A FAITH THAT CONTINUES TO SPEAK

THINGS I LEARNED FROM AND REMEMBER ABOUT GRANDPA

BY PAUL DERYCKE

He introduced me to the fact that comics are in the newspaper every day not just Sunday!

My brother Mark crying, not as much because he was spanked with the flyswatter, as that he discovered Grandpa was actually faster than him.

Shopping for new shoes for my birthday, and for the super hero action figures I wasn’t supposed to tell anybody about.

Watching Saturday cartoons and westerns over bowls of cornflakes.

Picking raspberries, gooseberries, green beans, pole beans, tomatoes, squash, peppers, onions, cantaloupe and watermelon.

Eating raspberries, gooseberries, green beans, pole beans, tomatoes, squash, peppers, onions, cantaloupe and watermelon – with salt.

The proper way to grill meat is until it is an unidentifiable black lump similar to the charcoal you started the fire with.

Any fruit or nuts can be made into cookies or pie.

If you mow your lawn into the vacant lots around you, it becomes your land. He called this “The Fishers Homesteading Act.”

How the squirrels and rabbits on his property always seemed to die of, as he said, “lead poisoning”.

How to properly use drill presses, power saws, lathes and an endless list of other tools.

That anything can be fixed with fiberglass, Duck Tape, Goop, or J-B Weld.

Too much yeast will make your wine bottles explode.

That education is important, and never ends.

That God, Family and Friends (in that order) matter the most in life.

If we all remember him and share these and other stories about him, he will always be with us.

[The memories shared above are published in this blog with the permission of Paul DeRycke, the grandson of our Christian brother, James R. Watson (of Fishers, NY), who went to be with our Lord Jesus on March 19, 2008. Following Paul’s comments which were made at the graveside service, I have added some of the comments that I made in honor and celebration of the faith and life our dear brother and friend James. These comments are based on Hebrews 10:35-11:6: A Faith That Continues to Speak. Additionally, James’ family honored him with a very fitting song, for James was born and raised in small town Kentucky. The song is “Small Town Southern Man”, by Alan Jackson].

A FAITH THAT CONTINUES TO SPEAK

By Bryan Buttram

TEXT: HEBREWS 10:35-11:6

Since the time of James’s baptism [April 28, 2000] I have had many opportunities to speak with him during visits at his home and at church; for so long as he was healthy and not snowed in, he attended every worship service and Bible study. Often James would introduce a topic that he wanted to discuss by saying: Most people don’t realize this; or a lot of people seem to miss the importance of this. And then he would speak of an insight from God’s word that he had been studying and contemplating on, and discussing with family and others. James was a very humble man; so when he spoke this way he was speaking from observation and experience that others cared about a lot of things, but often did not take the time to search and know the deep things of God. And yet that is what James did; he studied the Word of God with eagerness, and he loved to talk about his insights and questions with others. I talked with him about his studies and insights, and let me tell you, James really got it. He really understood things that many people too easily ignore or trivialize; and yet these are the very things that enriched the depth of his fellowship with the invisible, immortal, eternal Creator and Father of us all. So I say again, James really got it and I wished more people showed that kind of interest in the things of God.

Let me share you a few things that tell me that James really understood what was important to God and that he was diligent to practice what was important to the best of his ability. James’s example of spirituality is an example of true spirituality that is a path of life that follows the shape of the landscape, and is not the pretentious, superhighway spirituality that cuts through the landscape trying to rush through life with little commitment and a lot of convenience.

We know that James walked the path of serving his country in the army, of working hard, helping to raise a large family, and doing most things to better their living space and lives with his own two hands. James endured his own long term illnesses more than once and for many years; and he lovingly helped to care for Kay through her illness. In spite of hardships, James never harbored bitterness but trusted in God and looked to keeping his spirit and his mind full and healthy. James was not a selfish person, but a neighbor, friend and Christian brother who truly cared and looked for ways to do things for people without letting his left hand know what his right hand is doing. Everyone who has had an opportunity to see the display of pictures know that James’ was rich with a large and extended family, his home, his garden, and his wood shop — he enjoyed his family and his life.

I found James to be very observant, thoughtful, discerning and honest. He could always provide interesting insights into human behavior and world affairs. But at least for the years I knew him, his greatest interest was in the things of God; particularly the importance of faith, the Holy Spirit, prayer, Israel and what God was doing in the affairs of man, and of angels. This is why I read the scripture from Hebrews, because although James is physically dead his faith still speaks and in the spiritual realm he enjoys his reward from God until the time of the resurrection from the dead.

Additionally, please read the following newspaper article about James:

 Pierce, Jessica.  “James Watson:  Southern gent, storyteller.” Daily Messenger: March 30, 2008.

The Blow and Blessing of the Cross

Jews looking to Jesus as the hope of Israel faltered when Jesus spoke of his death (John 12:20-36). When the week began, Jesus’ disciples and other Jews praised Jesus as the King or Messiah (Luke 19:28-45). Thus, talk of death confused and concerned them. Jesus had said if I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me. How could it be? What about the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, driving the money changers out of the temple, and soundly confounding antagonistic teachers of the law? Jesus unsettled them more with enigmatic statements about walking in the light while they still have light.

The apostles ate the last Passover supper with Jesus. Jesus spoke his heart to them and he spoke of his own relationship with his heavenly Father. He wanted his own disciples to understand just what kind of trust, love and obedience made their relationship the spiritual place to abide (John 13-17). While they slumbered as Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, jealous and hostile Jewish religious rulers determined this is the opportune time to seize and execute Jesus. Judas Iscariot presented them with their opportunity, for through him they would know the movements of Jesus. Judas was willing to lead a mob and soldiers to Jesus in order to arrest him. From that point John must have felt all of Jerusalem had been swept into a whirlwind. Within twelve hours after Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss Jesus was hurried through criminal examinations and judgments, mocking and floggings, public rejection and condemnation by his own people before Pilate, until he was led to the hill of the Skull (Golgotha or Calvary) in order to be crucified.

Luke tells the story of the suffering of Jesus in Luke 23:26-49. Jesus has become so painfully weak from floggings, maltreatment and exhaustion, that he was unable to carry his cross. Soldiers forced Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross of Jesus. We are not told how Simon felt, but he was passing by. Immersed in the midst of the mockery and contempt, did he feel inconvenienced or compassion? There is evidence in the scriptures tending to support that Simon and two of his sons, Rufus and Alexander, became followers of Jesus (Mark 15:21 and Romans 16:13).

Luke reports that a great multitude followed Jesus out to the hill of the Skull. Did he mean hundreds or thousands? This was the week of the Passover celebration and in a few hours at sundown the Sabbath would begin. Jesus noticed women mourning and grieving for him. He said instead they should weep for Jerusalem. Under orders of Pilate, the soldiers crucified Jesus and posted his crime in three languages: This is the King of the Jews. The Jewish leaders, Roman soldiers, a criminal on a cross beside Jesus and others among the crowd mocked and derided Jesus (See also Matthew 27:39-44). They insulted, Jesus forgave.

One of the two criminals crucified beside Jesus changed his heart. He defended Jesus’ innocence and asked Jesus for a place in his kingdom. He knew he deserved to die, but that Jesus did not deserve to die. The shame that had been heaped upon Jesus now penetrated his heart. There were also unusual supernatural events that made people fear and change their state of mind and disposition. At noon the land became dark for three hours. It was not a lunar eclipse because Passover was held on a full moon. Mankind is in darkness because of sin, and Jesus was in darkness because he bore our sin. Jesus cried out that God had forsaken him. This was a quote from a Psalm of David (Psalm 22), which expressed great trust in God for vindication in a great time of evil and darkness. The scriptures also foretold that the Messiah would be considered under a curse by the people and would be crushed according to the will of God. Crucifixion on the cross was the spiritual equal of being hung on a tree; and anyone hung on a tree was considered to be under God’s curse (See Matthew 27:45-50, Deuteronomy 21:22-23, Acts 5:27-33 and Isaiah 53).

The veil of the temple was rent into; symbolizing the death of the body of Christ which opened the way of access to God (Hebrews 10). Other Gospels record an earthquake. Jesus did not just die, but he deliberately and voluntarily surrendered and laid down his life (Luke 23:46). The Centurion who had seen it all expressed what most began to feel after all these events: He had to be innocent. The multitude left beating their breasts — evidence they felt anguish, shame and grief. This spiritual blow is the impact of the cross, and prepared many hearts for Pentecost.

Strip the beautiful symbolism of the cross from churches, homes and jewelry, and left is the cruelest means of execution ever devised. Crucifixion was excruciating, for it was designed to deter crime. Those nailed to a cross were a spectacle for mockery and disdain by the crowds. Death by crucifixion could be slow, sometimes taking days. In the case of Jesus and the two criminals who were crucified by him; death came before the day ended, but for different causes. At the cross itself, the death of the criminals was known by all to be deserved. Executed criminals were cursed of God; but Jesus was innocent. Therefore, the death of Jesus struck a blow upon the people who witnessed it. Through this blow God brings His gospel or good news to all of us.

Jesus said that if he was lifted up from the earth, he would draw all men to himself (John 12:32 and John 3:14-17). Jesus was lifted upon the cross and crucified. God’s gospel is not to lift up ourselves: “This church has lots of programs for everybody.” The good news is: “Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:1-6). The cross is not about principles of financial and social success. The cross is about forgiveness of sins and peace with God (See Acts 3 and 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2). The blow of the cross is the power that changes lives and blesses us with times of refreshment from the Lord.

Buttram, Bryan. “The Blow and Blessing of the Cross.” Bryanbuttram.wordpress.com: 03/18/2008.

Hermeneutics Conclusion: A Sight for Sore Eyes

A truly enlightened heart generates boldness in believing. On this ground believers become a witness to the testimony of Christ. Bible studies that are academic lack the believer’s testimony; for testimony is speaking of the things God has done for us (our shared testimony) and for me (my personal testimony). The knowledge of Christ is practical. His story is meant to be shared, embraced, internalized, celebrated, and enjoyed in relationship with God and with other believers. If your heart is enlightened, then you are equipped to embark on the most enriching adventure ever.

 

When I lived in Maine, locals used to joke: “You can’t get there from here.” That is true with Bible study as a predominately academic and rule making undertaking. This route seems to be the road most travelled, and it leads to a landfill of religious garbage – self-righteousness, self-exaltation, passing judgment, favoritism, and sectarianism. The path least walked is difficult, but worth it; for in this way there are many manifestation moments in which Christ shows himself, and the believer is inspired with awe and praise (John 14:21). The enlightened heart sees Christ in every moment, even if at first his presence and sovereignty are hidden, and later discerned in reflection. However, manifestation moments open the believer’s eyes to wonders about Jesus that can only be appreciated by experience. The most enriching adventure ever is to grow more and more in your grasp and attainment of the immense significance, presence, influence and sovereignty of your Lord Jesus Christ.

 

If your hermeneutics or interpretation of the Bible does not lead you to see what heaven saw and appreciated in Revelation 5, then you are on the wrong road. I urge you to turn away from promoting the landfill of sectarian garbage as if it were a sight for sore eyes, rather than an eye sore. Sectarian hermeneutics will always exalt the glory of the sect and diminish the glory of Christ and his body by which he has filled and is filling the whole earth with himself (Read Ephesians).

 

In Ephesians 1 the Apostle Paul left us a record of his prayer for the church. Paul planted the church in Ephesus and he spent much time teaching the whole counsel of God and nurturing church leadership in Ephesus (Acts 19-20). Paul wrote his letter, known as Ephesians, to the church during the time of his imprisonment in Rome (approximately 61 A.D.). The prayer encompasses the great need for Christ’s church to be enlightened to its wealth, position, power and mission in Christ. All God’s promises were made and all scripture was written with this end in mind, the eternal purpose of God in Jesus Christ, the firstborn and goal of all creation (Read Colossians). I grieve when linear, incomplete and constrictive methods of interpreting scripture entangle Christ’s body in disputes that lead us away from this wonderful panoramic vision to the sectarian landfill.

 

Although Ephesians is not a letter of instruction on how to interpret the scriptures, no understanding of scripture is complete without an answer to the prayer for God’s revelation to enlighten our hearts of His inheritance in us and His riches for us in Christ Jesus. The things of God can only be known in our hearts as a result of God’s gift of the Spirit of wisdom and understanding. This kind of seeing enables us to live, reign, fellowship, love one another, build up one another, work together and fight together with Christ in the heavenly realms. Have you read all of Ephesians yet?

 

I am presently in my church office with access to many resources. I scanned the table of contents of several different books on the marks of the New Testament church. The chapters provide a window into the result of two centuries of traditional interpretation. The chapters disclose the doctrines and practices that define and identify, dealing with steps, methods, key disputes and organizational matters. I’ve read the books and think there is correctly interpreted truth, but also scriptures misused out of context as proof texts for traditional doctrinal arguments. In no chapter of any of those books is the most prominent, defining mark and identity of Christ’s church prominent. It must be discussed somewhere, but it clearly is not prominent. To the contrary, from different Bible teachers who have promoted a return to sound doctrine based on these books, I have heard this plea: “The church needs less preaching on love and more preaching on doctrine. The church is being loved straight to hell.”

 

In conclusion to this present series on hermeneutics or interpreting scripture, I believe the above statement exposes the heart of the Christian who remains unenlightened to the glory of Christ for us and in us. This prideful, sarcastic, judgmental attitude is the mark of a dying sect not of the holy, universal, unity seeking and mission driven churches of Christ. Those who know the Word, know that God’s own love and his command to love Himself and others is the most prominent command in the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is the work of God’s adversary to distort this truth in order to undermine any teacher who earnestly desires what God desires, that His children grow up into the knowledge of the image of His Son. The church needs sound interpreters and teachers of God’s word who impart the knowledge that leads the church to pray for enlightened hearts into the glory of Christ, the truth in Jesus, and our wealth in him.

 

It must have been difficult for Jesus to rebuke the church in Ephesus, but he dearly loves, cares for and watches over his church. In Revelation 2:2-5 (ESV), Jesus admonished: “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”

 

How could they get so much right but miss the most important thing? . Get it right church; for they were in danger of Christ removing their candlestick from his own hand. Paul prayed in Ephesians 3, as part two to the prayer he began with in Ephesians 1, that they would be filled with the Spirit so that Christ would dwell in their hearts by faith. To what goal! The goal of the indwelling of Christ is so that they might come to know the fullness of Christ’s love in the practice of their fellowship and service to Christ. All that God has promised and desires for his people in Christ, all He reveals in scripture, He is abundantly able to provide beyond our ability to imagine or ask for. This is God’s own commitment to the church throughout all generations. True Biblical interpretation will lead you from the landfill of sectarianism, falsehoods, unbelief and even little faith, to this exalted place with Christ in the heavenly realms. Now that really is a sight for sore eyes.

 

Citation: Buttram, Bryan. “Hermeneutics Conclusion: A Sight for Sore Eyes.” Bryanbuttram.wordpress.com: 03/12/2008.

Hermeneutics: In Search of Pattern or Reality (Part V) — If It Doesn’t Fit

Stephen became the first Christian martyr because of a Jewish congregational dispute over interpretation of scripture (See Acts 6 and 7). They accused Stephen of speaking against the temple and the customs of the law of Moses. Before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, Stephen defended his teaching on the basis of the scriptures. Yet they did not want to understand Stephen; otherwise they would not have falsely accused him. Stephen did not speak against the temple or the law, for he only showed how the scriptures prophesied of fulfillment in the person of the Righteous One whom they had rejected and killed. Why did they not correctly interpret and see the truth?

 

First, I think of what kept Peter from understanding the significance of the transfiguration of Jesus, when he offered to build an altar for Moses, Elijah and Jesus. God unveiled the glory of His immortal and eternal Son on the mountain; and Peter witnessed it, but he failed to really see and understand it. He failed even though God had already revealed the truth of his confession that Jesus is the Messiah of God (See Matthew 16:13-17:8). And so Christians may see the glory of Christ as he is revealed in scripture, and authentically confess his glory. Nevertheless, they still need time, like Peter, to really see the glory of Christ with greater understanding and assurance in their heart. What difference does it make?

 

Until Pentecost, Peter was like most Jews, not comprehending a suffering Messiah. The numerous followers of John 6 turned away from Jesus because his teaching did not fit their messianic agenda. How could the suffering and crucifixion of the Messiah fit into the plan of God. Yet the most significant truth of the gospel for Christian living is that all of Christ’s disciples must embrace, internalize and imitate in their lives the cross of Christ. Paul knew this to be the essence of worship of God by the Spirit and what he desired to experience most of all in his Christian life, so that somehow he might attain to the resurrection of the dead (Philippians 3).

 

After Pentecost, Peter did learn this way or pattern in Christ, later encouraging Christians with his own example of suffering for Christ. He could assure them that the Spirit of Christ’s glory would rest upon them (1 Peter 4). Peter wanted all Christians to arrive at a place of greater understanding and assurance of the glory of Christ as the rising of the morning star in their hearts (2 Peter 1). Beware lest the church of your generation loses the anticipation of the dawning of a new day through a fuller realization of the presence and glory of Christ.

 

Third, Stephen came to understand through the scriptures that the glory of God could never be contained on the earth, and certainly not in the law of Moses or the temple built by the hands of men. This offended the Jews because the law and the temple were the defining institutions of their religious identity. In contrast, Stephen’s identity was grounded on the confession of Jesus as the Messiah. He saw the fullness of the glory of God in the face of the risen Christ who revealed himself to Stephen. Jesus manifested his glory to Stephen through the Holy Spirit who filled him with wisdom and confidence. Jesus manifested his glory to Stephen by a vision of his exalted place in heaven at the right hand of God. In this instance Jesus stood as he witnessed his devoted servant being viciously attacked by men who would not let go of the fading glory of the law and the temple. Jesus manifested his glory to Stephen as Stephen embraced the cross for himself, and understood by experience what Christ had understood, the power of forgiving those who persecute and even kill you. Is your interpretation of the church’s identity relying on the institutional marks defined by influential teachers of your religious heritage, or upon the revelation of the glory of Christ within his church and in your heart?

 

Finally, to truly understand the scriptures and the things of God the church needs God’s miracle. Only God can enlighten our hearts to what we must receive and embrace by faith in Jesus; and only God can convict and transform our hearts so that we boldly enter into the experience of his kingdom, power and glory in Christ Jesus. My prayer is that you will embrace the prophetic word made more certain in the word about Christ, and through your faith in the word the morning star will dawn in your hearts. What if your reading, interpretation, teaching and practice of the scriptures should fail to bring you into this promise and experience of the living, present and reigning Jesus Christ? Then reexamine your hermeneutic or method of interpretation, because God’s promise and truth in Christ is not fitting your pattern – and the scriptures are not the problem.

 

Buttram, Bryan. Hermeneutics: In Search of Pattern or Reality? (Part V). Bryanbuttram.wordpress.com: 2008/03/10.

Hermeneutics: In Search of Pattern or Reality (Part IV) — Spiritual Truths in Spiritual Words

Theology is the study of God. Biblical theology seems to be the study and teaching of patterns. Introductions to Biblical theology provide a historical review of different approaches; each approach organizing its presentation of theology around a dominant theme and several supporting themes. Patterns emerge as the main story about God and His special thought for man unfolds through many stories teaching certain themes. The great patterns impressed upon God’s people in God’s deeds, words and chosen representatives are manifestations of His promise. These patterns are weaved from the fabric of God’s revelation of His presence, His law, His tabernacle, His priests, His nature or ways, His kingdom, His prophets, and His hope for fulfillment of His promise and a new creation in the Messiah.

 

 

The New Testament reveals and fulfills God’s deeds, words and precursors or types through the Messiah. Through Jesus God fulfills His promise and gives the reality that all the patterns of old foreshadowed and anticipated. Are we now done with themes and patterns? First, I answer “Yes”, for the new covenant fulfills the types, shadows and precursors of the old covenant. In Christ we possess and embrace the reality that the scripture foretold and revealed. I must also answer “No” because the pattern concept does emerge in a few different ways in the New Testament.

 

 

Now here is the gist of the pattern concept in the New Testament based on the family of Greek words (from tupos) that are often translated as example, form, model, pattern, and type. First, when translated as example, it may mean a life worthy of imitation or a person whose own experience is an encouragement to others (See Philippians 3:17, 1 Thessalonians 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:9, 1 Timothy 1:16, 1 Timothy 4:12, Titus 2:7 as “model”, 1 Peter 5:3). Second, when expressing the idea of a model it means distinctive teaching which makes an impression on a person and like a mold shapes a person’s character and conduct in accordance with the impression (See Romans 6:17 and 2 Timothy 1:13). Third, translated as type or historical example it may refer to a former, symbolic representation of a fulfilled spiritual truth or reality. For example, the tabernacle is a type of the spiritual house of God built by Christ (See Acts 7 and Hebrews 8-10; but Acts 7:44 and Hebrews 8:5 uses the word pattern with the same meaning as Exodus 25:40 referring to a model that is followed for the design of the tent, furnishings and institutions. See also Romans 5:14, 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11, and 1 Peter 3:21).

 

 

No usage of the words meaning pattern in the New Testament are intended to justify a Christian system of religious authority according to the doctrinal interpretations, preferences and arrangements of human wisdom. That’s why I warn against treating the teachings on the New Testament church as the new organizing theme for a pattern of authority. This is not what God intended to foreshadow in the pattern of the tabernacle. The letter to the Hebrews teaches that the tabernacle foreshadows the new and living way of access to God through Jesus Christ. The essence of the new and living way, which is the way of the Spirit, is contorted by sectarian systems of doctrinal authority. The allure of assembling a distinctive authoritative pattern is that it appeals to human wisdom and pride. It appeals to wisdom, because it makes sense to those who defend it. It appeals to pride, because if it makes sense to you then no one else has an excuse.

 

 

The true pattern of the New Testament is not a shadow cast by a religious system, but rather Christ’s own obedience as the Son of God. His obedience culminating in His death on the cross created a living example of the way of the Spirit of life. Christ is the image of God and the teaching of the New Testament is presented in a form or pattern that best impresses his image upon us who believe. When Paul appealed to his own example of life in Philippians 3, it is because he first embraced the pattern of the death of Christ for his life and ministry (See also 2 Corinthians 2-5). The Spirit of Christ works for our transformation according to the truth in Jesus; but we frustrate his work when we embrace sectarian systems of doctrine that offer the New Testament in the old packaging of the written code of law, rituals and other rudimentary principles. (See how Galatians and Colossians dealt with this problem).

 

 

How then shall we interpret the New Testament so that the Holy Spirit is liberated to do his work of writing the letter of Christ upon our hearts (2 Corinthians 2-5)? Consider the Apostle Paul’s explanation of God’s objective for imparting his own wisdom to us in words (See 1 Corinthians 1-3). God revealed his thoughts so that we might understand. Nevertheless he imparted his thoughts not in words of human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit. One reason God rejected the method of human wisdom was to reject the pride and boasting that would follow.

 

In the church of Corinth, spiritually immature Christians embraced the credentials or the eloquent wisdom of some teachers over the unimpressive teaching of others. Yet Paul warned that our faith does not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God demonstrated in the cross and in the Spirit. The spiritually mature rely on the Spirit to help them understand the thoughts of God and the revelation of the mind of Christ in the cross of Christ. You are on notice; for this is a vital interpretive principle: The Spirit will not give this help of understanding the thoughts of God to the proud. The proud are those who embrace systems of doctrine arranged according to human wisdom; and then draw followers to themselves or their sect rather than to Christ.

 

 Buttram, Bryan.  Hermeneutics:  In Search of Pattern or Reality? (Part IV).  Bryanbuttram.wordpress.com:  2008/03/03.