Tough Questions Week 9

This post and other Tough Questions posts don't necessarily reflect the beliefs of all the pastors and elders at Trinity.  I use this blog to share things I am teaching and thinking about.  

Also, note that this is written by a pastor who loves and wants to help people grow as disciples of Christ and glorify God in everything he does.

The Tough Questions class has examined general doctrine, abortion, politics, parenting philosophies, and school choice.  These lessons began with a common belief, and the challenging part was the different responses.

This lesson on election begins with different beliefs, and the goal is a common response.  Many writers say this is one of, if not the most, controversial doctrines in the church.  "Just because I don't understand how something can true, does not mean it is not so."  See Romans 11:34.

The goal of the Week 9 lesson and this post is not to end the debate on this issue because I would be foolish to think I could do that.  The goal is to help those in the class, those at Trinity Baptist Church, and anyone reading this post make much of God and His Work in our salvation.  

I want to offer three challenges when considering election/predestination and free will. 

When you consider God's sovereignty and man's responsibility, there is an antinomy—an appearance of a contradiction between conclusions that seem equally logical, reasonable, or necessary.  In Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, J.I. Packer writes, "God's sovereignty is a reality, and man's responsibility is a reality too."  This appearance of a contradiction in our minds is so hard to grasp.

Another challenge when discussing this issue is that both sides are often attached to men rather than scripture.  The debate becomes more about what Calvin vs. Arminius or Augustine vs. Pelagius said than what the Bible says.  Both sides often construct faulty arguments and make straw men of the viewpoint.

A third challenge at the heart of this debate is that humans are trying to understand God's mind, which is impossible.  God is God.  We are not, and thank God we are not God.

So, what is the doctrine of election?

The free and sovereign choice of God made in eternity past based on nothing in the person solely because of the good pleasure of His will to be saved from sin and inherit the blessing on eternal life.  (author unknown)

God is the author, provider, perfecter, and finisher of my salvation.

There are verses that show God's sovereignty in salvation and others that show man's responsibility for salvation.  

Here are some verses that show man's responsibility.

Ezekiel 18:23 says that God does not have "any pleasure in the death of the wicked rather than that he should turn from his ways and live."  

First Timothy 2:3, 4 says God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

Second Peter 3:9 says God is "not wishing any to perish but for all to come to repentance."

Acts 17:4 says Paul persuaded some people, and they joined Paul and Silas.

Acts 17:27 - 34 describes people seeking, groping for, and finding God.  At the end of this time in Athens, it is written that some men joined and believed.

Here are verses that show the importance of God's sovereignty in salvation, along with a brief statement after each.

Ephesians 1:4 - 5

even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

Verse 3 states that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing.  Then, several verses later, verse 11 says, "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will"

Throughout Ephesians 1, Paul reminds the church that God has predestined, chosen, willed, and blessed us with salvation.  These are words from the chapter.  

Romans 8:29 - 34

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.  Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Be sure to check out Pastor Brett's sermons in Romans at tbcgr.org/sermons-romans.html

2 Thessalonians 2:13

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:13, "the divine element in election (sanctification by the Spirit - being set apart by God) and the human element in personal salvation (faith in the truth)."  (Stallard)

Other verses to consider are Acts 13:48, 16:14, Ephesians 2:8, and 2 Timothy 2:8.

I want to respond to the verses earlier in this post, which I have divided into two groups.  

Ezekiel 18:23, 1st Timoty 2:3, 4, and 2nd Peter 3:9 discuss God's desire, not man's response.  Greg Koukl has a five-minute video entitled "Does God Literally Desire All to be Saved?" 

The two verses in Acts 17 discuss what Paul did and how the people responded.  These two narratives explain what people saw as God working through Paul and in the people.   

“C. H. Spurgeon was once asked if he could reconcile these two truths to each other. “I wouldn’t try,” he replied; 'I never reconcile friends.' Friends?—yes, friends. This is the point that we have to grasp. In the Bible, divine sovereignty and human responsibility are not enemies. They are not uneasy neighbors; they are not in an endless state of cold war with each other. They are friends, and they work together.”  (Evangelism and Sovereignty of God , J.I. Packer)

Tough Questions Week 8

PARENTING is not dependent on programs and human plans. 
It is dependent upon God, His Word, and His Grace.

"Our Children don’t belong to us but to God.  Parenting is about what God has planned to do in our children through us.”  Paul Tripp

Here are videos about the 14 Gospel Principles from Paul Tripp's Parenting book 

Calling
Grace
Law
Inability
Identity
Process
Lost
Authority
Foolishness
Character
False Gods
Control
Rest
Mercy

SCHOOLS

What I've Learned About School Choice

1. School isn’t a right and wrong decision.
2. School isn’t necessarily a one-and-done decision.
3. School isn’t entirely our decision.
4. School isn’t a salvation decision.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

KIDZ:  Kids and families Intentionally Discipled Zealously.

Zealous by David Michael tbcgrkidz.blogspot.com/2022/02/zealous-introduction.html

Zeal is so much more than enthusiasm and excitement.  "It is the result of a heart on fire for the glory of God that is uncontainable and spills out in zealous evangelism, discipleship, service, and good works." (p. 13)

1. Embrace a Biblical Vision for the Faith of the Next Generation 

2. Foster a Robust Partnership Between Church and Home

3. Teach the Breadth and Depth of the Whole Counsel of God

4. Proclaiming the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ

5. Disciple the Mind, Heart and the Will

6. Prayerful Dependence on God's Grace

7. Inspire Worship of God, for the Glory of God

Tough Questions Week 7

The book of 1st Peter is addressed to "those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in..." (1:1)

The book ends with a greeting: "She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings." (5:13)

There are believers in many different places that they don't want to be.

Five verses in the middle of the book (2:13 - 17), show how what Peter wrote and God requires are the following.

• "Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors" (2:13-14a)
• do good, and by doing good you put to silence ignorant talk. (2:15)
• live free and live as a servant of God (2:16)
• honor everyone (2:17a)
• love the brotherhood (2:17b)
• fear God (2:17c)
• honor the emperor (2:17d)

While 2:18 is specifically about servants and masters, it includes a good, but hard, reminder.  "Be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.

We must remember to prepare ourselves to provide these responses in challenging situations like an election.

Resolve in your mind to do the right thing. (Daniel 2:1)

Always be prepared to defend yourself against anyone who asks about your hope. (1 Peter 3:15).

• 
  

Tough Questions Week 6

Because there is so much more to discuss on this topic, we are doing one more week on politics.

Is this the BIGGEST election ever?

Yes AND No.

YES, the election matters and is important.  Plus, all previous elections are in the past.

NO, this election does not matter as much as the kingdom of God.

As we think about politics, we must remember that God is sovereign and holy, and man is limited and sinful.  An election does not change these facts at all.

Remember, it is not about every four years.  It is about every day!

It is not surprising that non-Christians view that the next election is the most important thing in the world.  Because they have no real future, eternal hope.

Let's start thinking about politics in the Old Testament and then the New Testament.

This is a self-study; take out your Bible and answer these questions.

• What does Jeremiah 29:4 - 14 say about how those who trust the Lord must live?

• What does Romans 13:1 - 7 say about what the government should do?

As we consider political issues, we may ask ourselves, "How can they be Christians and support that?"  There are several reasons people think this.

1. Justified people care about justice.
2. Self-satisfying people are certain their convictions are just.  Too often, we are self-serving with our anger.
3. Political judgments require wisdom: "Most political judgments we make depend on wisdom, not on directly applying explicit biblical principles."  (Leeman, Naselli)

How can we love church members with different politics?

1. Adjust your expectations
2. 2.  
3. Recognize what unites a church and what belongs to the domain of Christian freedom.
4. Straight line vs. Jagged line issues
5. Respect those who have a different conscience on jagged line issues.
6. Remember what is most important.

"The more a nation denies God, the less savory all our options might be."

Here is the recent Wisdom Conversation, "Christianity and American Democracy: Living as a Faithful Christian and Citizen," at Cornerstone University.

Tough Questions Week 5

LGBTQIA2S+ Biblical Teaching Overview 

God is the Creator and Designer of human beings.
Going against God's design and plan is never fulfilling.
Our identity is found in Christ.

The book What Do I Say When...? has five chapters on sexuality identity:  sexuality, gender, homosexuality, identity, and transgenderism.  Key points from each chapter are listed at the end of this post. 

As we consider this current hot topic, we must look beyond culture or individual stories to God's Word.

Genesis 19:1 - 9 is the story of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Verses 4 and 5 say, "But before they lay down the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house.  And they called to Lot, "Where are the men who came to you tonight?  Bring them out to us, that we may know them." Let's look at two ways this passage can be misused.   One misuse is that every homosexual person looking to cause riots and civil unrest like these men.   omosexuality does not equal riotous behavior.   On the other side, some say Sodom and Gomorrah have absolutely nothing to do with homosexuality.   They say the sin of these cities was hospitality.  They look to Ezekiel 16:49 to prove this.  "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom:  she and her daughters  had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease but did not aid the poor and needy." Two important interpretation principles to remember when looking at this specific verse are the surrounding context and Biblical context.  The surrounding context of Ezekiel 16 is filled with abominations, idolatry, selfishness, and so much more than just hospitality.    The verse says they had pride. In the Biblical context, there are other verses about the sin of homosexuality.  

The Biblical context is looking at the Old and New Testaments.  Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 talk about men lying with men and women lying with women.  While it is sometimes suggested that these verses are about pagan worship, not committed relationships, nothing in the context indicates this, and these are moral laws, not civil or ceremonial laws.     the New Testament passages like Romans 1:18 - 32, some explain away by making a distinction by focusing on the term "natural relations." Heterosexual men going against their natural tendency is wrong.  Homosexual men following their natural tendency is not wrong.  However, the problem is there is a difference between "natural relations" - God's created order and "human nature," which has been corrupted by sin.  The other New Testament passages containing the English word homosexual are 1 Corinthians 6:9 - 11 and 1 Timothy 1:8 - 10.  Supporters of homosexuality argue these words do not mean homosexuality as we think about it today.  In many of these and other arguments, supporters of homosexuality appear to know better than God and His Word. 

With this Biblical context and the following statement from What Do I Say When...? "No bigger lie has been told in our culture than the life that sexual freedom is the source of personal happiness and fulfillment," we looked at the following three questions.

What do you say when a family or friend says he/she is gay?
Is it o.k. to attend a loved one's gay wedding?
What is transgender?  Why is it such an issue today?

What do you say when a family member or friend says he/she is gay?
From Your Child Says, "I'm Gay" by Tim Geiger

1. Grab the ANCHOR (Isaiah 41:13)
2. You don't need to know all the answers, so watch your words (Proverbs 10:19) and pray for wisdom.
3. Acknowledge their courage to tell you.
4. Affirm your love for your child.  Your child's struggle with sexuality is primarily an issue with God and His Word.
5. Begin the dialogue.
6. Remember, you can't change people.
7. Your child doesn't need to become straight.  Your child needs to be Holy.
8. Bring others in for prayer and support.
9. You may need to set boundaries.

Is it o.k. to attend a loved one's gay wedding?

From Your Gay Child Says "I Do by Nicholas Black 

Four possible responses:

1. Cut off your child completely.
2. Embrace their homosexuality.
3. Do not attend, but stay connected.
4. Attend the wedding with grief.

"Only the last two alternatives accomplish what is true to Scripture and honoring to God."   As you think through the third and fourth responses, let's be prayerful, humble, loving, and biblical.  The booklet has a brief explanation of both of these responses.

While there are many different thoughts, opinions, and responses to this question, I want to share my answer.

I would not attend, but I would try to stay connected.

A wedding is a celebration of marriage. 
When Jesus teaches about marriage and divorce in Matthew 19, he returns to Genesis 2 and the creation of man and woman.

Now, here is an additional thought I shared in class.

Some may say that is making a bigger deal of homosexuality than other sins. 

I would say that I also would have a problem going to the wedding of a man and woman living together before marriage.  

What is transgender?  Why is it such an issue today?

Go to the Transgender section below for more about this question.

Remember, transgender does not equal intersex.

 SEXUALITY 

• God created human beings to be sexual; therefore, sexuality is good under God's design.
• God's pattern for sexuality upholds the marriage of husband and wife as the exclusive grounds for sexual activity.
• God's pattern for sexuality is freeing and tied to human flourishing.
• Rightly-ordered sexuality brings God glory.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.  So glorify God in your body.  (1 C  r. 6:19–20)

GENDER

• Male and female embodiment is a gift from God.
• The body reveals identity, purpose, and calling.
• "Gender" is first and foremost determined by biological sex.
• Biblical gender expression has broader contours than modern culture's tendency toward gender stereotyping.
• The logic of bodily sex difference helps explain the moral logic of biblical sexual ethics overall.

HOMOSEXUALITY

• Everywhere homosexuality is mentioned in the Bible, it is mentioned critically.
• The Bible prohibits all forms of homosexuality.
• The Bible's prohibition on homosexuality is grounded in creational reality.
• Jesus affirms the immorality of homosexuality.
• Claiming an identity at odds with Scripture is never fulfilling.
• Expect and prepare for disagreement.

IDENTITY

• The Bible provides a comprehensive and stable account of human identity.
• Biblical love does not mean affirming non-biblical identities.
• Moral relativism at the level of personal identity is unsustainable and harmful.
• The Bible provides a consistent and impartial standard for judging which identities are sinful and which are morally good.
• There are other identity-giving forces in our lives, but none as important as God.

TRANSGENDER

• Sex difference is an embodied reality.
• Sex difference is stable and unchanging.
• The transgender worldview is built on incoherent foundations and internal contradictions.
• Compassion is owed to those who are psychologically vulnerable.
• The beauty of the Christian worldview surrounding questions of transgenderism is the sufficiency of the Christian worldview.
• Intersex conditions do not disprove the gender binary.
1. Intersex conditions are medically verifiable and diagnosable, whereas claims that someone is transgender are not.
2. Intersex conditions are a recognition of a problem that exists against a typical medical standard.  These conditions actually serve to reaffirm the abiding authority of the gender binary by recognizing a deviation from it.
3. Despite ambiguities in anatomy, the majority of individuals who are intersex do not have confusion over whether they are male or female once chromosomes and other primary and secondary sex characteristics are discovered.

 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Podcasts

• Christians, the LGBTQ Community and the Call to Hospitality by Rosaria Butterfield -  www.crossway.org/articles/podcast-christians-the-lgbtq-community-and-the-call-to-hospitality-rosaria-butterfield/
• Making Sense of Transgenderism and the Sexual Revolution - www.crossway.org/articles/podcast-making-sense-of-transgenderism-and-the-sexual-revolution-carl-trueman/

Books

• The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield
• Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier
• Strange New World:  How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution by Carl Trueman
• What Do I Say When...?  by
• What the Bible Says about Homosexuality by Kevin DeYoung