In 2002 I wrote a tract/bulletin insert titled "Sounds Like
Greek To Me!" It opened with:
And that kind of ties in with a point I have made recently in discussions relating to sharing and witnessing to non-believers and to folks in churches whose theology differs from our Baptist theology. I have been in Filipino-American Baptist churches since becoming a Christian believer in 1987, and often find that many in our different Fil-Am Baptist fellowships have family, friends, and loved ones in the Roman Catholic church. Strong suggestion: Do not start telling them how wrong their church is; instead share with them from Scripture, explaining our Baptist theology and faith, and why we feel that Scripture supports that theology.
My advise to those who want to share with family and friends who do not believe, or who are in a church with a different theology - is the same advise I followed throughout my long computer sales career. Many years ago, as a young Field Engineer turned Computer Salesman - I learned that the best way to approach a potential client is NOT to knock my competition - but, instead to show the potential client the features of my product which will benefit him and his project.
If you really believe in your product, in this case your church and your theology - share the good teachings of your theology with the people to whom you are witnessing. Obviously this can best be done if you have prepared and know your product well, i.e., your church Biblical theology and teachings, and can support your beliefs with Scripture. Be a good Boy/Girl Scout: Be Prepared! Being prepared happens through expositional Bible study, i.e., studying through your Bible, verse by verse.
Let me offer several examples: In the early-1980s I was presenting a Computer Graphics Seminar at a hotel conference room in the Los Angeles areas and had specifically invited Project Engineers from Disney who were in the process of selecting computer graphic controllers for a new project at Disney World Epcot Center in Florida. They had tentatively chosen equipment from one of our leading competitors. How did I approach this problem?
First we presented the Computer Graphics Seminar which, obviously, highlighted the key features of our product. Then, after the seminar, I arranged to have our application engineer sit down with the Disney Project Engineers and show them how our controllers had the specific features they needed for this unique project at Disney World. We did not mention the competition, nor did we try to discretely point out how the competitor's product was wrong for their project. We simply discussed their project, what was important to them in making that project reality - and then showed them how our controller did exactly what they wanted. Bottom line: We won the contract and our controllers went into Epcot.
In the late 1960s I was in my first Sales job and found myself competing for a project to put computers into middle school classrooms in Oregon. The director of the project was a lady who, while at the University of Oregon, had worked with a professor on a government grant to create a computer designed specifically for the educational market. My competition on this project was the computer she had helped develop. Tough sale, right?
While eating lunch, she and I discussed her project. I began to tell her why my computer was best for her project - and she began to defend the competitive computer, which she had help design. Realizing that I was on shaky ground I reversed course, telling her, "You are right. I believe that computer is best for your project." Then she began to talk about my computer, listing features which made it ideal for her project. In other words, she began to tell me why my computer was best for her project. And, I stayed quiet.
Bottom line - she bought my computers for her government funded project. If I had tried to argue with her to prove my computer was best - she would defended the other computer, and would have bought the other computer. Psychology 101.
The point I am making? Do not spend your time - selling time or witnessing time - bad-mouthing the other product, theology, or church. Spend your time showing that person, or persons, what makes your product, church, theology right for them.
So, just as there are "insider jokes" that when told outside your circle will leave folks with a blank stare - the same can happen when we try to use "Christianese Speak" with folks who are not in our circle of believers.
Yet, I have found that, even within out Christian circle of friends, many of the Christianese Speak words and phrases we use are not really understood. Let me give you a few examples:
1. I have long been a strong advocate for corporate Bible study. But there are times when we need to define what we mean by "Bible study." Many confuse Bible study with midweek devotionals, prayer meetings, and preaching sessions. Those are all good, even necessary for the spiritual growth of a Christian fellowship. But, they are NOT Bible study. And they do not offer as great a learning experience as an interactive Bible discussion.
"Okay, Bill, what is Bible study?" Glad you asked. Bible study is when we gather as a fellowship, a group with a common interest in growing more mature in our knowledge of God's Word through reading, studying, and discussing the Bible, verse by verse. We take a specific Bible book or passage, read through it - and then, verse by verse, began to discuss among ourselves what God is teaching us in that verse or passage.
We, as a group, openly discuss our understanding of that verse or passage - realizing that we may hear varied ideas or interpretations. That is good, for in discussing different understandings - and then looking back at Scripture as the full authority - we try to come to a more accurate understanding of that verse. We may even refer to commentaries written by known and respected Bible scholars, theologians, and Bible teachers - keeping in mind that the final authority is always the Bible.
Will we always agree, among ourselves, or with those commentary writers? No. But, we all will take away from the discussion a better understanding. And this should encourage us to spend more time in private Bible study - as we attempt to flesh out that teaching and truly understand it. Also, there will be times when we will just have to agree to disagree - but always remaining Christian brethren who will continue to study together.
Example: Some years ago I was visiting the local fellowship where a long time Friend was pastor. During his sermon he taught that, in Revelation 3: 20, Jesus is only addressing the people in the church of Laodicea. After the service I went to him privately and suggested that the "anyone" in Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If ANYONE hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me" - does not seem to be limited to only those in this local church. I see that "anyone" meaning anyone, period. We talked for about half and hour - and neither of us changed our mind. Matter of fact, the next Sunday his sermon was based fully on Revelation 3:20.
Did I get upset with him? Of course not. I still consider him a great pastor/teacher and a strong man of God. It is just that I view Revelation 3:20 as an invitation from Jesus Christ to all non-believers, i.e., I see it as a great evangelizing verse. He sees it as only a warning to the lukewarm church of Laodicea.
2. I find expository sermons and teachings to be far better tools for growing a mature church fellowship - than topical teaching. Basically those are the two main methods of Bible teaching: Expository and Topical.
What are the pros and cons of each?
The "pro" of Expository Sermon teaching: The pastor/teacher will take a book of the Bible and teach through it, verse by verse. Yes, he may veer off to reference other verses in another book or chapter - but only in a way that ties it back to the verse or passage he is teaching expositionally. This way no Scripture verse can be skipped if it does not support a chosen theology. If the local church's theology teaches one thing - and a verse or passage in the book being taught disagrees with that theology - then that theology needs to be examined in the light of full Scripture.
The "con" of Expository Sermon teaching: Depending upon the Bible book being taught, it may take a long time to teach through it verse by verse. Some of the shorter books, i.e., Titus, James, 1 & 2 Peter, etc., might take only a month or so to teach through expositionally. While other books such as Revelation will take much longer. I have a wonderful book in my private library titled "Expository Sermons On Revelation" by Dr. W. A. Criswell. The book is about 1000 pages and it took Dr. Criswell several years to teach through the book of Revelation.
But, I promise you this - those who stayed with him throughout that series of expository sermons - had a really good understanding of the End Times prophecies and of the book of Revelation. I would have loved to have spent those years in the fellowship at the First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas - a church known for its conservative evangelical teaching, where he was pastor for over fifty years - and where he taught these Expository Sermons On Revelation. That would have been exciting.
The "pro" of Topical Sermon teaching: The pastor/teacher can pick and choose favorite Bible topics and teach only on those. He can jump from topical subject to topical subject, concentrating on those which are hot buttons today in our society - topics such as same-sex marriage, abortion, sin, hell, etc. In other words, he can cherry pick his favorite topics to teach - and avoid those which make him or his congregation uncomfortable.
The "con" of Topical Sermon teaching: The pastor and church leaders can predetermine a theology they want followed in that local church - and only teach from Scripture verses and passages which support that predetermined theology. If teaching on sin, hell, homosexuality, abortion, and such issues makes the pastor or the congregation uncomfortable - those Scripture passages can be avoided. That would create a "feel good" church environment and, most likely, help build a small church into a mega-church.
But, is it saving souls? Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel and Dr. J. Vernon McGee of the Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles were two great pastor/teachers who always taught expositional sermons.
Now, with that said - should a pastor never teach topical sermons? No. There are times when a topical sermon is not only appropriate, but is necessary: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, most likely even Halloween. Or, if there is a specific problem growing within a local fellowship, the pastor might want to address a topical sermons toward it.
Three other Christianese words which tie in with the subject of expositional versus topical teaching, and that should be understood by all mature believers are: Hermeneutics, Exegesis, and Eisegesis. These describe how we study, understand, and teach the Bible.
Hermeneutics - Biblical hermeneutics is the study of the principles and methods of interpreting the text of the Bible. The Bible should be interpreted literally. We are to understand the Bible in its literal meaning, unless the passage is obviously intended to be symbolic, or if figures of speech are employed. In other words, when we read a Bible verse or passage literally, if the meaning fits, that is what God intended. If a literal reading does not seem to fit, then we look for a symbolic or metaphorical meaning. Most of the time, the literal reading fits perfectly.
Another aspect of Biblical hermeneutics is that passages must be interpreted historically, grammatically, and contextually. Interpreting a passage historically means we seek to understand the culture, background, and situation that prompted the text. ("What Is Biblical Hermeneutics?" - GotQuestions.Org)
Exegesis - The process of reading FROM the Bible the meaning and understanding of the message given to us by God in that Scripture verse or passage.
Eisegesis - The process of reading INTO the Bible what man wants it to say, so that it supports his predetermined theology.
That said - I still feel strongly that a mature church fellowship is grown through expository sermons and Bible studies. If desired, Sunday School classes might take on topical subjects - or also may stick to expositional teaching. The Bible is God's full revelation to man for salvation, spiritual growth, and to guide us in our daily Christian walk. We should not neglect any of the 66 books.
Recently I posted an article on Facebook about Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, which left the Tennessee Baptist Convention (SBC) in 2007 over a dispute which arose when Belmont elected non-Baptists to their Board of Trustees. I like that Belmont leaders identify the university as a “Christian community with a rich Baptist heritage.”
In a sense I do the same - for I do not identify myself as a Baptist Christian. Instead I identify myself as a Christian with a Baptist flavor ~ OR ~ a Baptist-flavored Christian. Take your pick.
I do that because long ago, when I was led by God to do a writing ministry, I made an effort to put in writing my own personal and ministry Statement of Faith. And, to the best of my ability and understanding, I based it fully upon God's Word. End result: I am happy to say that it aligns very well with the conservative Baptist Statement of Faith. Always Christian first! - Baptist second! A Baptist-flavored Christian!
What about you? Have you taken the time and made the effort to put your own personal Statement of Faith in writing? I believe you will find it very enlightening and, possibly, even challenging.
Let me switch gears a bit and look at a different, yet connected, line of thought. Having spent most of my adult life in the computer industry, most of it in sales and marketing; and having been involved in a Christian writing ministry for almost 30 years, mostly in apologetic writings and discussions - there is one thing I learned many years ago:
I have seen this in debates, dialogues, and I have seen it in sermons. A great example which always come to mind is T. D. Jakes and many of the Prosperity Preachers. Many times I have started to watch T. D. Jakes teach a sermon on television. But, when he starts shouting, banging on the pulpit, and jumping up and down - I change the channel.
When I watch Charles Stanley, Billy Graham, Chuck Smith, Greg Laurie, etc., giving a message - I am interested and I listen. Why? Because they talk to me. They don't yell at me, stomp their foot, or bang on the pulpit. They talk to me as though they were sitting in my living room - and I listen to them - and I learn from them.
These are just some of my thoughts on how we should prepare, be ready, and share the Word of God with those in our circle of influence, among our FRANs (Friends, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors). Let's concentrate on knowing His Word as mature believers - and let's concentrate on making His Word attractive and understandable to those in our circle of influence and in our communities, those to whom we want to share His Gospel.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
Christians tend to have their own language - Christianese - which sounds like Greek to most other people. In the company of many Christians you hear them tossing around such words and phrases as atonement, born-again, regeneration, church age, rapture, tribulation, millennium, second coming, and a few others. What do these mean? Sounds like Greek to me!
And that kind of ties in with a point I have made recently in discussions relating to sharing and witnessing to non-believers and to folks in churches whose theology differs from our Baptist theology. I have been in Filipino-American Baptist churches since becoming a Christian believer in 1987, and often find that many in our different Fil-Am Baptist fellowships have family, friends, and loved ones in the Roman Catholic church. Strong suggestion: Do not start telling them how wrong their church is; instead share with them from Scripture, explaining our Baptist theology and faith, and why we feel that Scripture supports that theology.
My advise to those who want to share with family and friends who do not believe, or who are in a church with a different theology - is the same advise I followed throughout my long computer sales career. Many years ago, as a young Field Engineer turned Computer Salesman - I learned that the best way to approach a potential client is NOT to knock my competition - but, instead to show the potential client the features of my product which will benefit him and his project.
If you really believe in your product, in this case your church and your theology - share the good teachings of your theology with the people to whom you are witnessing. Obviously this can best be done if you have prepared and know your product well, i.e., your church Biblical theology and teachings, and can support your beliefs with Scripture. Be a good Boy/Girl Scout: Be Prepared! Being prepared happens through expositional Bible study, i.e., studying through your Bible, verse by verse.
Let me offer several examples: In the early-1980s I was presenting a Computer Graphics Seminar at a hotel conference room in the Los Angeles areas and had specifically invited Project Engineers from Disney who were in the process of selecting computer graphic controllers for a new project at Disney World Epcot Center in Florida. They had tentatively chosen equipment from one of our leading competitors. How did I approach this problem?
First we presented the Computer Graphics Seminar which, obviously, highlighted the key features of our product. Then, after the seminar, I arranged to have our application engineer sit down with the Disney Project Engineers and show them how our controllers had the specific features they needed for this unique project at Disney World. We did not mention the competition, nor did we try to discretely point out how the competitor's product was wrong for their project. We simply discussed their project, what was important to them in making that project reality - and then showed them how our controller did exactly what they wanted. Bottom line: We won the contract and our controllers went into Epcot.
In the late 1960s I was in my first Sales job and found myself competing for a project to put computers into middle school classrooms in Oregon. The director of the project was a lady who, while at the University of Oregon, had worked with a professor on a government grant to create a computer designed specifically for the educational market. My competition on this project was the computer she had helped develop. Tough sale, right?
While eating lunch, she and I discussed her project. I began to tell her why my computer was best for her project - and she began to defend the competitive computer, which she had help design. Realizing that I was on shaky ground I reversed course, telling her, "You are right. I believe that computer is best for your project." Then she began to talk about my computer, listing features which made it ideal for her project. In other words, she began to tell me why my computer was best for her project. And, I stayed quiet.
Bottom line - she bought my computers for her government funded project. If I had tried to argue with her to prove my computer was best - she would defended the other computer, and would have bought the other computer. Psychology 101.
The point I am making? Do not spend your time - selling time or witnessing time - bad-mouthing the other product, theology, or church. Spend your time showing that person, or persons, what makes your product, church, theology right for them.
So, just as there are "insider jokes" that when told outside your circle will leave folks with a blank stare - the same can happen when we try to use "Christianese Speak" with folks who are not in our circle of believers.
Yet, I have found that, even within out Christian circle of friends, many of the Christianese Speak words and phrases we use are not really understood. Let me give you a few examples:
1. I have long been a strong advocate for corporate Bible study. But there are times when we need to define what we mean by "Bible study." Many confuse Bible study with midweek devotionals, prayer meetings, and preaching sessions. Those are all good, even necessary for the spiritual growth of a Christian fellowship. But, they are NOT Bible study. And they do not offer as great a learning experience as an interactive Bible discussion.
"Okay, Bill, what is Bible study?" Glad you asked. Bible study is when we gather as a fellowship, a group with a common interest in growing more mature in our knowledge of God's Word through reading, studying, and discussing the Bible, verse by verse. We take a specific Bible book or passage, read through it - and then, verse by verse, began to discuss among ourselves what God is teaching us in that verse or passage.
We, as a group, openly discuss our understanding of that verse or passage - realizing that we may hear varied ideas or interpretations. That is good, for in discussing different understandings - and then looking back at Scripture as the full authority - we try to come to a more accurate understanding of that verse. We may even refer to commentaries written by known and respected Bible scholars, theologians, and Bible teachers - keeping in mind that the final authority is always the Bible.
Will we always agree, among ourselves, or with those commentary writers? No. But, we all will take away from the discussion a better understanding. And this should encourage us to spend more time in private Bible study - as we attempt to flesh out that teaching and truly understand it. Also, there will be times when we will just have to agree to disagree - but always remaining Christian brethren who will continue to study together.
Example: Some years ago I was visiting the local fellowship where a long time Friend was pastor. During his sermon he taught that, in Revelation 3: 20, Jesus is only addressing the people in the church of Laodicea. After the service I went to him privately and suggested that the "anyone" in Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If ANYONE hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me" - does not seem to be limited to only those in this local church. I see that "anyone" meaning anyone, period. We talked for about half and hour - and neither of us changed our mind. Matter of fact, the next Sunday his sermon was based fully on Revelation 3:20.
Did I get upset with him? Of course not. I still consider him a great pastor/teacher and a strong man of God. It is just that I view Revelation 3:20 as an invitation from Jesus Christ to all non-believers, i.e., I see it as a great evangelizing verse. He sees it as only a warning to the lukewarm church of Laodicea.
2. I find expository sermons and teachings to be far better tools for growing a mature church fellowship - than topical teaching. Basically those are the two main methods of Bible teaching: Expository and Topical.
What are the pros and cons of each?
The "pro" of Expository Sermon teaching: The pastor/teacher will take a book of the Bible and teach through it, verse by verse. Yes, he may veer off to reference other verses in another book or chapter - but only in a way that ties it back to the verse or passage he is teaching expositionally. This way no Scripture verse can be skipped if it does not support a chosen theology. If the local church's theology teaches one thing - and a verse or passage in the book being taught disagrees with that theology - then that theology needs to be examined in the light of full Scripture.
The "con" of Expository Sermon teaching: Depending upon the Bible book being taught, it may take a long time to teach through it verse by verse. Some of the shorter books, i.e., Titus, James, 1 & 2 Peter, etc., might take only a month or so to teach through expositionally. While other books such as Revelation will take much longer. I have a wonderful book in my private library titled "Expository Sermons On Revelation" by Dr. W. A. Criswell. The book is about 1000 pages and it took Dr. Criswell several years to teach through the book of Revelation.
But, I promise you this - those who stayed with him throughout that series of expository sermons - had a really good understanding of the End Times prophecies and of the book of Revelation. I would have loved to have spent those years in the fellowship at the First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas - a church known for its conservative evangelical teaching, where he was pastor for over fifty years - and where he taught these Expository Sermons On Revelation. That would have been exciting.
The "pro" of Topical Sermon teaching: The pastor/teacher can pick and choose favorite Bible topics and teach only on those. He can jump from topical subject to topical subject, concentrating on those which are hot buttons today in our society - topics such as same-sex marriage, abortion, sin, hell, etc. In other words, he can cherry pick his favorite topics to teach - and avoid those which make him or his congregation uncomfortable.
The "con" of Topical Sermon teaching: The pastor and church leaders can predetermine a theology they want followed in that local church - and only teach from Scripture verses and passages which support that predetermined theology. If teaching on sin, hell, homosexuality, abortion, and such issues makes the pastor or the congregation uncomfortable - those Scripture passages can be avoided. That would create a "feel good" church environment and, most likely, help build a small church into a mega-church.
But, is it saving souls? Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel and Dr. J. Vernon McGee of the Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles were two great pastor/teachers who always taught expositional sermons.
Now, with that said - should a pastor never teach topical sermons? No. There are times when a topical sermon is not only appropriate, but is necessary: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, most likely even Halloween. Or, if there is a specific problem growing within a local fellowship, the pastor might want to address a topical sermons toward it.
Three other Christianese words which tie in with the subject of expositional versus topical teaching, and that should be understood by all mature believers are: Hermeneutics, Exegesis, and Eisegesis. These describe how we study, understand, and teach the Bible.
Hermeneutics - Biblical hermeneutics is the study of the principles and methods of interpreting the text of the Bible. The Bible should be interpreted literally. We are to understand the Bible in its literal meaning, unless the passage is obviously intended to be symbolic, or if figures of speech are employed. In other words, when we read a Bible verse or passage literally, if the meaning fits, that is what God intended. If a literal reading does not seem to fit, then we look for a symbolic or metaphorical meaning. Most of the time, the literal reading fits perfectly.
Another aspect of Biblical hermeneutics is that passages must be interpreted historically, grammatically, and contextually. Interpreting a passage historically means we seek to understand the culture, background, and situation that prompted the text. ("What Is Biblical Hermeneutics?" - GotQuestions.Org)
Exegesis - The process of reading FROM the Bible the meaning and understanding of the message given to us by God in that Scripture verse or passage.
Eisegesis - The process of reading INTO the Bible what man wants it to say, so that it supports his predetermined theology.
That said - I still feel strongly that a mature church fellowship is grown through expository sermons and Bible studies. If desired, Sunday School classes might take on topical subjects - or also may stick to expositional teaching. The Bible is God's full revelation to man for salvation, spiritual growth, and to guide us in our daily Christian walk. We should not neglect any of the 66 books.
Recently I posted an article on Facebook about Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, which left the Tennessee Baptist Convention (SBC) in 2007 over a dispute which arose when Belmont elected non-Baptists to their Board of Trustees. I like that Belmont leaders identify the university as a “Christian community with a rich Baptist heritage.”
In a sense I do the same - for I do not identify myself as a Baptist Christian. Instead I identify myself as a Christian with a Baptist flavor ~ OR ~ a Baptist-flavored Christian. Take your pick.
I do that because long ago, when I was led by God to do a writing ministry, I made an effort to put in writing my own personal and ministry Statement of Faith. And, to the best of my ability and understanding, I based it fully upon God's Word. End result: I am happy to say that it aligns very well with the conservative Baptist Statement of Faith. Always Christian first! - Baptist second! A Baptist-flavored Christian!
What about you? Have you taken the time and made the effort to put your own personal Statement of Faith in writing? I believe you will find it very enlightening and, possibly, even challenging.
Let me switch gears a bit and look at a different, yet connected, line of thought. Having spent most of my adult life in the computer industry, most of it in sales and marketing; and having been involved in a Christian writing ministry for almost 30 years, mostly in apologetic writings and discussions - there is one thing I learned many years ago:
In a situation where you are having a discussion with another person, or with a group, i.e., maybe in a Christian witnessing or apologetic dialogue, or any kind of presentation - when your voice/presentation starts to grow in volume, to the point you are almost shouting - you are no longer dealing from a position of strength. If a person wants to make a point with me, talk to me, don't yell at me. For when you begin to yell - that is a sign that you have lost control - and you have lost my interest.
I have seen this in debates, dialogues, and I have seen it in sermons. A great example which always come to mind is T. D. Jakes and many of the Prosperity Preachers. Many times I have started to watch T. D. Jakes teach a sermon on television. But, when he starts shouting, banging on the pulpit, and jumping up and down - I change the channel.
When I watch Charles Stanley, Billy Graham, Chuck Smith, Greg Laurie, etc., giving a message - I am interested and I listen. Why? Because they talk to me. They don't yell at me, stomp their foot, or bang on the pulpit. They talk to me as though they were sitting in my living room - and I listen to them - and I learn from them.
These are just some of my thoughts on how we should prepare, be ready, and share the Word of God with those in our circle of influence, among our FRANs (Friends, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors). Let's concentrate on knowing His Word as mature believers - and let's concentrate on making His Word attractive and understandable to those in our circle of influence and in our communities, those to whom we want to share His Gospel.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
