Heart of the Matter

Live from Salt Lake City, Utah, this is Heart of the MatterTGNN’s original show where Shawn McCraney deconstructed religion and developed fulfilled theology., where we do all we can to try and worship God in Spirit and in Truth. I’m your host, Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion..

Wrap Up of Sola Scriptura

Show 31 457 Wrap up of Sola Scriptura
August 4th, 2015

We are a month and a week away from having Doctor Don K. Preston here with us to talk about the Preterist point of view. Here is a short letter we are sending out to some of the local churches inviting the pastors specifically to attend as a means to challenge their thinking. Of course, we invite anyone interested in the subject, but we think it's important that the Pastors take the time to attend as a means to test all things and report back to their congregations honestly.

Letter to Pastors

The letter says:

Dear Pastor,

We are hosting a short conference on the much debated topic of preterismThe belief that all biblical prophecy—especially “end times”—was fulfilled by 70 A.D. More by having Dr. Don K. Preston come and speak on the subject Friday Night September 11 and Saturday Morning September 12, 2015. This is an invitation for you to specifically attend as you publicly teach a futurist position to your congregants and we believe it will be a great opportunity to seriously consider a view you may have not previously entertained. In the end whether you agree or accept the Preterist view is almost irrelevant but we hope you would consider this as a great opportunity to learn.

The conference is free and food will be served. Please bring your hard questions on the subject as Dr. Preston is considered by many an expert in the area. There will be a non-confrontational Q and A on both days.

We would appreciate an RSVP before August 10th. Please call 385 282-3355 to accept.

Thank you for your consideration.

Shawn McCraney
CAMPUSCHURCH.TV

As an FYI, this invitation is to all churches everywhere, but we have formally sent an email invitation to the local pastors in the Salt Lake area:

• Neil Pafford
• Terry Long
• Darrel Carnley
• John Cowan
• Scott Fine
• Jeff Nellermoe
• Mark Gomez
• Bill Young
• Steve Clarke
• Marshall Warnecke
• Chad Jacobson
• France Davis
• Jim Ayers
• And others.

Why do this? Because the truth will set them AND their congregants FREE. It’s all about freedom in Christ. We hope that they will respond by taking advantage of this free teaching.

And with that, how about a moment from the Word

Exploring Subjective Christianity

For the past few weeks, I have been strolling through the books of the New Testament and have been pulling passages out that support the idea of Subjective ChristianityA direct, personal relationship with God—free from institutional authority, guided by personal relationship, faith and agape love.. We covered Romans and 1st Corinthians. Tonight, here are some passages to consider from 2nd Corinthians:

2nd Corinthians 1:24 Paul refers to his apostolic position and says plainly:

“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.”

That word dominion has its root in lordship and Paul’s meaning is that even as an apostle he did NOT exercise lordship over anyone's faith, because (he said) it is BY FAITH that they stand). Radical.

2nd Corinthians 3 is amazing. Read the whole thing but let me hit on a few key passages. Verse 1 –

1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
7 But if the ministration of deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God., written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

Now jumping down to verse 17 he adds:

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

In chapter four, listen to what Paul

2nd Corinthians and the Spiritual Nature of Faith

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

That’s subjective faith folks. The last verse of chapter four reminds us of the spiritual nature of all things Christian, saying:

The Eternal Perspective

2nd Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

I would commend all of chapter five to you – it is amazing but consider these highlights: 2nd Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

Then listen to his message in verse 12: 12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

Unity and Peace

And in 16, 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. How seriously do we take verse 16 of chapter six which says: 2nd Corinthians 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

If I and YOU and THEY are the temple of the living God, and God dwells in me, and walks in me, and is MY God who the hell has the right to try and get me to obey and listen and follow them ESPECIALLY in terms of doctrine. I get submitting to people and such but there is no doctrine outside of us that trumps the doctrine we possess internally.

We note the free and open subjectivity of 2nd Corinthians 9:7 where, speaking of giving says: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

From 2nd Corinthians chapter 10 verse 7 unto the end, take the time to reflect upon Paul’s words there. It would take too long to properly exegete them but you can – you have the Spirit.

Paul adds a fear in chapter 11 saying: “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” Modern translation? Take all your BS mandatory doctrines and smoke em. The Simplicity is in CHRIST. ALL CHRIST.

Final Thoughts on 2nd Corinthians

2nd Corinthians is concluded at chapter 13 with these words: 11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 12 Greet one another with an holy kiss. 13 All the saints salute you. Note the emphasis on unity, peace and love. And with that, how about a word of Prayer before we wrap up our examination of Sola Scriptura.

PRAYER PRAYERPRAYER PRAYER PRAYERPRAYER

So last week we took ourselves up to the point of the nascent divisions that occurred between really good believers due to Sola Scriptura. Let’s continue:

• In 1525 Anabaptist movement began
• In 1528 Lutheranism is officially adopted with Luther confirming, by and through his views that the actual presence of Christ's body and blood are present in Christ’s Supper.
• In 1537 Myles Coverdale's Bible published his version of the Bible.
• Nine years later this Bible (which included the apocrypha) was banned by Henry VIII.
• In 1535 Thomas More refuses to accept King Henry VIII's claim to be the supreme head of the Church in England. What did they do? Executed him.
• In 1536 Tyndale put to death and English ecclesiastical authorities.

Sola Scriptura: Historical Events and Religious Movements

Ordered his Bible burned because it was thought to be part of “Luther's reform.”

• In 1536 Calvin writes Institutes of the Christian Religion (look what that has created today!)
• 1536 Jacob Hutter founds the Hutterites. The Hutterites for Goodness sakes! Where are the Christians, the followers of Jesus? Lutherans? Hutterites? Millerites?
• 1537-1551 Matthew Bible, by John Rogers was published. This Bible was NOT authorized for use in public worship. The 1551 edition contained some very offensive notes.
• 1539-1569 The Great Bible, by Thomas Cromwell, defective in many ways, was the first English Bible to be authorized for public use in English churches.
• In the 1540’s Parliament of England bans Tyndale's translation as a "crafty, false and untrue translation."
• In 1545-1563 a Catholic Council of Trent offers up a Counter-Reformation against Protestantism.
• 1552 Joachim Westphal starts controversy against Calvinists, and defends the Lutheran doctrine of “Real Presence” in communion.

Controversies and Persecutions

Sola scriptura? Come out come out wherever you are? Do thy job? Unite the brethren in love?

• In 1553 Michael Servetus, founder of Unitarianism, is burned at the stake in Geneva (in a true act of Christian love). BURNED AT THE STAKE! Over opinion!
• In 1553-1558 Queen Mary I of England persecutes reformers John Rogers, Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, Thomas Cranmer; 238 are then also burned at the stake!
• 1555 the Peace of Augsburg Act (listen to this) gives religious freedom in Germany (but only to Lutheran Protestants).
• 1560 Geneva Bible, first Bible with chapter and verse numbers.
• 1572 John Knox founds the Scottish Presbyterian Church. Why? Due to disagreement with Lutherans over sacraments and church government.

“Here sola, sola, sola, sola! Common boy! Come on! (change tone) Sola! Right now. You get over here – behave.”

The Spread of Religious Movements

• 1585 Jesuit scholar Francisco Ribera publishes the first futurist interpretation, naturally appealing to his interpretation of the Biblical books of Daniel and Revelation.
• 1609 The Baptist Church (founded by John Smyth). Why? Objections over infant baptism and demands for a church-state separation.
• 1611 the King James Version (AKA the Authorized Version) is published, based primarily on Tyndale's work and the Bishop's Bible of 1572. The first printings also included the Apocrypha?
• 1635 Roger Williams was banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony, for advocating separation of church and state. (Good on ya, Roger)
• In 1636 Harvard University was founded as a training school for ministers.
• In 1638 Anne Hutchinson was “banished” as a heretic from Massachusetts. At her trial (she had views that differed with the Puritan Clergy for goodness sakes) she said: “You have no power over my body, neither can you do me any harm—for I am in the hands of the eternal Jehovah, my Savior, I am at his appointment, the bounds of my habitation are cast in heaven, no further do I esteem of any mortal man than creatures in his hand, I fear none but the great Jehovah, which hath foretold me of these things, and I do verily believe that he will deliver me out of our hands. Therefore take heed how you proceed against me—for I know that, for this you go about to do to me, God will ruin you and your posterity and this whole state.”
• Oh, and then in 1650 Bishop James Ussher calculated the date of creation as October 23, 4004 BC. (Thanks for that, Bishop. Now Sola Scriptura was providing the world actual dates including days and months of things.)
• 1692 Salem witch trials were held in Colonial America (Witch trials! Sola Scriptura?)
• 1693 Jacob Amman founds Amish sect
• In 1730-1749 the United States experienced its First Great Awakening.
• In 1738 John Wesley and his hymn-writing brother Charles founded the Methodist movement.
• In 1774 Ann Lee, leader of American Shakers, emigrates to New York from England.
• 1779 Virginia the Statute for Religious Freedom which says (in part): "Jesus never coerced anyone to follow him, and the imposition of a religion by government officials is impious."
• 1791 First Amendment to the United States Constitution said: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

A country's CONGRESS is wise enough to make such a stance but sola scriptura and those who enforce it as believers aren’t? As we enter into the 19th century the battle over converts, division over doctrine and practice, and debates over “which church is correct” begin to mount.

• In 1809 the Disciples of Christ (AKA the Campbell Movement) begins seeking to restore the true church back to earth.
• 1819 Thomas Jefferson produces the Jefferson Bible.
• In 1828 Plymouth Brethren were founded; they promote a tradition known as DispensationalismA view that divides history into “ages” with separate plans—TGNN teaches Christ fulfilled all in 70 A.D. More.
• In 1830 Charles Finney's revivals lead Americans into the Second Great Awakening.
• 1830 Joseph Smith, Jr.

The Emergence of Religious Movements and Divisions

Starts the Church of Christ as a result of reported heavenly visitations, buried Gold plates and revelations from God. Why not? Looking around the guy could see that people wanted certainty, they wanted leadership, and they wanted promises of absolute truth. Sola Scriptura wasn’t giving it to anyone. All they got from that was division – so being who he was, he decided to give the people what they wanted. We cannot EVER say that any of these men, women or their interpretation of scripture were correct. None of them. All we can say is that men and women were able to preach and teach things a certain number of people (large and small accepted as truth).

Why would God allow this to occur and exist? Because the importance has NEVER EVER been in perfect doctrine and practice – we are all far too different in far too many ways for it to be that. God has simply wanted those who look upon His son to love each other. And those who are His – the MORE they are His – the less they make doctrinal divisions important. The divisions didn’t stop with Smith and his dreamy imaginations. The train of Christian division kept a rollin.

Key Religious Movements

• In 1831 William Miller begins “the Advent Movement” by preaching his first sermon on the Biblical books of Daniel and Revelation.
• 1832 The Stone Movement and the Disciples of Christ merged to form the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement.
• In 1844 the Millerites experienced what is called The Great Disappointment – Jesus didn’t return.
• In 1844 Ellen G. White, co-founder and prophetess of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has her first vision.

See, visions were the key to overrunning the Sola Scriptura fail. If a person could have an actual vision from God whatever they saw would give certainty to the divisions between those who were fighting over scriptural interpretation. Religious visionaries are nothing new, even in the early 1800’s. But in the FACE of sola Scriptura religious visionaries seemed more reliable than the multitudinous opinions from others on what this passage or that passage means.

• In 1845 the Southern Baptist Convention formed in Augusta, Georgia.
• In 1846 Bernadette Soubirous receives the first of 18 apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes in Lourdes, France. Six million people a year visit this Lourdes Shrine today.
• 1847 Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod founded in Chicago, Illinois.
• 1848 “Perfectionist movement” in western New York state kicked in gear (I think some of them are still around today).
• In 1855 Søren Kierkegaard, a man who had great disdain for the abuses he saw in religion, presented another way to see Christ and Christianity. We call it Christian Existentialism. It is the forerunner to Subjective Christianity today.
• 1863 Seventh-day Adventist Church officially formed 19 years after the Millerite Great Disappointment.
• 1865 Methodist preacher William Booth founds the Salvation Army, vowing to “bring the gospel into the streets to the most desperate and needy.”
• 1879 Mary Baker Eddy starts her Christian Scientist movement.
• 1881-1894 Revised Version, called for by Church of England, uses Greek based on Septuagint (B) and (S), Hebrew Masoretic Text used in OT, follows Greek order of words, greater accuracy than AV, includes Apocrypha, scholarship never disputed.
• 1884 Charles Taze Russell founds the Bible Student movement. It becomes the Jehovah's Witnesses in time.
• In 1894, another contributor to the Subjective Christian movement steps forward in the person of Leo Tolstoy who wrote a book called, “The Kingdom of GodGod’s spiritual reign—fulfilled and present, not political or future. is Within You,” which speaks to ChristiAnarchy and Christian Subjectivity.
• Between 1906-1909 what is called the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, CA begins the modern Pentecostal movement.
• 1907 The Church of God in Christ is formed.
• 1908 Church of the Nazarene founded in Pilot Point, Texas.
• 1909 Scofield Reference Bible published which promotes futurismThe belief that end-times prophecies are still future—TGNN teaches they were fulfilled in 70 A.D. More.
• 1909-1911 The Rosicrucian Fellowship, an international association of Esoteric Christian mystics, founded at Mount Ecclesia.
• 1910-1915 The Fundamentals, a 12-volume collection of essays by 64 British and American scholars and preachers, forms the foundation of what is called Christian Fundamentalism.
• 1919 Karl Barth's Commentary on Romans is published, critiquing Liberal Christianity and beginning the neo-orthodox movement.
• 1923 Aimee Semple McPherson builds Angelus Temple.
• 1942 National Association of Evangelicals founded.
• 1946-1952 Revised Standard Version.
• 1947 Carl F. H. Henry, produces a landmark work pairing Evangelicalism versus Fundamentalism in the United States.

Looking Ahead

And it is on this point – the establishment of Fundamentalism as opposed to Liberalism that we will turn next week. (Whew!) First, 330 years without an agreed-upon Bible. Then 1000 years with a Bible that could not be accessed or read or afforded or trusted. Then 515 years (from 1500 to 2015) where…

Interpretation Challenges in Written Scripture

Sola Scriptura divided everyone in the body of Christ from each other. Isn’t it time for a waving of the white theological flag and for people who love Jesus to simply look to others who love Jesus and smile? Before we go to the phones I want to do a little experiment with you all. It illustrates why the written word alone cannot ever be agreed upon and therefore cannot be sole guide. Let me give you six words – ready: “I did not say you stole.”

Six words. Now, from what I can tell there are at least six ways to read and interpret these six words.

Six Interpretations

FIRST – “I” did not say you stole (but Jim did). Got it?

Second – “I did not say you stole” – the plain meaning of the phrase without emphasis of any kind.

“I did not say you stole.”
“I did not say you stole”
I did not say youstole”
I did not say you STOLE”

Now translate these six words into one of 6500 languages spoken in the world today.

The Complexity of Biblical Language

Now take the Bible. Not six words, but 783,000 plus. Multiply that by 6500 languages and we’ve got a world trying to agree on over five BILLION terms as believers. The Spirit of love is the only way, the key, and the future for true Christians to truly unite. The Words in the book are a guide.

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