Rob Bell, Christianity Today, Twitter, and the Gospel?!

There’s a video I did a while back on Rob Bell (it’s at the end of the article). In particular, the video is about Rob Bell’s answer to his interviewer from the magazine Christianity Today. The question given to Rob Was: “How would you present this gospel on Twitter?”

Rob Bell’s response was:

I would say that history is headed somewhere. The thousands of little ways in which you are tempted to believe that hope might actually be a legitimate response to the insanity of the world actually can be trusted. And the Christian story is that a tomb is empty, and a movement has actually begun that has been present in a sense all along in creation. And all those times when your cynicism was at odds with an impulse within you that said that this little thing might be about something bigger—those tiny little slivers may in fact be connected to something really, really big.

In the video, I point out that it is Scripture that is profitable for instruction and correction (2 Timothy 3:16), and that given Twitter’s 140 character limitation on posts, a good way to “tweet” the Gospel would be to use:

Romans 5:8: God demonstrated his own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

But instead, Rob gave us the quote above. It doesn’t talk about sin, man’s depravity, Jesus, God, etc. Instead, the closest that he gives us is this:

“And the Christian story is that a tomb is empty…”

That’s it? That’s the Gospel? That’s not the Gospel at all, and that was what my post was about.

Out of all the videos I’ve created, this one has caused the biggest stir. I get more hits on that video than any other, and the comments (especially the private ones to my Youtube inbox) are more vicious than any other video I’ve made. Here’s one example:

You seem to forget that if you just throw a bible verse at someone they may not understand what it means or why they should believe, heck, they may even not read it because it’s scripture. If we want to relate to people and actually show them the gospel of love then maybe we actually need to go meet them where they’re at with language that they can relate to. Also, there is no scripture that says that the bible is the ‘ultimate authority’. Further than that, 2 Timothy 3:16 says that it is ‘God-breathed’ or ‘inspired’ not ultimate. And on top of that the original Greek could easily be read as ‘every scripture that is inspired by God is useful…’. Now that changes the meaning hugely. Rob Bell is a man who is after God’s heart and actually has the courage and faith to promote love. He has helped thousands of people in their walks with Christ. And he is part of a long tradition. The long tradition of a reforming church. If you knew about church history, you would know that.

I want to address some of these objections if I can.

First, the writer says: “You seem to forget that if you just throw a bible verse at someone they may not understand what it means or why they should believe, heck, they may even not read it because it’s scripture.”

So, let me get this straight. Rob Bell professes to be a believer, and a pastor/teacher at that. Why would he NOT use Scripture? If someone was going to Rob Bell’s site to read what he tweeted, you’re saying that it’s best NOT to use Scripture because someone may not read or understand it? Should I use that same logic while preaching? Should all preachers jettison the Bible because someone may not understand it?

The Bible itself tells us: “1 Corinthians 1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

Next, the writer says: “If we want to relate to people and actually show them the gospel of love then maybe we actually need to go meet them where they’re at with language that they can relate to. Also, there is no scripture that says that the bible is the ‘ultimate authority’.”

As for meeting people where they’re at with language that they can relate to, sure! I am all about that. But if that is what Rob is attempting to do in his Christianity Today article, he missed the mark. He may have come up with a more palatable message, but by the time he was done, it wasn’t the Gospel.

As for no Scripture that says that the bible is the ‘ultimate authority’, how about rereading Psalm 119? It’s all about the power and sufficiency of God’s Holy Word. I would also ask that you go back and restudy the original greek again. Are you claiming that there are some Scriptures in the Bible that are NOT inspired by God? The Holy Word of God is inspired because it is God-breathed. ALL Scripture is God’s Word, and is inspired.

At the end of the letter, my knowledge of church history is called into question, and the statement is made that Rob Bell is part of a long tradition of reformers. Riiiiiight. Rob Bell’s deconstruction of the Gospel is not reformation. It’s deformation.

Is Scripture truly sufficient for all our needs?

Is Scripture truly sufficient for all our needs? That seems to be the question for today’s Christians. The evidence is all around us that today’s “postmodern” Christians are relying upon more and more extra-biblical sources for direction in life.
As Christians in the 21st century, do we truly believe that Scripture is sufficient to meet our needs? Unfortunately, many of the bible scholars from today’s liberal schools answer this question with a resounding “No!” By the practice of integration (mixing the Bible with other sources), these theologians are presenting a different Gospel to the world, a gospel without personal holiness.

As a Southern Baptist, I am concerned about my denomination’s willingness to turn aside from God’s inerrant Word when we’re faced with difficult issues. The SBC may have fought the good fight when it comes to the doctrine of Scriptural inerrancy but the doctrine of Scriptural sufficiency is almost totally neglected. SBC pastors will preach from the pulpit that God’s Word is perfect, and yet turn away from God’s Word and turn towards psychology when it comes to answering life’s difficult questions, or when counseling church members in times of crisis.

Why? If we believe that God’s Word is perfect, then from that belief should also flow the doctrine that God’s perfect Word is also SUFFICIENT to do what God wills it to do. (Isaiah 55:11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.)

One text in the New Testament that seems to speak volumes about how we are to live sanctified lives by God’s Word is found in Matthew 7: 13-14 where Jesus says, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Somewhere along the way, we Christians have stood on the ground that Jesus Christ Himself is the narrow gate. Absolutely! This should be preached everywhere. People need to hear that salvation is in no other name than the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Act 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”)

If we stand on God’s Word, believing that Jesus is the only way to salvation then what do we do AFTER salvation? Look at what Jesus says in Matthew 7:13-14 again: There is a narrow gate, and there is a narrow way. He says the gate is small and the way is narrow.

How narrow is the way? It’s quite narrow. It’s certainly not the broad path, the path of the world. If that’s the case, then why do we turn away from God when it comes to answering the tough questions of life? I believe it’s because preachers are no longer depending on God’s Word when it comes to life. Sure, we believe Jesus and God’s Word is necessary for salvation, but after that, we jettison Scripture and run to Dr. Phil, Oprah, and Judge Judy. Where did this wickedness come from?

Pastors! It came from pastors who preach half-truths, and a weak watered-down Gospel. Yes, Jesus saves sinners, but he also calls us to live holy, righteous lives. How are we to do that? By living according to God’s Word! And how are we to live according to God’s Word unless we truly believe that His Word is sufficient?

Psalm 119 contains wonderful promises for those who keep God’s Word. Especially beautiful are these verses:

Psalms 119:4-20 You have ordained Your precepts, That we should keep them diligently. Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes! Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Your commandments. I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments. I shall keep Your statutes; Do not forsake me utterly! How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, O LORD; Teach me Your statutes. With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law. I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul is crushed with longing After Your ordinances at all times.

It’s time as Christians that we returned to God’s Word not only for salvation, but for life! God’s Word IS life, and if we are to live holy lives that please God, then we must return to His Word. As Jesus said: “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Bottom line: We must be people of God’s Word. The way is narrow, and God has given us His Word to keep us on His path.

Facebook Topic Transplant – Scott S. and Belief in God

At the request of Scott S., this page has been removed. Please contact Scott S. personally for info re: his beliefs in God.

- Rob

How NOT To Study the Bible

John 12:47-48 “If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. (48) “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.

One problem that I have with the Emergent movement that is so rampant within my own denomination is the lack of clear, biblical interpretation. The text is often obfuscated to the point that many in the emergent camp make claims that we evangelicals would have considered heretical in the past. Eisegesis is considered more valid when studying the Scriptures than exegesis. In other words, reading your own interpretation into a text is now considered just as valid (if not more so) than reading the text and studying the grammar and history of the text in order to gain a clearer picture of the original writer’s intention.

John 12:48 is the reason why I have problems with modern bible studies in general. So often I hear people in bible studies say things like “What does this Scripture mean to you?” or “What is your take on the Scripture?” This is often followed by a cafeteria-style process where members of a bible study will pick through the various interpretations offered and choose whichever interpretation best fits some preconceived assumtion they’ve made. That’s not bible study. Listen to what Jesus says in John 12:48:

“He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.”

Notice Jesus does not say “My word AS YOU UNDERSTAND IT is what will judge you.” Nor does He say “My Word that YOU ARE AWARE OF is what judges you.” Instead, Jesus makes it plan, that the word HE SPOKE is what will judge us at the last day. Ignorance of the Word will not be an excuse on the final day of Judgment.

Now there are times when a text is APPLIED differently to different people. Here’s an example:

I counseled a man (Dave) who was deeply upset because a woman he’d dated recently left him with little notice. He couldn’t understand why she would leave. In the course of counseling him, it became apparent that cohabitation and fornication were two chief sins that were occuring in his life with this previous girlfriend. Yet the man claimed to be a Christian. So I took him at his word and began counseling him as a Christian. While counseling him, I brought him to the following verse:

1Jn 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;

After he read the verse aloud, he said “This verse is about fornication.” In it’s interpretation, the verse is not about fornication. It’s about claiming fellowship with Christ while walking in the darkness, and how those two are mutually exclusive.

Yet the Holy Spirit caused the verse to come alive to Him, and bring rememberance of sin. He realized what he was doing was wrong, and subsequently repented of it.

However (and this is important) he was not guilty of misinterpreting the text. What God revealed to Him in his heart from the text through the Holy Spirit was certainly the truth: Fornication was a sin, and he needed to submit that area of his life to Christ and ask him for forgiveness. Yet he didn’t misinterpret the text. He understood the plain meaning of the text. Christ and darkness don’t fellowship together. The Holy Spirit through the power of God’s word brought him into right relationship with God. (See Hebrews 4:12-13 for similar verses)

It may be true that how a verse is APPLIED to a believer’s (or non-believer’s) heart may differ. But the intent and message of the Scripture NEVER changes. The Word itself says “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” The intent and message of Scripture never changes.

“He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.”

If we are to be judged by the words that Jesus spoke, then I want to make sure that I understand what he says as much as I can. This means I must make a careful examination of the text, the history surrounding when it was written, the context it was written in, and other factors to make sure that I am not guilty of eisegesis (reading into the text).

To my emergent friends, let me speak plainly so you won’t misunderstand my words: The virgin birth is a reality. Jesus did lead a sinless life. After dying on the cross for ours ins, he was buried. And on the third day he arose BODILY, not metaphysically or spiritually. Jesus is coming back (and hopefully soon!)

I hope this small article will in some way encourage you this Sunday to open your bibles and read what it actually says, not what you think it means. God bless you!

Rob

Facebook Topic Transpant: The Holy Scriptures and the Trinity.

I have a facebook account here (opens in new browser window), and began a wonderful conversation with my friend Scott Soutullo and Ben Lindquist.

I wanted to transfer the conversation over to this site so that the conversation will not be limited by the character limitation when it comes to Facebook. I asked both Scott and Ben to come to this site and post comments on the topic here instead.

So, here’s the original conversation and posts:

Rob Willmann began working through Paul Washer’s study on the attributes of God, and enjoyed the first section on God’s Oneness (Deut. 6:4), and the Scriptural support of the trinity.
10:08pm

Ben Lindquist likes this.

Scott Soutullo at 10:12pm April 29
Oneness is about it.

Ben Lindquist at 10:31pm April 29 via Facebook Mobile
Scott, Are you still under the effects of the anesthetic? Just kidding, and hope the surgery went well! Ben

Rob Willmann at 5:24am April 30
Yea, Scripture is abundant with references to the fact that God is indeed trinity – Three in one. The baptist of Jesus by John the Baptist immediately springs to mind, or Peter’s encounter with Sapphira in the book of Acts, or 1 peter 1:1-2.

Scott Soutullo at 8:57am April 30
Which scriptures? Just kidding. Yeah, I know the scriptures to which you choose to refer, but those scriptures — just like the scriptures produced by (typically the males of) all of the other spiritual traditions throughout human history — are abundant with a whole lot of different things, some of which make basic sense, are gems of wisdom  and are, more or less, true (Gal 6 / reap what you sow) & some of which make absolutely no sense and are patently false, like shellfish being an abomination (Lev. 11:11) or Jesus saying that some of the people standing around him wouldn’t die until he returned (Mark 9:1 / Matt 16:28) or encouraging slavery (both having slaves and selling your daughter into slavery) (Exod 21). So, when it comes to something like conceiving God in a very specific way that requires all kinds of contortions & mental acrobatics to believe, i.e. 3 gods in one / trinity, etc., it’s just easier for me to lump that nebulous concept into the second set described above.

Scott Soutullo at 9:00am April 30
And, no, Ben, they never even put me under for the eye surgery. I was awake the whole time, BUT I did get your joke.

And, Rob, you and I have had parts of these types of conversations before and, as you know, speaking as someone who was sincere in my belief and truly sought revelation from Jesus and attended a “spirit filled” church and went to church on Wednesday and Sundays most of my life and truly, truly sought to have a real relationship with the God of the Judeo-Christian bible, and came up dry, I now enjoy gentlemanly debates about the whole thing. My comments are not intended to offend anyone. This, I trust you know.

Rob Willmann at 10:02am April 30
Scott, I do appreciate your comments, and I am in no way offended. I work at a Rescue Mission, and regularly (almost daily) hear opinions similar to yours. So no problem there, bud.

However, for my own sake, can you do me a favor and clarify a statement you made for me? I genuinely want to understand where you’re coming from. I am going to take one of the statements you made and take some phrases out to simplify it, and ask you to clarify what’s left. Cool?

You said: “Yeah, I know the scriptures to which you choose to refer, but those scriptures — just like the scriptures produced by all of the other spiritual traditions throughout human history are abundant with a whole lot of different things, some of which make basic sense, are gems of wisdom and are, more or less, true & some of which make absolutely no sense and are patently false”

Before I address the rest of your post and the 2nd one you made below it, can you clarify that statement?

Ben Lindquist at 11:07am April 30 via Facebook Mobile
Guys, I am so glad that you chose me to moderate the conversation! I will listen to both sides, and then determine who is correct. What?? No?? Just kidding. Scott, I really apprec your honesty, and am looking forward to a good gentlemanly conversation! Kindest regards, Ben

Scott Soutullo at 11:33am April 30
Ben, I hereby ordain you as moderator.

Rob, yes, I can clarify that statement as follows: the Judeo Christian Bible is replete with falsehoods (from a scientific standpoint and otherwise) and moral perversions that are promulgated therein as factual and moral truths (divinely inspired ones at that). An omniscient / omnipotent god would not have allowed “his” “living” “word” to contain any of these, that required “revision” or “re-interpretation” or “new testament-ization” later on. It would be infallibly true, through and through, from the date of writing to the “end of time.” Of course, it also contains some things that are true; but the things in the Bible that are true, aren’t true because they are found in the Bible. They’re just true; and often were said in many other scriptures (Buddha) thousands of years before they were written in the Bible, which has no monopoly on truth.

Scott Soutullo at 3:40pm April 30
P.S. — I have a sneaking suspicion about which way the moderator will guide the discussion, but I’m still game.

Ben Lindquist at 4:03pm April 30
Alright, it’s been a great discussion, and Rob won it handily. Next topic?

Ben Lindquist at 4:07pm April 30
Scott, Just for further clarification. Would you describe yourself as either an athiest or an agnostic? Or is there another characterization more in line with your belief system? I thought that might be helpful in knowing where to go with the conversation. There are numerous interesting topics you raise, and I thought this might be a good starting place. All kidding aside about being a moderator, I really appreciate the ability to discuss this, and look forward to the conversation!

Scott Soutullo at 4:38pm April 30
Dear Moderator: With due respect, “what” I would “describe” myself as, is not a fair question at this juncture as it bears no relevance to the merits (or lack thereof) of any discussion points that I may make. My discussion points or, if I must, “arguments” should, and I allege, do stand alone without the reader knowing how I describe myself along the multi-faceted spectrum of theistic belief. Having said that, are we not all atheists when it comes to Zeus, Horus, Thor, Mithra or Apollo? I should say we certainly are. I just take it one god further. I will say that I am not a complete, 100% atheist because saying, positively, that “there is no God” is the equivalent, intellectually speaking, of saying “there is a God.” I will go on to say that if the creator of all that is, is watching over us and is intervening and participating in our lives, then the chances of it being the God that you just happened to have been taught from an infant is “the one, true God” is almost zero.

Rob Willmann at 9:43pm April 30
Scott, First, I appreciate your clarification of your earlier statement. There are lots of questions and comments I have, and I would like to be able to discuss this without the meager character limit of this format (Facebook). I have a website at http://www.vibist.com/ which is run on a WordPress Engine. I am going to copy/paste this thread into the website so we can continue there without the limit of character space. I’ll transfer all of our current conversation over there.

I would however, like to clarify one of the comments you made:
Scott: “They’re just true; and often were said in many other scriptures (Buddha) thousands of years before they were written in the Bible, which has no monopoly on truth.”

I have a problem with that. Buddha’s death was +/- 20 years of 400 BC. If the biblical texts were written even 1000 yrs later, then that would put the original biblical manuscripts at +/- 20 years of 600 AD at the earliest, based on your statement. We both know that’s not true.

That’s the extent of our Facebook conversation. I transplanted the posts here, and did no editing except to take the “… Read More” statements out of the text that I copied.

Post away!