Gospel-Centered Teaching: Showing Christ In All the Scripture (2013) by Trevin Wax, Book Review

Gospel-Centered Teaching: Showing Christ In All the Scripture (2013) by Trevin Wax

 

Thanks for the flight delay, I can finish reading and taking notes from this book. It is concise, practical, and to the point. This Gospel-Centered term, I observed, was once the most popular term in American Christianity to call us back to the role of the power and influence of Jesus in every area of life. It has become popular too in Asian churches. In fact, in many ways, it has become a movement (and I’m afraid, a cliche too). But today, it seems to me, the spirit of it is on the decline. Either we should emphasize more or use other terms, I believe we all must be Gospel-Centered in everything. “You want the truths of the gospel to impact the way you do everything - from theology to application, to any subject you’re discussing,” writes Trevin to the teachers and preachers. He continues, “The way you help your people understand that the gospel is for all of life is not by telling them the gospel pervades everything, but by showing them in how you teach.”

To the author, being Gospel-Centered really matter because:- a) The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. It’s not in me or you. It's not in our ability or talent. It's in God as Romans 1:16 declared. “People just keep on believing the gospel. Why? Because the gospel is such an easy message to believe? No. Because the gospel is powerful. The Spirit works powerfully through the gospel to bring us to salvation”; b) Because the gospel is the power of God for sanctification. “It’s the message God uses to grow us in holiness and conform us to the image of His Son”; c) The gospel provides the motivation for mission. I love this point so much. We all know that our church or youth group or Christian fellowship or Bible Study group should make an impact outside our immediate circle. But our solutions are very outward focus such as doing more activities rather than looking inward to our teachings about the gospel. “The root cause of our lack of engagement in God’s mission is not a missions problem but a gospel problem,” highlight the author. “We demonstrate by our inaction that we no longer marvel at grace. We are unaffected by the beauty of what God has done for us in Christ.” We must be Gospel-Centered.

There are lots of insights, challenging statements, thoughtful advice, and reality-check questions that Trevin shared in this book. Some still ring in my mind, “It’s not WHAT’s missing but WHO’s missing”; “Be careful that when you point people to Jesus, you’re not simply demonstrating the cleverness of your own interpretation”; “If all we draw from Bible study are proverb-like teachings for daily living, then we are approaching the Scriptures as if we’re at the center”; and more. Let me end with three questions that Trevin asks and explores in this book - and for teachers to ask themselves - in order to teach a Gospel-Centered message: 1) How does this topic/passage fit into THE BIG STORY of Scripture?; 2) What is DISTINCTLY CHRISTIAN about the way I am addressing the topic/passage?; and 3) How does this truth equip God’s church to live on MISSION? Good questions!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #GospelCenteredTeaching #ChristInAllTheScripture #MissionAndEvangelism #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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Timothy, Be Respectful and Don't Show Favoritism (1 Timothy 5:1-2)

 

“Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, young men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity”

(1 Timothy 5:1-2, ESV)

Last week I saw a viral video online in Malaysia, where there was a fight at a Mamak restaurant (probably before the month of Ramadhan) between an older man with a young woman. I care less about what is the real issue but when I saw the older man hits the woman and the young woman kicked the man, my heart boil with rage! This is not an unusual scene, however. We all probably have witnessed – or experience ourselves – at least verbal abuse or even physical abuse between these two generations in social media, within our community, among family members, and even in the church. This evil behavior must not be among the believers! After Paul writes to Timothy to “keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching” (1 Timothy 4:16) as a leader in God’s church and a teacher of God’s Word, he then reminds him of his attitude toward others: BE RESPECTFUL.

“Do not rebuke” or “Never speak harshly” (NLT) or “Don’t reprimand” (Philips) is a negative statement for a positive reminder: BE RESPECTFUL. Toward who? All people! Older men, younger men, older women, younger women. Inside and outside the church. The word “rebuke” means to “strike with blows.” It is primarily speaking of beating with words but I think we can extend that to beating with fists too. Although young Timothy was very influential and his leadership was sealed by God’s authority (see 6:20) and the apostle’s approval (see 4:11; 6:2b), he must not abuse his power but instead “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (4:12). Having said that, the reminder to BE RESPECTFUL toward everyone also means we must NOT SHOW FAVORITISM (see James 2:1) regardless of their age, gender, and the nature of the relationship. If an older man or woman needs to be corrected, then, go to him or her in a kindly manner and speak to him or her as one would speak to a father or mother. In the same manner, reproof younger believers as brothers and sisters in Christ. Don’t sugarcoat the truth when you have to discipline them. The goal is not condemnation but repentance. Be firm, clear, and “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

As for men, especially in the ministry, I would like to warn us: be extra careful when dealing with younger women. If you need to “encourage” them – as you must – do it as “sisters” in Christ and “in all purity.” In most cases, it is better to “take one or two others along with you” (Matthew 18:16) to create accountability. We all have heard the reported news about the abuse and sexual misconduct among Christian ministers. Don’t be a statistic! H.A. Ironside commented on this verse wisely: “Never to act toward any young woman in a way he would not like some other man to behave to his own sister.” Or read how J.B. Philips paraphrases it: “Treat the younger women as sisters, AND NO MORE” (emphasis mine). 

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Romans 1:2 The Gospel: Old News, Sure News & Good News (#LetterToTheRomans​)

 
"[The gospel of God] which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures" (Romans 1:2). What is the Gospel? #ServeToLead #PreachTheWord #TheGospelOfGod

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Timothy, Keep A Close Watch on Yourself and on the Doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16)

 

“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16, ESV)

This last verse of chapter 4 is a very powerful reminder for us today – preachers and teachers, especially and all Christians, generally. Previously, the apostle Paul tells Timothy to “devote [himself] to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (v.13, bracket mine) and do “not neglect the gift” (v.14) that God has given to him. And now, Paul wants him to “keep a close watch” or “take heed” (NKJV) these two things:

1) His Life, and
2) His Teaching or Doctrine

Nowadays, people are so fearful of the word ‘doctrine.’ Currently, I’m reading Charles C. Ryrie’s A Survey of Bible Doctrine, and one of my friends who saw the book asked me during our coffee hang out if I’m thinking of applying for a pastoral position. I said no and he replied, “Then why are you reading on Bible doctrine?” Once I heard a preacher said to the congregations that he just wants to share ‘practical’ lessons from the Bible and not about ‘theology’ or ‘doctrine.’ Again, during Bible Study, a student shared in the big group that she doesn’t like to study Bible doctrine because “I’m just a regular Christian, not a preacher.” You can find these examples everywhere in Christendom. To most people, the word ‘doctrine’ conjures up visions of technicality, difficulty, and dogmatism. Maybe it’s our fault – preachers and teachers – that give people bad or negative impressions about the word in the pulpit, writings, or social media.

“Far from being dry and abstract,” explains Millard J. Erickson in his well-known book Introduction to Christian Doctrine, “Christian doctrine deals with the most fundamental issues of life: who am I, what is the ultimate meaning of the universe, where am I going?” As such, good doctrine is very essential, critical, and important because it will influence how we answer these fundamental questions. Christian doctrine “deals with general or timeless truths about God and the rest of reality” added Millard. Where to get a sound, healthy and life-giving doctrine? Only in one chief place: The Holy Scripture, the perfect written Word of God. It is God’s special revelation of Himself and the reality of everything in life. Elsewhere Paul wrote: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16). What happened if we don’t “keep a close watch” on the doctrine? It may cause us and our hearers to “depart from the faith” (4:1a). Instead of devoting ourselves to reading and teaching the Scripture (4:13), we may unintentionally devote ourselves to “deceitful spirits and teachings (or doctrines) of demons” (4:1b).

But don’t forget this: “Keep a close watch on yourself” too. If Timothy only keeps a close watch on the doctrine and not himself, he is a hypocrite. And there were a lot of religious hypocrites during Paul’s time… not to mention ours’ too. Our doctrine can be God-centred, Christ-exalted, and Spirit-filled but if it doesn’t match with our actions, we are deceiving ourselves, being deceived and a stumbling block to others. Preacher’s Homiletical Commentary puts it this way: “1. Actions are more intelligible than words; 2. The language of life is more convincing than the language of the lip; 3. The teaching of the life is available in many cases in which the teaching of the lip cannot or ought not to be attempted.” So, take heed of these two things, don’t separate the two, “persist” or “continue in them” (KJV), for “by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” It’s not just about you.

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Angelus' Quote: Real Success Is Doing the Will of God Regardless of the Consequences

 

Currently, I'm rereading John MacArthur's Ashamed of the Gospel (together with R.C. Sproul's The Holiness of God). In this meaty book, MacArthur is dealing with the modern-day Down-Grade Controversy. As he compares the Biblical Church to the User-Friendly Church nowadays, he touches on the topic of success: "Size [of the church] does not signify blessing. And popularity is no barometer for success... In Scripture, big budgets, affluent members, and large membership rolls are NEVER portrayed as valid goals.

"Paul was not telling Timothy how to be 'successful'; he was not instructing him on techniques for increasing attendance figures; he was encouraging him to pursue the DIVINE STANDARD... It is not prosperity, power, prominence, popularity, or any of the other worldly notions of success. Real success is doing the will of God regardless of the consequences" (page 42) 💪⚡📖 #ServeToLead #ObedienceOverSuccess #SpiritualLeader

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Freedom, Authority & Scripture (1982) by James I. Packer, Book Review

 

Freedom, Authority & Scripture (1982) by James I. Packer

Before I was born, this book already existed 🤣 My first introduction to the late Dr. J.I. Packer is through his phenomenal life-changing book, Knowing God (fully recommend). It's a bit heavy in theology, but once you get the essences of it, your eyes will be open to see how the Scripture reveals the majesty and greatness of God. In Freedom, Authority & Scripture, Dr. Packer expands on the inerrancy and authority of the Scripture that can bring true freedom in our lives.

All of us want to be free, but many do not know what true freedom is, much less how to achieve it. Freedom is not freely doing whatever we want or desire without boundaries. Nor the liberty to harm others and the absence of responsibility. "There is no freedom apart from external authority," explains Dr. Packer, "To say 'I am my own authority, a law to myself' is to enslave myself to myself, which, as Seneca (the Roman moralist) said, is the worst bondage of all. Only as I bow to an authority which is not myself am I ever free." And what is that authority? God through the Scripture! "Real freedom is only ever found under authority - God's authority in Christ, the authority which reaches us via God's written Word." 📖🔥😊 #ServeToLead #1Book1Week #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain #FreedomAuthorityScripture #DrJIPacker

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Scripture Engagement: Cara Hidup Pengikut Kristus (LEGASI.tv Interview S.1 E.7) Bersama Chong Eu Pui

Kamu pernah membaca Alkitab dan kemudian berfikir bahawa cerita itu tidak ada kaitan dengan kehidupan kamu? Kamu baca berkali-kali tetapi kamu masih tidak faham? Kamu mengkaji namun tidak tahu mengaplikasikannya? Sis Chong Eu Pui, staff FES Malaysia, berpendapat bahawa kita harus Engage the Scripture dan bukan hanya Reading the Scripture. Apakah maksudnya? Tonton temu bual LEGASI.tv Interview S.1 E.7 ini untuk mengetahui dengan lebih lanjut lagi.

Untuk menghubungi Eu Pui, FOLLOW:

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IFES: https://scriptureengagement.ifesworld.org/en/ 

FES Malaysia: https://fes.org.my/ 

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#ServeToLead #LEGASIInterview #WordAmongUs #ScriptureEngagement #CaraHidupPengikutKristus #IFES

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