Current land rights of Israel?

I just finished reading Dr. Thomas' article, "Dispensationalism's Role in the Public Square," in the latest issue of TMSJ (Spring 2009). I found his summary of the five interpretive systems very helpful. He also shows convincingly that dispensationalism has had a significant role in the shaping of US foreign policy and social justice toward Israel. But as I finished the article, I wondered, "Does Israel currently have any divine right to the land?"

On page 38, Dr. Thomas says the land rights apply to that future generation when all Israel will be saved: "the land benefits of the Abrahamic Covenant...belonged exclusively to the generation of national Israel who at His second coming will embrace Jesus as Israel's promised Messiah."

This seems to agree with an article written several years ago by John Piper, who said "a non-covenant-keeping people does not have a divine right to hold the land of promise."

Yet Thomas' article as a whole seems to condone historic US support for Zionism and a foreign policy that has treated the Book of Genesis as a perpetual Jewish "title deed" to Palestine.

If Israel does not have any divine land rights until they collectively embrace their Messiah, should this alter our US foreign policy in any way?

Love & Discipline

It was recently reported that Grace Community Church, in Jacksonville Florida, is going through quite a trial right now.  Foxnews.com reported that GCC is in the midst of a church discipline matter - the story became national news as of last night (story here).  We can thank the Lord for the church's resolve in this matter.  This is, no doubt, a rather tangled matter - but we do pray that God's glory would be revealed through the faithful perseverance of his people...

Mike Beasley - www.thearmoury.us

What is the pastor's duty toward Prop 8?

Those of us in California are well-aware of the Supreme Court ruling last May that legalized same-sex marriage.

We also know that voters will have an opportunity to overturn this decision in November by supporting Prop 8, which would define marriage as between "one man and one woman" in the state Constitution. But the opposition is highly motivated and very well-funded.

Obviously, our ultimate goal as pastors is not to get an amendment passed, but to communicate the gospel that alone has the power to change lives, rescue people from sin, and write God's law upon their hearts.

My question is this: what do you, as TMS alumni, believe is the proper duty of the pastor and the local church regarding Prop 8? Should we simply pray and encourage people to vote? Or should we take a more vocal and active strategy, mobilizing people to get involved in the campaign, donate money, distribute literature, and volunteer time? Has anyone else attended one of the pastor's satellite conference calls? If so, did you find it helpful?

I've heard of one church in Sacramento that has literally cleared its entire church calendar to focus on Prop. 8. That's probably too extreme. But on the other end of the spectrum, some pastors have basically remained silent because they don't want to get distracted from gospel ministry, or don't want to unduly offend homosexuals in their community who they are trying to reach for Christ.

In May, Al Mohler said the Supreme Court decision to remove the ban on same-sex marriage is "both revolutionary and radical. It sets the stage for a much broader reorganization of human society... The stakes now could not be higher." How should pastors engage in this high-stakes debate? I would be grateful for your thoughts.

“I Guess God Must Have Some Reason for It”

How many times, during or after a trial, have you heard someone say, “God must have some reason for this”? I am convinced that we need a paradigm shift in our understanding of suffering. We should not think, “I guess God is allowing this,” but rather, “God is doing this.” This takes the trial from the area of arbitrariness to specificity. God doesn’t just allow things to happen because nothing would happen apart from Him. The next step is then to begin considering what God is doing through the trial. Cf. James 1 and God and Calamity.

Farnell, Nofer, and My Fellow Gladiators

Gladiators, "We who are about to die salute you." No doubt many of you are still nursing wounds inflicted by Dr. Farnellius in the arena. What a debt we owe to our beloved professor for beating us senseless for a year and a half, and he did so with a smile on his face. If I didn't spend so much time on debka.com I might have become a real Gladiator by now:) All kidding aside, I really do feel blessed to have been baptized into the Greek world by Dr. Farnell. I am sure you do as well.

Speaking of which, I am looking to get my hands on several copies of Fred Nofer's New Testament Greek Made Functional. Does anyone now how I can order these?

As I think of Dr. Farnell a line from Lethal Weapon (TV version) comes to mind "You really are Crazy". Thankfully he is crazy for the cause of Christ!

"What we do in life echoes for eternity!"

In recent weeks Dr. Sam Waldron, Professor of Theology and Dean of the Midwestern Center for Theological Studies, has been blogging about Barry Horner's excellent book, Future Israel. In his last two entries on the subject Waldron has expanded his critique to include a paper I presented at ETS in 1999.

I've finished the first of what will probably be three entries on my blog in response. The first one is here at www.narnia3.com/index.html . As always, I would be happy for any comments from anyone here who might be interested.

PS: It is also a good time to begin preparations for the annual seminary Study Trip to Israel. Dr. Mayhue is leading the trip that leaves next week. Next year I'll be handling the trip and I'd love having as many alumni who can come along. You can email me at dswanson@tms.edu for information. The 2009 trip will run (approximately) from May 12-29.

Willow Creek Arts Conference June 11-13

I received the brochure for the Arts Conference at Willow Creek just a few days ago. Our elder in charge of worship suggested I read the brochure. He described how it saddened him. I normally do not give this type of mail much priority in my reading stack. However, at his suggestion, I read it. It is truly a piece of work!

Rather than cite some moving verse of Scripture as the basis for the conference, the brochure headlines with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. I was not surprised to see the conference headed by a woman who would be violating 1 Timothy 2:12-13. Willow Creek follows an egalitarian theology.

I was surprised, perhaps I should not have been, to see that one of the conversationalists speaking would be Gilles Ste-Croix, the Senior VP of Creative Content for Cirque du Soleil. He does not usually frequent Christian circles--much less teach. Perhaps he is a strong evangelical firmly rooted in God's word? I'd be interested to hear if he is. I doubt he is; however, I'd like to know if I'm mistaken.

Imagine my greater surprise to see that Brian MClaren was another of the conversationalists speaking. MClaren isn't sure of much these days except that almost nothing is clear in the Bible and that only he and others of his ilk are capable of clear communication (that puts him a cut above the Author of the Bible that is so unclear). But he's a talented guy! He's humble, too! Just ask him.

Some of the seminars are referred to as "conversations"--no doubt tipping the hat to emergents. Much has been made by some about Willow Creek repenting of its ways... but market share is market share and what one must do to attract customers one must continue to keep customers. Willow Creek must return to its usual path like a dog returning to its---well you get the picture. The more things change the more they remain the same at Willow Creek.

It is sad to see "the church" in decline these days. Egalitarianism aside (as the usual assault on biblical authority), I am somewhat surprised to see such a blatant disregard of 2 Cor. 6:14ff. It appears that at least one unbeliever will be teaching and exercising authority over the participants.

Reading down the brochure, the others speakers are the usual suspects one would expect to see at a Willow Creek enterprise--- with perhaps one or two surprises which may cause us to pause and consider, "what are those guys doing there?"

Can things become more secular at Willow Creek, inc? Maybe, but I hope not. In the mean time let us pray for minimal damage, theological and otherwise, to the attendees, the speakers, and their flocks.