We want to SHARE and everything is FREE! GraceLife Church will be hosting its first SHARE DAY on Saturday, June 8 from 9 AM-12 NOON. SHARE DAY is a special day set aside to welcome the community to help themselves to FREE clothing, housewares, furniture, etc. all donated by our GraceLife Church family. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact us at info@gracelifepa.org.

Join us this Easter Sunday for our Sunrise service at 7:30 AM, followed by a brunch and our 9 AM worship service. Please note that there will be no Sunday school.

Our next fellowship activity will be held on Saturday (3/23) from 6-9 pm. Please sign up to bring a main dish for approximately 8-10 people OR a side and dessert.

Main Meal suggestions: hot dogs and sauerkraut, pork and sauerkraut, chicken corn noodle soup, ham bean rivel soup, roasted sausage and potatoes (a.k.a. pig stomach), corn pie/chicken corn pie, ham loaf, pot pie, etc.

Sides: mashed potatoes, potato filling, red beet eggs, bologna roll- ups, lettuce with bacon dressing, chow chow, copes corn, creamy coleslaw, macaroni salad, potato salad, etc.

Dessert: shoefly pie, whoopie pies, chocolate cake with peanut butter icing, fruit pies, sugar cake (cookies), etc.

Also needed for the evening (door prizes): Shoefly pie, opera fudge, canned items, quilted something, wooden something, candles, etc. Card tables are needed the week ahead for setting up, and Dutch Blitz cards (please write your name on the box and check to be sure that all cards are there).

Questions? info@gracelifepa.org

Join us for our first GRACELIFE GETAWAY on Friday and Saturday, February 15-16 at the historic Gettysburg Hotel with special guest Steve Camp! Our theme is "Faith, Family & Friends," and will include a time of music, fellowship and Bible study.

Steve serves as pastor of The Cross Church in Palm City, Florida and is a prominent CCM artist having released 18 albums with over 21 number one singles. He is also well known for addressing current trends and matters of Reformed Theology; and a personal friend of Pastor Dave.

Our getaway will also include a tour of the Gettysburg battlefield by our very own Bruce Burkholder--who is also the founder of Milton Hershey's HISTORY AMERICA program. 2013 also marks the 150^th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, which was the turning point of the American Civil War.

Cost is $199 per couple ($159 for singles) and includes overnight stay, breakfast, lunch, parking and the pillow tax. Deadline to sign-up is January 15, 2013. For more information, email us at info@gracelifepa.org.

October's messages at GraceLife Church focused on the theme of the harvest -- a topic that is found throughout the Bible.

Preparing for the Harvest (10/7)
Matt 9:36-38
Pastor Flip Michaels

Lessons from the Harvest--Labor (10/14)
2 Tim 2:6; Col 1:27-29
Pastor Dave Cunningham

Lessons from the Harvest--Giving (10/21)
1 Cor 16:1-4; 2 Cor 9:6-8
Pastor Dave Cunningham

Lessons from the Harvest--Planting & Watering (10/28)
1 Cor 3:5-9; Rom 3:9-26
Pastor Dave Cunningham

You can download and listen to the sermon MP3s here.

ATTENTION COW-POKES! It is that time of year again! Our next BIG
NIGHT OUT is scheduled for Saturday (11/3) at 6 PM. Fall fun at the
Zieglers—please bring your lawn chairs and a snack or dessert!

Email us if you need directions or more information!

This Sunday we celebrate our one year anniversary! Join us beginning at 9 AM for our worship service, followed by a church picnic (no Sunday school). Please bring a side dish or dessert and lawn chairs.

For more information: info@gracelifepa.org

If God has redeemed me from sin, and given me His Holy Spirit to sanctify me and give me strength against sin, why do I keep on sinning? This books takes dead aim and ongoing sin. Drawing from two masterful works by John Owen, Kris Lundgaard offers insight, encouragement and hope for overcoming the enemy within.

Pick up your copy Sunday at the GraceLife bookstore!

The first meeting of the fall is scheduled for Monday (9/10) at 6:30 PM! You can sign-up for the book: Joy! A Bible Study on Philippians for Women by Keri Folmar at church or by contacting us at info@gracelifepa.org.

Women of Grace meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 PM at the church.

Join us Wednesday (8/29) at the Hertzogs at 6:30 PM as we begin an exciting new year
of our youth ministry!

Guys bring a salty snack, and the girls bring an ice cream topping so we can have sundaes
for dessert. Leaders bring the ice cream.

This is an event for our youth and their families. For more info: info@gracelifepa.org

Summer outreach for kids Kindergarten through 6th grade on Wednesday
8/22 from 6:30-8:30 PM at the home of Tim & Brenda Wasielewski!

For more information: info@gracelifepa.org

Join us this Sunday at 4 PM at the home of Larry & Teen Shuman!

Bring your lawn chairs and a side dish or dessert. Directions to their home
are available at the Welcome Center or by emailing us at info@gracelifepa.org
for more information.

Summer outreach for kids Kindergarten through 6th grade on Wednesdays 7/25, & 8/22 from 6:30-8:30 PM! The next Backyard Bible Club will be at the home of Jon & Stephanie Klohr!

View pictures from our first BBC at the Summers on 6/20!

Our book for the months of July and August is "Christ's Prophetic Plans," edited by John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue.

This primer takes you on a biblical study of questions surrounding prophecy, Israel, the rapture, and the different millennial views.

Pick up your copy at the GraceLife Bookstore!

The next BIG NIGHT OUT is on Friday, July 13th! This will be a photo scavenger hunt and dessert social from 6:30-10 PM. The scavenger hunt will be from 6:30-8:30 and a dessert social will follow from 8:30-10 with a viewing of the pictures taken during the evening.

Vehicles that carry six or more passengers are needed and digital cameras with blank camera cards are also needed. A sign up sheet will be available in the GraceLife Cafe.

For more info: info@gracelifepa.org.

The Sovereignty of God:

1. God is before all things (Col. 1:17; Psa. 90:2).
   
2. God produced all things (Gen. 1:1; Col. 1:16).
   
3. God sustains all things (Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3).
   
4. God transcends all things (Ps. 8:1; 97:9).
   
5. God knows all things (Ps. 147:5; Is. 46:10; Heb. 4:13).
   
6. God can do all things (Mt. 19:26; Jer. 32:27).
   
7. God owns all things (Ps. 24:1-2; 1 Chron. 29:14).
   
8. God rules over all (Ps. 29:10; I Chron. 29:11-12).
   
9. God is in control of all things (Job 42:2; Ps. 135:6; Eph. 1:11-12; Prov. 16:4; Rom. 8:29-30).

*Taken from Pastor Dave's sermon The Orchestration of the Ethiopian Eunuch's Conversion.

Summer outreach for kids Kindergarten through 6th grade on Wednesdays 6/20, 7/25, & 8/22 from 6:30-8:30 PM! The first Backyard Bible Club will be at the home of Grady & Cori Summers this Wednesday!

For more information: info@gracelifepa.org

We’re having a picnic at the church (rain or shine) immediately following Sunday School this week! We'll be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs.

Those with last names beginning with A-L please bring a dessert or 2 bags of chips (for non-bakers); M-Z please bring fruit or salad (greens, veggies, macaroni, potato, etc.). Please make sure your items are ready to be served. Each family is also asked to bring a gallon of drink (iced tea, lemonade, juice, water, etc.).

IGNITE is coordinating a day out on the rapids with Jim Thorpe River Adventures! The date: Saturday, July 14. The cost: $57 per person--which includes transportation, all rafting gear, and an end-of-trip grill. The rafting trip itself is 4-5 hours long. We're opening this event up to college and career, and adults too! Please visit our Facebook event page or contact us at info@gracelifepa.org for more info.

Got a Bible question? Join us this Sunday for part two of our Q&A Time! This is a great time to get those questions answered by our panel. It will take place again during adult Sunday School from 10:45-11:30 AM.

You can email us any additional questions you may have to: info@gracelifepa.org. Thanks!

The answer to the last question is that God did. Jesus was God’s Son. The suffering was unsurpassed, but the whole message of the Bible leads to this answer.

The central issue of Jesus’ death is not the cause, but the meaning-God’s meaning. That is what this book is about. John Piper has gathered from the New Testament fifty reasons. Not fifty causes, but fifty purposes-in answer to the most important question that each of us must face: What did God achieve for sinners like us in sending his Son to die?

Pick up your copy of John Piper's Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die at the GraceLife Bookstore.

For more information you can email us at info@gracelifepa.org. Thanks!

TWELVE WAYS:
Ekklesia means "the called out ones." Below are twelve ways in which we can each interact within the body of Christ.

1. MEMBERS OF ONE ANOTHER, (Romans 12:5)
2. DEVOTED TO ONE ANOTHER, (Romans 12:10)
3. HONOR ONE ANOTHER, (Romans 12:10)
4. BE OF THE SAME MIND WITH ONE ANOTHER, (Romans 15:5)
5. ACCEPT ONE ANOTHER, (Romans 15:7)
6. ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER, (Romans 15:14)
7. GREET ONE ANOTHER, (Romans 16:3-6, 16)
8. SERVE ONE ANOTHER, (Galatians 5:13)
9. BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS, (Galatians 6:2)
10. BEARING WITH ONE ANOTHER, (Ephesians 4:2)
11. SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER, (Ephesians 5:21)
12. ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER, (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Listen to the sermon: The Results of the Pentecost (Pt. 3).

Join us for our first of many BIG NIGHT OUT events. This first BNO will be a progressive dinner held at the church. And yes, you will progress for each course. A sign up sheet will be provided. Each couple/guest is asked to bring a fruit, salad or dessert.

This is an adult event. No child care will be provided.

Teens are invited to participate as a christian service and will have supper provided.

Anyone with stemware (such as wine glasses) willing to loan them, we will be using them for a centerpiece. Please put your name on tape on each glasses. Any height or width, clear glass stemware will be appreciated.

For more info: info@gracelifepa.org.

Join us as we launch our AWANA children's ministry on Wednesday, February 1st! We'll meet each Wednesday through the month of May from 6:30 to 8 PM. (We'll then begin our new year next September.)

GraceLife will have AWANA for Cubbies--preschool, Sparks--kindergarten through second grade and Truth and Training--third through sixth grade. Please register your children at the GLC Welcome Center, or send us an email at info@gracelifepa.org.

January’s book is RC Sproul’s classic The Holiness of God. You can pick up your copy at the GraceLife Bookstore.

Here are just a few of the highlights:

We tend to have mixed feelings about the holy. There is a sense in which we are at the same time attracted to it and repulsed by it. Something draws us toward it, while at the same time we want to run away from it. We can’t seem to decide which way we want it. Part of us yearns for the holy, while part of us despises it. We can’t live with it, and we can’t live without it.

________________

Only once in sacred Scripture is an attribute of God elevated to the third degree. Only once is a characteristic of God mentioned three times in succession. The Bible says that God is holy, holy, holy. Not that He is merely holy, or even holy, holy. He is holy, holy, holy. The Bible never says that God is love, love, love; or mercy, mercy, mercy; or wrath, wrath, wrath; or justice, justice, justice. It does say that he is holy, holy, holy that the whole earth is full of His glory.

________________

If ever there was a man of integrity, it was Isaiah ben Amoz. He was a whole man, a together type of a fellow. He was considered by his contemporaries as the most righteous man in the nation. He was respected as a paragon of virtue. Then he caught one sudden glimpse of a holy God. In that single moment, all of his self-esteem was shattered. In a brief second he was exposed, made naked beneath the gaze of the absolute standard of holiness. As long as Isaiah could compare himself to other mortals, he was able to sustain a lofty opinion of his own character. The instant he measured himself by the ultimate standard, he was destroyed—morally and spiritually annihilated. He was undone. He came apart. His sense of integrity collapsed.

________________

It’s dangerous to assume that because a person is drawn to holiness in his study that he is thereby a holy man. There is irony here. I am sure that the reason I have a deep hunger to learn of the holiness of God is precisely because I am not holy. I am a profane man—a man who spends more time out of the temple than in it. But I have had just enough of a taste of the majesty of God to want more. I know what it means to be a forgiven man and what it means to be sent on a mission. My soul cries for more. My soul needs more.

As a church family, we are endeavoring to read through the entire Bible together in 2012. We'll use The MacArthur Daily Bible as our guide, which takes a portion of the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs for each day of the year. Visit the GraceLife Bookstore for more information.

GraceLife Church was launched on September 25, 2011. Since our inception, we have witnessed God’s gracious and loving hand of blessing on our church.

On Sunday, January 15, 2012 we will be celebrating His favor at a special “Celebration Sunday” service at our new location (North Annville Elementary School, 755 N. Route 934, Annville).

We would like to extend a special invitation to you and your family to join us on this special day. The service will begin at 9 AM with singing and will culminate in a special message by our Lead Pastor, Dave Cunningham. Following the service at 10:30 AM, we will be hosting a catered brunch in the auditorium/gymnasium for our church family and invited guests.

For more information you can email us at info@gracelifepa.org.

Blessings to you!

Pastor Dave Cunningham
Pastor Flip Michaels
Bruce Burkholder
Tim Wasielewski

This Thanksgiving, let us be intentional in expressing our gratitude to God not only for the physical things we possess (family, home, health, etc.), but the spiritual blessings in each of our lives as well!

Eight Blessings for the Believer:

1. Heaven -- to be with our Savior forever (John 14:2-3; Phil 3:20).
   
2. Being a child of God -- adoption (John 1:12; Rom 8:16-17; 1 John 3:1).
   
3. Forgiveness of sin -- completely (1 John 1:9).
   
4. Peace with God -- no longer enemies (John 14:27; Rom 5:1; Phil 4:7).
   
5. Being accepted by God -- through the righteousness of Jesus Christ (Rom 5:10-11).
   
6. Access to God -- to repent, confess and praise Him (Eph 2:18; Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16).
   
7. Victory over sin -- already settled (1 John 5:4-5).
   
8. Fellowship with God -- intimate communion (1 John 1:3).

Stream or download Pastor Dave's message:
The Holy Spirit Arrives

Milton Vincent, Pastor-Teacher of Cornerstone Fellowship Bible Church in Riverside, CA, begins the introduction of his book, “A Gospel Primer”, by laying out his intended purpose in writing this exceptional volume. He says, “This book is offered as a handy guide to help Christians experience the gospel more fully by preaching it to themselves each day…”

At first, if I am being honest, as I originally read the introduction I thought, “The premise of the book seems a bit simplistic.” “What possibly could be offered here that I have not already considered about the nature and theological ramifications of the Gospel?” Yet, as I began to immerse myself into the theological richness of his challenge I was deeply moved and convicted. As I read the book, what I prematurely brushed off as simplistic, I began to embrace as not only deeply profound but essential. In this relatively short ninety-seven page book, I came to the realization that the Lord was using Milton Vincent to challenge me far beyond what I had ever expected.

Every true Christian loves and treasures the gospel for obvious reasons. It alone, through the convicting and illuminating power of the Holy Spirit, is what God uses to open the eyes of spiritually blind people to the all-sufficient atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary and their ultimate need for salvation. It is the powerful gospel message that drives men to their need to repent of their sin and turn to Christ for forgiveness. It is the glorious gospel message of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone that we proclaim and defend. While Vincent clearly and plainly develops the true unadulterated exclusive gospel that is to be embraced, the message of the book is much more expansive.

In part one of the book, entitled, “Reasons to Rehearse the Gospel Daily”, Vincent provides thirty mini-sub-sections to consider. He begins by reminding his readers that the New Testament teaches that Christians ought to hear the gospel as much as non-Christians do (Romans 1:15; I Corinthians 15:1-4). He iterates that much of the meat of the epistles is the rehearsal of gospel truths to believers. The daily contemplation of gospel truth drives the believer to proper worship, continued obedience, regular confession, and natural appreciation for the Savior.

In parts two and three, the author provides a prose and poetic narrative of the gospel and closes the book with part four, which he calls, “Surprised by the Gospel”. Essentially, in part four, Vincent offers up the story behind the primer. It is an honest and touching testimonial of the grace of God in his life and a solid “practice what you preach” manifesto.

I echo the endorsements of John MacArthur, C.J. Mahaney, Jerry Bridges, and others. If you want to be challenged, encouraged, stretched and strengthened in your faith, I would highly recommend you read “A Gospel Primer”.

Pastor Dave Cunningham

We've decided to hold a fellowship event this Sunday evening at 6:30 PM. The weather looks to be nice, and the Zieglers have offered to host with a hayride and bonfire!

Please click here for directions (we'll also have copies on-hand Sunday morning). Email us at info@gracelifepa.org with any questions you may have--and we hope to see you there!

No true follower of God should need to be convinced of the absolute importance of the cross of Jesus Christ. It is the very heart of the Christian gospel. Were it not for the sacrifice of God’s Son upon the cross, mankind would be spiritually lost without any hope of eternal salvation. That’s ‘Christianity 101.’But what significance, if any, does the cross of Christ hold for believers after salvation?

In his engaging book, ‘The Cross Centered Life,’ author C.J. Mahaney contends that, “too many (Christians) have moved on (from the cross),” relegating it to a place of lesser importance, in order to scale the heights and plumb the depths of the grander, deeper things of God. Things, which in our perception will more readily contribute to our growth and maturity in the Christian life.

But Mahaney begs the question, “is there really anything of deeper significance for the believer, than the cross?” His answer? A resounding, “no.” Quoting the words of Paul in I Corinthians 15:1-3, Mahaney argues that what was of, “first importance,” in the Apostle’s life should be of first importance in the life of every believer. And that is the gospel.

The author, affectionately known as “C.J,” served as pastor of Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland for twenty seven years, and now leads Sovereign Grace Ministries, an organization whose mission is to establish and support local churches. His pastor’s heart is evident throughout the book as he addresses the real-life issues with which Christians wrestle, and then offers practical counsel, rooted in scripture and sound doctrine, as to how those matters are resolved as we learn to center every day around the cross.

In a highly readable book of less than 100 pages, Mahaney quotes from an impressive array of conservative theologians and authors that span generations, from Luther, the Protestant reformer and Spurgeon, to D.A. Carson, Sinclair Ferguson, and Jerry Bridges. A rich potpourri of Godly men indeed. Which, in my estimation, only serves to increase the value of this little book.

I believe after you’ve read, “The Cross-Centered Life,” you’ll rediscover the truth that first saved you, and be reminded as was I, of the need to make the center piece of the gospel, the center piece of your life.

Bruce Burkholder

P.S. I had the privilege of meeting C.J. at the 2010 T4G Conference in Louisvlle, Kentucky. I can tell you that his book is as ebullient and full of life as him.

The Unquenchable Flame – Discovering the Heart of the Reformation

Michael Reeves – B&H Publishing - 2009

Post tenebras lux (After Darkness, Light). Journey back in time to the reformation revolution in the heart and heat of the battle for the Gospel to such places as Rome, Wittenberg, Worms, Geneva, Paris, Cambridge, Oxford, and Edinburgh. Understand the heroes of the faith and why they said, taught, and believed what they did. This is a fast paced read, packed full of information in a short format keeping the reader yearning to learn more.

Reeves writes in an easy to understand manner, describing colorful characters such as Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and the Puritans to name a few. There are many illustrations, maps, timelines, and suggestions for further reading to enhance your knowledge even more. In addition, Reeves helps the reader understand essentially, “the Reformation was not, principally, a negative movement, about moving away from Rome; it was a positive movement, about moving towards the Gospel.”

Reeves provides a stark picture of 13^th century Rome, leading up to the Reformation. The church was replete with corruption, cult like practices, greed, masses for the dead, the Word of God only available in Latin and only read by priests. That is of course, until a man named John Wycliffe (the morning star of the Reformation) began translating the Latin Vulgate into English. For that, the catholic church dug up his dead body, burned it at the stake, and spread his ashes across the countryside.

Of course, no other corruption garnered more anger than that of indulgences which basically were nothing more than a way of raising revenue for the church by charging the people to pay for their loved ones and family members to go to heaven and skip purgatory. Thus, on All Saints Eve in 1517 a catholic monk named Martin Luther nailed a list of 95 theses for debate over the matter of indulgences. For Luther, the indulgences were scandalous in that now, no one really had to repent of their sins. And so, the Reformation truly began when Luther, being summoned by the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V in the city of Worms, refused to recant and said, “I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not retract anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. I cannot do otherwise, here I stand, may God help me, Amen.”

The Unquenchable Flame is an exhilarating, broad yet specific overview of our history. The reader will understand who the key contributors were as well as the detractors. Most importantly, the reader will come away with a renewed appreciation for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Faith Alone – Sola Fide!

While we have a deep appreciation for each of these valuable sites, we do not give a carte blanche endorsement of any particular site. We trust that you can benefit spiritually from these sites as we promote the practice of biblical discernment. May we all be Bereans (Acts 17:11). Blessings!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

9Marks Blog: Building Healthy Churches
http://www.9marks.org/blog

Albert Mohler
http://www.albertmohler.com

Alpha & Omega Ministries
http://www.aomin.org

Challies Dot Com
http://www.challies.com/

Desiring God Blog
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog

ESV Bible Online
http://www.esvonline.org

Gender Blog (CBMW)
http://www.cbmw.org/Blog

Grace to You Blog
http://www.gty.org/blog

Institute for Nouthetic Studies Blog
http://www.nouthetic.org/blog

DeYoung, Restless, and Reformed
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/

Hall of Church History
http://www.spurgeon.org

Ligonier Ministries Blog
www.ligonier.org/blog/

Monergism
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Monergism

Pure Church
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/thabitianyabwile/

Pyromaniacs
http://teampyro.blogspot.com/

Reformation21 Blog
http://www.reformation21.org/blog

The Cripplegate
http://thecripplegate.com/

Theology Network
http://www.theologynetwork.org

Together For the Gospel
http://t4g.org/

White Horse Inn Blog
http://www.whitehorseinn.org/blog

Worship Matters
http://www.worshipmatters.com

Last week, my wife and I spent a portion of our sixteenth wedding anniversary in a theater watching Courageous.¹ While I teased her as to when we might see a movie with a “Proverbs 31 superwoman” plot, this one instantly gripped my heart with its appeal for men to live by God’s standards.

Let’s face it. Throughout our society we find Christian men who are spiritually weak, generally lacking in moral and even mental strength. Many of us hide behind clichés of consumerism – more concerned with the style of our lives than the actual substance of it. The choices we make each day define our manhood; and the sum total is often replete with compromises that reek of today’s social mores, instead of a lifelong pursuit of holiness.² In his book Worldliness C.J. Mahaney describes this battle as a daily one, “Every moment of every day we’re making choices—whether we realize it or not—between love for a world that opposes God and love for the risen Christ.”³

Courageous was produced by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. This is the same crew who created Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof—each entertaining and morally challenging in their own right. It’s safe to say that we’re all grateful to the producers for their efforts and specifically for their objective with this new release.

Who doesn’t want to hear inquisitive men ask, “I want to know what God expects of me as a father.” Trouble is, we all know that the American way is to lure us viewers into Christmas shopping mode with spin-offs like t-shirts, resolution books and 365-day devotionals. It’s a concert t-shirt proclaiming “I was there,” and not a deeper commitment to do the hard heart work.

The real challenge is for us to think biblically about the metanarrative. As men saved by grace, the gospel reminds us that there is temptation at every turn to trust in ourselves rather than Christ. Below are seven biblical principles extracted from this movie for courageous men:

1. Passion for Christ –A sacrificial and singular commitment to love Him with all of your life.⁴ John MacArthur writes, “Do the prevailing opinions of those around you affect your enthusiasm for the Christian life? Or do you hunger and thirst after Christ regardless of what the next guy thinks? A true Christian follows even when the pretenders fall away.”⁵


2. Love for His Word – A devotion of time, made—never found, to study your Bible. In David McCasland’s excellent biography on the life of Olympic champion Eric Liddell he notes that, “Bible study and prayer ceased being obligations and became, instead, opportunities to enjoy the presence of the living God.”⁶
   
3. Spiritual leadership in the home – We sometimes approach this as if it is a question, “Am I a spiritual leader?” But if you are a man who has trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, take a look at God’s commands found in 1 Cor 11:3 and Eph 5:22-23. The question is not whether I am a spiritual leader or not, but rather: “Am I a good one or bad one?”⁷


4. Servant leadership in the church – If we have a love for Christ and His Word, and we’re leading in our homes—then the next logical step is to serve in the local church. This is a major hurdle today, as many men have yet to make the church even a priority in their lives. Joshua Harris writes in Stop Dating the Church, “The greatest motivation we could ever find for being passionately committed to the Church is that Jesus is passionately committed to the Church.”⁸


5. Practice biblical manhood – This is the hardest part, putting it all into practice every single day by being a godly husband, father and leader. (BTW, this may involve discarding pink dress shirts and flip-flops. I’m just saying…)


6. Pursue godly growth – What books are you reading? No excuses! What sermons are you listening to? Maximize your drivetime. Do you have godly men in your life? Patrick Morley makes an interesting observation that while most of us could recruit six pallbearers, “hardly anyone has a friend he can call at 2:00 A.M.”⁹


7. Share your joy with others—Regardless of what you do with your days, there is no greater calling than to make your life your mission field. We all need to be about our Father’s business.¹⁰

I’m certain others can improve and expand on these principles, but the challenge to each of us remains the same: model Christ, the One who was courageous for us on the cross of Calvary. If you haven’t done so already, please go see this movie; and “don’t let go of the wheel!”

Flip Michaels is the Executive Pastor of Ministries for GraceLife Church in Hershey, PA.

¹ Courageous YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/courageousthemovie
² Mahaney, C. J. Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008. 26-27.
³ 1 Pet 1:16
⁴ Matt 22:37
⁵ MacArthur, John. Follow Me. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2004. 3.
⁶ McCasland, David. Eric Liddell: Pure Gold. Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House, 2001. 184.
⁷ For more on this read John Crotts booklet “Mighty Men: The Starter’s Guide to Leading Your Family.”
⁸ Harris, Joshua. Stop Dating the Church: Fall in Love with the Family of God. Sisters, OR: Multnomah, 2004. 31.
⁹ Morley, Patrick. The Man in the Mirror. Brentwood, TN: Wolgemuth & Hyatt, 1989. 117.
¹⁰ 1 Cor 10:31

From Pastor Dave's sermon (10/16):

He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority." (Acts 1:7)

A sampling of the many Old Testament passages that speak to the sovereignty of our God:

Gen 50:20; Exod 33:19; Deut 7:6; Josh 21:45; 1 Sam 2:6-7; Job 42:2; Psa 103:19; 115:3; 135:6; Prov 16:4; 19:21; Isa 43:13; 45:6-7; Jer 22:37; Ezek 12:25; Dan 4:35; 11:36

1. Phase One: OBSERVATION answers the question, “What does it say?”

Observation involves reading, recording and reflecting on important and/or recurring themes, words, doctrines, people, etc. The purpose of the observation phase is not to immediately and prematurely jump to any interpretive conclusions, but to thoroughly pour over the text. Here are some helpful steps to follow:

--Concentrate on the text and record your observations.

--Read the text over and over. Each reading allows you to become more familiar with the text.

--Take a patient approach.

--Ask all of the appropriate questions (who, what, where, when, why and wherefore)

--Utilize different word-for-word translations in your reading.

--Always read and reflect.

--Look for the intent and purpose of the author.

--Always view the parts in light of the whole

2. Phase Two: INTERPRETATION answers the question, “What does it mean?" Once due diligence has been done on the text during the observation phase, the next step is to examine the context (paragraphs surrounding the text)—taking note of any connecting words like “but” or “therefore”.

Remembering that Scripture never contradicts Scripture, the historical recipients of the text and the culture in which they live is paramount in understanding the passage. Because some Scripture is addressed to a specific person or nation it cannot always be directly applied to us. There may be some indirect application, but the student must be careful not to quickly apply the Scripture until sufficient work has been done during the interpretive phase.

There are some excellent study tools that may be used to help with the meaning of a text of Scripture. Resources like Bible dictionaries, concordances, handbooks, maps and commentaries are helpful but should only be used after personal study.

After applying the principles above, there should begin to be clarity and understanding on the passage.

3. Phase Three: APPLICATION answers the question(s), “What does it mean to me?” “How can I relate it to my life?”

The purpose of Bible Study should not be just to obtain mere knowledge, but to allow the Word of God to transform our lives and living. Sloppy observation leads to sloppy interpretation which leads to sloppy application—resulting in sloppy living.

The reality is, proper application of a text is only possible with the proper interpretation. After we get to the meaning of the text, we ask, “How should this impact my life?”

There are two types of application: GENERAL & SPECIFIC.

--General application is true for everyone (or should be for everyone) who examines the particular passage in question.

--Specific application is how specifically you will apply the meaning of the text.

As we work to apply Scripture, we should always bathe our reflection and meditation of Scripture in prayer and depend on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to live it out.

Part 1: Perspicuity

Part 2: Illumination

Part 3: Basics

Definition: Hermeneutics means “The science/art of interpreting texts.”

Basic Principles of Interpretation

1. Interpret Literally

The Bible should be interpreted literally. However, as the Bible is interpreted exactly as it is written, various figures of speech should be recognizable.

Hyperbole—“a deliberate exaggeration”.

Simile—“a comparison between two unlike things usually introduced by “like” or “as”.

Metaphor—“the use of one kind of word or phrase to describe an entirely different object or idea” (i.e. “drowning in debt”)

Biblical Examples (Figures of Speech):

Song of Solomon 4:2; 7:2; John 21:25; Psalm 1:3; Luke 13:32; Psalm 98:8

The GOLDEN RULE of Bible interpretation is this…"When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate context, studies in the light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths, indicate clearly otherwise. God in revealing His Word neither intends nor permits the reader to be confused. He wants His children to understand." [Dr. D. A. Waite, Ephesians, p. 10]

2. Interpret Progressively

The truth of the Bible was progressively given over a period of many centuries. Everything God said was true, but He didn’t say everything at once.

Charles Hodge said, "The progressive character of divine revelation is recognized in relation to all the great doctrines of the Bible. One of the strongest arguments for the divine origin of the Scriptures is the organic relation of its several parts."

Progressive revelation can be very simply defined as God's revealing of his will in successive stages, each founded upon and expounded upon what had been previously revealed.

Progressive Revelation is not an evolution of religion and doctrine. It is a progressive unfolding of revelation. Because of this, we cannot expect the same understanding of God's truth by an Old Testament individual as we would find in Paul or John.

“This perspective of Progressive Revelation is very important to the interpreter. He will expect the full revelation of God in the New Testament. He will not force New Testament meanings into the Old, yet he will be able to more fully expound the Old knowing its counterparts in the New. He will adjust his sights to the times, customs, manners and morals of the people of God at any given state in the Old Testament period of revelation, and he will be aware of the partial and elementary nature of Old Testament Revelation. . . Progressive revelation. . . states simply that the fullness of revelation is in the New Testament." (Bernard Ramm, Protestant Biblical Interpretation, pp. 103-104)

The applicable principles are implied already. We must look for the clearest and most complete understanding in the New Testament, while recognizing that the Old 'Testament is the progressive unfolding of those truths. The book of Hebrews helps us understand the Old Testament ritual and sacrifices, but without the books of Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers - Hebrews would not be as meaningful. We need to see the Old Testament from the New Testament understanding, without imposing that understanding on the Old Testament saint.

Walter A. Henrichsen expresses the important principle of progressive revelation quite simply: "God does progressively reveal himself as history unfolds. But this does not mean that God’s standards become progressively higher or that God changes along the way. Rather it is our understanding of God and His revelation that progresses. God never changes." (Laymen's Guide to Interpreting the Bible, P. 77)

The Bible teaches this. Jesus said that he had not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets (i.e. the Old Testament) but to fulfill. (Matt 5:17-19) Paul speaks of God sending His Son when the fullness of time came. (Gal 4:4). Hebrews 1:1, 2 reflects this as well. Jesus on the Road to Emmaus opened up the Old Testament and showed how it spoke of Him from the beginning.

Examples of progressive revelation:

Genesis 1:1-25……………………………………………………………..Romans 8:20-22

Genesis 2:23-24…………………………………………………………Ephesians 5:22-33

Genesis 3:6………………………………………………………………………...Romans 5:12

Genesis 3:15…………………………………………………………………….………John 1:29

3. Interpret Consistently

Since Scripture never contradicts Scripture, if there is ever a passage that seems to be contradictory to another passage—more study and interpretative work will need to be done.

Philippians 2:12 says, “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”

If Philippians 2:12 stood alone, we might think that a person’s salvation may be accomplished on the basis of works. Yet as we compare Scripture with Scripture, we find that a “works based” salvation is inconsistent with other passages of Scripture. Therefore we are obligated to do more interpretive work.

The following passages assist us in our understanding that interpreting Philippians 2:12 as “salvation by works” would not be consistent with the whole of Scripture:

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one will boast.”

Titus 3:5 says, “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to his mercy, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing by the Holy Spirit whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

Galatians 3:11 says, “Now that no one is justified by the [keeping of the] Law before God is evident; for the righteous man shall live by faith.”

Isaiah 64:6 says, “…all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment…”

4. Interpret Contextually

The three most important things in Biblical interpretation are:

1. Context


2. Context


3. Context

Webster’s Dictionary says that “context” is the parts of a discourse that surround a word or passage and can throw light on its meaning.

If an interpreter does not consider the verses around the text in question, there is a greater chance of misinterpretation.

Correctly interpreting a text of Scripture in light of the context in which it was written is like peeling an onion. As one works his way to the core of the onion (where the true meaning lies), he first must peel back the first layer which is the context of the book. Here are three helpful considerations:

--First, one must take into consideration the historical background of the book (including the manners and customs of the day). This initial practice is essential to finding the meaning of a specific verse.

--Secondly, and equally important is considering the context of the chapter in which the verse or passage is found.

--Thirdly, considering the immediate verses and words surrounding the verse in question is all-important. Always interpret within a “pericope”. A “pericope” is a set of verses that forms one coherent unit or thought. It has a beginning, middle and ending thought.

As the layers are peeled back the interpretation becomes more clear and precise.

Consider Matthew 18:18-20. Verses 18, 19, and 20 are three of the most “taken out of context” and misinterpreted verses in all of Scripture:

Matthew 18:18 says, “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”

--This verse is usually applied in regards to spiritual warfare (confronting Satan and winning victory over him.) This verse id often taken out of context and explained that you are to "bind Satan" from your life; places of ministry; from one's home; or any negative influence you might "feel" occurring in your life. And then you can "loose" the blessing and the victory that the Lord has given to you. All that you need to do is command that reality "in Jesus name" and it is yours for the demanding. This is a complete misunderstanding of this verse. Steve Camp says, “If believers in the Lord can bind Satan and if believers all over the world are binding him day and night; then why isn’t Satan caught in a state of perpetual bound? Why is he still “loosed?” And when you do “bind him” how long does the binding last for? One hour; till the next worship service starts; until after the concert; until you’re done praying; etc.?”

He further says, “Binding and loosing” has nothing to do with satanic battles or spiritual warfare against the powers of darkness. Those instructions are given in other passages (James 4:7; Eph. 6:10-17). “Binding and loosing” has to do with someone being repentant or unrepentant in their sin. It is a command given to the church for confirming whether a brother or sister in Christ is unrepentant in their sin (bound) or has been repentant of their sin (loosed). In the Greek, this phrase is stated in the past tense: whatever you bind on earth has already been bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth has already been loosed in heaven. The Lord is speaking here in the context of church discipline over sin. When someone is unrepentant in his or her sin--they are bound; when someone is repentant of his or her sin--they are loosed. And this is given to the body of Christ to definitively affirm in the lives of other believers. All church discipline is for restoration, reconciliation and repentance—never retribution or revenge. It is for the health of the church and the purity of the individual in Christ.” (CAMPONTHIS, Feb. 28, 2008)

Matthew 18:19 says, “Again I say to you, that if two or three agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.”

“This verse is commonly used for prayer—“if two of you agree on earth about anything…” Firstly, if this verse was used for prayer, then private prayers could never be heard; because there wouldn't be two to agree on earth about anything in His name. Secondly, the context once again is church discipline. The two that the Lord is speaking of here, are the two that are going to confront someone in their sin, to confirm the reality of their sin, and their repentance or unrepentance. Matthew 18:16 says, "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED." Anytime that a few believers go to another trapped in sin and confront them in it they have this promise: "that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven." The Lord will grant such "asking" if they agree as to the sin of another and have affirmed their repentance or unrepentance. Televangelists are notorious for using this verse as a means for soliciting money; promising miracles; getting your healing; obtaining financial success; and tragically, even for the salvation of a loved one. It is a cheap charlatan idiom and should be decried and avoided for what it is—unsound doctrine.” (CAMPONTHIS Feb. 28. 2008)

Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three have gathered in My name, I am there in their midst.”

“This is the last of these three verses and the most commonly recited out of context. How many times have we been in a church service, a Christian concert, conference, or festival and someone shouts from the microphone, "there is more than two or three gathered in the name of the Lord here tonight and therefore He is with us... give Him a praise offering!" This may rev up the crowd but has nothing to do with this verse.

The Lord is always with us; He will never leave nor forsake us. Even when we are alone—He is with us. Nothing can separate us from His love and He lives in our very lives. “Christ in you,” Paul says, “the hope of glory.”

Once again, the issue here is church discipline and the two or three spoken of are the ones going to confront another in their sin. The church is in no greater way like the Lord than when we are lovingly confronting another in their waywardness and walking with them to the place of repentance, reconciliation, and restoration. This verse describes part of that process. When two or three are gathered in the name of the Lord to deal with sin issues in a fellow believer, the promise is profound: "I am there in their midst." The Lord is honored when such loving humility is given to a wayward brother or sister in Christ and seeks their repentance from sin.” (CAMPONTHIS, Feb. 28, 2008)

5. Interpret Investigatively

The background of the passage being interpreted is essential in extracting its meaning. The author’s purpose should be investigated along with any historical, geographical or cultural data that bears on the text.

Appropriate questions to ask in the interpretative process:

1. Who? By whom and to whom is the text written?


2. When? At what point in history was the text written?


3. Where? From where and what culture was it written?
   
4. Why? Why did the author write the text?
   
5. What? What are the circumstances surrounding the writing of the text and what did the author intend for the recipient to understand?

Much of this information could be extracted from a Bible encyclopedia and/or Bible map or a trusted commentary.

6. Interpret Grammatically

An understanding of grammar is very helpful in Bible study. For the most part, Bible translators have done a good job of accurately providing solid sentence structure and word usage. This includes the translation of the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek to the English. Most of the time the tenses of the verbs are clear along with the use of small parts of speech like prepositions. However, the original languages do not always translate perfectly to English. The use of lexicons and other tools may be necessary in some cases.

The aim of the historical-grammatical method is to discover the meaning of the passage as the original author would have intended and what the original hearers would have understood. The original passage is seen as having only a single meaning or sense. As Milton S. Terry said: "A fundamental principle in grammatico-historical exposition is that the words and sentences can have but one significance in one and the same connection. The moment we neglect this principle we drift out upon a sea of uncertainty and conjecture." (Terry, Milton (1974). Biblical Hermeneutics : a treatise on the interpretation of the Old and New Testaments. page 205, Zondervan)

7. Interpret Humbly

It is all-together possible that we could do the required work of interpretation following the principles enumerated above and still come to a questionable conclusion—one that we may not be absolutely certain about. In other words, what we may think a passage of Scripture might mean, and what it actually means, may not be totally consistent. It is always wise and prudent to get a reliable second opinion as it relates to our interpretation of Scripture.

A trusted pastor or Bible teacher can be of great assistance in affirming an interpretation. Other solid commentaries by trusted teachers and Bible scholars can also serve as a second opinion.

Augustine (354-430 AD) said this, “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity.” While we may agree with the heart of Augustine, the Bible never instructs us to be charitable with those who teach error. As God’s people, we are to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) and “Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3).

As students of the Word, we want to be diligent in our study, firm in our interpretive conclusions but charitable (only when appropriate) to those who may hold to a different understanding. That being said, we never compromise or waver on the clear essential doctrines and fundamentals of our faith, but on less-clear issues of legitimate disagreement we extend charity and grace.

While God only meant one thing when He inspired the Bible, good solid Bible students have disagreed for centuries on various points of doctrine not clearly stated or fully explained in the Scriptures. For reasons known only to God Himself He has chosen to provide exactly what He wants us to know—no more and no less. We rest in the fact that we have limited information on various issues and points of doctrine and we need to maintain great humility on those issues. That being said, we do not use that as a cover to avoid thoroughly studying difficult passages or complex issues or issues with limited revelation. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law”.

Definition: Illumination means “the process by which God's Holy Spirit enables us to understand His word and apply it to our lives."

James Montgomery Boice said, "The Reformers, and particularly John Calvin, stressed the way the objective, written Word and the inner, supernatural ministry of the Holy Spirit work together, the Holy Spirit illuminating the Word to God's people. The Word without the illumination of the Holy Spirit remains a closed book."

The necessity of the illumination of the Holy Spirit does not negate the doctrine of the clarity of Scripture.

J.I. Packer says, “The knowledge of divine things to which Christians are called is more than a formal acquaintance with biblical words and Christian ideas. It is a realizing of the reality and relevance of those activities of the triune God to which Scripture testifies. Such awareness is natural to none, familiar with Christian ideas though they may be (like “the man without the Spirit” in 1 Cor. 2:14 who cannot receive what Christians tell him, or the blind leaders of the blind of whom Jesus speaks so caustically in Matt. 15:14, or like Paul himself before Christ met him on the Damascus road). Only the Holy Spirit, searcher of the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2:10), can bring about this realization in our sin-darkened minds and hearts. That is why it is called “spiritual understanding” (spiritual means “Spirit-given,” Col. 1:9; cf. Luke 24:25; 1 John 5:20). Those who, along with sound verbal instruction, “have an anointing from the Holy One... know the truth” (1 John 2:20).

The work of the Spirit in imparting this knowledge is called “illumination,” or enlightening. It is not a giving of new revelation, but a work within us that enables us to grasp and to love the revelation that is there before us in the biblical text as heard and read, and as explained by teachers and writers. Sin in our mental and moral system clouds our minds and wills so that we miss and resist the force of Scripture. God seems to us remote to the point of unreality, and in the face of God’s truth we are dull and apathetic. The Spirit, however, opens and unveils our minds and attunes our hearts so that we understand (Eph. 1:17-18; 3:18-19; 2 Cor. 3:14-16; 4:6). Illumination is thus the applying of God’s revealed truth to our hearts, so that we grasp as reality for ourselves what the sacred text sets forth.

Illumination, which is a lifelong ministry of the Holy Spirit to Christians, starts before conversion with a growing grasp of the truth about Jesus and a growing sense of being measured and exposed by it. Jesus said that the Spirit would “convict the world” of the sin of not believing in him, of the fact that he was in the right with God the Father (as his welcome back to heaven proved), and of the reality of judgment both here and hereafter (John 16:8-11). This threefold conviction is still God’s means of making sin repulsive and Christ adorable in the eyes of persons who previously loved sin and cared nothing for the divine Savior.” (J.I. Packer, A Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs, Tyndale)

Illumination does not mean that the Holy Spirit gives the interpretation of Scripture to a believer. If that were the case, since every believer possesses the exact same Holy Spirit, each believer would arrive at the exact same interpretation to every biblical text.

Part 1: Perspecuity

Hermeneutics & Principles of Bible Study
*Compiled by Pastor Dave Cunningham

INTRODUCTION

2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”

The word here rendered "accurately handling” occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means "to cut straight, to divide right". In practice, Charles Ryrie says “accurately handling” means “correctly handling the Word of God in both analysis and presentation”.

Perspicuity

Definition: Perspicuity means "essential clarity." Biblical perspicuity means that the Bible is understandable with regard to its main message.

Everything in the Bible is not equally clear (2 Pet 3:15-16), but the main message is sufficiently clear for us to be saved and accomplish God's purpose. The biblical authors assumed their readers could understand their main message.

Some examples from the pen of the Apostle John assuming the perspicuity of the Bible:

John 20:31 - The Apostle John believed that his gospel was understandable enough that the average reader of his day could get saved by reading it.

1 John 5:13 - The Apostle John expected his audience to be able to understand his message well enough to have assurance of salvation.

R.C. Sproul said, "The Bible is basically clear and lucid. It is simple enough for any literate person to understand its basic message. This is not to say that all parts of the Bible are equally clear or that there are no difficult passages or sections to be found in it. Laymen unskilled in the ancient languages and the fine points of exegesis may have difficulty with parts of scripture, but the essential content is clear enough to be understood easily." [R. C. Sproul, Knowing Scripture (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1977), p 15.]

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Sola Gratia,
The GraceLife Team