Whose Approval Are We Seeking?

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

There it is. Summed up in Paul's words to Timothy. That's the goal of our study, our discipline, and our dedication. That we would be approved unto God. Sadly, we know there is a great temptation to seek the approval of others, even at the loss of God's approval.


I attended Bible college for four years, and received my bachelor's degree in theology. I'm thankful for that experience and education. I have never regretted the investment in my ministry. I continued my studies through the university where I'm employed. Later, I started working on studies in theology at the master's degree level. I'm a supporter of continuing education. I think our learning should be lifelong. We ought to keep working on the discipline of study. I believe we need to labor over the Word to be unashamed workmen. While we're working at it, though, let's remember Whose approval really matters. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God..."

As focus increases on academic achievements in the church and among its leadership, we must stay on guard especially in this area. Built into its DNA, academia includes a pursuit of constant and graduated approval. But whose approval? If we're not careful, our quest may become the approval of academic peers, professors, certifying boards, and those who award degrees. Yet, such approval can stand contrary to God's approval. To make the grade of man, what will we say? Will we be called upon to compromise Biblical values and doctrinal positions to receive the certification of men? One won't always demand the other, but I know cases where compromises have been expected in order to go to the next level of academics.

My secular job is a role in academic administration in a university. I have witnessed the constant pressures of measuring up for degrees and accolades. It's costly. It's unending. Ultimately the accolades of man fall far short of the one statement of approval we are supposed to seek:

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

It's not from our peers that we need to hear these words. It's not from committees. We must hear God say it.

I'm concerned when I see the intense pursuit of approval from unbelieving academics. It seems to have increased in the last few years. Perhaps some in the Church grew tired of having so-called scholars looking down their noses at Apostolics. Certainly it's tiring to hear other denominations misrepresent our understanding of the Bible. Of course it's frustrating to have us labeled as emotional but uneducated.

But back in the day, the closest followers of Jesus weren't identified by public accolades of their knowledge. No, the unbelieving intellectuals looked at the disciples "and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that THEY HAD BEEN WITH JESUS." (Acts 4:13)

I hope we'll continue to study, and grow in knowledge. Paul instructed Timothy to do the same. However, if we have to decide between knowledge that garners public accolades or power that illustrates we've been with Jesus, the right choice is obvious. I know the response from many will be, "We can have both. We can be highly educated, Holy Ghost-powered believers." That is true. Certainly we have many fine examples of that truth in the Church today. We even have some examples from the Bible.

Paul was, of course, educated at high levels. He put that education to good use. But when it came down to priority and preaching, Paul the scholar said,

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."     1 Corinthians 2:1-5

"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." That statement should direct our academic pursuits in these perilous times. Whose approval are we seeking? Where does our confidence rest? In the wisdom of men? In our own knowledge and education? Do we want people to praise us or praise God? I want to hear Him say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant..." 

Let's Stay Hitched!

Not long ago, author Andy Stanley dropped a hermeneutical bomb on the Christian world. The summary of his proposal: "It's time to unhitch...from the Old Testament..."
Defending his position against the backlash later, Stanley replied that critics didn't listen to his message series in its entirety. Apparently, they took a few quotations out of context and didn't give his entire message an opportunity to speak. But isn't this exactly what Stanley is proposing we do with the Bible? Isn't he suggesting we only take part of its message as our guidance?

Stanley points out that some atheistic authors and unbelievers use difficult passages from the Old Testament to discount Christianity. But I have to ask, should the Church's response be to discount the Bible, too? Listeners of Stanley's "Aftermath" series might get the impression that he considers the Old Testament as wobbly as the atheists do. Stanley quotes Harris and Dawkins repeatedly, remarking on one of Dawkins' disparaging statements about God: "That's a great line, isn't it? I mean...I don't believe it. But that's a great line."1 Then he makes up a conversation on behalf of Peter the disciple of Jesus. Note that. The atheists get quoted verbatim. Peter gets paraphrased in what I consider a gross misrepresentation. Here's that example from part 1 of the series:

Stanley explains, “If you were to ask Peter, ‘What’s the foundation…where do you find your hope…' He wouldn’t have quoted a verse from the Old Testament…he wouldn’t have quoted a verse at all…”

But this is exactly what Peter does on the day of Pentecost. He quotes the Word of God. He references David, Psalms, the prophets, Joel. When asked about the supernatural events the Church experienced on the day of Pentecost, Peter quoted Scripture. He gave as point of reference a reason for what was seen and heard that day. And it was based upon Old Testament prophecies and writings.

"But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams..."  - Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:16-17

Stanley's explanation within his series is that "our experience is based on a relationship with Jesus not on a book." He goes to some length to explain that the early Church didn't have the Bible we have. True. But they certainly had Scripture. And they linked their experience and relationship with Jesus to what they knew from Scripture. This Scripture is the very part that Stanley proposes unhitching from in the quest to move toward "reclaiming the new." Here's the brief promo copy of his new book, based in part on the Aftermath series: "Today we preach, teach, write, and communicate as if nothing has changed. As if 'The Bible says it' still settles it. It's time to hit the pause button on much of what we're doing and consider the faith modeled by our first-century brothers and sisters who had no official Bible, no status, and humanly speaking, little chance of survival."

On the surface, Stanley's book "Irresistible" presents an idea that the Church believes in. That is, we believe that a return to the faith, doctrine, and methods of the Church in Acts is key to what we need today. However, beneath the surface of the book there's a proposal for a dangerous move: discounting the Old Testament or seeing it as a disconnected part from the New Testament. Doing so removes so many "ancient landmarks" that help us understand what the first century Church was really experiencing at Pentecost and throughout the New Testament record. Peter understood this connection and it's clearly why he pointed out the link between the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the prophecy of Joel. "This is that." Paul understood the connection and repeatedly pointed out the Old Testament types and shadows and their parallels to the Church.

"Unhitching" from the Old Testament is not just a matter of cutting away the books of Genesis through Malachi. Readers who find those books "troublesome" will find themselves in trouble when they get to the New Testament. There they will quickly discover that the first book, first chapter, first verse immediately launches into references to the Old Testament. And those references are not just to historical markers, but to people who are important in the role of helping us understand the Who and what of Jesus Christ! Will proponents of unhitching recommend we get rid of every reference to the Old Testament? Some already have. If so, there will be conversations deleted that came right from the mouth of Jesus. There will be entire chapters that will have to be altered, since Paul quoted and referenced so much of the Old Testament in his writings. Of course, the adversary knows that removing so much of the Bible will eventually prompt the removal or diminishing of all the rest. We see this already in too many places.

Let's endeavor to say, as Paul said, "...I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." (Acts 20:27) Let's take this precious book called the Bible in its entirety. "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:21) Those are words worth holding on to.

Let's stay hitched!

Notes:
I communicated with Andy Stanley prior to sharing this article to convey to him my intent behind the commentary you've just read. I believe this is the Biblical mandate; to go to the person first to air a grievance before taking it elsewhere. I also want to note what I expressed to Andy regarding his books and ministry: I have been reading Andy Stanley's books for almost 15 years, and utilized some of his books and resources when my wife and I planted the first church we started in our city. Books like Visioneering, Can We Do That?, Choosing to Cheat; It Came from Within, were all instrumental in my early years as a pastor. I read them and I shared them with others. The above article is not an opposition to all of Andy's work. It is, however, in direct opposition to his views as expressed about the Old Testament and the place it ought to have in the life of Christians.

1 The Dawkins quote was, in part: “The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving..." I'll stop there, but the infamous quote doesn't warrant compliment, by any means.

Romans: Expository Preaching and Teaching

For the last couple of months, I have been teaching and preaching through the book of Romans. It has been a deliberate and rewarding process. I've intentionally slowed down and dug deeper into verse-by-verse study. I've pulled many books from my study at church and home: history books, word studies, Bibles and commentaries. What I've rediscovered is a book that is as culturally-relevant to our nation and world today as it was to the Church in Rome when Paul wrote it.

Romans chapter 1 was easy to stay in and dwell on for a good long while. Romans 1:21 has received much attention during this series:

"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." Romans 1:21

 The content of that verse and the resulting fallout that's described from verses 21-32 concludes the first chapter with a description of humanity that sounds like it could be pulled from a modern-day news headline. Paul was confronting spirits and battles that have become all too frequent to us today.

One of the books I started during my study of Romans was The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon. Originally a six-volume set considered a literary masterpiece by many, this book was recommended by Bro. Philip Harrelson in a Bible study he taught during the Summer. I tracked down my oversize three-volume set at a used bookstore and started reading. What I found so far was a indeed a

Holman CSB Study Bible, Leather, Full-Color, Review

I have really come to appreciate the Holman CSB Study Bible and it is close at hand in my study. This Bible is beautiful with color pages, photographs, maps, charts, and illustrations. With all of the notes, study guides, and commentary included, it feels like a library resource bundled with your Bible. It's BIG. 2,368 pages. It's heavy. 4 pounds. It's probably not going to be your every day carry Bible or even your take-to-the-pulpit Bible for preaching and teaching. I happen to like the size of this Bible, though. There's something special about picking up the Bible and feeling the weight of it, and turning the pages and seeing page after page of the Word of God illustrated and outlined so well. One note regarding the page-turning process: My edition has the silver gilded pages, and it is a slow process to separate the pages when you first get your copy. Be prepared for that task. The pages seem thin, even by Bible standards, and the gilded pages take some time and caution to separate.

Even if you don't carry this Bible daily, it might serve as one of your go-to study Bibles, as it has for me. If you appreciate more conservative theology, you will likely enjoy the commentary and notes included throughout this edition. I have been pleasantly surprised to read so many notes that are based on a strong conviction of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. In spite of our modern times and the redefining of many things in our culture, this Bible's notes provide a clear stance and alignment with God's Word in the areas I've read so far. For a Bible published so recently, this is a rare achievement. There are articles and study notes included that read very "old school" with conservative theology you don't find in many circles, Bibles, or books these days. It is a welcome addition and return to God's Word.

This Bible has many articles and expository notes that are distinctly counter-culture. They don't try to explain away or redefine confrontational or convicting passages throughout the Bible. This Bible is beautiful and well-made, but its content alone is worth the investment. I use it as a parallel study reference with my primary KJV Bible and commentaries. In fact, portions of it serve as a useful one-volume commentary.

I highly recommend this Bible. I purchased the real leather cover edition, at a steep discount due to a slight imperfection on the front cover. Retail price on this Bible was once around $160. Christian Books.com, where I purchased my discounted copy, had a copy recently on sale for $95. My copy was well below even that discounted price, so if you keep a watchful eye out, you might get a great deal on this excellent resource. You can currently get the hardcover version for around $30, and if you plan to keep this on your desk or in your study as a reference, hardcover might work for you.

https://www.christianbook.com/bible-black-premium-leather-thumb-indexed/9781433648069/pd/648069?event=ESRCG
I purchased my copy and provided this review without any requests from ChristianBook.com or Holman publishers.

Remembering Pastor Tom Simison, The Bible Church, Indianapolis - Pastor Appreciation Month, 2017

Bro. Tom Simison was my pastor for a short time, but the impact of his ministry will last a lifetime.

Bro. Simison preached many messages that impacted and blessed me and I remember one time during his message, "Sons Not Servants" Bro. Simison was clearly moved with a burden to connect this powerful concept to the congregation. He said, "I wish I could deliver this the way I feel it in my heart tonight." You could feel his desire to be a vessel that the Word could flow through to the Church. I know he was that vessel in many ways!I served as an assistant youth pastor and Sunday School teacher at The Bible Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, when Bro. Simison was pastor. I felt like Bro. Simison was a kind man who was always happy to see us. Even after we moved, when we would visit or see him at a conference or service somewhere, he would always smile and say "Bro. McGee!" in such a way that it was like a long-awaited reunion.

A couple of years after my wife and I started the church in Richmond, Kentucky, I invited Bro. Simison down to preach our dedication service. His health was struggling at the time, and he told me often he would have to sit down while he preached. He asked me if I still wanted him to come. I said, "Bro. Simison, you can preach better sitting down than any preacher can standing up! We will get you a special seat for the platform just for you." He came and preached for us and I remember he got so stirred up in the sermon that he barely sat down. Years later, people that attended that service still ask about Bro. Simison and reference that message!While he was with us in Richmond, we went out to eat and talked about the ministry and burden for Richmond. At the time, we had not seen very many of the major milestones a young church wants to see. I was discouraged and trying to make sure I hadn't missed God's timing. Bro. Simison asked me, "Did God call you here, Bro. McGee? Do you believe He brought you to this city?" I said I believed God did. Bro. Simison said, "Then you don't give up and don't quit. You keep believing and doing what God called you here to do. And you will see the harvest." That word kept me through many battles in the years that followed that conversation. It was Bro. Simison who told me,

Has God Said?

 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? -Genesis 3:1

In the Garden of Eden, the enemy's first attack was against the Word of God. "Has God said?" That question is being echoed in our day from many different directions, even within the Church walls.

"Has God said?" It's being labeled as a question of academic speculation. It's being painted as open-mindedness. But if these questions stir doubts about what God said, they are the beginning of deception and devilish doctrines. Every doubtful question about the accuracy of God's Word has its roots in that first question in the Garden.

"Has God said?" I've read far too many Christian books and articles lately that question the validity, the origin, and the Source of the Bible. I capitalize "Source" here because I believe God is the Source of the Bible. Detractors argue that there are many sources who contrived, wrote, and collected the Bible in a less inspired way than what we've been led to believe by the Bible.

I go to the Source and see that:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Deception, Part 2: How to Stop It

 This is part 2 of an article I've written on Deception and the sneaking and creeping efforts to infiltrate the Church. For Part 1: How to Spot Deception, click here: Deception, Part 1

Pastors, if you've seen the red flags and warning signs that deception has worked its way into some dangerous and influential places in your church, I encourage you to take action. Letting deception continue to spin its web and gain traction and influence is deadly. If deception has been working its wiles for awhile, there is already some damage done. It's not the time for complacency or fear. This does not mean we should act in haste without prayer and wisdom preceding our actions. In fact, it's time to spend more time in prayer, call on trusted ministers who will pray with you, and prepare your heart and spirit for the battle to come. When you have covered the situation with prayer and have others praying with and for you, it's time to arm yourself with the following weapons:

Weapons Against Deception

1) Love for the Truth - Respond to deception's attack with a greater love for and examination of the Truth of God's Word. Explore more deeply the foundational Apostolic doctrines. Study verse-by-verse the book of Acts, drawing from the Apostolic Church a clear blueprint of what the Church should look like and experience. Dig into the epistles of Paul, where he openly confronted deception in the Church and admonished the Church body to love and keep the Truth. Examine Bible books and chapters verse-by-verse seeking the truth and power that comes from reading and studying God's Word. As our local Church has followed these steps, we've seen and felt a renewed dedication to the Truth and Biblical doctrine.

Deception, Part 1: How to Spot It

I have been increasingly concerned about the level of deception that is attempting infiltration in the Church. Having battled and withstood similar attempts, our church dug deeper into the Word of God to reaffirm our love for the Truth and ensure that our steps were being ordered by God's Word. The more we studied and read, the more we noted this battle throughout the New Testament, and in the churches Paul addressed in his epistles.

Deception's attack has been subtle in some cases, as is its custom. I have seen the attacks against the church I pastor and have heard other pastors express their similar concerns. On a global scale, this is also a concern for the Church body. We are seeing deception increase in our world. Read Romans 1 for the phases of this downward spiral. A key moment in that passage is verse 25, when they "change the truth of God into a lie..."
Truth is vital and deception is deadly. How can the Church guard against deception? We must know how to recognize it, and the earlier the better.

Atmospheres that Promote Deception

1) In absence of accountability and oversight, deception sneaks in. False doctrines can work their way in through unguarded gates. Paul discovered this tragic reality when his travels took him away from the churches he planted and he had to marvel that the believers were "so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." (Galatians 1:6-9)  What are some of the unguarded gates in churches? Is there accountability between ministry leaders, teachers and the pastor? Is there a shared foundation that ensures teaching and preaching is consistent and in one accord? Are the various ministries on the same page? I'm not just talking about "We all teach from the same Bible." We know how many wrong directions people can go while citing the Bible as their common source. Among our ministry leaders and teachers, we can use shared curriculum,  and we should have a shared purpose and vision, and clear guidelines on what sources we will and will not use. After those lines are drawn, accountability helps ensure that all are following those shared paths and no one is veering off wildly from the body of Christ.

The A.W. Tozer Bible - Review

I purchased a copy of the A.W. Tozer Bible on sale recently. My version is the black flexisoft edition, King James version. I've got a couple of books by Tozer and a great little book of quotes that I got from a mentor/pastor a few years back. When I saw this Bible on sale I wanted to get a copy to see how Tozer's writings are incorporated with different topics and verses throughout the Bible.

Some great features of this Bible:

• Over 365 selections of Tozer's writings sharing the page with the Bible verse it references. 365 selections means you could do a one-a-day devotional reading with a Bible passage and commentary by Tozer.