March 9, 2009 issue
Spreading treasures
By Dean Swartley Mercersberg, Pa.“Emerging Churches Discover Treasures” showed the benefit of growing with other Anabaptists outside of our denominations. Critics of the emerging church movement point out that its focus is almost exclusively on the Gospels at the expense of the rest of the Bible. As Anabaptists, however, we see a certain value in that emphasis since we begin with Jesus and interpret all other Scripture through the Gospels. I believe the emerging church movement has the potential to shed fresh light on the second person of the Trinity just as the charismatic movement brought attention to the third person of the Trinity.
I also appreciated the editorial, “Prophetic Word: Cherish Your Treasure.” I believe megachurch pastor Greg Boyd is blessed with one of the sharpest theological minds of our day. I join the thousands of believers around the world who are blessed by his books, articles and Internet radio messages. Boyd is decidedly Anabaptist, though he may not use the term very often (unless he is addressing a group of Mennonites!). His theology simply comes from an intense study of Jesus and his kingdom. This leads him to Anabaptist conclusions concerning patriotism, nationalism and militarism. Boyd’s congregation draws upon a balance of rich theological streams. They strongly emphasize prayer, praise and spiritual warfare. They believe that prayer is so powerful that it can change the course of history and alter major problems such as war, abortion and poverty.
Influence from these groups can help to sharpen our Anabaptist perspective. It can also help us get beyond denominational pride. These influences will enable us to rethink all denominational customs and traditions that hinder our quest for a Jesus-shaped Christianity.
Comments
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I am frequently skeptical when I see the words 'fresh' and 'new' in the context of a new religious movememt. These words suggest that something is worn out or out dated. So this new movement suggests all other scriptures be interpreted through the Gospels. Interpretation, all other scriptures may require modification to fit broad, current religious theology which frequently changes. Where is there any scripture that supports that thinking?
Jesus spoke clearly in John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you". Jesus returned to Heaven after completing his purpose in coming.
Matthew wrote to the Jew, Mark to the Romans, Luke to the Greek and John wrote to all. All wrote through the leading of the Holy Spirit.
II Timothy 2:15 reads, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman (craftsman) that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth".
In the end time context are the following verses in II Timothy. 3:5 reads, "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 3:7 reads, "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of truth". 4:3 reads, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears". Now, how should these verses, written by Paul, be interpreted through the four Gospels?
I am a believer that all scripture is God breathed from Genesis through Revelation. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for for correction, for instruction in rightousness. II Timothy 3:16
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