Comments on: Preaching the Book God Wrote (Part 1) http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/ A Ministry of Shepherds' Fellowship Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:54:00 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Tony Medley http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-25901 Tony Medley Sat, 02 Jun 2007 19:36:14 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/#comment-25901 Hello to all in the name of Christ Jesus. I can honestly say that my listening to John Mac Arthur has only blessed me. I have been a Christian for 47 years and for most of that time I have read the A.V. I would always vote for the A.V. in a contest as I believe it is time honoured by God. However I have on my shelves almost every version of the Holy Scriptures. I find no objection at all with modern language for Christ Himself spoke in the modern language of His day as did His Apostles. My greatest concern is that a number of the versions Particulary the NIV leave out an awful amount of Scripture, and this does worry me. To Mark Shriver I would say be very very careful what and who you declare to be satanic, the Pharisees said this about Christ, and make no mistake God will judge you on your remarks. I firmly believe that whatever version of the Word of God is used, God will use that version sovereignly in His calling of His elect and not one will be lot because they were called by another version other than the A.V. It was very interesting to read Frank Leonard's remark about those nations who speak the hundreds of different languages, it would be almost imposible to translate from the original codexes the language of the A.V. For example in some places they don't know what a white sheep is or a black sheep so how would you translate something like this to those who did not know or have never heard let alone seen sheep. Be careful Mark before you declare anything satanic, the Word of God says in 2 Tim 2:24 "be gentle to all, able to teach, patient in humility correcting those who are in opposition," My prayer is that many more men like John Mac Arthur are raised up by our Gracious God that many more of His elect may be brought into His Eternal kingdom. May God bless him and men like R.C.Sproul Who incidently uses the E.S.V. Would you say he was satanic as well just because he does not use the A.V.? I HOPE NOT. May God's blessing be upon all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen Hello to all in the name of Christ Jesus.
I can honestly say that my listening to John Mac Arthur has only blessed me. I have been a Christian for 47 years and for most of that time I have read the A.V. I would always vote for the A.V. in a contest as I believe it is time honoured by God. However I have on my shelves almost every version of the Holy Scriptures. I find no objection at all with modern language for Christ Himself spoke in the modern language of His day as did His Apostles. My greatest concern is that a number of the versions Particulary the NIV leave out an awful amount of Scripture, and this does worry me. To Mark Shriver I would say be very very careful what and who you declare to be satanic, the Pharisees said this about Christ, and make no mistake God will judge you on your remarks. I firmly believe that whatever version of the Word of God is used, God will use that version sovereignly in His calling of His elect and not one will be lot because they were called by another version other than the A.V.
It was very interesting to read Frank Leonard’s remark about those nations who speak the hundreds of different languages, it would be almost imposible to translate from the original codexes the language of the A.V. For example in some places they don’t know what a white sheep is or a black sheep so how would you translate something like this to those who did not know or have never heard let alone seen sheep.
Be careful Mark before you declare anything satanic, the Word of God says in 2 Tim 2:24 “be gentle to all, able to teach, patient in humility correcting those who are in opposition,”
My prayer is that many more men like John Mac Arthur are raised up by our Gracious God that many more of His elect may be brought into His Eternal kingdom. May God bless him and men like R.C.Sproul Who incidently uses the E.S.V. Would you say he was satanic as well just because he does not use the A.V.? I HOPE NOT.
May God’s blessing be upon all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

]]> By: Frank Leonard http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-25796 Frank Leonard Sat, 02 Jun 2007 13:58:37 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/#comment-25796 I don't want to start a KJV-only debate but I do have a question for Mark. What translation do people read who cannot speak English? Some only speak Japanese, German, Hindi,etc. Must they learn the King's english before they can read the Bible? I don’t want to start a KJV-only debate but I do have a question for Mark. What translation do people read who cannot speak English? Some only speak Japanese, German, Hindi,etc. Must they learn the King’s english before they can read the Bible?

]]> By: Jim in Clearwater http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-24350 Jim in Clearwater Wed, 30 May 2007 13:00:57 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/#comment-24350 Let us not waste our time on foolish comments like Mark's. Men, this is an awesome subject, what brings men to saving faith, Ezekial was commanded to prophesy to the valley of dead bones, not stand and tell them to excercise their free will and come as they are publicly and accept Christ into their hearts (They had no heart, no skin, and no sinknew on their joints, no breath at all), no, God commanded that Ezekial prophesy to the bones and that is what all of us are to do to the dead bones in our office, our neighborhood, our childrens soccer game at the YMCA, and so on, Faith comes by hearing the words of Christ (NASB Rom 10:14,17), When we proclaim the shepherds words, the elect sheep will follow the voice and they will come...Oh that we would pray to the Lord to send workers for the harvest, as the fields are ready....I too came to faith at an expository church after dating a false chuch (social club) for several years. I had no idea that the word of God when understood, would change me this way, John's ministry has been instrumentally used by God for this pile of dry bones, as John was faithfully proclaiming God's word, God breathed life into my dead bones! Let us not waste our time on foolish comments like Mark’s. Men, this is an awesome subject, what brings men to saving faith, Ezekial was commanded to prophesy to the valley of dead bones, not stand and tell them to excercise their free will and come as they are publicly and accept Christ into their hearts (They had no heart, no skin, and no sinknew on their joints, no breath at all), no, God commanded that Ezekial prophesy to the bones and that is what all of us are to do to the dead bones in our office, our neighborhood, our childrens soccer game at the YMCA, and so on, Faith comes by hearing the words of Christ (NASB Rom 10:14,17), When we proclaim the shepherds words, the elect sheep will follow the voice and they will come…Oh that we would pray to the Lord to send workers for the harvest, as the fields are ready….I too came to faith at an expository church after dating a false chuch (social club) for several years. I had no idea that the word of God when understood, would change me this way, John’s ministry has been instrumentally used by God for this pile of dry bones, as John was faithfully proclaiming God’s word, God breathed life into my dead bones!

]]> By: Joe http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-24178 Joe Tue, 29 May 2007 19:01:45 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/#comment-24178 I attended GCC in the early 80's as a new believer and very young man. At the time, I thought ALL churches were like this. I had NO idea! Coming from a Catholic background, I never heard the Bible TAUGHT before. I heard portions of the Bible weekly, but never expositionally taught. It was only when I left Grace to attend seminary did I realize how unique my experience was. I would go as far to say that sitting under John and the other skilled teachers (most of which have much more skill than the average pastor) was like having an undergraduate degree in theology. In some cases, a graduate degree if you really applied yourself. This became apparent when I listened to others reason about life away from Grace. There wasn’t that fundamental background. I see this today as I reason with others. Without a strong fundamental background, there is a naïve view of the spiritual life giving rise to less than best methods of ministry. Without a solid background, one’s ability to reason is very limited…and one doesn’t just wish for a solid background, it takes a lot of work. If you were blessed as I was, sitting under strong bible teaching for six years as a hungry new believer in college made the route to understanding was much easier…probably because I didn’t know better! My only warning to the strong expositional church is this--at times (sometimes more than not) there is such a high view of God and His Word and fight against a compromising church culture that the people of God take a back seat. There is a degree of being naïve to what’s really going on inside the heart and mind of the flock, settling for more intellectual conversation over heart-felt sharing. The result is little deep communion and connection with an “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” tendency. This mindset can be seen on most bible colleges. Students become so exposed to bible teaching they get numb to it and it becomes an academic endeavor. Same in the strong bible teaching church. In short, shepherding can be weak and the deeper meaning of CHURCH lost as many seek to quench their thirst for knowledge and don’t grow proportionally in wisdom. I believe the Nouthetic counseling model allows one to get involved without really getting involved. It is naïve to think because one has a seminary degree (knowledge) that they can then counsel. This is a Greek model over the Hebrew. Knowledge is important (strong doctrine) but it MUST penetrate the heart before one can really act (will). This was Paul’s model of ministry based on Romans 6:17. It is great to have a high view of God and His Word. This in truth should cause us to walk in love towards one another and in wisdom (obedient application of all this bible understanding). “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you” --KJV…want to communicate to all here lol I attended GCC in the early 80’s as a new believer and very young man. At the time, I thought ALL churches were like this. I had NO idea!

Coming from a Catholic background, I never heard the Bible TAUGHT before. I heard portions of the Bible weekly, but never expositionally taught. It was only when I left Grace to attend seminary did I realize how unique my experience was. I would go as far to say that sitting under John and the other skilled teachers (most of which have much more skill than the average pastor) was like having an undergraduate degree in theology. In some cases, a graduate degree if you really applied yourself.

This became apparent when I listened to others reason about life away from Grace. There wasn’t that fundamental background. I see this today as I reason with others. Without a strong fundamental background, there is a naïve view of the spiritual life giving rise to less than best methods of ministry.

Without a solid background, one’s ability to reason is very limited…and one doesn’t just wish for a solid background, it takes a lot of work. If you were blessed as I was, sitting under strong bible teaching for six years as a hungry new believer in college made the route to understanding was much easier…probably because I didn’t know better!

My only warning to the strong expositional church is this–at times (sometimes more than not) there is such a high view of God and His Word and fight against a compromising church culture that the people of God take a back seat.

There is a degree of being naïve to what’s really going on inside the heart and mind of the flock, settling for more intellectual conversation over heart-felt sharing. The result is little deep communion and connection with an “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” tendency.

This mindset can be seen on most bible colleges. Students become so exposed to bible teaching they get numb to it and it becomes an academic endeavor. Same in the strong bible teaching church. In short, shepherding can be weak and the deeper meaning of CHURCH lost as many seek to quench their thirst for knowledge and don’t grow proportionally in wisdom.

I believe the Nouthetic counseling model allows one to get involved without really getting involved. It is naïve to think because one has a seminary degree (knowledge) that they can then counsel. This is a Greek model over the Hebrew. Knowledge is important (strong doctrine) but it MUST penetrate the heart before one can really act (will). This was Paul’s model of ministry based on Romans 6:17.

It is great to have a high view of God and His Word. This in truth should cause us to walk in love towards one another and in wisdom (obedient application of all this bible understanding).

“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you”
–KJV…want to communicate to all here lol

]]> By: PatKruse http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-24161 PatKruse Tue, 29 May 2007 16:12:45 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/#comment-24161 Hello Mark Shriver, I have, in the past, also made comments which I later regretted. Perhaps this is the same for you. You said, "The Bible is God’s word. The NASB, which Macarthur uses, is a highly perverted Satanic deception. Too bad Macarthur apparently has no discernment." On what do you base this comment? You gave no background, referenced no source for your current belief. Please lay some groundwork for your statement. At this point we can only call it "unfounded" rhetoric for the comment on the NASB as well as against the person of Mr. MacArthur. Please be gracious in your reply as befits all who name the name of Christ. Yours in His Name, Pat Hello Mark Shriver, I have, in the past, also made comments which I later regretted. Perhaps this is the same for you. You said, “The Bible is God’s word. The NASB, which Macarthur uses, is a highly perverted Satanic deception. Too bad Macarthur apparently has no discernment.”

On what do you base this comment? You gave no background, referenced no source for your current belief. Please lay some groundwork for your statement. At this point we can only call it “unfounded” rhetoric for the comment on the NASB as well as against the person of Mr. MacArthur.

Please be gracious in your reply as befits all who name the name of Christ.

Yours in His Name,
Pat

]]> By: Ray Pevley http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-24156 Ray Pevley Tue, 29 May 2007 14:42:04 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/#comment-24156 On what Basis would you say something like that Mark? I think the NASB is an excellent translation of God's Word. Highly Accurate and easily understood. How dare you question Dr. John MacArthur's discernment. He has dedicated his life to studying God's word and I have a tremendous respect for him. How long have you studyed God's word Mark? Let me guess you are a KJV or nothing kind of guy right? On what Basis would you say something like that Mark? I think the NASB is an excellent translation of God’s Word. Highly Accurate and easily understood. How dare you question Dr. John MacArthur’s discernment. He has dedicated his life to studying God’s word and I have a tremendous respect for him. How long have you studyed God’s word Mark? Let me guess you are a KJV or nothing kind of guy right?

]]> By: Scribe http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-24154 Scribe Tue, 29 May 2007 14:30:32 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/#comment-24154 Hmm...seems like Ruckmanism is alive and well. Although I am given to the usage of the King James translation, I am also cautious as to what I would ascribe Satanic deception to. Hmm…seems like Ruckmanism is alive and well. Although I am given to the usage of the King James translation, I am also cautious as to what I would ascribe Satanic deception to.

]]> By: markshriver http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-24121 markshriver Tue, 29 May 2007 07:07:13 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/#comment-24121 The Bible is God's word. The NASB, which Macarthur uses, is a highly perverted Satanic deception. Too bad Macarthur apparently has no discernment. The Bible is God’s word. The NASB, which Macarthur uses, is a highly perverted Satanic deception. Too bad Macarthur apparently has no discernment.

]]> By: Charles E. Whisnant http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-24039 Charles E. Whisnant Mon, 28 May 2007 13:19:13 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/#comment-24039 This article by John MacArthur changed my preaching, in the early 1980's. Fundamentalist learned to preach topical and generally preaching was about the preacher"s experiences and ideas. While always believing the Scriptures were inerrant, the idea of relying on what God said about Himself and His doing and about men in relation to Him was not an logical response to how I was preaching. Then John's articles, (the Shepherd's Conferences) brought about this idea of teaching the Word of God book by book. The idea of expository preaching allowed me to say to the church body that I believed in the idea of Biblical inerrancy And the best way to find the church's life and power was in the preaching/teaching of God's Word, chapter by chapter, verse by verse, word by word. Rather than given the preachers experiences, let the Word teach God's truths. IF you believe the Bible is really God's Word and is about Him and His purpose for mankind and His Church, you will allow God's Word alone to be the foundation of your teaching to the church. This article by John MacArthur changed my preaching, in the early 1980’s. Fundamentalist learned to preach topical and generally preaching was about the preacher”s experiences and ideas. While always believing the Scriptures were inerrant, the idea of relying on what God said about Himself and His doing and about men in relation to Him was not an logical response to how I was preaching.

Then John’s articles, (the Shepherd’s Conferences) brought about this idea of teaching the Word of God book by book.
The idea of expository preaching allowed me to say to the church body that I believed in the idea of Biblical inerrancy

And the best way to find the church’s life and power was in the preaching/teaching of God’s Word, chapter by chapter, verse by verse, word by word. Rather than given the preachers experiences, let the Word teach God’s truths.

IF you believe the Bible is really God’s Word and is about Him and His purpose for mankind and His Church, you will allow God’s Word alone to be the foundation of your teaching to the church.

]]> By: Jim http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-24035 Jim Mon, 28 May 2007 12:33:20 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/05/28/preaching-the-book-god-wrote-part-1/#comment-24035 Thank you for republishing this article by Dr. MacArthur... I just posted this at my site last Friday...I believe you will see how Dr MacArthur's observations 20 years ago has translated into damaged reality of today... God bless, Jim ********************************************************** The Commencement Season http://watcherslamp.blogspot.com/2007/05/commencement-season.html Families across the country will celebrate their children's graduations from high school and college. As a father of a graduating senior, I look back and am amazed at where the time has gone, and how fast it goes. My daughter has attended school under the threat of the Beltway Sniper, suffered through the loss of a close, teen-aged friend to suicide, and watched her high school community grieve the loss of a former graduate in the Virginia Tech tragedy. She also has watched her SBC church transition to the seeker sensitive model. She watched how men surround and protect their pastors, out of fierce political loyalty, void of Biblical authority. She watched her father plead for doctrinal purity. She watched her family struggle to recover from the public shame of her father being removed as a Sunday School teacher. She watched her family leave the very church she was baptised in 7 years earlier. When my daughter looks back on these disturbing memories, she will also see the Hand of God in each situation. His grace and mercy. His truth and love. His power and might. My daughter can testify to the reality and power of Jesus Christ as revealed in His Word, and as demonstrated by His indwelling Holy Spirit. She also knows when someone is pretending the do the same. She knows how smoke and mirrors can be used to create the illusion of God's power and presence. Why would any pastor spend what precious little time there is on anything but teaching the whole counsel of God to fight the very real giants that threaten our children and our churches? Joel 2 28 "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. 29 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. 30 I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. Posted by Watcher's Lamp Thank you for republishing this article by Dr. MacArthur…

I just posted this at my site last Friday…I believe you will see how Dr MacArthur’s observations 20 years ago has translated into damaged reality of today…

God bless, Jim
**********************************************************
The Commencement Season
http://watcherslamp.blogspot.com/2007/05/commencement-season.html

Families across the country will celebrate their children’s graduations from high school and college. As a father of a graduating senior, I look back and am amazed at where the time has gone, and how fast it goes.

My daughter has attended school under the threat of the Beltway Sniper, suffered through the loss of a close, teen-aged friend to suicide, and watched her high school community grieve the loss of a former graduate in the Virginia Tech tragedy.

She also has watched her SBC church transition to the seeker sensitive model. She watched how men surround and protect their pastors, out of fierce political loyalty, void of Biblical authority. She watched her father plead for doctrinal purity. She watched her family struggle to recover from the public shame of her father being removed as a Sunday School teacher. She watched her family leave the very church she was baptised in 7 years earlier.

When my daughter looks back on these disturbing memories, she will also see the Hand of God in each situation. His grace and mercy. His truth and love. His power and might.

My daughter can testify to the reality and power of Jesus Christ as revealed in His Word, and as demonstrated by His indwelling Holy Spirit. She also knows when someone is pretending the do the same. She knows how smoke and mirrors can be used to create the illusion of God’s power and presence.

Why would any pastor spend what precious little time there is on anything but teaching the whole counsel of God to fight the very real giants that threaten our children and our churches?

Joel 2
28 “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
30 I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke.
31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

Posted by Watcher’s Lamp

]]>