Knowing the Grace of Jesus in Christmas (Part 1 of 4)

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Iglesia ni Cristo ministers teach that Jesus was non-existent before he was conceived by Mary. He was just an idea in the mind of the Father. But this verse poses a major problem to that view. You see, Jesus was born in a poor family yet this verse says that isn't Jesus' original state. He was rich before he became poor. If he did not exist before he was born into Joseph and Mary's family, in what sense was he rich before he was poor?

This verse will only make sense in a framework which views Jesus as pre-existing before he became man (John 1:1; 8:58)  And in that pre-incarnate state, he was equal in glory with the Father (Phil. 2:6; John 17:5). He was not just a pre-existing spectator to the Father's activities; he himself was very active in creation and in governing the affairs of nature and history (John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:10; Col. 1:16-17). All privileges in the heavens and on the earth were his; in this sense he was rich.

Should Pangasinan Fear the Skin Disease Prophecy?: an Examination of Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj's Recent Track Record

As someone who ministers in Pangasinan, it is unavoidable for me to be asked about  Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj's prophecies. His video clips went viral over social media because it is claimed that he correctly predicted Typhoon Yolanda in April, 2013, six months before it hit Samar and Leyte. While he mentioned several places in his talk, the people closest to me are most disturbed by his prophecy concerning our beloved province. He proclaimed:

“The Lord says there is a place called PANGASINAN. The Lord says it is in the northernmost part in your land. From there a grievous disease will spread all over the world. That will consume the flesh of men; all their upper (outer) skin will begin to decay. It will pierce through the bones. The fear of this disease will spread all over the world. The Lord said that this (disease) will begin from the Philippines.”

These are really horrifying words especially to the less equipped Christians. How should we then respond?

According to the Holy Scriptures, the way to test the authenticity of a prophet and his prophecy is to wait and see if the prophecy takes place:

"You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?" If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken." Deuteronomy 18:21-22b (NIV)

But in this case, we don't have to wait. Since this is not Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj's first time to prophesy, what we can do is to test the validity of his claim to be a prophet by examining his track record. My judgment is that he is a false prophet for two recent blemishes on his credentials.

1. THE "WAR ON ISRAEL" FAILED PROPHECY
Sundar was one of the group of prophets who prophesied that there will be a devastating war by the Arab nations against Israel beginning in December of 2012. He said Israel was under God's protection since 1967, but this time God will no longer fight in their behalf. He included some details in his prophecy like:

•     a ten-story building exploding and crumbling with dust and smoke
•     a missile falling on a high-rise hotel
•     warplanes flying all over the sky
•     dead bodies lying on the streets everywhere
•     having no allies, the Prime Minister will give way half of the city

He then urged Christians to move to Israel "without delay" and stay in the land "because the prayers of the righteous are needed". Yet even Sundar  does not seem to believe his prophecy because he stayed in India in December of  2012. See Hannah Weiss report HERE.

2. THE "CHURCH IN NEW ERA" FAILED PROPHECY
He predicted that in October 8, 2011 (coinciding with the Yom Kippur), "the church will enter into a new season, a new era, like she has never seen in the entire church history." This new era will be marked by the following things:

    a. There will be a new level of the demonstration of signs and wonders in the church.
Every Christian, not just pastors will be a miracle worker. The signs and wonders that will be experienced by the church will be at an unprecedented level. Yes, you will find no precedent not even in the Bible. Unbelievers who come in the atmosphere of the churches will drop and fall on their knees and cry out to be saved -- even without the preaching of the word.

    b. The church will take on a new identity, from an unholy church to a holy church; from an unbelieving church to a believing church.

    c. There’ll be a great increase in revelational knowledge of God and the things of God. The mysteries of God will be known to the world.

    d. There’ll be a great harvest of souls.
In contrast to the small harvest in the church's evangelistic efforts, there will be a large harvest starting Oct. 8, 2011. People will go and come out seeking where the church is. Angels will appear to people in visions and dreams. These angels will specifically name the church and the pastor they should seek and instruct them: If you go to that church, and if you ask the pastor (specifically named) to pray, you will be healed.”

    e. The spiritual realm will become very, very visible to the believers.

Seeing God face to face will no longer be exclusive to the likes of Moses and Enoch. Every single believer will experience this.

    f. A prophetic company will rise up from the church.

Everyone in church including newly born infants will prophesy. Sundar explains further:

Which means, every pastor will become a prophetic pastor. Every evangelist will become a prophetic evangelist. Every apostle will become a prophetic apostle. Every teacher will become a prophetic teacher, every minister of God will  become a prophetic minister of God. Every person that is named of Christ will no more be an ordinary believer but you will be a prophetic person. You will see visions, you will prophesy, you will dream dreams and God will use you prophetically to set the captive free. This is what God is going to do in the new season.

See also Abugian's " Ten Convincing Proofs That Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj is Truly a Prophet (NOT!)" . For those who prefer examining primary sources, read the transcript of Sundar's talk HERE.

CONCLUSION

What is being sensationalized in the social media is the supposed fulfilled vague prophecy about the typhoon in Samar and Leyte. Yet our country is ranked by the World Risk Report as the third most dangerous place to live in in 2012 for the many dangers we face all-year round. In fact, If I will claim to be a prophet, name provinces which are known typhoon gateways and predict a calamity, there is a good probability that my "prophecy" will be fulfilled. What is not being discussed in the social media are the serious blemishes in Sundar's track record as a prophet.

Claiming to be a prophet when you are not is a very serious matter. The Law given to Moses prescribes capital punishment for any false prophet:

"But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death." (Deuteronomy 18:20)

So my fellow Pangasinenses, should we fear Sundar's skin disease prophecy? In the light of our examination of his recent track record, we can conclude that Sundar is a false prophet. And if he is indeed a false prophet, this is what the Bible tells us: "Do not be afraid of him." (Deuteronomy 18:22c)

The Vinedresser, the True Vine, and the Branches (John 15:1-11), part 2 of 2

We easily overlook the word "true" in Jesus' clam "I am the true vine" and so we miss its significance. He was building on the Old Testament concept of Israel as God's vine (Psalm 80:8-9; Isa. 5:1-7). Under the new concept, there is only one vine in God's garden. A person must be attached to him to be counted as God's own. Being an Israelite doesn't automatically mean you are in God's vineyard; you must be connected to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Somehow I fear, that some of you think you are close to God just because you are connected to an organization formed 17 years ago. You may be diligent in attending the services and activities of Guiding Light Christian Church Dagupan. You may have signed the membership documents. When you are asked by friends, "To what church do you belong?", you answer proudly and without hesitation, "GLCC Dagupan". Surely, many souls were enriched here for all these years. Yet they grew spiritually not because they belong to a special organization, but because they heeded the command to abide in Christ. Even your stay at GLCC Dagupan will not do you any good unless you abide in Jesus.

Fruit-bearing: the result of abiding in Christ (John 15:5)
I heard it a few times; at least once or twice from the mouth of pastors. They assert that "fruit" here means "souls won for Jesus". And so these people measure your fruitfulness by counting the number of souls you bring to the church. Perhaps this is a result of the Evangelism Fallacy. They may have failed to understand that the command to evangelize and make disciples were not given to individuals but to the church. And the church fulfills the Great Commission as various gifts and skills empowered by the Spirit are faithfully used by its members. The gift and skill of gospel communication is one of them, but it is not the only gift.

So what are fruits? I propose that fruits are:

• The manifestations of a godly life (Gal. 5:22-23). In contrast with the works of the flesh (5:19-21).
• Accomplishments of eternal value  (John 15:5b). Jesus doesn't mean here that a man separated from him could no longer do woundrous feats. He could still conquer lands, build structures, invent useful things for humanity, create breathtaking artworks-- all the good things in man's eyes. By his common grace, even non-Christians could do great things. What he means by saying “part from me you could do nothing” are deeds that will be remembered and rewarded in eternity.

C. T. Studd said it well: “Only one life, twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last.” Only deeds done for Christ and produced out of abiding in him are the ones that will last for all eternity. What a joy reserved for those who would cling to Christ! Not so to the wicked. The destiny of those who will not bear fruit is eternal destruction (John 15:6; Matt. 3:10-12)

Abiding in Christ vs. Christmas Tree Spirituality
Perhaps you were frightened by the mention of fire and destruction in verse 6. So now you make a resolution: “I will try my best to show fruit so I will not be judged.” You don't get it man! What is commanded of us is to abide in him, and by abiding in him, the branches will bear fruit naturally. Aside from falling into "Salvation by works" mentality,  the other danger with this resolution is we might present a Christmas tree spirituality. It's like bringing a shrub indoors. You attach to it artificial fruits: shining balls, sweet candies, miniature figures and other decors. You display a form of spirituality and morality yet it did not come from the true vine. It's all flesh, devoid of the Holy Spirit's power. What God wants are fruits produced in branches by being nourished by him.

“To be connected to the vine means that the life of Jesus is flowing through us, and this leads to fruitfulness. Fruitfulness will be the inevitable outcome of an interior spiritual life with Jesus” (Gary Burge, NIVAC)

I like the quote because it shows how the fruitbearing operates:

1. it is from the life of Jesus flowing in us. And since it is Jesus, how could he be fruitless? Never!
2. it takes place inwardly, not a fruit artificially attached.

The Vinedresser, the True Vine, and the Branches (John 15:1-11), part 1 of 2

Among the “I am” Sayings of Jesus, what makes this one unique is the prominent role given to the Father. He is the Vinedresser. That truth alone should us comfort in the assurance that the gardener is not lacking in skill. He is a perfect vinedresser. Some of his actions may be unpleasant to us branches but we have to trust that the vinedresser knows what he is doing. Some of the things the Vinedresser does are two time-tested practices in viticulture:

a. Taking away fruitless branches
Someone is absent in this scene—Judas—he just left a few hours ago to betray his Lord in exchange of 30 pieces of silver. Just like the rest of them, he too was exposed to Jesus' teaching for three long years. But he developed no love for the words of Christ. Judas is unclean (John 13:10-11). He is an example of a branch that was taken away. Those who will persist in their love for sin shall be thrown away from the vine for the health of the vine.

b. Pruning fruit-bearing branches for improved production
The Greek for 'prunes' also means cleans. The means of cleaning the vine is the word of God (verse 3). Three years of continued exposure to the words of Jesus made them clean. And so as long as you keep on exposing yourself to the word of God, you are being cleaned for a fruitful life. Merrill Tenney comments:

“The means by which pruning or cleaning is done is the Word of God. It condemns sin; it inspires holiness; it promotes growth. As Jesus applied the words God gave him to the lives of the disciples, they underwent a pruning process that removed evil from them and conditioned them for further service.” (John and Acts, EBC Vol. 9)

The place of this pruning process is the doctrine of sanctification where we are changed into his image more and more. Sanctification is God's will for us (I Thess 4:3). If you have stayed long enough in the vine, you know that pruning often involves pain. For sure it would be unpleasant, yet it's end result is greater fruitfulness for the vine (Hebrews 12:5-11).

The need to prune sometimes  involves sin just like in the case of David. For this reason, we should not despise those who have underwent severe discipline because of some grievous sin. If they have already repented, and they have undergone that painful process of restoration, then expect productivity from them. Expect to be blessed when you are near them. If they have already humbled themselves before the Lord, they will soon be lifted up (James 4:10).

The need to prune is sometimes preventive of sin as in the case of Paul. "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me." (2 Corinthians 12:7)

The need to prune sometimes involves  no known sin at all, as in the case of Job.  Here is a man walking uprightly yet he was put to some of the most unbearable tests. In fact, the Lord is so proud of him. He told Satan: “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." (Job 1:8)

So before you murmur and complain, “I am walking in holiness Lord. I can't understand. Why are you allowing this suffering in my life Lord?”, consider the possibility that the Lord may be so proud of you as His child. Perhaps he told Satan, “Have you considered my servant __________? (put your name in the blank). There is no one in Pangasinan like him.”

Maybe you are already fruitful, but there is still room for improving your yield; so he lets you go to that painful process called pruning. It may not pleasant at the present time but soon you will see the yield and your joy will be complete.

Index: WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH: Metaphors of Faithful Christian Service in Difficult Times

Part 1 - Introduction
Part 2 - The Devoted Soldier
Part 3 - The Rule-Abiding Athlete
Part 4 - The Hard-Working Farmer (with Conclusion)

THE HARD-WORKING FARMER (Part 4 of 4: When the Going Gets Tough: Metaphors of Faithful Christian Service in Difficult Times)

"The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops." (2 Timothy 2:6)

Last year, the National Bureau of Investigation reported a large-scale pyramid scheme that victimized some 15,000 people in Visayas and Mindanao. The culprit is Manuel Amalilio through his Malaysia-based company. The total amount of money involved is said to be around 12 billion pesos. Though I symphatize with the victims, I see that people want to get rich quick without much effort. The multitudes of people falling in line before a lotto outlet once the jackpot hit nine digits is also an indicator of this.

There is no instant income in farming. For instance, planting onions would take three to five months before you could harvest; and while waiting you have to work hard. The idea of working hard for a long period of time in a farm, enduring heat or rain, is simply not appealing to us. Yet for Paul, a faithful servant of God must imitate the hardworking farmer's work ethic. The assurance Paul gives is that if we end endure hardships in serving God, we will enjoy the fruits of our labors when harvest time comes.
 
I started this series by showing how tough if is for our Christian brothers in America with the current president's agenda regarding gay marriage. Things only got worse since then with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on the Defense of Marriage Act.

In his inaugural address, President JFK's word: "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." While we Christians should be eager to heed those words, what could we do when the government says, "Because of your gospel convictions, our country does not need you."

In moments like this, we turn to another quote commonly attributed to JFK's father, Joseph P. Kennedy: "When the Going Gets Tough,the Tough Get Going"

THE RULE-ABIDING ATHLETE (Part 3 of 4: When the Going Gets Tough: Metaphors of Faithful Christian Service in Difficult Times)

 

LEFT: Antonio Margarito's illegal hand wraps confiscated by the California State Athletic Commission just before the Margarito-Mosley bout (Jan. 25, 2009) RIGHT: The then undefeated Miguel's Cotto's devastated face when he fought Margarito (July 26, 2008). It is now highly suspected that Margarito used the same illegal hand wraps in that fight. Cotto faced Margarito again in Dec. 3, 2011. This time, Margarito was badly beaten forcing the referee to stop the fight in the 9th round.

2 Timothy 2:1-6

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops." (NIV)

From my memory, here are some of the most scandalous cases in sports:

• 1988: Ben Johnson at the Seoul Summer Olympics (click HERE)
• 1992: The Zamboanga City Little League Baseball Team (click HERE)
• 2008- 2009: Antonio Margarito matches against Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley (click HERE)
• 2012: Lance Armstrong (click HERE)

Just like the soldier imagery, the athlete imagery is also one on Paul's favorites. In 1 Cor. 9:24-27 for instance, he admires two things about athletes: i) their "giving my all" attitude, and ii) their rigorous preparation. But there are some athletes who want the honor and glory of victory yet they want to achieve it not by hardwork and discipline but by breaking the rules uncaught.

They wanted glory and honor
Yet their deeds brought shame

Let us do life and ministry according to the manual given to us. In tough times, it is very tempting to abandon biblical principles. We keep silent have to speak up; we agree when we have to oppose -- all in violation of what his Holy Word tells us to do.

In this world, Christ is despised together with his cross. They tell us, "Abandon that old rugged thing and I will give you a medal. Throw that old rugged gospel away and I'll give you a trophy. Honor awaits you, just abandon Christ and his gospel."

Some will take the offer; they will throw the gospel away. "Give me my trophy" they say. "Give me my medal" they say. But in the end, it is not honor they will reap but shame. But those who are wise will sing: 

"To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share." (~George Bennard, 1913)

THE DEVOTED SOLDIER (Part 2 of 4: When the Going Gets Tough: Metaphors of Faithful Christian Service in Difficult Times)

Read Part 1 HERE

2 Timothy 2:1-6

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops." (NIV) 

Some Christians believe in Pacifism. They hold that it is never God's will for a Christian to join the military. But it seems that Paul highly regards the soldiers' profession. Whenever he used it as a methapor, he does so positively. In this letter, he shows his admiration for the soldiers' endurance in hardship and their dedication to their duty.

When the commanding officer announces to his men that they would go to Basilan for a military operation, will the soldiers ask,"Sir, do we have a hotel reservation?" or "Sir, we won't go there until you can provide for us blankets, pillows and mosquito nets." No they won't. Though they would be happy if they will be provided with some comfort, they would willingly fulfill their duty with or without it.

The term of service for a soldier in those days was 20 years; two decades of total devotion to the profession without being entangled with civilian affairs. For every 100 enlisted men, only about 50 of them survived to retire ¹ . That's an indication of the difficulties a soldier must face within those two decades of service. Paul urged Timothy to have that same intensity of dedication.

How do you apply that today? Does it mean we can only engage in religious activity and not in secular pursuits? It can't be. It can't be because Paul himself would often work to earn and instead of seeing that as a hindrance to ministry, he saw it as profitable to his testimony (1 Cor. 9:1-18). John Stott wrote:

"The Christian, who is intended to live in the world and not contract out of it, cannot of course avoid ordinary duties at home, at work and in the community. Indeed as a Christian he should be outstandingly conscientious in doing and not dodging them. Nor should he forget, as Paul reminded Timothy in his first letter, either that ‘everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving’ or that ‘God … richly furnishes us with everything to enjoy’ (1 Tim. 4:4; 6:17). So what is forbidden the good soldier of Jesus Christ is not all ‘secular’ activities, but rather ‘entanglements’ which, though they may be perfectly innocent in themselves, may hinder him from fighting Christ’s battles." ²

So what are entangling civilian affairs? I take the position that these are activities which keep God's servants from fulfilling the tasks given by God, thus causing his displeasure. Sinful acts are surely included here. Also entangling secular pursuits like taking earning opportunities that will force you to give up church attendance. Or being busy with pursuits that will lead to the non-usage of your spiritual gifts. Even spiritual activities could be entanglements if it leads to the neglect of your primary duties (Acts 6:1-4)

What do we have to gain for being devoted soldiers? It is the pleasure of our Commander-in-Chief (Matt. 25:21)

NOTES:
1. Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament
2. John Stott, The Message of 2 Timothy: Guard the Gospel (The Bible Speaks Today Series)