Tag: Theology

Arrival Theology

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Theology

–September of 2003

Arrival Theology

One of the great legacies handed down to the Church by the father of Methodism was a passionate pursuit of God resulting in personal holiness. Wesley taught that salvation was a journey marked by crisis (moments of actualization) – in particular two crises, regeneration and entire sanctification.   Wesley stressed a real conversion experience.  He was instrumental in reviving and renewing the Church’s teaching on full sanctification as a second work of grace attainable now by faith.  This was his doctrine of Christian Perfection.  Nevertheless, he insisted that every crisis was preceded and followed by the gradual and constant work of the Holy Spirit.  To Wesley, the pursuit and transformation never ended.

Wesley’s renewed emphasis on these crises experiences lead to great revival and thousands of transformed lives.  However, this same emphasis also created a problem.  He addressed the situation formally at the general conference of 1770 when he wrote: “Does not talking, with proper caution, of a justified or sanctified state, tend to mislead men; most naturally, leading them to trust in what was done in one moment?  Whereas, we are every moment pleasing or displeasing to God, according to our works; according to the whole of our present inward temper and outward behavior.”  Wesley was seeking to warn those who were falling victim to what might be called “arrival theology”.  This false sense of “having it made” was breeding a spiritual pride in the ranks of Methodism and undermining further spiritual growth.

We face the same problem today.  Darius Salter in his excellent book, Prophetical Priestly Ministry, says that arrival theology comes from thinking that, “Entrance into the Christian fold is more akin to arrival than it is to the beginning of a pursuit.”  Salter goes on to say that “Strangling the church’s health is the belief that one’s past spiritual experience guarantees today’s Christian vitality.  Though only a few within evangelicalism’s broad spectrum of theology overtly espouse eternal security, most have adopted it.  The result is a sterile faith that knows little of the thirst that is absolutely essential to find spiritual nourishment.”

The Bible clearly teaches that men’s lives can be radically and instantly changed through regeneration and entire sanctification, but it never teaches that those are stopping points.  Our spiritual life is indeed a lifetime journey.  Regeneration and entire sanctification are critical crossroads on that journey, but neither experience will put us on a plateau of self-congratulatory ease. Salvation will both satisfy and intensify your spiritual hunger. Keeping this tension is your spiritual journey will place you in the company of the great saints.  It will certainly be key to your ultimate arrival in heaven.

Wal-Mart Theology

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Church, Culture, Theology

–May of 2003

Wal-Mart Theology

I think it’s fair to say that the church has at times affected the prevailing political and economic philosophies of the day in a very positive way.  I also think it’s fair to say that the prevailing political and economic philosophies have at times adversely affected the church.  One such example is what I call the churches adoption of a “Wal-Mart theology”.

The late Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, changed the economic philosophy of the market place with his “Wal-Mart approach” to merchandising.  He built a multi-billion dollar business around three basic premises.  1. Give the customer what they want. 2. Give it to them cheaper than anybody else.  3. Build loyalty with feigned friendliness and surface relationships.

It is an approach that has clearly affected the church. The church now offers a menu of activities, worship styles, and preaching that has something for everyone.  Unsaved, carnal churchgoers can get their weekly fix of “spiritual life” without ever being made uncomfortable.  The talk show style preacher has ousted the thundering prophet.  His suave humor and well-honed ability to “almost say something” has made churchgoers all across America feel good about being in church.  Give them what they want is verse one of the new creed!

Pollsters are scratching their head over the fact that people are going back to church in record numbers, yet the morality of our country is still on the decline.  This is a direct result of churches that have discounted the price of what it means to be a Christian.  Instead of stressing a repentance from sin and a call to radical holiness, they offer a crown without a cross, faith without faithfulness, and a spiritual life that doesn’t have to be a separated life.  It’s no longer the narrow way but the cheapest way that is a part of today’s church.

How has the Church been affected by the third premise?  We’ve adopted the Wal-Mart greeter’s philosophy.  We smile, shake hands, and move on.  Churches are filled with people who have nothing but superficial relationships with their fellow attendees (if they know them at all). The whole concept of community and accountability that’s supposed to be a part of the church isn’t there.  The words of Jesus in Matthew 25 that, “I was a stranger and you took me in”, point out the fact that the Church must reach out in true love and friendship pulling others in to the inner circle of their own lives.  The Christian must build bridges to other human beings and offer themselves to a needy, hurting world.  You can’t do that with out being willing to get intimately involved in someone else’s life.

Isaac Watts had never heard of Wal-Mart Theology when he penned these words, “Am I a soldier of the Cross, a follower of the Lamb, and shall I fear to own His cause or blush to speak His name?   Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize, and sailed through bloody seas?  Sure I must fight if I would reign, increase my courage, Lord.  I’ll bear the toil endure the pain, supported by Thy Word.”   No disrespect, Mr. Sam, but Isaac’s got it right!

Spirituality

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Christian Living, Theology

–March of 2003

Spirituality

In last year’s winter issue I shared my list of New Year’s Resolutions and pledged to write an article on each one.  The second of those resolutions was a commitment to enlarge my understanding of spirituality.  My findings are offered to you in this article.  So that you can understand what I mean by spirituality, let me offer you a working definition that Klaus Isslar gives in his book, Wasting Time with God.

Christian spirituality involves a deepening trust and friendship with God for those who are in Christ Jesus.  More specifically, it is an ever growing, experientially dynamic relationship with our Trinitarian God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–through the agency of the indwelling spirit of God.

The Bible assumes it to be self-evident that we can know God intimately.

Leaping out from almost every page of scripture is a God who affects us and is affected by us.  The Old Testament reveals a God that speaks, pleads, loves, works and manifests himself to His people.  He walks with Adam and Eve in the garden, eats with Abraham by his tent, and argues with Moses on the mountaintop.  The gospels give us a front row seat as the eternal Son wraps the garments of human flesh about him, steps onto the stage of life and interacts with man.  Yet, to many, the idea of being intimate with God is still mystical and illusive.  A certain distance remains in their relationship.

 How can we develop spirituality?

Dallas Willard in his book, Renovation of the Heart, says, “The perceived distance and difficulty of entering fully into the divine world and its life is due entirely to our failure to understand that “the way in” is the way of pervasive inner transformation and to our failure to take the small steps that quietly and certainly lead to it.”  The following is what I perceive to be those essential steps.

 Spiritual formation is a deliberate choice.

Like any friendship, you must work at developing friendship with God.  It has to be a priority in your life. The psalmist David passionately wanted to know God above all else. He described his pursuit of God with worlds like: longing, yearning, thirsting and hungering. Jacob’s passion for God kept him wrestling with God all through the night.  To the Apostle Paul nothing mattered more; it was the first priority, total focus and ultimate goal of his life. (Matt. 5:6, Phil. 3:10, James 4:8)

 Spiritual formation is a team effort.

Spiritual development happens experientially as we walk with Jesus Christ.  He invites us to step into the “yoke of training” with Him.  “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me…” (Matt. 11:28-30)

Furthermore, we need not be limited by our own experiences to deepen our knowledge of God.  Much can be learned through the stories and experiences of other believers.  Thus, to know God more fully can only come about within a growing and God-knowing community of saints. (Heb. 10:24-25)

 Spiritual formation takes time.

Holy character is developed in a crock-pot not a microwave.  Most of my readers will have to have a change in lifestyle before they ever know God more deeply.  To spend time in reflection, meditation and solitude is a waste of time to most American Christians and in our Western culture wasting time is a sin.  But if we want to model the public life of Jesus then we must follow the pattern of his private life (Luke 5:15-16).

 Spiritual formation requires authenticity.

The Saints of Scripture were honest with God about their feelings.  Abraham was allowed to question and challenge God over the destruction of Sodom.  David made accusations to God of unfairness, betrayal and abandonment.  Jeremiah confronted God with the charge of being tricked.  God can handle that kind of honesty and in fact encourages it.  True intimacy is built on disclosure and openness.

Spiritual formation engages the mind.

One of the freedoms we have as human beings is the power to select what we will allow or require our minds to dwell upon. A mind that is filled with holy influences will be a mind that is strong in retaining the knowledge of God.  Read good books!  Discuss and debate what you’ve learned.  Keep your mind on the stretch for spiritual development.   There have been many great saints who had no formal education, but there were and are no great saints who have not educated their minds in the deep things of God. (Romans 12:1)

 Spiritual formation needs our emotions.

J.I. Packer wrote, “ We must not lose sight of the fact that knowing God is an emotional relationship, as well as an intellectual and volitional one, and could not indeed be a deep relation between persons were it no so.”

  Spiritual formation uses all the means of grace.

The capacity to remember and abide in God’s presence comes only through steady training.  The classic spiritual disciplines provide that training.  Saints through the ages have used the following disciplines to develop spirituality in their lives: meditation, communication, fasting, journaling/reflection, prayer, accountability, and practicing the presence of God.

 How do we know if we are making progress?

Successful spiritual formation in Christ will be evidenced in our lives.  We will be enabled to walk increasingly in the wholeness, holiness, and power of the Kingdom of God. Yet a vital part, maybe the most vital part, of spiritual formation is not seen but sensed.  Sensed not in our successes but in the keen awareness of what is yet to be done. A man who is being spiritually transformed is like a man carrying a lantern before him on a long, or not so long, pole: the light is in front of him, always lighting up fresh ground and always encouraging him to walk further.

Developing spiritual intimacy with God is a lifelong and eternity-long adventure.  One that is well worth the journey!

“What’s In It For Me?”

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Christian Living, Ministry, Theology

–October of 2002

“What’s In It For Me?”

Over the years I have interviewed a number of people for ministry positions.  Some as potential pastors and missionaries, others for a position here at the college.  I’ve made it a practice to listen very carefully for some form of the question, “What’s in it for me?”  I have found this to be a pivotal question that often reveals the kind of person who gives themselves only if there is an equal return to them.  They aren’t prepared to invest themselves in the lives of others for the sheer joy of making a difference.  They lack the servant spirit.

What this question reveals is becoming increasingly important as our American culture becomes more and more obsessed with materialism.  The quest for the larger house, the faster car, the more expensive wardrobe has become the pre-occupation of not only the general population but many in Christian ministry.  Given the fact of our economic prosperity, the pressure of contemporary culture, and the natural pull of a sinful heart, it’s too easy for a person today to become a creature obsessed with security and comfort, and incapable of throwing himself into a higher cause.

This dilemma is as old as sin itself.  Adam and Eve thought there was something more for them.  Lot’s lust for real estate in the Jordan Valley cost him more than he ever wanted to pay.  Paul addressed this problem from his jail cell in Rome.  He warned the Philippian Christians about those who preach Christ “out of envy and strife” (Phil. 1:15).  The word translated “strife” does not literally mean strife.  It’s the Greek word erithea and basically means a payment made to advance a person’s own interest.  Paul was describing those who preach the gospel for their own gain.  He told the Philippian church that the antidote to this self seeking was to have the mind of Christ — the attitude of soul that does nothing out of selfish ambition but finds joy in the opportunity to pour out one’s life for others.

Does the gospel offer deliverance from this self-serving focus?  It did for Timothy.  Paul told the Philippians that Timothy would “naturally care for your state” in contrast to those who seek their own interest.  It did for Paul.  Paul’s word to the Corinthian church was “for I am not in this job for what I can get out of it, but for what benefits I can bring to the many, that they may be saved” (Barclay’s translation).

Can grace so “re-orient” our hearts until the primary focus of our life is no longer our own but that of others?  Can we be truly cleansed from the question “what’s in it for me?”  The Bible makes it clear that we can.  As a matter of fact, it’s at the very heart of the gospel’s power to make us like Christ.

Selling the Gospel Short

by Mike Avery, posted in All Articles, Church, Culture, Theology

–Summer of 2002

Selling the Gospel Short

Twenty years ago Francis Schaefer wrote about the Great Evangelical Disaster.  Recently Dr. Dennis Kinlaw addressed what could be called the Great Evangelical Reductionism.  The first sold the gospel out; the latter sells it short.  Both can bring about the same pitiful end.

At the turn of the 20th Century, the church was caught in the cross hairs of liberal theology.  Most of the large Protestant denominations were knocked down like a row of tenpins as liberal theology swept in like a flood.  The National Council of Churches reigned as the ecclesiastical power and liberal theologians held prominent positions as professors in the great seminaries.  The Bible was betrayed and the heart of the gospel was completely destroyed.  Within 30 years the sell-out was complete.  The gospel that was preached in most large protestant denominations was no gospel at all.

By mid century a despised marginal group of Bible believers known as evangelicals began to make their way to the forefront in America.  By the 1980’s the focus of power had clearly shifted from the mainstream denominations and liberal theologians to the more conservative evangelicals.  Today evangelicals have their own national association, speak on hundreds of radio and television programs, and control the theological positions of a large number of seminaries and Christian universities.  Evangelicals operate book enterprises that gross billions every year.  The president attends their annual prayer breakfast and prominent evangelical leaders weekend at the White House and council the president on religious matters.

Yet as the evangelical movement has grown in numbers and influence, the moral influence of the church has gotten weaken.  How could this be?  How could a church that has become more conservative theologically become less effected by that theology?

Dr. Dennis Kinlaw, in his book We Live as Christ, puts his finger on the problem.  He states, “I believe that part of the reason for the state of affairs is the way in which the evangelical church is presenting the gospel here in America.  We have engaged in a kind of reductionism of what we say Christ can do for us.  We have largely preached the gospel of Christ as a way to find freedom from the consequences of our sin rather than freedom from the sin that causes the consequences.”

The evangelical church in America has given the impression that the essence of the Christian message is forgiveness of sins and the assurance of Heaven.  They have failed to emphasis that the goal of the gospel is conformity to Christ.  This has produced an insidious easy believism that makes no moral demands and insists on no behavioral requirements.  It has separated faith from faithfulness and offered a brand of commitment with no cross.  Sadly the holiness movement has begun to parrot the same line.

Dr. John Oswalt speaks to this issue in his book Called to be Holy.  He says, “The Christian gospel is not primarily about having one’s sins forgiven and spending a blissful eternity with God after somehow getting through this life with one’s faith reasonably intact.  The purpose of the gospel is the same that God has had from Genesis 4 onward:  The transformation of human behavior in this world with a consequent possibility of living with God through all eternity.”

The New Testament gospel is inseparably linked to repentance, surrender, a supernatural eagerness to obey, and an inner hunger for moral goodness.  Anything less is not true biblical conversion and denies the message of the gospel.  But the gospel offers more.  The gospel offers freedom from the tyranny of sin and self.

The gospel does offer freedom from sin’s penalty and a home in heaven.  But it also offers freedom from sin’s tyranny and a life of holiness.  This is good news, indeed!