they offered - a blessing we never forgot. When a heart is committed to Biblical giving and stewardship, people get blessed and God is glorified.
Message: Gospel-shaped Giving

Today's post is going to explore the Bible's teaching on tithing and stewardship. Stewardship refers to how God takes you and I out of ownership and places us into the management of His resources. When we say resources - were not only talking about finances. Resources such as time, talents and our attention could be included. Nonetheless, one's finances tends to be the most tangible means of grasping this vital concept of what we will call: "Gospel shaped giving."

To summarize, every resource God gives is informed by and directed toward the Gospel. By the end of today’s post, you will know what you need to do in evaluating how much you trust God in the realm of Gospel-shaped giving. Gospel-shaped giving involves….

God’s Prescribed Amount = 10%. Prov 3:9

It doesn't take long getting into the Bible to find out what God has to say about tithing and stewardship. Three particular men occupy what we could call: "The Bible's first tithers", namely Abel, Abraham and Jacob. First, Abel in
Genesis 4:4 "Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering." The term "firstlings" or "first-fruits" tells me the “when” of giving, upfront, the very best. 

The second man is Abraham. Romans 4 and Galatians 3-4 describe Abraham as "the father of faith" and "an example of faith". Abraham is referred to as the example to Christian today due to the walk with God He had prior to the revelation of God's law. In Genesis 14:19-20 we read the following encounter Abraham (Abram) had with a mysterious figure, Melchizedek: "He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand. He gave him a tenth of all." Per New Testament scriptures such as Hebrews 7:5-10, Melchizedek is none other than an Old Testament appearance of Jesus. Hence, Abram was giving the tithe to Jesus!

The third man whom we could consider a "first-time tither" is Abraham's grandson - Jacob. Jacob's conversion and subsequent actions are found in Genesis 28:22 "This stone, which I have set up as a pillar, will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” Where did Jacob learn about tithing? Undoubtedly his grandfather. This reminds us of a very important point: it is up to parents and grandparents to model and teach Biblical stewardship to the children. 

The whole point of bringing forth Abel, Abram and Jacob is to show how God's prescribed amount, from the beginning, is 10%. Tithing is the ground-floor from whence one begins to give to God. I have often remarked how when we tithe, we begin to hear God on the matter of finances. The principle of first-fruits reminds us of the "when" of giving, meaning we give off the top, from the "gross" rather than the "net". After all, was it not God who supplied the gross? So God's prescribed pattern is 10%. Now lets hasten to the second point of Gospel-shaped giving...

Inviting God’s Blessing. Prov 3:10
God's blessing deals with His power and presence in our lives. Undoubtedly, scripture abounds with prime examples of how God's blessing is connected to tithing and stewardship: Malachi 3:10 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows." Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed." 

So much could be said about these verses. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure, God wants to bless His people! He wants them to have more of His power and presence in their lives, their finances, in everything! When we tithe, we are opening a window to allow the fresh breezes of God's power and presence, by His Spirit, to breath upon our minds, our hearts and the material possessions. We find out how much God means to us and how much He is interested in the "little things". We find how powerful He is and how much He truly loves us. Finally, we find out that everything we have is not our, but what He has given us.

Validated Biblical Patterns. Context of Pr. 3:1-10

The Baptist Faith & Message 2000 notes: "According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth." In studying the roughly 100 scriptures on stewardship in Bible, we find the following Biblical validated patterns…

A. First, tithing was instituted pre-law as the ground-level for stewardship, hence it is a standard that was not abolished despite the doing way of the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law.

B. Second, the New Testament never one time shows tithing as being either prohibited, replaced or removed from the Christian's responsibility of stewardship. Hebrews 7:5-10, the last mention of tithing, is not abolished. Hence, Christians ought to give.

So, Gospel-shaped giving entails God's prescribed amount (10%), invites His blessing and is validated Biblically. But the whole point of today's post is to remind us of the goal of giving to God's work - namely to...

Exalting Jesus Christ. Prov 3:9 “honor the Lord”
Gospel-shaped giving is gospel-shaped when it exalts Jesus Christ. The terminology of stewardship "i.e first-fruits") is used to describe Christ Himself. Note for example 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21 For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming." 

In terms of salvation, believers represent  and are called the “first-fruits” or fore-taste of better things to come. 1 Corinthians 16:15 states - "Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints)". Or again, James 1:18 "In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures." 

What makes giving to God's work "Gospel-shaped" is how it points us to Christ and goes towards supporting the work of God towards evangelization. God has ordained at least four areas which He promises to bless: preaching, praises, missions and prayer. Those four areas are used greatly by God. Now there is a fifth area God has promised to bless and which He uses to support the first four: tithing and stewardship. All is for the sake of making Christ known so that people can know Christ. 

In closing out this post, I point the reader to a great prayer that enables us to know what to pray as we consider Gospel-shaped giving. We read the following in Proverbs 30:7-9 "Two things I asked of You, Do not refuse me before I die: 8 Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, 9 That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God." As we've seen today, Gospel-shaped giving entails...

1. God's ordained amount of 10%

2. Inviting of God's blessing

3. Validation in the Bible

4. Exaltation of Jesus

Reflections on Jesus Christ As "The Only-Begotten Son"

Introduction:

The opening verse in today's post is perhaps one of the most familiar and beloved passages in the Bible. Jesus Christ describes Himself in the third person. In John's rendering of Jesus' statement, we find the remarkable title for Jesus - the "only-begotten Son". Most modern translations apart from the King James and the New King James rendering above translate this Greek word as "one-and-only Son". Both are equally acceptable. However, the older rendering of "begotten" has a rich and long history in the the history of theological reflection. In today's post we are going to look briefly at this name of Jesus as "the only-begotten". 

Thought much can be said pertaining to the meaning of this designation for Jesus, we will point out three main thoughts concerning the title or name "only-begotten". In doing this, we will explore the meanings and application of this name in better understanding the Person and work of Jesus Christ.

So, what is the significance of Jesus Christ being the Only-begotten Son of God?

1. Eternality as God. 

To say that the Son possesses "eternality" simply means He is eternal. Whatever properties one assigns to God (i.e omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence, omnibenevolence, self-existence, wisdom and so forth) can be assigned to the Person of the Son (with the same thing being said of the other two-persons of the Father and the Holy Spirit). Psalm 2:7 gives us a glimpse into the eternal pre-existence of the Son, wherein we read: "I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me,

‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You". 

David's use of this term "begotten" is expounded upon in Hebrews 1:5-8, which states concerning Christ's eternality: For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son”? 6 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” 7 And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire.” 8 But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom" (see also John 1:1). 

The eternality of the Son is a fundamental truth in our understanding of Jesus Christ. Undoubtedly to say that He is the "only-begotten" Son means that He is eternal, but notice secondly...

2. Equality with the Father. 

In the Apostle John's opening prologue or introduction to His Gospel, we find Jesus described in His pre-existence as "The Word". In John 1:2-3 we find the following description of the Son who is the Word: "He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." As John continues on with this masterful introduction to Jesus in his Gospel, we find the same thought of the Son's co-equality with the Father expressed in the final verse of the prologue of John 1:1-18. It is in John 1:18 that we find our term "begotten" used: "No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him."

The early Christians saw in this Biblical method of describing Jesus the development of not only His eternality, but also His co-equality with the Father. In meditating on the Son as having been "begotten" by the Father from all eternity, the early church fathers saw in the Bible a way to distinguish the Father and the Son. 

Theologians sometime refer to the Son's relationship to the Father as "filiation" and the Spirit's relationship to the Father as "spiration", carefully noting how these two distinct relationships express the One Divine nature or essence shared by all three-persons. The Nicene Creed for example, recited by Christians the world-over, has the following to say concerning the Father and the Son:

"We believe in one God,

      the Father almighty,

      maker of heaven and earth,

      of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,

      the only Son of God,

      begotten from the Father before all ages,

           God from God,

           Light from Light,

           true God from true God,

      begotten, not made;

      of the same essence as the Father.

      Through him all things were made."

As one studies further into the theological language used to describe Jesus the Son, the term "begotten" would come to distinguish Him in His co-equality yet distinction from the Father concerning His Deity, whilst the term "birth" would describe Jesus in terms of His humanity derived from the virgin Mary. 

To "beget" someone refers to the begetter and begotten sharing the same properties and being in the same class, without particular focus so much on the beginning of the life of the one begotten. When we consider birth on the other hand, the beginning of one's life is front-loaded into the very definition of what it means to be "birthed". Hence, Jesus was "begotten" touching His Deity - which is to say - He is uncreated, just like the Father. 

Another historic Christian creed, the Chalcedonian Creed of 451 A.D, states the following about the Son in the midst of its description of Him:

"....consubstantial [co-essential] with the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us according to the Manhood; in all things like unto us, without sin; begotten before all ages of the Father according to the Godhead, and in these latter days, for us and for our salvation, born of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, according to the Manhood; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, only begotten, to be acknowledged in two natures, inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably...".

Walter Elwell, editor of the "Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible", includes the following article that comments on the significance of "only-begotten" as referring to the Son's equality with the Father:

"This “only begottenness” doctrine means that Jesus is from all eternity the Son of God. He is preexistent (3:17; 11:27; 1 Jn 3:8; 4:9–14). Jesus and the Father even share the same name: “your name-the name you gave me” (Jn 17:11), for God had given his own name Yahweh to his Son when he required him to be named Jesus, meaning Yahweh saves."

So we've seen thus far that Jesus Christ as the "only-begotten" Son is with reference to His eternality and equality with the Father. However, there is a third important distinctive of this title...

3. Experiencing true humanity for your sake. 

When Jesus was referring to Himself in the third Person in John 3:16, He was speaking of Himself as the "Incarnate" only-begotten Son. The first two-points of this post have emphasized how the Son is "the only-begotten" as He was from all eternity before His days in the flesh. However, when the Son came to be in the flesh, did He cease being "the only-begotten"? Clearly not! John 1:12-14 expressly says: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

Jesus of Nazareth the man was no less the Only Begotten in His Person than He was as the Eternal Word in His Person before the flesh. The incarnation of Jesus Christ did not diminish nor subtract His Deity. Instead, the Son added unto His "Person" the experience of what it means to be a true, genuine human being without sin. The center of Jesus' identity lies in His person-hood, with His two-natures each expressing that Person hood in their unique ways. The Apostle Peter in Acts 13:33 notes: "God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son,

Today I have begotten You."

So why did the eternal, only-begotten Son become man? To answer this directly, it was for your sake and my sake. 1 John 4:9 has the following to say concerning how the "only-begotten" Son as man was for our sake: "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him."

Closing thoughts:

Today we have considered three significant meanings about the title attributed to the Son in both Old and New Testaments: "only-begotten"...

1. The eternality of the Son

2. The equality of the Son to the Father

3. Experiencing humanity for your sake

To think of all that Jesus did and is ought to shape our thinking and sculpt our hearts. We cannot exhaust Him. Such reflections upon the names of Jesus ought to cause us to bow our faces to the ground and worship Him! 

Four Reasons To Give To God's Work

Deuteronomy 26:10-11 Now behold, I have brought the first of the produce of the ground which You, O Lord have given me.’ And you shall set it down before the Lord your God, and worship before the Lord your God; ¹¹ and you and the Levite and the alien who is among you shall rejoice in all the good which the Lord your God has given you and your household.

Introduction:

Moses was a statesman, a prophet, a man who walked face-to-face with God, a shepherd, an administrator, a theologian and of course a preacher. The Book of Deuteronomy records the last three sermons he would preach in the 120th year of his life. As Moses prepared the people of God for what waited for them on the other side of Jordon River, He was instructing them on how they ought to handle the resources God provides for them. Each generation of God's people needs to learn, hear and apply what God has to say about how we handle the time, spiritual blessings and finances God provides. Today's post aims to introduce the subject of giving the God's work.

Five things the Lord has pledged His Personal Presence and Blessing to in His church

When we look to the Bible in general and the New Testament in particular, we understand God pledging His Personal involvement or blessing in five main areas:

1. The preaching/teaching of His word
2. The singing of His praises
3. Obedience
4. Missions
5. Tithing/Stewardship

The first four areas cover the major areas that comprise God's work. The first of these areas involves preaching and teaching. The Spirit Himself attends the preaching of the word, convicting sinners and strengthening saints (John 16:8-16).  The second area, the singing of His praises, is described as the Lord inhabit the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). Thirdly, obedience to God's Word covers believers on both the individual and corporate church levels. God plainly promises to guide His people in their obedience to Him (Romans 12:2).  The fourth main area we find God promising His blessing is that of missions. Jesus Himself promised His apostles and church in the Great Commission that "He would be with her always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).

Now let's think for just a moment of how those first four areas operate on a practical level. Could God in His Sovereignty operate all those areas without human intervention? Surely. Yet, God has included in His design of preaching, singing of praises, obedience and missions the involvement of His people. His work, as so designed by Him, is to be supported by the means of tithes and offerings. To put it plainly: ministry requires financial support from God's people, since the God that supplies the power has also supplied funds to His people to support His work. 

Thus, when we think of that fifth area: tithing and stewardship, we find God pledging His special presence and blessing. It is that particular area which will occupy the remainder of today's post.

Why G.I.V.E to the Lord's work

As Moses is concluding his second sermon, he turns his attention to the area of stewardship and tithing.  Deuteronomy 26 represents one of the most complete statements on the subject, giving principles whereby the child of God can look to when attempting to understanding the area of giving.

As we come into Deuteronomy 26, instructions are given to the people about what to do when they present the first portion of their harvest upon their entry into the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Deuteronomy 26:1-10). What remains in Deuteronomy 26:10-19 are four reasons for giving to God's work.  

God is a Giving God.  Deuteronomy 26:10-11
Seven times in Deuteronomy 26 we find reference to God having given to the people the resources and strength.  I would suggest this is the primary reason for giving to the Lord's work - because He gave. Now notice the second reason to give to God's work... 

Invites God's Blessing.  Deuteronomy 26:12-17
What do we mean by "God's Blessing"?  Certainly we could include the notion of prosperity in the material and spiritual sense.  However the chief idea behind "blessing" is the fact of God's presence, power and Person operating in our lives.  God wants to bless us without question.  How much of God do we want in our datebook and checkbook? As Jesus notes in Matthew 6:33 -  "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." So giving to God's work is motivated by the fact that God gives and that by giving, we are inviting God's blessing on our labors and life. Now notice the third reason to give to God's work....

Verified throughout Scripture.  Deuteronomy 26:18
I have often heard throughout my years of ministry, as well as heard myself say from time to time: "how much does the Bible have to say about tithing and stewardship?"  Is tithing only an Old Testament teaching?  Does only the Law of Moses (of which Deuteronomy is part) teach tithing?  When the New Testament began, did Jesus and the Apostles do away with the practice? Can we as Christians decide how much or how little we want to give?  I have heard pastors preach sermons on tithing and stewardship, whereas I have heard other Godly and well-studied men who love the Book of God proclaim that Christians are not obligated to tithe.  I believe as you study scripture, you will be surprised by what you find it saying - and not saying - about tithing and stewardship. This particular matter has been covered in previous posts, but we must hasten on to the fourth reason for giving to God's work....

Expresses Worship to God. Deuteronomy 26:19
Moses' entire life was about beholding and promoting the glory of God (Exodus 33:16-17; Psalm 90). Whenever God's people give as they should and would desire, God's name and work is promoted.  Giving leads to missions, and missions aims to turn (by the Spirit's gifting and conviction) wicked people into worshippers of God.  The Baptist Faith & Message 2000 in Article 13 has this to say about stewardship: "According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause on earth."

Closing thoughts

Today we introduced four reasons why you and I should give to God's work:

1. God is a giving God
2. Invites God blessing
3. Verified throughout scripture
4. Expresses worship to God

Principles For Beginning To Tithe To God's Work

Malachi 3:10 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows."


Introduction:

In today's post we want to explore what one needs to consider when heeding God's Word in starting to give 10% or the tithe of one's income to God's work.


Important concepts to grasp when starting to tithe

I will never forget when my wife and I made the commitment to God to begin tithing our weekly income. It was a commitment that I especially wrestled with and, at the time, didn't have an opinion either way. However, when I studied God's Word on the subject and my wife and I had heard a couple of sermons on the topic - we knew God was dealing with our hearts. The time for Biblical giving needed to begin. 

For anyone who is a first-time giver, knowing the Bible's terminology for stewardship can be very eye-opening. A quick survey of the entire Bible reveals two interrelated terms to describe the beginning act of tithing and stewardship.  

A. First-fruits. We find the term "first fruits" (for crops) or "firstlings" (for animals) used over 30 times. First fruits has to do with the "when" of giving, that is, giving the very first portion, off the top, of our gross earning. Practically speaking, whenever you cash your paycheck, taking out the tithe ought to occur before grocery money, bill money or fun money.

B. The term "tenth" used in giving situations almost 25 times and the word "tithe" used 40 times.  This term speaks of the "how much" of stewardship. 10% represent the ground floor of giving. Anything beyond is "offering" and extraordinary amounts enter into the "sacrificial" giving categories. Further exposition on these categories will be given below.

Now we just mentioned what the Bible calls "offerings", which are those amounts given beyond the tithe. I would suggest that Paul's collection for the church in Jerusalem in Romans 15:25-33; 1 Corinthians 16:1-9; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 is a form of offering beyond the tithe - with the tithe assumed but not mentioned in the context. 

We could also talk about what is called "sacrificial giving", that is, the type of giving that involves extraordinary proportions of one's income or even all of one's income to God's work. The woman with the "mite" or the equivalency of two pennies is an example of sacrificial giving - meaning that Jesus commended her for "giving everything" (see Mark 12:41-44). 

Now I only mention these other concepts to drive home the point that the level of "tithing" one's income is not the goal, but the ground-floor of Biblical stewardship. It is at this entry-level that one is able to hear God in terms of how they are to proceed with their finances and resources. At first it may seem hard, however, once you get in the practice of giving the tithe - you will find yourself gradually wanting to give above that level - whether of offerings or even the rarer but exceptional sacrificial level.  

Meet three first-time tithers in the Bible: Abel, Abraham and Jacob

Three ancient believers mentioned in Genesis could be termed "the Bible's first tithers".

The first is Abel. In Genesis 4:4 "Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering." Quite literally, God decided to bless Abel for the fact he had brought the "first" or the "best" to God.  The principle of first fruits or firstling is connected to "tithing" in passages such as Deuteronomy 18:4,12,21,24. 

The second first-time tither is Abram in Genesis 14:20.  This passage is significant being that it is the first mention of the term "tithe" in the Bible. God gave Abraham a mighty victory over the confederation of the five kings of Chedorlaomer. As Abraham returns from battle, he meets the mysterious figure Melchizedek, whom according to Psalm 110 and Hebrews 5-7 is none other than a pre-incarnate (before the flesh) appearance of Jesus Christ. As Melchizedek blesses Abraham, we read in Genesis 14:18-20 "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. (19) He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; (20) And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” He gave him a tenth of all." There we see Abram giving Melechizedek, who is Christ in disguise, a tenth of the spoils of victory. 

The third tither in the early Biblical record is Abraham's grandson Jacob. Genesis 28:22 reads: "This stone, which I have set up as a pillar, will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” Just as his grandfather before him, Jacob had "believed God and it was credited to Him as righteousness" (compare Genesis 15:6). Undoubtedly we can say that Genesis 28 marks Jacob's conversion.  What is one of the first-fruits that a change has occurred in Jacob's life? How he views his possessions! It is in this text where we see the word "tenth" used, which is the exact meaning of the word "tithe" and of course is associated with the term "first-fruits".  All three of these early "tithers" are significant being that they establish God's pattern for giving hundreds of years before the giving of the law on Mount Sinai.

Closing thoughts for today

More could be said about what to consider when starting out to give of one's tithe in stewardship to the Lord. For now at least, we have a solid, Biblical foundation to build upon as we seek to follow the Lord in giving to His work. We saw how tithing and first-fruits are interrelated concepts. We also saw how tithing represents the ground-level at which one enters when taking to heart God's promises in the realm of finances. Then finally, we saw three illustrations of first-time tithers (Abel, Abram and Jacob). May this post prove helpful to those who are desiring to know better what God has to say in terms of tithing and stewardship.