“Jesus Calling?”

Is “Jesus Calling?”

Recently I was given a copy of Jesus Calling, a devotional by Sarah Young. When I first received it, I began thumbing through it, and something in it struck me as quite odd from the very beginning:

It’s written from Jesus’ point of view, the first person singular.

To give you an example of this, here’s part of the entry for January 1:

“Come to Me with a teachable sirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Don not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My Favce with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

That phrase “Come to Me” is supposed to be Jesus talking to me. I have a big problem with this. While Sarah Young says in the intro that she knows that her writing is not on the same level as inspired Scripture, what does she mean to do by writing a book called “Jesus Calling” in first person singular, and saying in the intro that it was “God speaking to her”?

Mrs. Young states on pages x-xi of the introduction:

“During that same year (1992), I began reading God Calling, a devotional book written by two anonymous ‘listeners.’ These women practiced waiting quietly in God’s Presence, pencils and paper in hand, recording the messages they received from Him. The messages are written in first person, with ‘I’ designating God….. The following year, I began to wonder if I, too, could receive messages during my times of communing with God. I had been writing in prayer journals for years, but that was one-way communication: I did all the talking. I knew that God communicated with me through the Bible, but I yearned for more. Increasingly, I wanted to hear what God had to say to me personally on a given day. I decided to listen to God with pen in hand, writing down whatever I believed He was saying. I felt awkward the first time I tried this, but I received a message. It was short, biblical, and appropriate. It addressed topics that were current in my life: trust, fear, and closeness to God. I responded by writing in my prayer journal. My journaling had changed from monologue to dialogue. Soon, messages began to flow more freely, and I bought a special notebook to record these words. This new way of communicating with God became the high point of my day. I knew these writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but they were helping me grow closer to God.”

First, Mrs. Young says she knew that God communicated with her through the Bible, yet she “yearned for more.” Isn’t God’s inspired Holy Scripture enough? God has revealed Himself to Us through His Son Jesus Christ who came in the flesh, through the Holy Spirit who indwells believers, through His inspired, written word, yet it’s not enough? If God came in the flesh and spoke, and if we believe that Jesus is God’s FINAL revealing Word, then WHY do we need 365 days of additional instruction written from God’s point of view? We don’t!

The Bible says:

“John 20:31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”

We can have abundant life in His name, yet it’s not enough?

Second, Mrs. Young stats that she wanted to “hear what God had to say to me personally on a given day.”

The Bible says in 2 Peter 1:20-21: “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, (21) for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

Now I realize that God reveals His word to us. It’s called illumination. James tells us to ask for wisdom from God so that we can understand. Yet how is it that Sarah Young can now write 365 days of devotional material from Jesus’ perspective, state that it’s a “new way of communicating with God”, and have people treat it as just some regular devotional material?

It’s either God’s Word, or it’s not. And if it IS God’s Word, and she is writing it from Jesus’ perspective, then it’s being presented in an authoritative way. That’s probably what bothers me the most about this. I’ve read lots of other devotional material, but never have I read anything that someone says is a message from God, and it be in the FIRST PERSON, as if Jesus is directly speaking. IF Jesus is truly speaking in her writing (and I do not believe He is), then wouldn’t I take His word as revealed to Sarah as seriously as I would Scripture? Do you see the problem? How is a young Christian supposed to read such things in her book and NOT believe that it’s Scripture?

Friends, the words in Sarah’s book are not Jesus’ words, but the way it’s written, it is portrayed as if Jesus is speaking. I tremble at the thought of writing 365 days of anything and claiming in comes directly from Jesus, from His point of view. That’s exactly what she claims when she says: “I decided to listen to God with pen in hand, writing down whatever I believed He was saying. I felt awkward the first time I tried this, but I received a message.”

And what about the accuracy of these messages written as if from Jesus himself to us? Take for example, the June 22nd entry, which begins with:

“Thank Me for the very things that are troubling you. You are on the brink of rebellion, precariously close to shanking your fist in My Face.” How does Sarah Young know this? Another question: How is it that ALL Christians who read this particular entry on June 22nd are on the “brink of rebellion”?

The May 9th entry also says “Because you are human, you will continue to make mistakes. Thinking that you should live error-free is symptomatic of pride.” Where do we find Jesus saying THAT in Scripture?

Or again on February 19th: “You are feeling weighed down by a plethora of problems both big and small.” But what if I’m not? What if I am joyous? Does that mean that I am in the wrong on February 19th?

Are you beginning to see the problems with Sarah Young’s devotional? By writing it from Jesus’ point of view, the presumtion is overwhelming. And it gets worse. Sarah is writing another version of this book… for children!

Yet Scripture teaches us: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; (17) so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

I do not need a word from Jesus from a secondary source when Scripture itself is sufficient. Mrs. Young herself even states that God speaks to us through His Word. GOD’s word is inspired, not Sarah’s. And it is God’s word that is sufficient to train me in righteousness, and according to God’s word, His training that comes through His Word will make me adequate, equipped for every good work.

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.

Jennifer Knapp, Lesbianism, Rick Warren, and Scripture. Oh My!

Rick Warren, in his talk at TED2006, stated (at approx. 21:00 in the video) that “God Smiles when You Be You”. He states a few seconds later that God gets pleasure out of “you being you.”

Friends, there’s a big problem with this message. Rick was speaking to an audience that was primarily non-Christians. Jesus Christ was never mentioned. Instead a humanistic message that “God loves us for being us” was given. This message is not the Gospel, obviously, but the worst part, is that as a Christian pastor, Rick Warren basically just opened the floodgates for any behavior at all. Believers and non-believers alike can now simply do whatever they want, and think (based upon Rick) that God will smile upon them, and receive pleasure from people being whoever they desire to be.

Being a pastor myself, my first thoughts were, “What do Scriptures say about this?” The first passage that came to mind was this:

1Peter 1:14-19: As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, (15) but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; (16) because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” (17) If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; (18) knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, (19) but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

Now let’s take Rick’s message and apply it to Jennifer Knapp, the “Christian” who is now publicly stating that she’s a lesbian.

She appeared on Larry King Live just the other day, and made this statement:

Larry King: You say you’re the happiest you’ve ever been right now?
Jennifer Knapp: I’m pretty darn happy.
Larry King: So you’re glad all of this happened?
Jennifer Knapp: I am not a regretfull person.
Larry King: No, but you feel better?
Jennifer Knapp: I’m… I… I feel blessed to be able to fully be who I am. I love being able to be a musician and part of that process for me as a musician is being open and honest and to not feel like I have to lie or hide anything. I don’t necessarily want to talk about it all the time, but I don’t have to hide it either.

So based on what Rick Warren states, that God takes pleasure in “you being you”, Jennifer is currently being smiled upon by God, and He is taking pleasure in the fact that she is a lesbian.

Huh? How does that work?

Peter, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote “..be holy yourselvces also in all your behavior, because it is written, ‘YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY’”

So which is it? Is Rick right, or is God right? Did God actually mean what he said in Scripture? If so, how does it apply to me? When will the evangelical world wake up and see that Rick Warren’s humanistic man-centered Gospel is at direct odds with what Scripture teaches?

I pray that Jennifer comes to her senses, and that she is “snatched from the fire.” Her behavior and blatant lesbian lifestyle have made herx profession of faith as a Christian into nothing. What a sad commentary this is on the holiness of the church and the lack of biblical discernment on the part of Jennifer.

Be sure to check out Ken Silva’s Apprising.org article here where the videos of Jennifer on Larry King Live are posted.

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