Biblicism in Balance, pt. 3

Welcome to day three of Juxtaposition: Theology and Ministry. Our plan is to post articles Monday through Saturday each week. Sunday is a day of worship and service which doesn’t leave much time for writing or reading blogs. Thus we have a fresh application of the biblical injunction to rest one day per week.

Today we press on with discussion of our fervent conviction that the two disciplines of theology and ministry must be placed side by side for the purpose of defining biblical, 21st century, Church Age labor for Christ. Theology must precede ministry and ministry must flow from theology . The balancing of theology and ministry gives credence to the concept of Biblicism in Balance and particularly to the practicing of a balanced ministry through the local church.

LOCAL CHURCHES ARE DISCOVERING GOD AND HIS WORD ALTOGETHER SATISFYING.

They are discovering doctrinal wholeness as contrasted to undue emphasis on one doctrine. A glowing example of the refreshing distinctiveness of Biblicism in Balance is the view of and practice of biblical separation. Separation from unbelief and compromise is a non-negotiable. Separation is still written clearly in the Word of God and cannot be ignored. The difference is that balanced Biblicists use their whole theological foundation to guide the practice of separation. Drawing close to the Lord develops a separatist, both personally and ecclesiastically. But separation never occurs while tolerating differences in a host of other theological positions just because someone agrees with your policy of separation. And separation never becomes a bludgeoning instrument of law enforcement in the hands of intemperate tyrants.

Balanced Biblicists rally around truth as revealed in the Bible rather than issues compiled in men’s opinions and dogmatic pronouncements. And in gray issues (i.e. length of hair, clothing styles or attendance at movies) they allow Christian liberty.

Balanced Biblicists value reality of worship more than style of worship. They reject adherence to a rigid style of music and worship that leaves the congregation disengaged from the act itself. They advocate a balanced approach that encourages congregational participation. And, yet, they avoid the incorporation of the world into the church via worship methods and Charismatic worship practices just because such methods attract crowds. They search the Bible for truth to believe and principles to practice including those relating to methodologies for ministry (and especially those relating to methodologies for ministry).

THE TIME HAS COME

At the risk of grandstanding and overstating an idea, may I declare that now is the time for spiritual heroism. We have the message society needs. Both we and the lost are still here. Christ has not returned and time remains. We know of the opportunity society needs (to receive Christ as Savior personally and practice biblical principles corporately). Like Gideon, we accept the call to leadership. Although weak and fearful, with the help of Jehovah, Gideon won a great victory and conducted a brilliant war. With God’s help, so can we!

Not only is this a time for spiritual heroism, but it is also the time for dedicated attention to thus says the Lord. We conclude that there is no light but God’s light. There is no party but God’s party. We are not Sadducees, Pharisees, or Herodians, just Biblicists. There is no will but God’s will.

Additionally, this is not only a time for spiritual heroism and attention to thus says the Lord, but it is also the time for positive leadership. As we stand up and practice Biblicism in Balance, believers more mature in age and experience will see a ministry determined to defend the faith once delivered to the saints. Younger believers will discern churches that are not going to continue practices that are traditional or which worked well for past generations but have lost effectiveness. And those of any age or generation who care about biblical truth can see churches determined to use the Bible as the guiding light for message and method.

Beginning Monday the postings will cover a variety of subjects dealing with strong Bible-based theology with an emphasis on correct hermeneutics. And they will cover a wide-variety of theologically based ministry principles and practices that should be helpful to all of us. Gracious, Christ-like comments are encouraged. We wish to be supportive co-laborers in the work of Christ for those of you actively engaged in the battle for souls and the propagation of the truth.

Howard L. Wilburn, Ed.D.