New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ

I just bought Thomas Schreiner’s latest book. This what the publisher. Baker Academic has to say about the book

“While no single New Testament document claims to offer a comprehensive theology, Thomas Schreiner suggests that certain recurring themes emerge from the study of the whole. In this volume, he traces key themes as they appear throughout the New Testament canon, exploring the emphases that emerge from a detailed reading of the texts.

Schreiner’s approach is based on solid exegesis of all the key texts and leads him to a unified view of core New Testament teaching. He focuses particularly on two overarching themes. The first concerns the unity of redemptive history and the kingdom of God. The New Testament takes up Old Testament imagery and affirms that the kingdom has come (although it remains unfulfilled) in Jesus Christ. The second related theme concerns the goal of the kingdom–the glory of God through the work of Christ and the empowering presence of the Spirit. In the second half of the work, Schreiner takes up the question of what these themes mean for the life of the believer and the ministry of the community of faith”. For more click here

Brian S. Rosner, senior lecturer in New Testament and ethics, Moore Theological College, says

“Scholars frequently focus so tightly on the details of the New Testament documents that they miss the big picture. On the other hand, all too often attempts to summarize the message of the New Testament ignore the particular expressions and diverse emphases of its twenty-seven books. Without losing the trees for the wood, Schreiner’s New Testament Theology offers a superb exposition of the New Testament’s central message, the glory of God in Christ. Pastors and students will find it an invaluable resource for answering the question most readers are asking: what is the New Testament about?”

Speaking Bluntly

Of late I was aghast at hearing certain church leader saying that he would speak bluntly against certain issues and event and went on to say what was in his mind. What was said was not only hurtful and unkind. I was taken aback with such a so called “open’ and “frank” speaking. Didn’t the Bible tells us to be kind and gentle in speaking to one another. Proverbs 13:3 warns anyone who guard his lips, guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” Paul in 2 Corinthians12: 5-7 has this to say about boasting or speaking “bluntly” He says

…………… but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say. 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.

Paul said he had every right to boast or speak bluntly because he was speaking the truth. Yet he refrained from doing so …so that no one can will think more of him than is warranted by what he says or do and to keep him from being conceited.

Again he exhorted the Ephesians to speak in love (Eph 4:14-16) when they were faced with intense false teaching resulting in dissension among believers,

….so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up

Here Paul exhorted believers to speak the truth in love so that all believers grow and build itself up. Speaking bluntly with no love will cause unnecessary ill- will among believers and cause them to take side.

James in his letter encouraged believers to ” be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (James 1: 19-20)

Peter in 1 Peter 1: 15-17 has this to say

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

He stressed when believers are defending the faith they should speak with gentleness and respect, how much more should believers then cultivate such an attitude when speaking about issues concerning the work of the church where Christ is the Head. It is comforting to listen to Peter’s encouraging in such a situation.

Bible Commentaries

In his blog, Tim Challies has given an excellent list of Bible commentaries for those who want to pursue a deeper understanding of the Bible and be able to teach and preach the word faithfully. Here are his recommendations

Matthew
Carson, D.A. Matthew (EBC), Zondervan 1984.
France, R.T. The Gospel of Matthew. NICNT, Eerdmans, 2007.

Mark
France, R.T. The Gospel of Mark. NIGTC, Eerdmans, 2002.
Lane, William L. The Gospel According to Mark. NICNT, Eerdmans, 1974.

Luke
Bock, Darrell L. Luke (2 volumes). BECNT, Baker, 1994 (volume 2).
Marshall, I. Howard. Commentary on Luke. NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1978.

John
Carson, D. A. The Gospel According to John. PNTC, Eerdmans 1991.
Keener, Craig S. The Gospel of John. Hendrickson, 2003.

Acts
Witherington, Ben. The Acts of the Apostles. Eerdmans, 1997.
Bock, Darrell L, Acts. BECNT, Eerdmans, 2007.

Romans
Moo, Douglas J. The Epistle to the Romans. NICNT, Eerdmans, 1996.
Schreiner, Thomas R. Romans. BECNT, Baker, 1998.

1 Corinthians
Fee, Gordon D. The First Epistle to the Corinthians. NICNT, Eerdmans, 1987.
Garland, David E. 1 Corinthians. BECNT, Baker, 2003.

2 Corinthians
Barnett, Paul. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians. NICNT, Eerdmans, 1997.
Harris, Murray, J. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians. NIGTC, Eerdmans, 2005.

Galatians
Bruce, F. F. Galatians. NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1982.
Longenecker, R. Galatians, WBC, Word, 1990.

Ephesians
Bruce, F. F. The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians. NICNT, Eerdmans, 1984.
O’Brien, Peter T. The Letter to the Ephesians. PNTC, Eerdmans, 1999.

Philppians
Fee, Gordon D. Philippians. NICNT, Eerdmans, 1995.
O’Brien, Peter T. The Epistle to the Philippians. NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1991.

Colossians &Philemon
O’Brien, Peter T. Colossians, Philemon. WBC, Word, 1982.
Bruce, F. F. The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians. NICNT, Eerdmans, 1984.

1 & 2 Thessalonians
Wanamaker, Charles A. The Epistles to the Thessalonians. NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1990.
Bruce, F. F. 1 and 2 Thessalonians. WBC, Word, 1982.

Pastoral Epistles
Mounce, William D. Pastoral Epistles. WBC, Word, 2000.
Fee, Gordon D. 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus. NIBC, Hendricksen, 1998.

Hebrews
Ellingworth, Paul. The Epistle to the Hebrews. NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1993.
Lane, William L. Hebrews (2 Volumes). WBC, Word, 1991 (volume 2).

James
Moo, Douglas J. The Letter of James. TNTC, Eerdmans, 2007.
Davids, Peter H. Commentary on James. NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1982.

1 Peter
Davids, Peter H. The First Epistle of Peter. NICNT, Eerdmans, 1990.
Grudem, Wayne A. The First Epistle of Peter. TNTC, Eerdmans, 2007.

2 Peter and Jude
Bauckham, Richard J. Jude, 2 Peter. WBC, Word, 1983.
Moo, Douglas J. 2 Peter and Jude. NIVAC, Zondervan, 1997.

Johannine Epistles
Kruse, Colin G. The Letters of John, TNTC, Eerdmans, 2004.
Stott, John R. W. The Epistles of St. John, TNTC, Eerdmans, 1988.

Revelation
Beale, G.K. The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text. NIGTC, Eerdmans, 1998.
Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation. NICNT, Eerdmans, 1997.

Visit to St Andrew’s Church

My wife and I together with Fang Leng Chan and his family visited St Andrew’s Church, Terengganu on 20 June 2008, It was good to see Canon Charles Samuel who is doing well in building up the church and ministry here. The church is growing and attendance is expected to reach 200 and more. That’s the reason for the current renovation work of the church. Later we had lunch with Canon Charles and his family and also visited his home to have tea and Terengganu’s famous buns.

Other photos taken at Cherating

Plenary Session 4 - The 12th Malaysia Cell Conference

In the fourth session, Dr John Hull spoke about Evangelism Irresistible Influence, which he described as Sensory Evangelism. He said God’s Word calls Christians to be witnesses who proclaim the love of God, in Christ, using all our senses. This the first time I heard evangelism described in this way. It is refreshing and challenging. Followers of Jesus who have “irresistible influence” understanding and use “sensory evangelism”. I think this how Christians should approach non-Christians.

He showed us how to think of the five senses as the ways that allow Christians to become a people of influence in our culture:

1. The sense of hearing. In Romans 10:17 we read “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Every Christians can proclaim the word of Christ so that people can come to Christ by hearing the Word.
2. The sense of taste. Matthew 5:13 says “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. Just as salt adds flavour to the foods we eat, he urged Christians to be the “purifier” and well as the agent of adding “flavour” or values to the lives of the people around us. In this way, we would reflect our love of Christ to others.
3. The sense of sight. Matthew 5:14 says “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. We are called to the light to the world. Is there a place where we can push back darkness? Are we active in any organizations that are fighting against child abuse, drug addiction etc that are keeping the people in darkness.
4. The sense of touch. Here Dr John Hull referred to Matthew 25:31-46 to illustrate his points. We need to get involved in the lives of people who we want to evangelize. Simple gestures of help and care will open ways for us to share the gospels. He mentioned buying dough nuts for colleagues in the meeting.
   
5. The sense of smell. Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 says “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? or we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.(ESV)”. This is a very powerful thought in this modern troubling world. What do we leave behind in our relationships with others?.

He concluded his talk with five questions and asked each person to review of his life as witness of Christ:

• How will I sound today?
• How will I add flavour today?
• How will I look today?
• How can I touch today?
• How can I leave the aroma of Christ today?

Praise and Worship

Recently our church plans to start a “Praise and Worship” service which will include a lengthy singing of choruses and songs followed by talk from different invited speaker each week Some say they have been blessed by such a service before and others would refrain from coming because of “lengthy” and repetitive singing. This is true for seniors who may find standing up too long uncomfortable.

Recently I read an interesting article in the Briefing by Tony Payne. He says praise is

…….. public proclamation of God’s greatness in the Psalms covers the full range of God’s character and achievements. He is acclaimed for being the all-powerful Creator and sustainer of all things (Ps 74; 104), the Judge of the Earth (Ps 33:6-9,13-15; 11), who rules with righteousness (Ps 9: and acts with an unfailing steadfast love (Ps 136). The Psalms ring with the wonder that this mighty, righteous, good God has entered into covenant with Israel, that he has stooped from his heights to love them in their depths. He is Israel’s Redeemer, both corporately (Ps 105; 136; 89) and individually (Ps 22; 30; 32).

It is worth the reading and it certainly helps me in understanding what “praise and worship” is about. For full article, please read “Confessions of a teenage praise junkie”

Following this, Tony Payne has another article on worship or what is a Christian gathering. Read Worship III - The Gathering: Thinking Afresh About Church

Planery Session 2 - The 12th Malaysia Cell Church Conference

In the session, Dr John Hull spoke about Equipping - The 4 Skill Disciplines Needed to Grow A Great Team, which are as follow:

1. Build and maintain a cohesive team. Here he listed five dysfunctions of a team which are a) Absence of trust, b) Fear of Conflict, c) Lack of Commitment, d) Avoidance of Accountability and e) Inattention to Results. No team will remain cohesive when team member does openly confront these issues which will break the team and drain out the energy of the team.
2. Create organizational clarity. Dr John Hull stressed the importance of clarifying the church vision, values, mission, strategy, gaols, roles and responsibilities
3. Over-communicate clarity. This is very important in a large and growing church. Emails, videos internet sites, speeches team meetings, conference calls all create cascading messages.
4. Reinforce through human systems such as hiring, managing performance, meetings, rewarding and dismissing. He strongly stress the importance of 4 meetings namely, Daily Check In, Weekly Tactical, Monthly Strategic and Quarterly Review. For the church ministry team to succeed such an accountability is a must!

Plenary Session 1 - The 12th Malaysia Cell Church 2008 Conference

It was an impressive sight to see 780 plus church leaders from Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, India, Australia and Nigeria in a conference. The session started with a lively praise and worship service. Sr Pastor Daniel Ho (Senior Pastor of DUMC) was on stage to welcome and thank everyone who were present in the conference. Next we have Dr John Hull, President and CEO of EQUIP (a non-profit organization founded by John Maxwell to train leaders around the world) who spoke on Building Winning Ministry Teams. He shared 5 Principles for building such a team:

1. Choose the right players. People chosen must display themselves as “SMART LEADERS who a) Show enormous personal energy, b) Motivate and energize others, c) Act with passion, d) Results oriented, e) Trusted by others, f) Love God and is committed to the cause on personal, local, regional, national and international level, g) Embrace change as a friend, h) Accept the role of a servant, i) Display confidence with humility, j) Enlists the ideas of others, k) Rallies the team to the cause, l) Stops to smell the roses
2. Share a great dream
3. Build a good pipeline which would include a) defining the process, b) developing a curriculum, and c) determining a strategy
4. Empower them to do the ministry ( Luke 10:1)
5. Review their progress

Good principles to follow for all church ministry teams.

Tim Keller - The Reason For God

Surprise Call From DUMC

I was surprised to receive a call from one of the hosts of DUMC. He said he will be my host for the 3 days  conference. I acknowledged his call and said we would meet tomorrow at the cafe. Next I received an email confirming our call and meeting. Good practice for other churches to follow.