But in these last days!

Hebrews 1:1-2 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, (2) but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

But in these last days!!!!! Verse 1 refers to Old Testament and Old Covenant revelation and verse 2 refers to New Testament and New Covenant revelation. Certainly this means that New Testament revelation should be used to interpret Old Testament revelation. It is clear that Jesus Christ brought a change of Covenants as Hebrews goes on to fully explain. The New Covenant replaces the Old Covenant. Why? Hebrews goes on to say that the Old Covenant is replaced by a better Covenant for which Jesus is the guarantor (Heb. 7:22). It further states that the Old Covenant is obsolete (Heb. 8:13). Yet, neither Dispensational Theology nor Covenant Theology views the Old Covenant as obsolete.

Dispensational Theology completely separates the Old from the New Covenant. For example in the thread of my last post, a dispensational adherent said, We see the law is in effect for the Jews during the tribulation period when Jesus again starts dealing with the nation Israel (Matt 24:20).

Although the New Testament clearly ends the role of physical Israel in redemptive history and brings all of humanity under the gospel of grace, the dispensationalist views a day when Israel will be dealt with completely separate from the Gentiles. Paul’s statement about there being neither Jew nor Greek does not interpret Old Testament Scripture in this view. The Old Testament is used to interpret the New in dispensational hermeneutics. Does this make sense in light of the above passage of Hebrews 1:1-2?

Covenant Theology, on the other hand, holds tightly to the Old Testament and Old Covenant principles. The New Covenant is viewed as the final revelation of a single major Covenant of grace, and there is barely a bump in the road from the Old Testament to the New Testament in Covenant theology. For example, A covenant theology adherent said the following in our last thread: ”I think the problem in Galatians 3:3 is that the Galatians were too reliant on the law without the help of the Spirit of God to seek to keep it.”

Although there are many warnings by Paul to totally reject law-keeping, Covenant Theology views Paul’s warnings on law keeping as referring only to the manner or reason for doing so. Therefore, in this view the Galatian error was not law keeping, but law keeping without the help of the Spirit of God. Does this make sense in light of the Book of Hebrews?

Any thoughts, eplanations or objections?

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE...

There is something about the Beatitudes that has always bothered me. I’ll show you what in a minute. I’ve preached through them. I’ve taught them. I’ve translated and exegeted them. I’ve read books written by scholars on them. I’ve read collections of pastors’ sermons on them. I love them. I love their poetry. I love their passion and compassion. I love everything they stand for.

Yet, there is something about the Beatitudes that has always bothered me. In spite of everything I just said in the paragraph above, I’m not sure I understand them well. As I read through them again this evening I had what might well be an epiphany for me. (Quite appropriate following Epiphany Sunday!) I think I may have been interpreting the Beatitudes wrong for a lot of years.

No matter how much I grow in the Lord and in my faith, most of the Beatitudes just don’t describe me very well. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to develop the characteristics of the Beatitudes. And I noticed, they aren’t commands! Jesus doesn’t tell his disciples or us to do anything. He simply makes indicative statements about the characteristics of people who are blessed by God!

I’ve never been very successful in becoming poor in spirit, whatever that really means. Nor is mourning a daily exercise for me, although I have mourned deeply at times in my life. Meek? Not a word people often use to describe me. Hunger and thirst for righteousness. Now that is interesting. I can’t make myself hungry or thirsty for food or water. It just happens when I need them. I begin to wonder, “Is this something the Holy Spirit has to put into me? Maybe only God can make me hunger and thirst for righteousness?” Well, that would make sense because anyone who has a hunger and thirst for righteousness would truly be blessed! Merciful? I’ve seen God produce mercy in me. What did I just say? God produced mercy in me? I know I didn’t produce it myself. There it is again; something God did in me! Pure in heart? Again, God has purified my heart over the years I have walked with him. Blessed are the peacemakers. (Notice it doesn’t say “peacekeepers.”) Not just anyone can be a peacemaker. He or she must be thrust into a situation in which peace must be made. Again, a God thing. And persecution; I can’t bring about persecution. God must put me into a situation in which I might be persecuted.

This thinking seems to continue in this introductory passage to the Sermon on the Mount. No commands. Simple statements. “You ARE the salt of the earth.” He doesn’t say, “Be sure to BECOME the salt of the earth.” Same thing with “you ARE the light of the world.”

Then comes the closest thing to a command we have so far, “Let your light shine before men.” (Matthew 5:16) But then comes the rest of the verse, the part we often neglect to consider. Once again I learn that it is not about me; it’s all about God. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and PRAISE YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN.” So THAT’S what the Beatitudes are really all about! God produces these things in us so he can get the glory! Amen!

Thanks for the space, Mark. And may God bless my friends at Bluecollar in the New Year! Your brother in Christ,

Dave Moorhead

Jesus - You Are My Only Hope

Jesus, I look to you alone as my only hope of salvation. I am utterly unable to save myself. Be merciful to me a sinner!

That was the heart-felt cry of somebody I know who came to Christ under the preaching of a "Lordship" ministry.

Any questions?!?!

Where's The Pause Button?

Ephesians 5:20 (King James Version)
20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

I was watching William Shatner's new show, "Raw Nerve", the other day. On that show he interviews celebrities in much the same way Charlie Rose does. His guest the other day was Tim Allen, of " Tim the Toolman Taylor" fame. I love that guy. He is a rare talent.

Well, anyway the interview got around to Tim's bout with Alchoholism that he had back in the '90's. I admire Tim for his transparency. That stuff took some guts.

To the Point: While relating his story he told how he depended on alchohol to help him find "the pause button" in his very hectic life.

Hearing that gave ME some "Pause".

Life IS tough for all the saints throughout the world. Whether it be persecution or financial setbacks, layoff's, the rejection of loved ones because of the Gospel, wayward children, sick family members or even death of loved ones, pressure on the job where your next mistake could cost your company many thousands of dollars - like happened to me last June - or worse, a contract whereby your company loses a customer resulting in job lose at your place of occupation.

It's all there.

Don't you wish there was a "pause button" sometimes? I know I do.

But then there is that "little" something that I so often forget...H E I S I N C O T R O L!!!

Thanksgiving in the middle of a trial IS the "pause button".

Perhaps today will be another "trying" day.

Will I remember to hit "the Pause button"?

Gayla and Susan Are Back!!!

Back in December I offered readers an opportunity to become contributors here at Blue-Collar blog. I am so happy that Gayla and Susan accepted the offer. They will post when they have the time. There's certainly no pressure for them to post. I'm just happy to have them back!

Now that we are up to four contributors I think that is enough. Now there is Wayne, Gayla and Susan on board here. Great stuff!!!

Mark

A Comparative Study

Between Arminian theology and biblical theology.

If I wasn't already convinced that there's no concept of man's free will in salvation, this would have done it.

Out With the Old, In With...the Old

Mark has (for reasons known only to him!) invited me back as a contributor here at BC. Very nice of you to do so, Mark. I will do my best to make ya proud, although you and Wayne run circles around this girl. :)