| From
the Church on the Hill
by D. Eric Williams Pastor, Cottonwood Community Church pastor@cottonwoodcommunitychurch.org The damage done to the Christian faith through this "obsession with angels" (Colossians 2:18) is not limited to the caustic effects of injecting American Folk Religion into evangelical Christianity. Perhaps the greater insult is the weakened theology that comes from ignorance of the true value of Enoch's story. As mentioned earlier, the Bible tells us that Enoch walked with God (Genesis 5:24) and it is significant that "this precise combination of verbal form and preposition appears nowhere else in Scripture."2 However, the verbal form is used elsewhere to "denote the maintenance of covenant relationship through the fulfilling of the appropriate roles therein."3 Moreover, the verbal form is also used "to describe persons engaged in a judicial mission."4 In other words, the Hebrew text alone indicates Enoch was covenantaly faithful and was engaged in a prophetic calling similar to the latter prophets of Israel and Judah. Elijah is a good example of this and, interestingly, he too was taken from this world prior to enduring a natural death (2 Kings 2:11-12). In both cases the covenantaly faithful prophet of God faced violent opposition. This is spelled out in the text for us concerning Elijah; we may infer the same about Enoch from the Genesis account (cf. Genesis chapter 6). Thus, one lesson from Genesis concerning Enoch is that God blesses covenant faithfulness. While we should not expect to be "translated" as Enoch was, we can expect covenant faithfulness to result in the enjoyment of the blessings enumerated in Scripture. In addition, Enoch's example reminds us that our responsibility is for the faithfulness not the outcome. Clearly, Enoch's covenant faithfulness had little impact on the world around him. This was according to God's design but for our purpose it reminds us that our duty is obedience. The effect of our obedience is up to God. Also, Enoch's example reminds us that the blessings of covenant faithfulness are typically realized corporately. This is to say, the blessings listed in the Bible are generally realized when there is widespread obedience to the word of God. This means the blessings are evident when a city, state, region or nation turns to God in repentance and obedience. All of this is in sharp contrast to the typical evangelical lesson learned from Enoch. Enoch was translated not because his relationship with God was a "God as girlfriend" kinship. This kind of emotion based "walk with God" is common in modern Evangelicalism, a fact reflected by contemporary worship music. No, Enoch had a biblically defined walk with God. His was a walk of obedience and of calling others to account for their disobedience. Therefore, the lesson learned from Enoch is a lesson pertinent to us. For, a relationship with God defined by obedience is a New Testament teaching. Paul preached a gospel of grace that has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:10b NLT). Contrary to the idea that faith negates obedience Paul said, Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law (Romans 3:31 NLT). This does not happen by accident; you must, work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear (Philippians 2:12 NLT). In short, the lesson we learn from Enoch is the same lesson we learn from the rest of the Bible; live a life of obedience to God, tell others about it and look for the blessings of doing so. Hence, the example of Enoch shows how critical it is for each individual Christian to bring their life and arena of activity under the Lordship of Jesus. Enoch, like Noah (Hebrews 11:7, 1 Peter 3:20, 2 Peter 2:5), continued to proclaim the truth of worshiping Yahweh even in the face of widespread rejection and persecution. We can do no less. Whatsoever Things Are True by Dan Coburn Pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church pastordan@mtida.net Editor’s Note: Pastor Dan Coburn had a column he wanted to run related to our current situation with the virus. "My Toilet paper will not return unto me void." I know I'm a zealot, and unapologetically admit it. Still, as a casual observer of the times, I am at a loss. I used to wonder how immediately following a great victorious, miraculous deliverance from the bondage of Egypt, the Hebrew children could so quickly and in one voice celebrate/worship a golden calf. Not anymore. I see it 24/7 on the news. We are truly sheep. Even here on the mean streets of Cottonwood Idaho, we have a toilet paper shortage. After one confirmed case in the State, the IDOC suspended all volunteer work as well as visits to their prison facilities (state wide) until further notice. Here are some Nuggets: This virus ranks way down in the mortality rate compared to the last dozen, including what we call the flu. Interestingly, these "viruses" surface every election cycle. Either they are political, or there is a great coincidence. Ground Zero in Washington state is a place called the Kirkland Life Care Center, and is an "end of life" facility. I'm not minimizing loss of life, but really? No children have died, and the balance of the victims have been folks with existing respiratory issues. Big Nugget: More damage has been done by the panic than by the virus itself, and it's going to get worse. States are banning gun sales, closing businesses, health care facilities, a full third of our Country's wealth has been lost. Let's turn the Spiritual Switch. Many Churches have closed. The entire state of Utah for instance. Some tell me if someone in my Church sneezes, we should "put them out" - Lev. 15. Not gonna happen. First of all, this is a perverted interpretation of the Scripture, and we are a New Testament Church. "Is this serious preacher?" May well be. But I won't live my life based on what may or may not happen. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind." 2nd Tim. 1:7 It might be that bad, we don't know. But bad for whom? In 1st Chron. 21, David did something bad, and God tells him there will be consequences. He gives David three choices. "You can have three years of famine, Three months of being slain by the hand of your enemies, or three days of the 'sword of the Lord', a pestilence in the land". So it is potentially serious. But, in Psalm 91, we get specific. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." vs 1-2. The whole Psalm is relevant and pertinent, but here are just three verses that compose the Sword upon which I am ready to fall. "Because thou hast made the Lord which is thy refuge, even the most High, thy habitation, There shall no evil befall the, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over the, to keep thee in all thy ways." vs 9-11. Columnisit’s Note: If God sends an angel to protect you, you are thoroughly protected. Conversely, if God sends one to kill you, you are a dead man. The qualifier, and I can't put too fine a point on it, is the "if" of vs 9. Is God your "habitation"? Is He your dwelling place? If not, I guess you can stock up on toilet paper and hope for the best. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, Joyously --- fearlessly. God bless. |
 |