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Deuteronomy: Holiness Through Worship

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized5 Comments

     When reading through the “second law” that is Deuteronomy it becomes evident that God required that His people be distinctly different than other people. God’s call to holiness was not a mere state of mind rather the call was a call for action. The call of God for holiness meant that His people were to separate themselves from every aspect of life that would pull away from the standard God set down through his servant Moses. God did not want even the stench of other gods on His people so the requirement to serve Him and Him alone was a cry from God to His people to leave paganism, among other heretical teachings, alone for the godless.

     One promise God consistently made to the Israelites was that if they kept His Word the adherents of His Word would enjoy long life. Deuteronomy 6:1-2 clearly shows this with the words, “Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.” The commands of God indeed are multifaceted yet extremely simplistic in nature. God’s law requires absolute dedication to Him and that dedication becomes evident through worship. It is the worship of God by His people that separate the people of God from all others.

     Deuteronomy 6:5 reads, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Note that this text is not a suggestion that the people of God love Him rather it is an absolute demand made clear with the words “thou shalt”. There are no choices provide in this context. The children of God are to love God without exception and that love is best shown in worship. While much can be said in respect to the term “worship” one cannot leave out the idea of exceptional devotion by the renunciation of anything that stands against that dedication. It is for this reason that God required the Israelites to have no other gods before Him (Deuteronomy 5:7). God knew that if His people worshipped and served false gods then it would be impossible for them to worship Him with whole hearts.  

     Taken a bit further, if one is dedicated to God by worshipping Him and Him alone the love for Him would become evident. This love means that nothing will become more important to God’s children than that love. Furthermore, this requirement is not simply because God seeks to thrive on the accolades of His subjects rather God sought and continues to seek “an enduring relationship, regularly renewed in successive generations. The covenant into which Israel had entered was not simply the legal acquiescence to a detailed contract, but rather a living relationship that required the loving commitment of both parties.”[1] Because this is a mutual relationship it becomes evident that the dedication God requires of His people He wholly employs to the extent that God gave His Son so that none would have to perish by reason of sin (John 3:16).

     With this worship becomes a way of life. Worship becomes an intricate part of the followers of God to the extent that there is no other mind but to love God. Deuteronomy 13:4 becomes not just words to the former people of God rather the words burn themselves on the hearts of those that truly love God. Those words, “Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him” present the ideal way to worship God. In obeying these simple words one is pulled from the false gods and is found in the arms of the true and living God. This practice of worship sets the stage for holiness.

     Hebrews 12:14 shows holiness as being a prerequisite to seeing God. The holiness discussed in Hebrews is the same holiness God required in Deuteronomy. The juxtaposition of holiness and worship are not accidental in that the two work in conjunction one with the other. One cannot be holy while serving false gods nor can one worship false gods while serving the true and living God. The law dictated absolutely dedication. Grace requires unfailing love. Both lead to worship and holiness which leads to eternal life.   

 

[1] Tremper Longman III and Raymond B. Dillard.  An Introduction to the Old Testament. (Grand Rapids, Zondervan 2006), 114

Deuteronomy: The Law Then and Its Impact Today

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Deuteronomy: The Law Then and Its Impact Today.

Deuteronomy: The Law Then and Its Impact Today

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized5 Comments

     There is little doubt that the fifth book of the Pentateuch is a fascinating one. It is fascinating on many levels particularly in light of the fact that Moses is found rehearsing the law just prior to his death. The fact that Moses is rehearsing the law brings much to light about what Deuteronomy truly is. It is not a record of a dying man just getting some burdens relieved from his chest rather it is the work of a man of God providing focus to a new generation of followers.

 

     Before the new followers of God are brought to the forefront it needs to be noted that Moses, from an early age, was welcomed into Pharaoh’s house. He was taught by the best and dined well. Yet over a period of time Moses came to realize that he really did not belong to Pharaoh but that he had a much longer and sure history with the Hebrews; that is the Israelites. God used Moses to lead His people from the hands of tyrannical leadership that refused to let the Israelites worship God. After much ado the children were allowed to leave the house of bondage which was Egypt. After the release the people of God became rebellious and stiff-necked.  Unthankfulness was the order of the day even while God continued to provide for and protect His people.

 

     Because of their rebellion the Israelites, with Moses, wandered in the wilderness for a generation. During this time God provided Moses with the law the Israelis were to abide by. Meanwhile the older and rebellious people were dying in the wilderness leaving the younger people unfamiliar with the entire law. It is for this reason that there had to be a reiteration or a repeating of the Law. This is what “Deuteronomy” loosely means. It is a repeating or restating of the law. With this the new generation of God’s followers had to be instructed in the Law which is what prompted Moses to give a series of three speeches revisiting not just the law but also the very nuances of it.

     Moses, in chapter four provides distinct a warning in respect to the Word of God, or the Law. His warning was “Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you.  Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” The reason for this warning was to prevent what happened to the older generation who chose not only to rebel against the Law but often served other gods as is evidenced in Exodus 32:4. And while the term “law” is not used in the text the Law is most definitely referenced with the term “Commandments” and these commandments are from the Lord.

     The Law was to guide the people while the more important matter of the Law was to present a holy people before a holy God. The Israelites were to be separate from the world in every aspect of their lives. This is why the nuances of the Law were so important as laid out by Moses.  The people of God were to be holy from the onset and they were to see themselves as “an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 7:6) The people of God were never to be like other peoples and had to be separated from things that were an offense to God. This is what holiness is about and this is what the Law sought to do- keep the people of God separate and apart from ungodly offenses.

     In order to maintain holiness the people of God were not to alter the Law in any form. It was to remain intact without exception. This can be furthered by the fact that because God is holy His Word must also be holy. This is why it cannot be altered and must be honored in whole. Revelation 22:18-19 repeats the very idea mentioned in Deuteronomy. The text reads, “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Clearly the first freed generation of Israelites was caught in certain plagues because they chose not to adhere to the holiness of God’s Word.

     With this it is important to know that the Law (Word of God) was put in place for the holiness of a people. While it is evident that the Law was directed to the Israelites present day followers of God have been grafted into the Tree of Life (Romans 11). That Tree of Life is Jesus who came not to destroy the Law rather He came fulfill the Law. Matthew 5:17 makes this point abundantly clear. The Law, while the ceremonial aspects of it are not in use today, is directive for the holiness of a people. Moses, during his speeches, pointed the people to holiness. Jesus in His life lived holiness. Christians today need to take the Word of God and hide it in our hearts so that the impact of the law will be holiness. The fact is that without holiness no man shall see God yet with a life of holiness man walks with God. The Law then was pointing to holiness; the impact now, a life of holiness.

 

 

 

Have Some Confidence

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There is much talk today about faith. People are starting groups entitled “Faith” and others suggest that their faith in God is immovable. Preachers are slamming their fists on pulpits to make the point of the necessity of faith. Yet many people still have no idea what faith really is nor are they sure how to employ it. Despite this the matter of faith is a rather simple one and one that even a baby can employ in his life.

The fact is that faith, at its simplest level, is nothing more than absolute assurance that God is true to His Word. It is the realization that God cannot and will not lie to the extent that the Word of God has never failed. Faith is knowing that no matter how long and difficult the journey God will bring it to a successful end. He has to because God has…

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DEUTERONOMY

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DEUTERONOMY.

DEUTERONOMY

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NAME:

The title of this fifth book of the Pentateuch written by Moses from a Greek term which signifies a second or repeated Law. The book contains the final word of Moses, delivered most probably during the last seven days of his life. This message of Moses was given to Israel in view of the impending entrance to their covenanted possession, a possession for which the nation had striven through forty years of wilderness wanderings. Although the Decalogue is repeated, and other distinct phases of the Mosaic legislation found in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers are rearrested, these addresses of Moses consist of an application of the Law, with elucidations and additional instructions.

AUTHORSHIP:

Although modern criticisms maintain that Deuteronomy is of later origin than the previous four books, the unity of the Pentateuch is generally admitted. The fact is that Moses was its author is distinctly declared (31:19) and the NEW TESTAMENT expressly states that it is the work of Moses (Matt 19:7-8, Mark 10:2-9, Act 3:22, 7:37). The style is more emotional and oratorical than the other four books, and its tone is more spiritual and ethical; but this does not argue against the Mosaic authorship. These facts are due to the circumstances, occasion and purpose of the utterances recorded. The account of the death of Moses, of course, was added by another hand, but this doesn’t discredit the Mosaic authorship of the balance of the material.

OCCASION AND PURPOSE:

The crisis facing Israel in the occupation of idolatrous and corrupted Canaan was quite certainly the occasion of these addresses of Moses. Supreme emphasis upon the inflexible and exacting nature of GOD’S Law constituted the purpose. The key to the whole series of instruction is found in Chapter 28 to 30:9.

OUTLINE:

Moses’ farewell message is usually divided on the basis of three addresses, but, topically, seven divisions are better

1) Summary of Israel’s history in the wilderness (1:1-3:29)

2) A restatement of the Law with exhortations and warnings (4:1-11:32)

3) Sundry Laws and instructions with warnings and predictions (12:1-27:26)

4) Significant prophecies summarizing the history of Israel to the Second Advent of CHRIST Embracing the notable covenant (28:1-30:20)

5) Farewell counsels to Priests, Levites, and Joshua (31)

6) The song of Moses and the pronouncements of blessings on the Twelve Tribes (32-33)

7) Death of Moses (34)

Courtesy of:  Reverend-Azmat Tanzeem

The Holy Spirit His Purpose

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized4 Comments

All too often the fundamentals of Christianity are ignored in light of a feel good agenda. This is furthered by ignoring the fact of Who the Holy Spirit is. This is part of the reason I taught the below lesson last week. We need not only to know Who the Holy Spirit is but He is due utmost respect.

 

The Holy Spirit His Purpose

 

 

 

 

For

 

 

 

 

Springs of Refreshing Fellowship Church

1932 Gwynn Oak Ave

Woodlawn, MD 21207

 

 

 

 

Prepared by:

 

Elder William James Carter, The 1st

 

 

 

 

 

 

18 April 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© The Christian Perspective

 

The Holy Spirit and His Purpose

 

The Deity of The Holy Spirit

 

          

     All too often the Holy Spirit is not provided due respect as the Father and Son are. This is problematic because the Holy Spirit is just as much Deity as the Father and Son. He is eternal and was instrumental in creation as is evidenced in the Genesis narrative. Genesis 1:1 reads “In the beginning God…” This word in the Hebrew is “Elohim” which has a varied history but is significant because it is a reference to the multi-faceted God. That is to say that the term recognizes not only the idea of the One and only True God but is suggestive of the entire Godhead which includes the Holy Spirit.

     While Genesis 1:1 alludes to the presence of the Holy Spirit in creation Genesis 1:2 definitively brings Him into the picture. It reads:

“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”

The phrase “Spirit of God” is significant because while it recognizes the Father it also shows the Spirit and it shows the Spirit as being separate from the Father. Even more the word “spirit” in the Hebrew is “ruwach” which means breath or spirit. More specifically this word means “Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son.”[1] This is absolute evidence that the Holy Spirit is not merely a power from God but that He shares the same attributes as the Father and the Son making Him Deity. Those attributes are:

  1.  Omniscience – Everything knowing
  2. Omnipresence – Everywhere present
  3. Omnipotence – All powerful

These attributes are enjoyed only by the Godhead and because the Godhead includes the Holy Spirit He, by extension, is fully Deity. This is not to say that there are three Gods because there are not. This speaks to the fact that God is multi-faceted in three Persons and that the Holy Spirit is the third Person in the Trinity.

     Additional evidence of the Deity of the Holy Spirit is found throughout the New Testament. Among the most prominent places is the record found in Acts 5:1-4:

“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,  And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.  But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?  Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.”   

     The Spirit of God is referred to here as the Holy Ghost.  However the distinction between Spirit and Ghost are purely linguistic in nature. The Greek word “pneuma” shares the same definition as the Hebrew word “ruwach.”  This is indicative of the fact the Spirit of the Old Testament is the same Spirit of the New Testament. With that is evident that lying to the Holy Ghost is synonymous to lying to God. Therefore the Holy Spirit (Ghost) must be God as He is an intricate part of the Godhead.

     The Deity of the Holy Spirit is further validated by at least twenty-three different titles. Among those titles are:

  1. Spirit of Adoption – Romans 8:15, “ For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
  2. Spirit of Lord God – Isaiah 61:6, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”
  3. Spirit of the Father – Matthew 10:20, “For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.”

The Person of the Holy Spirit

     With this the fact of the Deity of the Holy Spirit is indisputable.  It is also evident that He is not a mere force but that the Holy Spirit has a personality which is separate from the Father and the Son which shows that He is a person. With that there are specific acts the He engages in. Those acts are:

  • Ø He Teaches – John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
  • Ø He testifies – John 15:26, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.”
  • He guides – Romans 8:14, “ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
  • Ø He Speaks – I Corinthians 2:13, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”
  • Ø He enlightens – John 16:13, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”
  • Ø He strives – Genesis 6:3, “And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.”
  • Ø He commands – Acts 8:29, “Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.”
  • Ø He intercedes – Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
  • Ø He sends workers – Acts 13:4, “So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.”
  • Ø He calls – Revelation 22:7, “ And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
  • Ø He comforts – John 16:7, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”
  • Ø He works – I Corinthians 12:11, “ But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”

The Purpose of the Holy Spirit

     Like Jesus the overall purpose of the Holy Spirit is to ensure that the will of the Father is fulfilled. That is done in a number of ways. One clear purpose of the Holy Spirit is to be a comforter to the people of God.

John 14:16:

          “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.”

The idea that the Holy Spirit is referred to as a Comforter presents a number of ideas and shows the complexities of His purpose. The Greek word is “paraklētos” which generally means called alongside to help but that there is much more to the term. Another definition takes on a legal term which means:

“one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate”

The definition continues with:

           one who pleads another’s cause with one, an intercessor

  1. of Christ in his exaltation at God’s right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins

Also:

          “in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant”

This idea of the “Comforter” shows the general purpose of the Holy Spirit even while He has more specific purposes. Yet no matter what His work is the overall purpose is to ensure that the will of the Father is fulfilled. Among the more specific purposes of the Holy Spirit are:

  • Ø Edify the Church – Acts 9:31, “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”
  • Ø Testifies concerning Christ – John 15:26, “ But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.”
  • Ø To impart hope – Romans 15:13, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
  • Ø To guide to into all truth – John 16:13, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

To convict the world of sin – John 16:7-8, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”

 

 

 

 

     

[1] Blue Letter Bible. “Dictionary and Word Search for ruwach (Strong’s 7307)“. Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2013. 16 Apr 2013. < http:// www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7307&t=KJV >

preachercarter.wordpress.com: Taking a S

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preachercarter.wordpress.com: Taking a Stand:      Recently Rand Paul, Kentucky Senator, took to the Senate floor in Washington D.C. http://wp.me/p2OWkJ-5h ^WC

The Importance of Good Exegesis

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The Importance of Good Exegesis.

The Importance of Good Exegesis

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized7 Comments

Below is a brief essay I wrote while studying Greek for exegetical purposes. I thought originally to write an article as a follow-up to my last post My Opinion Doesn’t Matter but then I was going through some of my documents and came across the subject document. The reason for the article is because many believe that the Bible is subject to the interpretation of individuals. The fact is it is not.

As such the following is presented as it was originally in seminary.

William James Carter, I

                                                                                                    NGRK 506

The Importance of Good Exegesis

     Recently this writer had opportunity to sit under a local pastor who chose not to study the Scripture but declared that he relied strictly on the Holy Spirit at the time of preaching. With this he never took notes and often used specific words out of context. One such word was “save” as used in Luke 8:51. The Scripture was used totally out of context thereby teaching the people the wrong idea which resulted in confusion.

This then is part of the importance of good exegesis. When good exegesis is not performed then what is taught can be damaging to the hearers. This is coupled with the fact that most do not read their Bibles regularly and study it even less. This then makes the preacher the ultimate authority of God’s Word. So, if  the preacher declares a thing to be true and it is not true not only does it create confusion in the minds of the unlearned but it also creates mistrust, divisiveness and possibly a falling away from the faith.

If these negative items are true then their opposites must be true as well. If the preacher takes time to properly exegete the Word rather than creating confusion he will create peace. In the absence of mistrust there must be trust.  Union eradicates the divisive spirit while those that may fall away, because of what ultimately can be construed as heretical, become stronger in the faith.

The above example of the lack of exegesis has resulted in weak membership. That is to say that none of the members have a clear understanding the Word of God therefore there is no reliance on it. Instead there is an expectation that the pastor will hear from God and give them whatever they need. Ultimately there has been the creation of a cult-like following of the pastor because no one is allowed to question what is being taught and if anyone does there is a severe penalty. With this there is tremendous damage done not only to those being “ministered” to but the impact goes beyond the immediate following to the families and friends of the parishioners. Unfortunately, the ultimate damage of this example has been that some have fallen from the faith.

But the pastor noted above appears to have a motive for his treatment of the presentation of the Gospel. While this writer is being careful to use good tact in this presentation there has to be acknowledgement of the fact that good exegesis prevents one from becoming arrogant concerning the things of God. This is to say that without dutiful exegesis one psychological problem could play out as arrogance.

There are many that feel the need to control others and some in ecclesiastical authority use the Scripture and pulpit to bolster their own sense of significance. When this happens there is no need to do proper study of Scripture instead the person presumes that he has been preaching so long that there is nothing he does not know.

This attitude was witnessed by this writer in that the pastor all but dared anyone to call into question his ability to “teach” and “preach”. His arrogance did not allow him to listen if someone may have had a suggestion or question that seemed contrary to what he taught. In fact, the psychological need for him to control lent him to public open rebuke of anyone that merely sought clearer understanding of what was taught.

So then, proper exegesis of the Word creates a right mind in the minister. He realizes that he has no need to control the people of God but that they are in need of good leadership – and that leadership can only come in the absence of arrogance and psychological weaknesses. It also allows for good reasoned discussions thereby promoting not only spiritual growth but also good practical academia. Good exegesis is the laying down of one’s own views in order that the truths of the Word are presented not to fulfill the needs of the speaker but to strengthen all that fall under his voice.  Good exegesis results in the building of a strong and unified church.