Introduction
My name is Russ Boone. I am the pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Santa Monica. I have started this blog for people who would like to discuss spiritual things. If you would like the chance to talk to a Baptist pastor, I would be glad to blog with you.
December 20th, 2006 at 4:03 pm
Welcome to the blogosphere!
August 9th, 2007 at 1:56 am
Linscott is encouraging me to try this as well. Tell you what, if the Lord gives me a church and time, I’ll give it a go.
August 9th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
As you can see, you were only the second comment in 8 months. I guess it takes time to get a blog going. Do you have any leads on finding a church?
October 11th, 2007 at 12:20 am
So, I have a question, how does one “know” the will of God?
October 11th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Good question Joshua, I wish there was an easy answer. Beware of cliche answers to that question. I have found 7 elements that are important in how I determine God’s will.
1. Submission. Romans 12:1-2, You must be willing to do whatever God wants you to do before you will be able to know what God wants you to do. Often times when someone is seeking to know God’s will, they are actually seeking an affirmation of their own will. I think this is about 90% of finding out God’s will. God is not going to show you His will if you are unwilling to do it. First you must be willing to do whatever God wants you to do.
2. Scripture. God’s will has already been given to us in the 66 books of the Bible. Granted it doesn’t deal with many decisions you have to make specifically, like who to marry, where to go to school, what to eat for dinner, etc. But, it does address more than you might think. Ask yourself whether the decision you are going to make contradicts any principles in Scripture. If it does, you have an easy answer.
3. Prayer. This is obvious, but often forgotten. Don’t underestimate the importance of seeking God in prayer. It is amazing how many times I receive answers to questions while I am praying.
4. Conscience. People often talk about whether they have ‘peace’ about a decision. What they mean is whether their conscience is clear or not. The decision for a martyr to stand to the death for his faith would not leave a very peaceful feeling inside. But, it would clear the conscience. Is there nagging guilt in the conscience over your decision. If it is not of faith (if you cannot do it with a clear conscience) it is sin, Romans 14:23. One of the ways the Spirit speaks to us is through the conscience.
5. Reason. Think about your decision. God gave us minds for a purpose. He wants us to use common sense. It may take much thought and time.
6. Counsel. It is always good to ask those that you respect for advice. Notice that this is not at the top of the list. Don’t make decisions based only on what others say. But, take into consideration what they say. Ultimately counsel from others might be wrong. But, it can be helpful as one of the factors.
7. Action. Don’t stand still. Faith is about taking steps. If you never step out, it will be hard to ever know what God wants you to do. Take a step of faith based on the other 6 elements. If God closes the door, you will know it is wrong. If the door is wide open, you will know it is right. Matthew 25:14-30, in the parable of the talents, the man who was too afraid to invest his money angered the master. Better to try to do God’s will, than to never try at all.
Hope this helps.
October 16th, 2007 at 10:35 pm
Pastor Russ Boone- thank you very much for the reply. It helps a great deal. I appreciate you. Hey Listen, about getting those cliche answers…..boy…. am I well aware. I’ve been told once that you know God’s will when it feels right. Man, is that a lie straight from Satan. I’ve been in situations where I’ve been asked for advice and when I tell them its simply not the right thing to do, they say “well unless God tells me different.” Its always unsettling with responses like that because, like you said, if it goes against scripture then it’s not His Will in other words it’s obviously not His will if it goes directly against His Word, principles that is, or ones own conscience (Romans 14:23).
That’s one of the reasons why I ask the question. It reveals a lot about where a person is coming from and their interpretation of scripture. I appreciate your thoughtful answer and will examine what you’ve written that I may be sharpened. By the way, I think it pretty cool that you would have a blog. Not too many GARBC Pastors that “I” have come in contact with would ever see the internet as a tool that can be used for the Lord. I knew there was one out there.
Here goes another question. You might not be able to tell, but, I like asking questions. What would say to someone that told you they heard the voice of God audibly?
Again, I am appreciative and grateful for our blog-scussion. Look forward to reading you soon.
-Joshua
October 17th, 2007 at 12:09 am
You might not be able to tell, Joshua, but I love trying to answer questions. I had an interesting day yesterday. I did two hospital visits, one was a birth, the other was a death. It reminds me that life is short. About your question, “What would you say to someone that told you they heard the voice of God audibly?” I really wish I had a cliche answer for this one. It would be easy to say, “God doesn’t do that today” and be done with it. While that answer may be true, it doesn’t adequately answer the question. It’s easy to say that God doesn’t speak audibly today, but how do we know that? There is no one verse that says it all, but a good place to start is Hebrews 1:1, 2. God spoke ‘at sundry times and in divers manners’ (different ways in different times).
How has God spoken in the past?
- Audible voice (Gen. 1:3)
- Angel of the Lord (Gen. 18). Abraham entertained 3 men in his tent. Two of them were angels, the other was the Angel of the Lord. This was God manifesting Himself in angelic form. Many times in the Old Testament the audible voice of God is coming from the angelic appearance of God.
- Angels (Gen. 19). The 2 angels went to Sodom to give Lot God’s message.
- Prophets (Heb. 1:1). Here it clearly states that God communicated to men through prophets. They are men through whom God gives His message.
- High Priest (Ex. 28:30). God used something called Urim & Thummim to communicate to the High Priest.
- Handwriting (Dan. 5). God wrote on the wall to Belshazzar. He also wrote the ten commandments in stone.
- Written Word (2 Pet. 1:21). Prophets not only preached, but wrote. God has given His Word through chosen men.
- Jesus (Heb. 1:2). In these last days God has spoken through His Son. He is the living Word.
It is clear that God has spoken in many ways. Does He always speak in the same ways? No. No one would claim that He is writing on walls today. No one would object to the idea that God can communicate in whatever way He wants, whenever He wants.
Is there anything in the Bible that would make us think that God doesn’t speak audibly today?
- 1 Corinthians 13:10. This verse must be understood in the context of chapters 12-14. Paul is talking about miraculous spiritual gifts. He shows how they are only temporary. Something that is perfect will make them obsolete. I believe the perfect thing is the written Word. When that would be given completely, then the miraculous sign gifts would be no longer necessary. It would stand to reason that the completed Word would make God’s audible voice no longer necessary as well.
- 2 Peter 1:16-21. Peter is upholding the written Word as being a ‘more sure word of prophecy’. He says it is more sure than the audible voice of God that he heard on the mount of transfiguration. If the written Word is more sure than the audible voice, why would God continue to use the audible voice?
When you start putting all these thing together, it makes sense to me that God has chosen to not use the audible voice in our day. He now speaks to us through His Word. The Holy Spirit uses the written Word to guide us into all truth. Also, most people who claim to hear an audible voice of God, will say that the voice said something the Scripture already says or something contrary to Scripture.
Hope this helps,
Pastor Russ
October 18th, 2007 at 12:15 am
How was Moses able to part the Red Sea?
October 18th, 2007 at 12:17 am
That last question was for a friend. I know how I would answer that question but I’d like to know how you would answer the question.
October 18th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
This question is a bit easier. There is a one-verse answer. Exodus 14:21, God caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind. Moses stretched out his and with his rod in it, and God did the rest. It was simply a supernatural miracle of God.
October 19th, 2007 at 11:12 pm
Thank you. Here goes a harder one, at I think its hard. What is the difference between the “Kingdom of God” and the “Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand”? Assume there is a difference, how would you answer?
October 23rd, 2007 at 2:55 am
I thought I left another question for you, but I think what happened was that I didn’t press the submit comment button. Here it goes ^_^…. What are the differences between the “Kingdom of Heaven” and the “Kingdom of God?” Assume there is a difference. Is Jesus our King?
October 25th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
It’s been quite busy here lately. This is a big question. Give me a little time to respond on this one.
Thank you.
October 30th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
I’m afraid I might make some of my dispensational brethren mad with this answer. I do consider myself to be strongly dispensational though. But, on this issue I must part ways with Scofield. I really cannot see any difference between the phrases ‘Kingdom of God’ and ‘Kingdom of Heaven.’ Matthew primarily uses ‘kingdom of heaven’, but the other gospel writers use ‘kingdom of God’. It seems to me that they use the terms interchangably. If I understand Scofield right, he says that ‘kingdom of God’ refers to God’s eternal, spiritual rule, while ‘kingdom of heaven’ refers to the physical reign of Christ during the Millennium. While I believe in both aspects of the kingdom, I don’t see that these phrases are only ever used in this way. I think sometimes either phrase can refer to either aspect of the kingdom.
Is Jesus the King today? Has He not always been King of kings and Lord of lords? In this sense He is certainly King right now. But, He is not reigning as King on the earth right now. That will not happen until He returns to set up His earthly kingdom. Paul seemed to understand that Jesus is reigning in heaven right now. Colossians 1:13, saved people have been translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son. Colossians 4:11, Paul talks about his fellow workers ‘unto the kingdom of God’. 1 Corinthians 15:24, 25, here Paul shows that Jesus will reign in the sense of reigning unopposed. He will one day put down all enemies. But, until then He is reigning in heaven today. He is reigning right now, though His reign is constantly being opposed.
That is my understanding of the ‘kingdom’ issues.
October 30th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
Dear Pastor Boone
My Question is simple how do you feel about all the Bible Translations
that are being put out………………Do you feel that they lean twards the liberal side……………I always felt that we should not make the Bible easier to read because when the Geneva and King James Bibles came out many did not attend school so they could not read but the Bible helped them to read and learn amazing………..Also the slaves from Africa only had a Bible and learned to read and write so when I see someone say oh the NIV is easier to understand I say not in 1611 …………………….
October 30th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Joe,
The Bible has never been easy to understand. One of the grammatically easiest passages of the Bible in Greek is John 1. But what passage is more profound? How much of the Roman Empire was actually literate in the 1st century? Could the average person understand Paul’s Epistles? Reading the Bible always takes work. Putting the English grammar on a 6th grade level will not necessarily make the truths easier to understand.
I don’t think that the KJV is so antiquated that modern English readers cannot understand it. With that said, I also don’t think that it is wrong to have a Bible in more modern English. The problem with modern Bible translations is not that the English is more modern. For me, the issue is all about what Hebrew and Greek texts the translators are using. I do not use the KJV because I like the English better. I use it because I believe the translators made a very honest translation from the best texts.
November 7th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Pastor Boone,
How are you? As for me, I’m a little concerned and a little confused about where I stand on the issue.
First of all, I thank you for your responses to my questions, they do not go unappreciated. About the “kingdom” question. After reading what you wrote, I still don’t know where I stand on it. I find myself thinking about something my previous pastor taught us. He brought out some things, of which, at the moment I can’t remember, but that bring out they are not interchangeable terms. That is, when it comes to the understanding of the doctrine of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt 13:8 understanding decreases) vs. the Kingdom of God (Mark 4:8 where its understanding increases) Jesus in both instances is asked to explain the parable and you’ll notice the sequence and order are different from each other. Why? Why would they be different if they are interchangeable terms? I don’t understand.
I’m not saying that what you’re saying is right or wrong or that my previous pastor is right or wrong. I’ve just had a hard time with it and really want to simply understand the truth. I’m not educated in the theological sense, but what I do understand is that context is everything. Also, that there are many ways people interpret. I prefer the literal, historical, grammatical, and contextual way of interpretation. This to me seems to make the most sense because it does not allow much room for interpreting into scripture but pulling from scripture what scripture is saying–what God is saying.
I have most of the notes my pastor left us and was wondering, if you’re interested to go through them, possibly together? And, see if you can walk me through where something is wrong? By the way, that reminds me there is no one pastoring at the moment at FBCW please remember to keep that part of the body in prayer. Thanks!
Peace and Blessings from our Lord Jesus Christ!
-Josh
P.S. I think I understand what you mean by not making your “dispensational brethren mad,” know that I’m not mad. I’m also strongly dispensational in the sense that I’m not a dispensationalist, but that interpreting the scriptures literally grammatically, historically, and contextually leads me to that position. Not the position to the other. Plus it is in scripture. Also, I think brethren need not get mad if they are approached in sincerity, which I think you are sincere. Being open to the truth, I believe, requires that we analyze the situation (evaluating both sides of an argument) and then coming down on a position/belief. I think most people get mad because of disagreements more than anything else. The fact that a person might not agree with them 100% of the time.
January 21st, 2008 at 12:41 am
Pastor and Joshua,
Very Good discussion!! Am learning lot from your discussion.
Please keep posting!!
Thanks
Mahe
March 20th, 2008 at 4:54 am
I agree with Mahe! I loved Pastor Boone’s answer on how to know the will of God.
Pastor Boone, what does it mean to ‘live for God’? I believe in God and I want to live for Him everyday, I’m just not sure what it entails or how to go about it.
Thanks,
Emily
March 20th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Emily,
You have asked a big question. I could say that the whole Bible is your answer, but I will try to narrow it down a bit. The first thing necessary in living for God is being right with God. No one can live for God until their sin has been dealt with. The only way for sin to be dealt with is through Christ’s work for us on the cross. Naturally all people are in rebellion to God. Deep down inside, all people want their own way instead of God’s way (Isaiah 53:6). Until this rebellion is dealt with, there can be no living for God. When a person is sick and tired of their rebellion toward God, when they are burdened by the fact that they cannot change themselves, and they look to Christ as Savior, then they are right with God. They are changed from rebels to children. Then they can start to live for God. The Bible, of course, calls this salvation.
The next things necessary for living for God are in no particular order of importance. There must be communication with God. How do we communicate with God? We must read the Bible and pray. The Word of God is like food for your soul. If you are in it, you will be spiritually well. If you skip it, you will be spiritually sick. Jesus understood this in Matthew 4:4. People are wired with a need to communicate with God. In our family, we have a dog and two cats. Many people’s relationship with God is like a cat’s relationship with its owner. Cats love to live as if they didn’t need their owners. Dogs, on the other hand, desparately need interaction with their owners. They are wired that way. Have as much interaction with God as you possibly can. Study the Bible, not just books about the Bible. It is not just knowledge that gives you strength, but the interaction with God that comes from personal Bible study. Also, pray often. Tell God what is on your heart (He already knows anyway). When you sin, tell Him that you sinned. If you feel spiritually dry, tell Him. If you are rejoicing, tell Him. He wants to hear from you because He knows that interaction with Him is what you need most.
The next thing I would suggest is to find some way to actively serve God. Romans 12:1-8 gives a list of spiritual gifts. When a person trusts in Christ for salvation, He specially equips them with some ability with which to serve Him. Find out which of these 7 gifts He has given to you. Your service for God is not limited to 1 of these things, but that should probably be your focus.
Also, involved in this is the need to find a good church. Church is the place where your soul can be edified (built up). It is the place where you can actively serve God best. God wants His people to work together, grow together, and worship together. This is what church is supposed to be all about. Find a church where you can serve not just sit. Sitting in church has little to do with living for God, but serving in church has everything to do with living for God.
I could keep going on, but let me list one more thing. Tell others about Christ. If God gives you the opportunity of leading a lost soul to salvation, you will experience one of the greatest joys of your life. Once you have experienced this, all other worldly pursuits will seem meaningless.
There are many other things that you will learn from your own Bible study about living for God. But, this is a start. I hope this helps. By the way, I am thankful that you have a desire to want to live for God. This desire is more rare than you think, even among Christians.
Pastor Boone
June 6th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Pastor Boone
In your answer to the question (does God speak audibly today) you ref. 1 Cor. 13:10 “when that which is perfect is come, than that which is in part shall be done away.” You said that was ref. the cannon of scripture, if that is the case what did man stop knowing (ref. verse 9) it says “we know in part” (verse 10) says that which is in part shall be done away. In verse 12 it says but “then face to face,” (then) is ref. back to verse 10 “when that which is perfect is come “. Is this talking about looking scripture face to face? It seems to me that verse 10 “that which is perfect” is talking about Jesus. Heb 9 + 10 tell us that He is the only one who can make perfect. As discused in your answer to bible versions it is diffecult to be sure which translation is “perfect” even the greek and hebrew manucripts are copies not the original writtings of the authors. This would seem to imply that what we have today is not perfect and Jesus the Living Word is the only perfect one.
August 11th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
This Blog is Spiritualy educational…keep posting…
CHristian
August 13th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Tim,
The way I have come to understand 1 Cor. 13:10 is in the context of ch. 12-14. You must read them all together to get the proper sense of the verse. Those 3 chapters are all about miraculous spiritual gifts and how they were being used or abused in Corinth. In the early church before the completion of the canon of Scripture, church services would have looked differently. Prophets would have been receiving messages directly from God. Their messages would have been confirmed with miracles and speaking in unlearned foreign languages. Those with the gift of discernment would be able to tell whether the prophet’s message was from God or just from himself. All these things were being done in Corinth. But, they were being done often to the exclusion of love. Paul’s whole point is that miraculous gifts are temporary, but love remains. There would be a time when the church in its infancy would grow up. Childish things are fine for infancy, but not for adulthood. When the Word of God was completed, then the miraculous gifts would no longer be necessary. The Word of God needs nothing else to authenticate it. It authenticates itself. In v.8, Paul speaks of 3 of the miraculous gifts: prophecies, tongues, word of knowledge. So, in v.9, ‘know’ refers to the gift of the word of knowledge (12:8). Paul is saying that these miraculous gifts will come to an end when ‘that which is perfect’ will come. Notice, in v.10, it is ‘that which is perfect’ not ‘he who is perfect’. In Greek, it is neuter not masculine. In v.12, Paul is using an illustration of a brass mirror which shows a reflection somewhat, but not completely. With the full canon of Scripture, it would be like seeing face to face (or completely). This, of course, is referring to the original manuscripts as that is what they would have had in the 1st century. The Bible version debate is a whole different topic which maybe we can discuss later.