Author Archives: shepherdbryan

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About shepherdbryan

My passion is to disciple and see men discipled in every area of their life to see the multiplication principle actually work in a 100 year generational blessing. As go men in the church, so goes the church. As go men in the nation, so goes the nation. Fortunately, because men have often not taken their spiritual role to the limit, God has raised up many godly women to carry the torch where men have laid it aside. May God rapidly raise up men for the next generation of leaders to the Fourth Generation of spiritual leaders! As men lead in a godly way, women will follow in a godly way and that people will be blessed of the Lord.

Book Review: Partners: Healing from His Addiction by Douglas Weiss

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Partners: Healing from His Addition by Douglas Weiss is an accumulation of wives’ testimonies married to sexually dominated husbands.  The stories are moving and create a tremendous compassion for the pain that sexual immorality causes in homes across America.

I was asked to read this book for my perspective. This was helpful to get a clearer picture of the pain many wives live through because of the despicable deceit husbands dive into called sexual immorality.  The term “sexual immorality” needs to be very broad, because it’s not just an adulterous relationship, but it includes husbands who spiral down into pornography, prostitution, all forms of fornication, incest, mistresses as well as sexual abuse in his own marriage. Wives are in a very difficult position, because wired as responders and designed by God to support their husbands, many wives have not been discipled to know how to carefront their husbands in his sexual downward spiral.  A wife needs a good, mature Christian confidant who can guide her into Scripture to the freedom she can have in Christ alone.

There is a corresponding workbook called “Partner’s Recovery Guide: 100 Empowering Exercises.”  Many of the exercises are similar to the exercises discussed in the workbook, “A Christian Guide for Sex Addiction Recovery.”  There may be several exercises that could help a wife deal with her wayward husband.  However, there are many exercises completely dependent on Scripture that would avoid the infiltration of humanistic agenda. 

Book Review: The Final Freedom by Douglas Weiss

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The Final Freedom by Douglas Weiss has many good psychological observations toward the sexual dominating problems of the human species.  His observations come from years of study and counseling practices.  He does, however, only give lip service to the spiritual transforming power of God and then only as a “greater power,” but not what Scripture describes of what the Lord Jesus Christ can do in a humble and broken person dependent on the Holy Spirit.
I
 was asked to read this book to get my perspective on it.  There is a great deal of truth and objective observations of the problems of people who have rejected God and in the downward spiral (Rom. 1:21-32) and those who have accepted the gift of salvation, but are in the downward spiral (Eph. 4:17-19). He gives many humanistic approaches to gain human strength to defeat sexual immorality, but he falls far short of the life giving power that God outlines in Scripture.

I can’t help but acknowledge the horrendous consequences of sexual immorality, whether solo sex (M, pornography, imaginations) or with others (fornication, adultery, etc.).  Paul makes it very clear, “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. (1 Cor. 6:18)  Sexual immorality distorts the thinking in tragic ways that may need great diligence to overcome by prayer and fasting and a total commitment to God’s provision for victory over life-dominating sin.  There are many biblical exercises under the power of the Holy Spirit that are needed.  The twelve steps that Weiss relies upon may have helped some people, but while it gives some credit to a greater power, it falls short of the beauty of God’s living and powerful Word in God’s grace and Holy Spirit’s  transformation.

I respect Weiss’ descriptions of sexual immorality and resultant observations.  He is digging far deeper into the problem than most pastors and counselors are willing to dig.  But he also relies upon humanistic solutions, patterns and exercises.  I don’t see him calling sin – sin.  Nor does he give a good gospel presentation.  I respect his words to “his religious friends,” and the problems with Christian leaders who have given superficial, inadequate and unmerciful advice.  I have great compassion for many people who have been hurt by those who portend to represent God, but because of their own lack of spiritual growth and mixed humanistic suggestions and solutions cause harm in the name of the Lord.  We Christian leaders ought to be held accountable for foolishness and giving unbiblical counsel.  I respect that Weiss will stick with a soul struggling with sexual domination over a Christian leader who gives an exhortation and pushes someone on their way.  In many ways, Weiss has likely helped many people.  My grave fear is that by mixing human solutions with Truth, there is a far reaching greater poison that inoculates people from God and makes them less dependent on His work of sanctification.  I do not recommend this book unless someone is on red alert for material of humanistic content.  There are some observations with several practical exercises that if based on Scripture may be helpful to some people. 

There are two corresponding workbooks.  The first is called “A Christian Guide for Sex Addiction Recovery.”  It contains many good suggestions for practical exercises.  However, it also mixes humanistic solutions that many unsuspecting people would not realize are anti-biblical.  The second is “Christian 12 Step Guide for Sex Addiction Recovery.”  This is an exercise workbook of how to adapt Sexual Immorality to the 12 Step program.  I believe there are many practical exercises that can be gained by only using the Bible that would be much more helpful. 

Mortify

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How do you “mortify” the flesh?  It’s the word we looked at last Sunday and means “put to death.”  This phrase is extremely important in the sanctification process of becoming more like Christ.  It is life and death for the Christian, because without this process, he/she cannot grow.

How do you mortify the flesh?  First, 1)  Identify what the outward or inward sin is.  You can identify it yourself or ask another trusted friend or discipler to help you.  Scripture is your best guide as the Holy Spirit convicts us when we live apart from faith.  Paul describes the things he does that he doesn’t want to do, “For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.”  (Rom 7:15)  Hatred is a good word because it leads to the next course of action.

Next, 2) Choose to put that sin pattern off.  Sometimes, translations use the word “consider”, but that seems very weak.  This is something you have to strongly desire to do.  Do you hate sin?  God does (Hab. 1:13).  The flesh is too strong, sneaky, deceitful, subtle, did I say deceitful?  It will pull the strongest Christian down who does not remain on alert to its ways.  Paul writes, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom 7:24)

Then, 3) Put on the righteous action that honors God (Col. 3:10).  You must have a corresponding godly behavior that Scripture mandates for biblical living and freedom in Christ.  A great spiral-bound handbook called “Transformed Into His Likeness” can give you biblical put ons that will transform your thinking and life.  But don’t stop there.

Finally, 4) write up a plan of action that brings your thoughts, words and actions into captivity to Christ (2 Cor. 10:4-5).  The more specific you can be the better your plan will result in life-changing transformation.  If you write down, “Pray every day,” that is good, but it’s not very specific.  You should write down and practice, “Pray twice a day at devotions in the morning and before going to bed for God to supernaturally take the Scriptures you are meditating on and memorizing and make them real and practical in your life.”  Then keep a journal of how God is answering your prayer, so you personally know how the plan is working.  The journal will also be a measurement that you can check to see if you are actually following your plan.

Friends, if you plan, you’ll have a chance against the flesh.  Above all, make Christ your all in all.  He is the only solution.  The plan is nothing if it is not centered on Jesus Christ!

Question: What does the first class condition in Col. 1:23 mean?

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I have a question about the word “if” in Colossians 1:23 (and others). I understand that it is supposed to be a first class condition meaning “since” but I don’t know what that means. I also don’t know why it isn’t translated “since.” Would you enlighten me?

 This is a great verse.  It gives the believer great hope of future glorification just like the promise of Romans 8:29-30 where Paul uses five verbs to describe how God sees the believer already in a glorified state.  Those five verbs are: He foreknew; He predestined, He called, He justified and He glorified.  So how do we look at the “if” of Colossians 1:23?  The false teachers at the time said God is important, but they added works to the spiritual growth process.  Paul is helping the Colossians see that faith alone in Christ alone is all that is necessary to be presented in glory, holy and blameless.  Let’s get the context:
21And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled  22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight–   23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.  (Col 1:21-23)

 We should note that Paul contrasts our state as unbelievers in Colossians 1:21 with the Blessed Hope of Jesus presenting believers holy, blameless and above reproach in glory in Colossians 1:22.   Later, Paul will call this the “hope of glory” (Col. 1:27).  One day, we’ll be presented holy in glory! Even so, come Lord Jesus!  

When Paul uses the “if” clause beginning in Colossians 1:23, it seems like the presentation is dependent on us.  “If we don’t continue, then we won’t be presented,” some might say.  But Paul states that the believer is already complete in Christ (Col. 2:10). So what must be done?

There are passages like Philippians 1:6 that confirm our completion when we see Jesus.  Paul prays that God will sanctify the Thessalonians completely at the coming of Jesus (1 Thes. 5:23-24).  Paul says, “He will do it!”  In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he prays that God would “fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power” in the believer (2 Thes. 1:11).  Paul also writes to the Corinthians, “[Jesus Christ], who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Co 1:8)   Peter prays, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1 Pet. 5:10)

So, in Colossians, was Paul making them doubt?  No, God sees them as glorified positionally.  But, they weren’t perfected yet.  They still were exhorted in Colossians 3, because they were failing over and over with many types of sins.  The first class condition is a statement of fact, or “if and the following clause is a fact.”  There are three other conditional clauses in the Greek that are for another study.

They will be presented holy, and blameless, and above reproach.  Since they continue in that mode they will be because they are grounded (perfect passive participle), they will see that transformation in time, but ultimately all believers will be caught up to the perfect standard of righteousness.  To what level in time?  To the extent they pursue the holiness of God. 

Paul did not doubt that they would continue and was positively affirming them (yet also exhorting them in Colossians 3).   Paul sees their growth as being fulfilled. They are like a building set on a firm foundation.  As the building is on a firm foundation, so they should stand upright to verify the firm foundation on which they stand – live a holy life, because they were bought with a price of the precious blood of Jesus Christ.  There was no earthquake (they were in a region of land movements) or storm that could shake them from their foundation on Jesus Christ.

We are not saved by continuing in faith.  We continue in faith to demonstrate we are saved.  We have assurance of salvation, because we continue to grow rooted in Christ (Col. 2:7).  Thus, every Christian should examine himself daily to ensure he is growing as Paul writes, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Cor. 13:5)

So, Paul uses “if” as a First Class Condition clause (ei + indicative of the verb) whereby Paul assumes the Colossians will continue in their faith growth to demonstrate they have salvation.

Aurora

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Aurora

Last night, another tragedy has struck America.  The details will be laid out for us in the days ahead, but in the mean time at least 12 are dead and 50 wounded.  A tragedy like this could happen anywhere and families will become paralyzed with fear and bewilderment.  Take time to think through the repercussions and pray for the families involved.  This is not a game.  Thank God, He is still sovereign, faithful and merciful.

This incident shows the insidious nature of the wickedness of man’s heart.  When man is not in submission to the justice of God, he acts independently and causes havoc in the world mirroring the evil one.  That’s where we Christians, with merciful, open hearts, need to realize our part to set our minds on the things above and set our priorities on building God’s kingdom rather than going about our business thinking this would never happen close to home.  God will have his way and use His people for His glory if we trust Him and reach out to neighbors with the gospel.

Is there someone you know that needs an ear?  Is there a parent you know struggling with his/her child?  Is there a person who is functioning alone and needs the gospel? 

The world will spend inordinate amounts of time trying to define why this happened.  There are a multitude of contributing factors.  The biblical answer is what John wrote, “For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.”  (1Jo 3:11-12)   The man killed and wounded because he did evil deeds and would not humble himself before the righteousness of God.

Does that excuse the rest of the world?  No, we all have a part to use our time, talents, treasures and truth to connect people to worship God, equip people to grow into the image of Christ and multiply ourselves to reach the world.  There is one answer to these actions and it is found in humble obedience to God’s word, first in becoming a new creation in Christ and secondly growing into Christ-likeness.  Let us commit ourselves to set our minds on the things above where Christ is and transform our world.  In that commitment, let us use the opportunity to listen to others as they process, yet again, another tragedy.

It could be worse!

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It could be worse!

Have you ever wondered why certain elements of society are trying so hard to make their “alternative lifestyle” legitimate?  Let me give you a few things to think about.
First, Scripture says in the latter times there will be selfish people becoming more selfish.  Paul writes, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  (2Ti 3:1-2).  God calls us to be holy and impact the world around us with the gospel and our lifestyle (1 Pet. 1:15-16; Matt. 28:19-20; 2 Pet. 3:11).

Secondly, the flesh wants itself accepted by everyone else, so it can live anyway it wants (2 Tim. 3:13).  Consider how families were connected and living in the 1950s compared to the 2000s.  Today families are far more splintered than before.  Today’s lifestyle is accepted, because “that’s the way people are.”

Thirdly, the enemy wants the lower lifestyle, because then everything “above that” will be accepted.   It is not as bad as “that other lifestyle.”  For example, “It’s okay that my child doesn’t do his homework, because at least he isn’t out drinking and partying all night long.” I was listening to the radio on the way to church and a heard a lady describing an inappropriate behavior of her child.  She said, “At least it’s not as bad as some teen’s behavior.  It could be worse.”  Imagine that poor mother who comforts herself by comparing and accepting a lower standard for her children, because she sees much worse behavior in others.  That’s relativism.  That is not discipling children to the holiness of God.

If the enemy can promote despicable behavior, then we earthlings will lower our standards to what is still above that lower standard, but completely below that standard God wants for His people. 

Why don’t we disciple our children or others? We don’t want conflict.  We think children and teens know how to live and we are deceived into thinking they will figure it out for themselves. Do not be deceived by the ploys and schemes of the enemy.  We are called to holiness.  Let us disciple our children and others in love, mercy and righteousness.  The grace of God teaches us to live soberly, righteously and godly in this present age (Titus 2:11-12).

What are your thoughts?

Question: Why does Acts 8:16 not include Spirit baptism?

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Question: Why does Acts 8:16 say that “they had simply been baptized in the name of Jesus” but didn’t receive the Holy Spirit until Peter came and laid hands on them? Does it have to do with the gift of the Holy Spirit just then being given? I have always believed when someone comes to know CHRIST and puts their faith in Him for salvation, that person receives the Holy Spirit at that time?
Great question and thanks for asking.  Let’s get just a little more context.

14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.  For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Act 8:14-16)
 
Is the Holy Spirit received at salvation? Normally yes.  God the Holy Spirit baptizes, regenerates, indwells, gives a spiritual gift(s) and begins the sanctification process at the moment of salvation – faith in Christ.   However, Acts is a book of transition and is descriptive in nature rather than prescriptive (it describes what happened rather than declares what will happen). In this instance, the people received the Word of God and were baptized in the name of Jesus, but they did not receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Why?

Remember that Jesus in Acts 1:8 told the disciples that they would be “witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”  In Acts 1-7 the gospel was proclaimed in Jerusalem, but it took the persecution against the church to send the gospel scattered throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1-2).  Saul (later Paul) made havoc of the church, but godly men like Philip went down to the city of Samaria preaching Christ (Acts 8:3-5).  Yet, Philip was not one of the disciples directly commissioned by Jesus.

Consider several things.  First, when Peter and John were sent, they took the authority directly given to them by Jesus to Samaria in fulfillment of Acts 1:8 and confirmed Philip’s ministry among the Samaritans. Second, Peter and John would authenticate God’s ministry through them and prevent a schism between the Jews and Samaritans. Consider that when Jesus was returning to Jerusalem and He passed through Samaria, the Samaritans did not receive Him (Luke 9:52-53). So when Peter and John prayed the Samaritans would receive the Holy Spirit, it was far different than when John wanted to call down fire on them (Luke 9:54). And thirdly, Jesus had given the keys of heaven to Peter (Matt. 16:13-20). Peter opened the doors to the Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 2).  Here he opens the door to the Samaritans (Acts 8).  Peter will open the door to the Gentiles with Cornelius in Acts 10.   

There are challenges to the timing of the Holy Spirit.  In Acts 10:44-48, the Holy Spirit came on Gentiles before they were baptized. The text says there also, that they were baptized in the name of the Lord (Acts 10:48).   Yet, in Acts 19:5, Paul met some disciples from Ephesus who had been baptized into John’s baptism.  When Paul explained the gospel and when they heard the message, Paul baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus.  Then when Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 19:5-6).

So why? God wanted to demonstrate that the line of authority came through the Jewish apostles.  But He also wanted everyone to know the Samaritans were equal with the Jews, because of the oneness they have in Jesus (Gal. 3:28).  God didn’t want there to be two “universal” churches.  There had been too many years of conflict between Jews and Samaritans.  All believers were equal in Christ.  Again Acts 8:16 is descriptive and transitional.  It does not prescribe what must happen.

Book Review: Sexual healing: A Biblical Guide to finding freedom from Sexual Sin and Brokenness by David Kyle Foster

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Sexual healing: A Biblical Guide to finding freedom from Sexual Sin and Brokenness by David Kyle Foster. There has been a multitude of books on sexual addition, pornography and seeking purity in life. David Foster has added a significant dimension to the discussion in several areas.  His transparency of his own sexual addiction gives him credibility for writing on the subject and for following his suggestions on restoration to pursuing purity with Jesus Christ.  Yet his use of God’s Word is even more important and helpful to a man who wants the transforming power of God’s Spirit from spiritual misery to heavenly holiness.

He lays the Foundation in Part One where he addresses five helpful issues.  The “Foundations for Healing Sexual Brokenness” focuses solely on the Lord Jesus and the inability of anything a person can do on his own to help himself.   His character descriptions of God are helpful as a sexual addict seeks God’s power to be transformed.  Chapter two, “God, My Father,” doesn’t lay blame on earthly fathers, but explains God the Father’s design for how to relate to Him, because of how He relates to us.   It is clear, balanced and inviting.  Chapter three, “Living by Grace Rather Than Performance,” establishes that grace is not a license to sin, but a freedom to live by God’s grace, rather than by rules or performance. Excellent principles amplify the clarity of God’s grace in healing sexual addiction.  Chapter four, “The Divine Intent for Sexuality,” delineates God’s wholesome purposes for sex and how God completes individuals supernaturally.  And Chapter five, “Root sources for Improper Sexual Development,” develops a broad understanding of all the competing influences into a man’s life that can support him or pull him crashing down.

His Part Two examines specific sexual sin areas.  These are good chapters.  The two chapters on homosexuality became old, because the sin, while gaining a strong foothold in society also leaves an odious taste.  I confess I need to be patient and keep growing in understanding this aberrant behavior.  The chapter on the M word approached the selfishness of the act in a way that was very helpful.  Fortunately many writers expose the selfish sin of M, but Foster relates the vivid memory explosions that litter a man’s mind of one who dabbles and becomes addicted to the action.  He also explains well how it can dreadfully harm a marriage, but he gives great hope for the man who will pursue God’s way of freedom to holiness.

David Foster has added a significant dimension to the sexual addiction discussion.  Because of the insidious nature of pornography and sexual immorality, men (and women) need to be led into God’s word through helpful tools like this.  May God grant men freedom from this horrible epidemic.

Sandusky Fiasco

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Andrew Schmutzer, professor at Moody Bible Institute, wrote an excellent article on the aftermath of the retired football coach Jerry Sandusky in the EFCA digital monthly update.  Sandusky was convicted of 45 of 48 counts against him in the Penn State sexual abuse fiasco.  It is certainly a time for soul-searching for all of us – again.  I don’t write to add judgment against Sandusky, but I don’t write to make excuses for his wicked actions.

Schmutzer said there were two lessons we should grapple with on this national spotlight.  First, there was a “collective moral failure at Penn State which revealed the danger of motivated blindness.”  It wasn’t just Sandusky, but reporting “up the chain” failed to prevent a school littered with broken lives.  Money blinded the leadership.  Secondly, there is a “problem of disenfranchised grief.” Schmutzer writes,

 

The cultural shame that kept Sandusky’s victims silent for so long, including his own adopted son, also works its poison in the ‘sacred silence’ of our churches.  Faith communities promote the disenfranchised grief of victims when sexual abuse:

·         Is not holistically understood

·         Is not intentionally named

·         Is not publicly mourned

·         Is not educationally framed

·         Is not homiletically engaged.

There are few actions that will leave a darker blot on the life of the church than sexual abuse.  My prayer as I reflect on our policies at Grace is that we never want to get close to allowing an environment where “it could happen.”  I’m thankful for the leadership implementing policies for adult/child teaching and shepherding relationships as well as policies related to male/female appearances of evil.

Let me ask you to assess what we do so that something like this would never be named at Grace.  May we always be a place where all people can feel safe and protected from any predator and that we would practice biblical discipline should any appearance of evil be noted.

Book Review: God versus Socialism by Joel McDurmon

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“God versus Socialism: A Biblical Critique of the New Social Gospel” by Joel McDurmon. This book will make you humanly mad and divinely wise.  We in America for too many years have fallen under the pretense that “America, right or wrong, America.”  The problem is that we are swiftly floating down the river of socialism in the name of doing good.  We Americans have bought the premise too many times that Scripture deals with spiritual issues and not other mundane concerns like politics, property and population.  We have begun to look to the king (government) for the answers, rather than trust the King of Kings and obey what His Word already says.

Joel McDurmon in his excellent volume “God versus Socialism” has done a brilliant job of exposing the evil promulgated by government programs intended to help the masses.  However, by helping the masses, the government messiah has stolen from the rich to enable the poor to continue in poverty.  There is only one King and He owns everything (Ps. 24:1).  The foolishness of man has been and is to look to man for answers which he will never resolve in the realm of mankind, Republican, Democrat or Independent.  Conservatives, especially the NeoCons of the last two decades are no better than their Liberal counterparts.  They have increased the size of government in the name of personal power and individual aggrandizement.

McDurmon astutely exposes the evil agenda of several contemporary authors and speakers.  At best they believe what they are writing will help, at worst, they are deceived by seducing spirits.  McDurmon uses the subtle, or not so subtle, agenda of Jim Wallis, Tony Campolo and Ronald Sider as examples of wolves in sheep’s clothing.  They have infiltrated many denominations and pulled them perilously close to the cliff, pushing many off into the chasms of ineptness and spiritual despair.  They have twisted and distorted Scripture for their own purposes, which in short is to strengthen man’s dependence on man’s government, to redistribute property and to dislodge the Christian’s understanding of biblical theology.

Christian Socialism is an oxymoron, because instead of freedom in Christ, Christians are set into bondage to the state.  Unfortunately too many Christians like the benefits they seem to get on their personal behalf and they don’t have to see who the government is stealing from in order to pay for what they need.  It’s simply another ploy from the demonic realm that Christians will one day find themselves in such a deep pit of dependence on government and not be able to extract themselves from that pit.  “The biblical view provides for freedom and responsibility, the socialist view leads to serfdom, slavery to government, and dependence on the state.” (p. 223)