Accountability in Ministry
LIVE FROM THE MECCA OF MORMONISM
• SALT LAKE CITY UTAH –
This is Heart of the Matter, where Mormonism Meets Biblical Christianity, face to face.
Show 41 641 – Another Biblical Response Part II December 10th, 2013
We praise the True and Living God for allowing us to participate in this ministry. May He be with you (and us) tonight.
Let me address something here because it is going to lead into what I will introduce hereafter. I was recently pointed to the Heart of the Matter disgrace book page (which I rarely have the chance to frequent due to my inability to handle some of the bullshit) . . . anyway, there was a man on the page who stated that challenging me on my stance on Calvinism there on the Facebook was a good thing because, according to him, it was making me “accountable.” I read that and laughed out loud and want to take a couple of seconds to respond. First of all, this ministry (and those who work in it) and my family have been through far too much (at the hands of men and women who claim to be Christian) to EVER . . . EVER consider ourselves accountable to flesh and blood. I am NOT accountable to any man – not one – but I do (and will) submit to the insights and ideas of men and women I admire and trust.
Financial Responsibility
In terms of finances for the ministry, for example, I never see them – I’m not even on the accounts as a signer at the bank – so in that respect I am accountable to Derrick and Denita who manage that for the ministry. But in terms of what I say, and teach, and how I see things, and what I believe the Bible says, I am accountable to only ONE being in the entire universe – God . . . alone. And I don’t think there is anything under the sun that will ever change this. It is my hope, however, that you will see this stance as a positive and not a negative. You see, with Him as the sole focus (of who I care about impressing and honoring and obeying) I don’t ever have to worry about decisions on whether I should please men or not.
So understand, those who think they are making me accountable to them – you are dreaming. I will teach and say what I believe to be true and care not one whit whether it is popular or not – as long as it is true according to the best contextual examination of the Bible is concerned.
Supporter Influences
That being said, I want to say to our financial supporters (first) thank you for your willingness to trust and for giving us lee-way to converse on topics that are otherwise hard to hear (and sometimes hard to teach). Of late there have been a few supporters who intimate a sort of entitlement to swaying opinion on matters BECAUSE you are financial supporters. Let me publicly state that that ain’t ever gonna happen. I suppose I’ve read too much from Jesus, and Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson in my day to cave into veiled or outright threats of people pulling their support because they don’t agree with this position or that. Whether you yank support or not, all I would ask is to please try and not mistake our resistance to MANipulation as stemming from pride. It is simply a matter of being confident in the material we present relative to doctrine. Certainly, mistakes have been (and will continue to be) made – but we trust God will clear them us in spite of us and in time.
We went through a similar phase (to some extent) during the 2012 election when we adamantly opposed Christians coming together to elect a Mormon President (when the rest of popular American Evangelicalism) actually endorsed an LDS candidate. Likewise today the threats continue as we broach subjects like Calvinism, eternal punishment, and other issues related to salvation, eschatology, miracles, and the like. We hope all of our viewers know of our deep and abiding commitment to sharing Jesus as the way, truth, and the life, that we adamantly maintain that there is no other way to life eternal, and that the Bible is the Word of God which can be trusted. But we will teach what we believe to be true – and we will do our best homework to substantiate what we say – on this you can rely.
Launching the Heart of the Matter Television Network
Tremendous news to share. Starting in January or February of 2014, we are launching our own 24/7 television network. We’re calling it The Heart of the Matter Television Network – Giving God a Chance to Make Sense and we are going to orchestrate all of our programming (plus much much more) into this one channel as a means to create a one of a kind, all-together unique Christian television network. Within the next month or two, you will be able to find the Heart of the Matter Television Network here in Utah on KPDR 19.3. KPDR reaches some 250,000 houses along the Wasatch Front. We are hoping once we have the station up and running smoothly – with all of our programming in place – we will get picked up on cable here, and then in other places around the US.
Unique Approach to Christian Television
What will make HOTM Television Network unique when compared to other Christian stations and networks like Trinity, Daystar and the like will be our unique approach to doing Christian TV in three areas: In programming, in graphics, and in our financial model.
First, our PROGRAMMING will be unique because we are NOT going to air Christian programs that focus on miracles, health and wealth, prosperity teachings, speaking in tongues, healings, donations or anything like it. No Benny Hinn, no Michael Murdock, no charlatans. We will not host programs that preach Calvinism or focus on eschatology. And we will be completely removed from ANY programming that promotes politicking of any kind. We are looking for pastors and ministries that teach the word – preferably verse by verse, that stay true to the Word, that are reasonable, loving, and proponents of God’s grace, love, and message of salvation. Naturally, a great deal of our programming hours will be focused on Mormonism, but we will also air programs from ministries that can educate viewers on all non-Christian faiths, secular thinking, etc.
Secondly, you can expect a very non-traditional approach when it comes to the overall appearance and presentation on the HOTM Television Network. From the sets, to the graphics, to the music, to the commercials – we will brand all of it with our specific style and look. In other words, no wood paneling, no plastic ferns backing touped hosts talking over rainbow graphics of Jesus coming in the clouds with lightning bolts in His hands. There will be no promotion of high dollar Christian rock concerts but we will use the arts to enhance visual appeal.
Financial Model
Finally, when it comes to the station finances, we are going to make the airwaves as close to free as possible for those interested in airing on HOTM Television Network. In lieu of paying high prices, presenters will share the intellectual property rights of their efforts with the Network – so we can use their efforts over and over again at our discretion in the months and years to come. We hope that this approach will give unheard (and underfunded) Christian men and women a chance to reach, teach, and serve the King in and through their distinct talents and views without costing them an arm and a leg.
It is our hope that over time appreciative viewership will help sustain the Network financially instead of making ministries pony-up all sorts of money – which then forces them to constantly be asking for money. We’re doing this because we’ve been on the other end as struggling producers of several programs. In producing Heart of the Matter over the years we’ve had various “Christian” television and radio stations (all using Jesus name to make their sales) that were constantly telling us they would love to have “Heart of the Matter on their channels.” But when we got down to brass tacks, there’s no free lunch in Christian broadcasting – no matter how magnanimous Jesus is.
I remember when Paul Crouch contacted me years ago and told us he really loved Heart of the Matter and would like it on his stations. I was like, “wow, what an opportunity to get the word out about Mormonism. Let’s do it, Paulie baby!” We were then told that this opportunity from Jesus was going to cost us FOUR THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS A WEEK! So, in the name of Jesus, we are going to offer essentially free air time to reputable pastors and teachers and ministries and hope viewership will support the Network (in time) due to solid, engaging programming and teachings – and our purposeful avoidance of Christian garbage. Through this.
A Biblical Approach to Soteriology
Approach, my friends, we will continue our independence and do all we can to present a genuine, rational, biblical approach to God. Naturally, we need your prayers. And, of course, if so led and inclined of the Lord (and are NOT on a limited fixed income) please consider helping us get this new Christian Television Network launched.
Then in the face of all of this, we have come into another bit of great news. A local Spanish-speaking “cable” television network here in Salt Lake City wants to start running our Heart of the Matter Spanish speaking programs at the beginning of the year. You might recall that a number of months ago Aaron T. and his team out there in Arizona contacted us with something the Lord put on his heart.
The Heart of the Matter Television Network
Last week we presented what we believe is a viable alternative to Five Point Calvinism AND Mormonism’s doctrinal explanation of how God saves humankind from itself. Remember? Siding strongly with God’s sovereignty, Calvinists essentially say God picks those whom He will save (and it’s a limited number). Alternately, Arminianist’s (which is closely related to LDS soteriology) weighs in more heavily on the side of free will and says that salvation is in the hand of every individual.
Repulsed by the long-term ramifications of both presentations, we suggested another alternative – one that says the absolute Sovereign God grants free will (because He is a good God and not a despot) and by and through His foreknowledge of our vast and varied choices He orchestrates all things, will, in the end, accomplished His sovereign will which is to ultimately reconcile all humanity to Himself. In this way, we can then see how God has and will elect some Nations to perform certain things (Israel) how some people will compose the Christian church, how some are allowed and used in the evil they do, and how some will be reconciled only after passing through the fire.
The Concept of First-Fruits
When everything is all said and done, we will see that all – through some means or another – will ultimately confess that Jesus is Lord (on bended knee) . . . and will ultimately be reconciled to Him by and through His Son. Certainly, there would be a marked difference in the eternities between believers and non – just as all Christians acknowledge that a marked difference will exist between faithful, selfless, loving Christians and the carnal. But in my opinion (and from all I can see in scripture) this alternative approach to soteriology is the only one that agrees with God being wholly Sovereign, just, merciful, and loving. So give me a few more weeks to make further points to support this view.
Tonight, I want to talk about the very biblical concept of “first-fruits” as it relates to the reconciliation of all humankind through Christ. The word used for first-fruits in the Greek is (aparchn) and it generally applies to the first-fruits of an agricultural harvest – or the fruit or product that is first collected and given as a consecrated gift to God as an offering of gratitude. The idea is when God has poured blessings out and down on us we respond by taking the first part of it, in recognition of His love and mercy, and give it back to Him. Built into the idea of agricultural “first-fruits" is “an order or ranking” based on which parts of the harvest are best.
So let’s say you have a grove of apple trees and you want to give the first fruits of the grove to God. This does NOT mean the very first apples that come to the grove’s trees are God’s. In fact, we learn from Leviticus 19:23-25 that when it came to tree first-fruits the Children of Israel were to wait for four cycles of harvests before either offering first fruits to God or harvesting them for themselves. So the order and rank involved in first fruits applies.
The Concept of Firstfruits
Numbers 18:12 says it well: “All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the first-fruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.” When it comes to humans, the first-fruits of the womb, however, are always the firstborn sons, which is naturally a picture of our Lord Jesus Christ. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.” First-fruits, both in the agricultural sense and in the human family are very important to God. Ezekiel 48:14 says: “And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the first-fruits of the land: for it is holy unto the LORD.” So, and in accordance to God and His sovereign ways and perfect foreknowledge, the idea of firstfruits – picturing His Only Begotten Son – was initiated from the beginning and pictured in the farming and agriculture of the people.
Firstfruits in Creation and Humanity
Remember, first-fruits include elements related to the best, the first, and a rank when compared to others that are to come. Did you hear me? Let me repeat this: First-fruits include the notions of the best of a crop, the first out of a crop, and are numero uno in rank (of other fruits to come). When God created everything in the Garden of Eden it was good. Adam and Eve were the firstfruits of all humanity. They were first, they were the best (God created them and called them good, right) and they were first in rank (relative to the rest of the human race). God gave them a choice – to love Him and therefore obey Him, or to choose their own will and way – and disobey. Did God know what they would do? Certainly. Which is why scripture says His Son was slain from the foundations of the world. Did others follow in after the first and best called Adam and Eve? Certainly. Even all the way down to each of us today.
Firstfruits in the Nation of Israel
With the first fruits of the Human race failing to love and choose God, God elected a nation above all other nations. In this election they became the first-fruits of many nations to come, right? Romans 11:16, speaking of the Nation of Israel and likening them to a tree God created and elected for specific purposes, Paul wrote to gentile believers in Rome and said (of Israel): “For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.” But then the first-fruit nation, like the firstfruit couple, failed to live the law and choose God. Now listen – this is key – Just as more individuals came after the first-fruit couple Adam and Eve, filling the earth, so did other nations follow in after the first-fruit nation (who also failed to choose God and ultimately rejected the Messiah). How many nations were open to what the first-fruit nation had? All of them right? God has elected (based on His foreknowledge of what Adam and Eve and the Nation of Israel would choose to do) and has used them so He would achieve His good pleasure and will, not because He respected them any more but because of His foreknowledge of what they would do.
Jesus as the Ultimate Firstfruit
We know that God then sent His Only Begotten Son, right? The first fruits of God (now the Father) and of Mary and the ONLY one up to this point in history who would ever do His will. In many ways, Jesus was not just the first-fruits of God but He was a “first and only.” First (and only born) of a virgin by the spirit. First and only without sin. First and only to come down from above. First and only to obey the Law. And having been the best, the first, and the first in rank of an order of humanity (a second Adam, as it were) He became the first-fruits then in overcoming the grave by overcoming sin and death. Listen. 1st Corinthians 15:20 says it: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” Because of Him, all of mankind (every rank) will be resurrected, or as it says in 1st Corinthians 15:23 “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.” So then, with Him as the only reliable and trustworthy and holy first fruit of God, all mankind are brought into
The Concept of Firstfruits in Christianity
The harvest because of Him and His work – not their own. So with Christ leading the way, Romans 8:23 calls us (meaning believers in Him) the firstfruits of the Spirit – we are of the first, of a rank, of therefore, the best of all. First-fruits plays such a role in God and His achieving His own pleasure and will, that when a person became a believer in a certain geographical area, they then became known as the first-fruits of that area. Listen to what Paul says in a greeting in Romans 16:5: “Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the “firstfruits of Achaia” unto Christ.”
Understanding Firstfruits
First fruits does NOT mean there is no fruit coming after. It merely signifies the first of the best, the first in rank, and the first AMONG many to follow – which will be harvested whether good or bad. Adam and Eve were followed by more people weren’t they? The Nation of Israel was followed by more nations weren’t they? Jesus, the first resurrected, was and will be followed by more, right? The first believers (or first fruits) of an area will be followed by more believers in an area, right? So, while believers in Jesus are considered the first-fruits of the spirit, this in no way means there will not be any more coming.
Believers as Firstfruits
In fact, listen to what James says the church is! Ready? James 1:18: “Of his own will (of His own good pleasure) begat he us with the word of truth (according to His election based on His foreknowledge), that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” Just as the Nation of Israel thought the sun rose and set on them, and could not accept subsequent nations being His, we, in the church, have made an error in believing that the sun rises and sets on us. James 1:18 says it clearly, bringing in both God’s sovereignty, His good will, His foreknowledge, and that fact that believer who make up Christ’s church are merely a kind-of first-fruits of all of God’s creatures. Chew on that for a while. More next week.
