Opening to a New Perspective

"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel" (Phil 1:12).

The famous 17th-century puritan preacher and writer John Bunyan was arrested and jailed in England for preaching publicly without a license. At one time, he was incarcerated for twelve years, during which time he wrote many books and pamphlets. It was during his imprisonment that he wrote the Pilgrim's Progress, said to be probably the most famous book ever written in the English language. So, rather than seeing his imprisonment as a great tragedy, Bunyan took an optimistic view of it.

Bunyan's story and perspective, evoke Paul the apostle's attitude, who was also jailed several times on account of the gospel. During his four years of imprisonment in Caesarea and Rome, he wrote epistles that are far more remarkable than Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress.

Paul did not let his predicament and subjective anxieties cloud his objective belief in God's truth. He didn't lose his sense of purpose or mission, despite a crisis situation. He saw his 'lockdown' as an opportunity for advancing the gospel. He saw the big picture. He didn't allow persecution and prison to rob him of his joy, composure, confidence, compassion for others, focus on what mattered most, and devotion to God.

As we navigate through these uncertain times, we should draw insights from Bunyan and Paul.  As Christians, we are people of light, we shouldn't let our vision be blurred or befuddled by the vicissitudes of these dark and dire times. We can't allow our subjective feelings to obscure our ability to act on God's truth in such a time as this. If we are slack in the day of distress, our strength is limited (Prov 24:10).

Come what may, the Church must not lose sight of the big picture, we should keep moving forward because the gospel isn’t limited by a shutdown, guidelines, or any restriction whatsoever. The church should reach out with gracious expressions of sacrificial love, refocusing on meeting the growing needs of our hurting world. 

We may never be able to fully remove or avoid negative elements in society, but we can ensure that there are more positive vibes being generated than negative ones. Paul's gracious attitude was a great encouragement to others in furtherance of the gospel ( v. 14). Our utterances, in view of ensuing developments, should be gracious and soothing. This is the time to let our "gentleness [graciousness, reasonableness] be apparent to all" (Phil 4:5). We should shy away from making divisive statements that could rile up negative emotions and dim our Christian presence and essence. 

Let's get creative as we leverage the influence of the Holy Spirit to brood over the darkness of our time, and lead us to new discoveries. We should explore innovative ways of motivating one another and engaging our world in care, prayer, discipleship, fellowship, evangelism, and ministry.

In responding to extraordinary times, the church should be willing to go beyond the constraints of traditions, liturgies, places of worship and programmes, to forge ahead with purpose in making an extraordinary impact. We shouldn't be waiting or clamouring for things to return to normal, we should be leveraging the 'new normal'.

The Apostolic Doctrine (Final)

 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. (Acts 2:42-43)

For the past three days, we've been  discussing this topic under the following  points: 1. Anatomization of the doctrine 2. Atmosphere of the doctrine 3. Audience of the doctrine  4. Attitude for the doctrine 

Today, we are concluding the series with the last point: 

 Augmentation of the doctrine

Finally we come to the augmentation of the apostolic doctrine. Here, I mean the reinforcement of the teaching of the apostles. What were those factors that bolstered or reinforced the teaching, with regards to its effect in the lives of the people? 

First, they were in fellowship. This obviously was an extension of the atmosphere of unity and love that abound. And because there was fellowship, they looked out for one another in their walk of faith. They were one another’s keeper. This is very significant. We must understand and emphasise the ‘community’ in the community of faith. We can’t afford to be on a solo run in the race of faith. Let’s take a cue from Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…” (5:11) The writer of Hebrew, harps on the same point more extensively, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, … And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:23-25)  

Second, they prayed. Prayer propels the heart to respond rightly to truth. Prayer was expressed in supplications to God for an increase of grace and life in their own souls; for establishment in the truth which they had received, and for the extension of the kingdom of Christ in the lives of people. Prayer is very key in bringing about the kind of response required for the apostolic doctrine. 

Lastly, there was the miraculous. Many miraculous signs and wonders were performed by the apostles. The wonders were miracles that evoked a deep sense of awe in the people and the signs were miracles pointing to a divine truth, which authenticated the veracity of the apostles. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, “When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you” (2 Cor 12:12). Similarly, we read from Hebrews 2:3 that God confirmed the message of truth— the apostolic doctrine, by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose. The miraculous was a signpost that the things that were being taught were real. Paul said, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power” (1 Cor 4:20.) Further, he reminded the Thessalonians, “…our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction” (1 Thess 1:5). Wherever the truth is there is power.

 #Conclusion

Today, churches are filled with biblical illiterates. Biblical illiteracy may be expected in secular society, but not in the church. However, it is not surprising that Christians lack biblical knowledge because churches  marginalize the apostolic teaching with lmpunity. Strange teachings and practices have crept into the fold, debilitating the faith and fervour of Christians and the power and influence of the church in the society. A healthy church should be filled with faith-filled, Spirit-filed and Kingdom-minded people, who exhibit the vital signs of new life in Christ and flow in the miraculous. It’s time we got back on our tracks and begin to take urgent and apt action in letting the word of Christ (apostolic doctrine), in all its richness, fill our lives, as we teach and counsel one another in all wisdom.

The Apostolic Doctrine 3

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. (Acts 2:42-43)

The thrust of yesterday's post is that the Apostolic doctrine derives and thrives in the atmosphere of the Holy Spirit and the unity of believers.

Today, we will examine the audience of the doctrine and attitude for the doctrine... 

Audience of the doctrine

I am not concerned about the demographics of the audience here. Rather, what inspires my insight is a single characteristic that defines the audience and its implication. It is significant to reckon here that the apostles were as much an audience of their doctrine as those who received the Gospel and were added to the fold. 

What exactly is significant about the audience of the apostolic doctrine is that they were disciples. A disciple is a learner, a disciple is a follower, a disciple is meek, a disciple is a listener, a disciple is teachable. It is of immeasurable importance for Christians to have a heart that is willing to be taught and receive instruction. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning (Proverbs 9:9). 

The benefits of having a heart that is open to instruction are exemplified in the lives of the disciples. The Word found expression in their lives and produced fruits of a lifestyle that had been impacted by the word of truth. You will recall that It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians, having been under Christ-centred teaching for a whole year  by Barnabas and Paul.

Attitude for the doctrine

Attitude here refers to the disposition of the audience to the apostolic doctrine. Luke reports that they “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” The Greek tense of the verb used here implies consistency or persistence, possibly against all odds and with tenacity or intensity. They were consistent and tenacious in attending to the apostolic doctrine. They received it, retained it, and acted on its principles. In other words, they received, retained and responded with the right action. There’s a reception of the word of truth, a retention and a response with corresponding action that demonstrates the impact of truth. We read in Acts 2:41 that disciples received the word with gladness, also, in chapter 17 verse 11, we see the great attitude with which the Bereans received the word. They were open minded and “received the word with all eagerness.”

Tomorrow,  I'll bring you the concluding part of the series. For now, let your heart dwell on what you have read.

Moderation and Decency in Dressing

People's styles in fashion are relative to their culture and socialisation e.g. upbringing, where they have lived or who they've lived with, the influences in their lives, books they've read, places they've been to, nature of their job, the level of exposure they have and so forth.

The issue of decency in dressing is not exclusive to religion. Even atheists and agnostics know what's decent and indecent. In some workplaces, you can't wear certain outfits. They spell out the dress code and it's not based on religious beliefs. It's simply office etiquette. Decency is a social phenomenon, not just a religious ethic. It defines actions that conforms to the recognized standard of propriety or what's socially acceptable.

For me, as a Christian, irrespective of what your style is, your dressing and fashion in general, should be based on (1) decency, that is what is decent, (2) dignity, what is dignifying, (3) what is appropriate, with regards to the nature of the occasion, (for example, I shouldn't wear a beach oufit or what I'll wear to the gym to a church service and vice versa), with regards to the weather, (e.g. the misfit of wearing a sweat shirt in the heat, or wearing sleeveless, when it's cold), with regards to your size and body frame and features, (e.g. a big sized person wearing a tight top, with all the vitals uncomfortably protruding, or a slim figure wearing an oversized attire, is awkward), with regards to aesthetics, ( this is not just about what's the fad, but what fits, a lady wearing slim pants should wear a big top, a man shouldn't wear a striped shirt on a striped trousers etc.) and (4) what glorifies God, my dressing should glorify God, just as everything I do should glorify Him. This subscribes to the principle of imago Dei. As an image bearer, what I wear should rep Whose image I bear.

These four factors should undergird a Christian's dress sense. 

Now, on 'moderation', we have often quoted and applied Philppians 4:5 wrongly, and we typically use it as a stereotype against women's dressing.

First, the scripture has nothing to do with dressing at all, not to talk women dressing or fashion. You'll need to study the passage in context, especially with reference to verse 2.

The word "moderation" as rendered in the KJV actually means, forbearance, gentleness or a gracious attitude and not modesty in dressing, as wrongly assumed and taught by many. The word describes a person who is really free to let go of his anxieties and all the things that cause him stress, because he knows that the Lord will take up his cause. 

Second, if we want to teach modesty, which is a good thing, then we should use appropriate scriptures. Paul and Peter actually touched on modesty in their epistles (1Tim 2:9-10; 1 Pet 3:3-4). However, modesty should not be targeted at women alone, and modesty shouldn't address only dressing. It should touch all aspects of our behavioral disposition, with the propensities for extremes, e.g. eating, drinking, talking, playing, celebrating, entertainment, and so forth.

With particular reference to dressing, it is noteworthy that modesty is relative. The word 'modesty' comes from the Latin word modestus which means "keeping within measure". Standards of modesty are culturally and context-dependent and vary widely. What is modest to Mrs. Alakija may be not be modest to the wife of Apostle Awosanya, 

Mrs. Alakija is a billionaire and a philanthropist, so she can afford to wear a jewellery worth 200, 000 naira, a luxury handbag of 20,000 dollars, an Alexander McQueen vintage gown of only God knows the worth, but for 'Mummy' Apostle Awosanya, all that may be immodest, because given her budget, there are other priorities that require attention, which would be scuttled, if she ventures into the league of Alakija

One significant ethic that should define our modesty is contentment. And contentment is usually defined in the context of what we have and can afford at the moment and not what we would have loved to have in comparison to what others have.

Apostolic Doctrine 2

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. (Acts 2:42-43)

Yesterday  I started a series on the above topic,  being the theme of the Apostolic Summit of Love Revival Lrm ministry, which rounded off yesterday in Sokoto, Nigeria. Apostle Courage Eghosasere Ode is the President of the ministry and Senior Pastor of Love Family  Church. He's been a great inspiration to me in almost every aspect of my life and I thank God for what He is doing through the man of God in our generation. 

I started off by highlighting the five key points on which I intend to espouse the topic,  namely: 1. Anatomization of the doctrine 2. The atmosphere of the doctrine 3. The audience of the doctrine  4. Attitude for the doctrine and 5. Augmentation of the doctrine.

I classified the anatomization of the Apostolic doctrine into the content, subject, and the object of the doctrine. 

Today, let's see how far we can go. I appreciate the comments of some of my friends who took the time to read and let me know they are following the series.  I'm tagging you on this post. May we profit by the illumination of truth in our lives...

The atmosphere of the doctrine

First, we need to reckon that the teaching of the apostles was birthed under the atmosphere of the Spirit’s power and influence. You recall that at the Pentecost there was an outpouring of the Spirit. There was an endowment and empowerment of the disciples by the Holy Spirit. And it was after that experience that Peter caught the boldness to speak and about three thousand were added to the number of the disciples that day. We saw the power of the Spirit upon the apostles and we saw the influence of the Spirit upon those who received the Word because they couldn’t have been able to receive it except by the outworking of the Holy Spirit. 

This is very significant, because you can teach and preach,  and the power and influence of the Spirit could be absent. People may get excited, yell and get into hysteria, and yet there’s no impact; people can get informed and they aren’t transformed, because of the absence of the Spirit’s influence and impact. 

As leaders who communicate God’s word, we must acknowledge that our work is fruitless unless the Holy Spirit is involved.  The Spirit is the author and preserver of Scripture, the teacher and guide of the preacher and, through the words and meaning of Scripture, the power and presence of God at work in the listening congregation. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the minister of the Word correctly handles the word of truth, to keep the pattern of sound teaching and guard the good deposit, which brings about an enduring impact in the lives of the hearers. 

The apostolic teaching thrives in the atmosphere of the Spirit’s power and influence. The Illumination, the insight of the Word is by the outworking of the Spirit. The move upon people’s heart to be open and yielded to the word is by the Spirit’s influence. 

An extension of the atmosphere of the Spirit is the atmosphere of unity. Of course, wherever the Spirit of God is there’s bound to be unity, there’s bound to be love. The truth is spoken in love as people respond in love to receive the word of truth. It finds expression in their lives as they begin to transform. When the Holy Spirit activates love in the hearts of people, hope comes alive and they are not offended or frustrated (Rom. 5:5).  Where love abounds, the Spirit helps us to receive with meekness the implanted word as we put away all moral filth and every expression of evil, so that our souls are saved (James 1:21). Where love abounds, truth gains ground and holds sway. We read in Act chapter 6, when the discord between the Jewish and Greek Christians was neutralized and unity was restored, the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith (verse7).  Where unity is the word of truth will prevail.

I believe you have picked something from today's part of the series. Let your heart be inspired in the place of meditation. We'll meet again tomorrow on this same platform.  Stay blessed!

The Apostolic Doctrine

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. (Acts 2:42-43)

I'd  like to examine this theme from five key points: 1. Anatomization of the doctrine 2. Atmosphere of the doctrine 3. Audience of the doctrine  4. Attitude for the doctrine and 5. Augmentation of the doctrine.

Come with me on a feast of truth... 

 Anatomization of the doctrine

By anatomization, I mean the unloading, analysis— laying bare or making clear, understanding of what the apostles’ doctrine is.  To anatomize the apostles’ doctrine, we will examine the content, the subject and the object (objective} of the doctrine. 

 #Content of the doctrine

 The word doctrine as used in the text simply means teaching. In other words, we mean the apostles’ teaching.  Coming a bit home, we may render it to mean the didactic or ethical instruction as given by the apostles. Luke applies the word apostle (Apostolos) only to the Twelve. Because they had been called by Jesus, had been with Jesus throughout his ministry, and had witnessed his resurrection, they possessed the best possible knowledge of what Jesus had said and done. The apostolic doctrine is not some kind of an esoteric or abstract set of principles, which requires a grotesque initiation rite for one to be acquainted with it. It is simply what the apostles had learnt at the feet of Christ. In other words, the content of the apostles’ teaching was the gospel. John the Apostle confidently and excitedly proclaims, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched — this we proclaim concerning the Word of life” (1 John 1:1). This is the content of the apostolic doctrine!

 #Subject of the doctrine

 The subject of the apostolic doctrine is Christ. It centres on the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Paul said, “We preach Christ crucified…” (1 Cor. 1:23) The apostolic doctrine is Christocentric or Christ centred. It is not human philosophy or denominational dogma. It is not self-help psychology that makes people feel good by promising them false hopes.  Any teaching no matter how phenomenal its sounds, that doesn’t exalt Christ is deception.  Paul also said, “…for we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord” (2 Cor. 4:5). This is very instructive for those of us involved with the ministry of the Word. We must earnestly keep contending for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints by teaching and preaching Christ and not about ourselves. We must be wary of getting mixed up in secret and shameful ways of using deception and distorting the word of God (2 Cor. 4:2). Our teaching must present Christ. It must reveal Christ.  It must magnify Christ.

 #Object of the doctrine

 The goal of apostolic teaching is Christlikeness. “…He gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:11-13). Whether you an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or a teacher, if your ministry is not building up people to people become like Christ, then it is something else.  In view of this, therefore, the apostolic  doctrine is not merely informational, it is transformational. The process of Christlikeness is transformational.

COVID-19: A missional Perspective

The attached video is an excerpt from yesterday's sermon of Rev. Sam Aboyeji, the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria.

While some are crying foul of the covid-19 pandemic, the servant of God highlights and affirms the advantage of the current situation to the mission of the Church.

Whether we know it or not, there's a shift in the scheme of things with regards to God's programme in the world, through the Church. The inability of some to understand or yield will not truncate divine agenda.

There are catching up moments already all over the world, and those with a missional perspective are already catching the fervour, and are being positioned for exploits. 

They are not waiting or clamouring for things to return to normal. They are taking advantage of the 'new normal.'

Much ado about reopening

No small fuss is being made over the guidelines issued by the government, for reopening worship centres. Some faith leaders have shown no subtlety in expressing their displeasure over the guidelines.The thing about compulsory face mask is not syncing with some people at all.

I think as faith leaders, we need to be creative in designing a liturgy that will be compliant with the guidelines for reopening worship centres. If we must gather in the open, we must do so creatively and responsibly.

In fact, we should have been proactive in thinking up ideas of amenable worship formulae, as suggestions to the government. Liturgy involves people. We should think about the safety and health of people in the way we regather.

If the church reopens without effecting safe measures, in preventing a contagion, and a crisis ensues, leaders and indeed the church, won't be able to handle the negative press, embarrassment and crackdown that will follow. We can't afford to be a nuisance to public health.

Experts have warned that singing is a “super-spreader.” According to a 2019 report published in the scientific journal, Nature,  particle emission is correlated with the amplitude of vocalization—or loudness—so singing releases more particles than other types of speech or breathing. It even spreads the virus more than coughing.

We don't have to do worship with singing, or raising our voices. We can have solemn assemblies, with the accompaniment of keyboard instruments. Our sermons can be pre recorded and projected on screens. Praying can be done without talking. Worship is not in the physical postures or displays. Worship is equally not in the theatrics that we are known to associate with worshipping. 

After all, Christians, in places where public worship is restricted or outrightly proscribed, have been worshipping God in spite of, long before Covid-19. And they are no less a Christian than we are. They got creative given their situation, understanding that worship is a relationship and a lifestyle.

Worship is sacrosanct, but liturgy is a social construct. We can always moderate or modify our liturgy. Like I have reiterated in my other posts, the current situation may also be an opportunity to strengthen small groups gathering.

As civic leaders navigate through the coronavirus crisis, in making life safer and bearable for the citizenry, faith leaders should be part of the solution, not the problem.

Same Measure

🎵Give and it will come back to you

Good measure pressed down, shaken together, and Running over

Give and it will come back to you

When you give, give to the Lord🎵🎶

I guess we are very familiar with this song. It used to be our offering time favourite in church when I was younger. Nowadays, we've added more vernacular flavours to the playlist. The lyrics of the song were extracted from Luke 6:38. It's only that the text isn't about giving to the Lord at all. No offence meant to the songwriter.

 Following the rule of interpreting the synoptic gospels, we should consider parallel passages, to get the full gist of any text in the Synoptics. Matthew wrote before Luke, so it is assumed Luke adapted from Matthew. 

The parallel passage of Luke 6:37-38 in Matthew is in Chapter 7:1-2. The ethical imperative in the passage is "Judge not." Luke expands it to include, condemn not, forgive and give, summing up what should be the manner of our relationships with our fellow human beings. 

And like Matthew did, Luke hints that how we relate with people has implications (...and with what measure ye mete...), whether positive or negative, using the metaphor of methods of measuring. The imagery of "good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over," is a graphic illustration of the gravity of the implications of our actions to others. Picture how cereals or cassava is heaped into a sack.

The word “bosom” (as rendered in KJV) refers to a practice in ancient near Eastern cultures of sewing a large bag into or on the front part of their clothing so that articles could be carried in them. This is equivalent to the function of our pockets. In other words, we get a pocketful of reward or retribution, commensurate to how we treat our fellow humans.

Both Matthew's and Luke's accounts encapsulate Jesus' teaching of the Golden Rule: "Do to others as you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31). While Luke uses the rule as a topic sentence to open the discussion, Matthew closes with it.

The Golden Rule addresses human interpersonal relationships. Its message is additionally theological, because it guides how we should interact and relate with one another, as humans created in the image and likeness of God. In a simple but powerful way, Jesus cautions us to recognize the respective dignity of our fellow humans, especially given our propensities to inflict immoral actions.

It's a volatile world. We should be wary of being sucked in, by the tensional tide and visceral pull, of grudging, getting back at, pulling down, withholding privileges from, dragging issues with, and being insensitive to the vulnerability of fellow human beings. 

The Golden Rule reinforces the virtues that cultivate the generosity of the soul. Generosity is not just about monetary or material gifts or charity. In biblical parlance, it is synonymous with being noble, liberal, acting honestly, and honorably. In the context of interpersonal relationships, generosity is expressed in giving people the opportunity to express their humanity, without the feeling of uneasiness or fear of inhibitions or alienation. It's being large-hearted in our dealings with others.

It includes giving someone the benefit of the doubt; giving others a reason to want to work with you or be around you. It entails giving others latitude, permission to make mistakes, to learn, grow, and evolve. It’s giving them the freedom that goes with self-determination. It's celebrating people's uniqueness. It's valuing and validating others.

A generous soul seeks the path of harmony with others. This is expressed in building good relationships. A Harvard study of adult development showed that good relationships keep us happier and healthier. I'll add 'wealthier' to the list. "But a generous man devises generous things, And by generosity, he shall stand" (Isa 32:8).

Pentecost and Racial Relations

It was Pentecost Sunday, four days ago. I wonder how it was celebrated around the world amid the Covid-19 pandemic. As in many places, church buildings are still under lockdown with the stay-at-home orders still very much in effect. 

In the United States-- in Los Angeles and many other cities, Pentecost Sunday was marked or should I say marred, with angst and sorrow, as civilians have been protesting for days, in reaction to the death of George Floyd, an African-American man, at the hands of police in Minneapolis. 

What was intended to be a peaceful protest has escalated into clashes between demonstrators and the police, looting, and arson. Reports say over 1,500 people have been arrested in the protests. On the eve of Pentecost, following these events, curfews were imposed in at least 25 cities, including Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis. The protests are widening, erupting across the States.

Amid the raging crisis, whether virtually or physically, Pentecost Sunday was still celebrated, perhaps with it's attendant liturgies and homilies, on a lower key. Of course, the theme would've been symbolically focused on the presence and the power of Pentecost, with Acts chapter 2 as the hallowed text.

In view of the racial injustices rooted in the American society, which have further surged with the intricacies of the pandemic, añd resulted in the continued killings of people from marginalized communities, like Ahmaud Arbery and most recently, Floyd; the church in America needs to give attention to the missionary character of the Pentecost.

Apart from the presence and power of the Pentecost, the book of Acts equally focuses on

the peoples of the Pentecost. Luke reported that Jewish people from several nations of the Greco-Roman world, were present at the Pentecost (Acts 2:5-11). It was a Pentecost of nations-- Europe, Asia, Middle-East, Africa. These Jews in diaspora became the first agents of the gospel across all racial boundaries, having had an encounter that intelligibly engaged their critical faculties.

Beyond all human barriers: social, sexual, racial, the Holy Spirit reveals God to all humankind, grafting responders, irrespective of their social compositions, into the commonwealth of His kingdom, enlisting and empowering them for His purpose on earth.

At Mars Hill, Paul tells the Athenians, "From one man he made all the nations...We are his offspring." Our diversity biologically and geographically is actually meant to foster our search for God (17:26-28). 

More than ever, it has become imperative for the church in America, also for the universal Church, to mind, model, and message the missionary character of the Pentecost. The Church needs to shift its insular positions, to become more open and inclusive. We should cultivate faith communities that embrace diversity and value people. We've got to do away with our bigotry, prejudices, and stereotypes about others, who are culturally different from us and reach out to connect and touch their humanity. We should show the world how to live in a way that affirms people that they matter, they are loved, and they have such dignity as image-bearers of God. 

This way we can change the narrative of social disparities and bring healing to those who are hurting, because of injury and injustice. Then, the transformative effect of the Pentecost would become an existential reality in our lives.

Superman Complex

"...to be helped, we all need to also shed our 'superman complex'". That was Sola, commenting on one of my recent posts, actually the one about "stepping out of the crowd to be a burden bearer to others..."

Unknown to Sola, his comment was literally echoing a discussion we recently had in a Zoom class of Pauline studies. Paul admitted to the Philippian church, "I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer..." (Phil. 1:19)

Paul wasn't self-conscious or self-conceited in expressing confidence in the prayer of his followers. Despite his apostolic authority, the Apostle would often ask for prayer (Romans 15:30; 2 Corinthians 1:10-11; Ephesians 6:19). His requests, which he characteristically makes with the strongest possible appeal, normally, reveal his deepest longings, fears, limitations, sufferings, struggles and submission to God's will.

Paul's spiritual insights and exploits were unparalleled and even sublime, but he was never deluded into thinking he was invincible. He didn't cloak himself with a 'High and mighty' or 'Holier than thou' attitude. Paul shared his humanity. He reached out for help when he needed it. 

As a spiritual leader, don't cloak yourself out of reality. Don't be embarrassed to express your vulnerability. Like Sola said, shed your superman complex. Superman complex is an unhealthy sense of responsibility, or a belief that "I have the exclusive capacity to come to the aid of others, while I am immune to being helped." Superhumans only exist in fictions. 

Leadership is a privilege to serve others through our humanity. In sharing our humanity, we need others to bear our own burdens too. When our humanity is masked by the facade of a superhero, we fence off any possibility for help. Don't drive yourself toward the edge of the precipice of burnout. Never forget that the treasure is in earthen vessel (2 Cor 4:7).

Pauline Teaching and the Teaching on

Discussion Questions

Click and watch this video and answer the following questions:

1. React to the speaker's view on Paul's authorship of the epistles in the New Testament.
2. What is the relationship between Paul's teaching and Jesus' teaching?
3. How would you respond to the view that Paul's teaching is a perversion of Jesus' teaching?
4. What hermeneutical insight can you identify in the video relating to interpreting Pauline epistles?
5. What indications are there that Paul's writings were not by revelation alone?
6. How did video underscore the doctrine of inspiration with regards to Paul's writing, and what is the implication of that for:
• today's readers?
• those who think Paul perverted Jesus' teachings?