NUMBER TEN, 2018
FALLIBILITY charles r. swindoll
THE POWER OF SMALL TALK dr. terry boyle
HEALING steve johnson + more
In this issue 3 Fallibility charles r. swindoll 6
The Power of Small Talk
8
When Leaders Fail
11
Laughter Therapy
Dr. Terry Boyle steve johnson robyn roste
Coming to Terms 12 Healing
steve johnson
Beyond the Broadcast 15 Looking Back: Finding Healing Through Forgiveness
Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bibleteaching ministry of Charles (Chuck) R. Swindoll. Chuck is the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Texas. His international radio program Insight for Living has aired for more than 35 years. We hope this publication will instruct, inspire, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Copyright Š 2018 Insight for Living Canada. All rights reserved. No portion of this monthly publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages are taken from the NLT. Unless otherwise noted, photography and illustration by Tim Schellenberg. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
by charles r. swindoll
Cover and artilce Images: Guilherme Stecanella on Unsplash
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ver since I was knee-high to a gnat, (including ourselves); and second, I have been taught about and have disillusionment when we discover fault believed in the infallibility of Scrip- and mistakes in others. Just as biblical infallibility assures us ture. Among the upper echelons of doctrinal truths, this one ranks alongside the that each page is incapable of error or Godhead, the deity of Christ, and salvation deception, fallibility reminds us that by grace. We may fuss around with a few of each person is capable of both. The the events in God’s eschatological calendar implications are equally clear. When it or leave breathing room for differing opin- comes to the Bible, keep trusting. When it ions regarding angels and local church gov- comes to people, be discerning. This includes all people. I don’t have ernment. But when the subject turns to the infallibility and inerrancy of Holy Writ, I’m space enough to complete a list, so I’ll be convinced there’s no wobble room. Can’t be. painfully general and mention one group. I Take away that absolute and you’ve opened choose this group only because it’s the one a hole in your theological dike that cannot we tend not to question: those professionals be plugged. Given enough time and pres- whom we trust with our bodies, minds, and sure, it wouldn’t be long before everything souls—namely, physicians, psychologists, and pastors. What influence around you would get Put flawed human these men and women soggy and slippery. Make beings on a pedestal possess! What good they no mistake about it; the infallibility of Scripture is and they are bound do! How necessary they are! Most of us, if asked to name a watershed issue. to topple, fail, and 10 people we admire and But wait...let’s stop right there when it comes to disappoint, but God’s appreciate the most, would infallibility. Before I make Word is holy, inerrant, include two or three from my point, allow me to quote and totally reliable. this category. How gracious of God to give us such Webster’s definition: Incapable of error...not liable to mislead, splendid individuals to help us through this vale of tears! Yet each one has something deceive, or disappoint. While that is certainly true of Scripture, in common with everyone else—fallibility. it is not true of people. When it comes to Those whom we most admire remind us humanity, fallibility is the order of the of that from time to time; nevertheless, day. Meaning what? Just this: there is not everything in us cries out to resist such one soul on this earth who is incapable of reminders. Of the three, I believe it is the error, who is free from fault, who is unable minister whom people tend most to place to make mistakes, who is absolutely and on pedestals. It is certainly an unscriptural practice. equivocally reliable. Can’t be. Depravity mixed with limited knowledge and The Berean believers are commended tendencies to misunderstand, misread, for listening to Paul then “examining the misquote, and misjudge should keep all of Scriptures daily to see whether these things us free from two very common mistakes: were so” (Acts 17:11). Apollos and Paul are first, deification of certain individuals referred to merely as “servants through
whom you believed” (1 Corinthians 3:5) and later given a rather insignificant place: So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:7) It’s easy to forget all that, especially in a day when we hunger for spiritual leaders whom we can respect and follow. Put flawed human beings on a pedestal and they are bound to topple, fail, and disappoint, but God’s Word is holy, inerrant, and totally reliable. To Him be the glory. But certain things must be kept in mind. First, the Holy Spirit gives nobody infallible interpretations. Second, piety is a help to interpretation, but it is not a substitute for knowledge or study or intelligence. Third, all of us are still in the human body and subject to its limitations and frailties... we make mistakes of interpretation in Scripture as well as errors in judgment in the affairs of life. It is the present temptation of at least American evangelicalism to substitute a class of devout Bible teachers for the Catholic Pope. To such people the meaning of Scripture is that which their favourite Bible teacher teaches. But the Protestant principle must
always be this: The truest interpretations are those with the best justification. I could just as easily have used an illustration regarding a physician’s diagnosis or a therapist’s counsel. The issue is identical, and it brings us back to where we started. If I could change a term and put it in the language of a famous historical document: all men are created fallible. Yes, all. If you remember that, you’ll have fewer surprises and disappointments, greater wisdom, and a whole lot better perspective in life. Rather than slumping into cynicism because your hero showed feet of clay, you’ll maintain a healthy and intelligent objectivity. You’ll be able to show respect without worshiping him or her. And when you really need to know the truth, you’ll turn to the Scriptures with firsthand confidence. If you’re looking for infallibility, look no further than God’s Word. Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas. Excerpted from Come Before Winter and Share My Hope, Copyright © 1985, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
From Captive to Queen: An Adoption Story SINGLE CD MESSAGE
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by dr. terry boyle
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ometimes, pastors look at the “big talks” in the Bible—those blockbuster moments where hundreds turn to worship God—and the thought, If only…skulks into our minds. In those blockbuster moments, God intervenes in big, on-the-spot ways, regardless of our “job performance.” God’s man can do everything right, or everything wrong, and the Lord works the same. Take Peter at Pentecost. The apostle’s rhetoric soared; his clarity and logic were impeccable! Peter did everything right, and God worked. But what about Jonah headed to Tarshish? Jonah did everything wrong, lurking below deck and defiantly
Image: Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
running from God. Yet in spite of Jonah, a crew of rough-and-tumble pagan sailors came to faith in the God of Creation. If only…indeed! As believers, we can all find ourselves thinking that way, tiring of day-to-day faithfulness and wishing for God to do something. We grow weary of “small talk.” But often, God does spectacular work on our ordinary days—one conversation, one cup of coffee, one troubled soul at a time. At least, that’s the story in the United Kingdom nowadays. Europe’s golden age of revival has passed. We look forward to our next Great Awakening, but for now, the British Lion’s
Christian soul dozes…and many in the later, Rosemary has been vigorously corridors of power are keen not to disturb active in the Pastoral Care team at our it. That doesn’t mean God isn’t at work! home church. She still recounts the day The miraculous harvest of “small talk” at Chuck applied the Scriptures directly to Insight for Living United Kingdom con- her heart. Broadcast by broadcast, God is at work. vinces me that He’s constantly at work. The signs of His work are all over Victor He’s at work in London in Sharon, who years ago sent me a cautious email. and Violetta, too. Violetta, a young LithuHer church had some seriously legalis- anian, had been our waitress when my tic authority issues, and she feared she wife, Rosie, and I stopped at a café for a would be reprimanded for asking ques- quick bite before I was to speak at a nearby tions that were bothering her—questions church. We struck up a conversation, and about what the Bible actually says. She I left her a business card. One day Violetta might have been afraid that I, too, would called, saying she had a “big problem” she tell her off! But gently, over a long cor- needed to talk about in person. Growing respondence, she discovered that the up in Lithuania had made her wary of public phones, so I was Scriptures can not only left with “big problem” be understood; they can Often, God does and no details—a pasbe trusted. Now she’s a spectacular work on tor’s nightmare! We confident student of bibour ordinary days—one arranged a rendezvous lical truth. In fact, she’s conversation, one cup of in London. She brought often invited to speak at various places! And she coffee, one troubled soul her “big problem” with her. It was Victor, her still gets in touch to run at a time. fiancé. Actually, Vicideas by me. tor wasn’t the problem at all. The “big Email by email, God is at work. He’s at work in Rosemary. A medi- problem” was that Victor had become a cal missionary in Peru in the early 80s, Christian at a youth camp in Latvia but Rosemary told me with a twinkle in her he had not yet been baptized. They didn’t eye that Chuck Swindoll saved her life! want to get married until Victor had been While in Peru, she had picked up tuber- baptized but they didn’t know anyone culosis. The mission doctor prescribed they trusted…Could I arrange a baptism? a long course of medicine and rest. But I wish every pastor’s big problems were headstrong, Rosemary was determined like Victor. If only…! Encounter by encounter, God is at work. to keep going. Then one day when she Make no mistake—the British Lion’s was very weak, she heard a preacher via shortwave radio say that a doctor’s Christian soul may slumber, but God wisdom and training are part of God’s is wide awake, hard at work in the UK… grace, so we should pay attention to doc- and around the world. How is He working tors! That preacher was Chuck. It was as through the “small talk” of YOUR days? if Insight for Living Ministries’ fledgling broadcast had been beamed into South Dr. Terry Boyle serves as pastor for Insight for Living UK. America specifically to bring a stubborn nurse to her senses! More than 20 years
by steve johnson
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
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omeone has said, “the best of peo- at what level is a more complicated issue ple are people at best.” With that than space allows me to discuss here. being said, Christian leaders are Suffice it to say that following the injuncimperfect people who fail. The question tions of Galatians 6:1-3 governing boards is not if they will fail, but when and how need to have some policies and restorabadly. It may be a major moral failure like tion processes in place before a crisis hits. The other concern has to do with them theft or infidelity, or some unacceptable behaviour like losing one’s temper at a personally: How do I relate to them as church business meeting. And when it a person in light of their failure? The does happen, we may feel they have failed issue is that we often allow their failure leadership to colour us personally, possibly If we are struggling with in how we relate to them as leaving us damaged. The leader messed up, distrust and how to relate a person. If we are struggling but they acknowledged it to the leader after their and admitted they were failure we need to look at with distrust and how to relate to the leader wrong. Yet the question our own attitudes first. after their failure we remaining for many is, how do we relate to them post-failure? need to look at our own attitudes first. It’s now not like it was. There is a sense While leaders are to be held to a higher of lost innocence. Seeds of distrust have standard, we may have unrealistic expecbeen planted and often grow into choking tations and standards for them. We may weeds that are difficult to remove. How do subconsciously think being a leader we think or act? Should we ignore, shun, somehow makes them super-human and and ostracize them—write them off for immune to temptation and failure. Then good? Or do we ignore their failure and when these unrealistic expectations and standards are violated we may become act as if nothing happened? When leaders fail at least two concerns judgmental and even resentful of them arise. One relates to their leadership role: as a person. One key to sorting this out is by sepaHow does their failure impact any future leadership role they might have? The rating the leader’s role from who they issue of whether their failure disquali- are as a person. This allows us to relate fies them from continued leadership and to them as we would any person who has
failed. We can then see that they are just people—fellow believers like us who have messed up. If we have resentment or bitterness we need to confess that to the Lord and forgive, not hold it against the one who has failed us. Paul wrote, “…be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus told us “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged” (Matthew 7:1). The word “judge” here has the sense of condemnation. Nowhere are we ever told it is our responsibility to condemn others. It is our job to show compassion and love—even to people who failed somehow as leaders. Other commands Jesus gave apply here: "Do to others as you would like them to do
to you” (Luke 6:31). "How can you think of saying, ‘Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye’” (Luke 6:42). Leaders do fail. But the Gospel is all about grace—undeserved favour. As those who have failed yet who have been graced, may we remember that God doesn’t forsake us and write us off when we fail. Failure isn’t final with Him. Nor should it be with us. Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.
Insight for Living Canada began over 30 years ago when a Bible-study group in Vancouver decided to look into bringing Chuck Swindoll’s messages into Canada. For more visit insightforliving.ca/our-history
by robyn roste
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I’ve learned you don’t need to be happy ave you ever heard the phrase “Laughter is the best medicine?” all the time—or even have a great sense of Ever wonder where it comes from? humour—to receive the benefits of laughIt’s a secularized version of Proverbs ter. A few years ago, I attended a conference 17:22, “A joyful heart is good medicine” where a laughter therapist came on stage (NIV). King Solomon wrote most of the and took us through a laughter session. At book of Proverbs to teach people how to first it was strange but once she explained attain wisdom in life. The sayings in chap- how our bodies can’t tell the difference ter 17 are intended for everyone, regardless between fake and real laughter and how it acts as a stress reliever I thought it couldn’t of age, gender, or position in society. I don’t know how cliché this phrase is in hurt to participate. It was a great experience. Laughter can lift our spirits, help us deal the Christian world, but there seems to be with stressful situan unspoken expectaI’ve learned you don’t need ations, and lighten tion (in some circles at to be happy all the time—or our moods. It can least) for Christian’s to also diffuse a sitube happy all the time. even have a great sense While we know it’s of humour—to receive the ation. One tactic I use when feeling impossible to always benefits of laughter. frustrated is to shout be happy, is it possible to be perpetually joyful? According a positive motto. Now when I’m stuck in to 1 Thessalonians 5:16 we’re supposed to, traffic and want to glower at the other drivers I’m instead yelling “I love meeting all “Always be joyful.” Chuck Swindoll describes joy in this these people!” or “I’m super happy to be way: “I have come to realize when you’re sitting here right now!” The silliness of the any age joy is essential—but it’s optional. expression helps me regain perspective You may choose it, or you may reject it. It’s and releases my tension. And sometimes I up to you. No one will force it on you and even laugh about it. no one can obligate you to a joyful countenance. It’s really up to you.”1 Anyone who Robyn Roste is the media and marketing manager at Insight for Living Canada. listens to Chuck on the radio knows how much he loves to laugh. He teaches that 1 Swindoll, Charles R. Laughter: Chuck’s Prescription people with a good sense of humour and for Joy. Joy Comes from Within, 2003. a deep joy are contagious.
HEALING | Why do we need Healing? Healing through medicine Healing is miraculous By Steve Johnson
Photo by Daan Stevens on Unsplash
Terms in the Bible are specialized words of particular significance. In Coming to Terms we explore the significance of these terms to deepen our understanding of biblical truth through a question and answer format.
Unpacking the term
The words used for healing in Scripture refer to both physical and spiritual healing. The very idea of healing presupposes an undesirable condition of ill health or brokenness in mind, body, or soul. Healing is the process of restoration to wholeness and health, and freedom from disease. Why do we need healing? When God made everything, it was perfect. There was no sickness. When man sinned, creation was broken bringing sickness and death into the world (Genesis 2:17). One day everything will be restored and made new, but until then healing is necessary because bodies and souls are sick and death is the last enemy to be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26). When Jesus healed it was a sign to the world that He was the Messiah (Matthew 11:2-5) and the kingdom of God was invading the domain of darkness under Satan’s rule. It was a witness that the reign of death and this age of futility is coming to
a final redemptive end (Romans 8:18-23). Jesus also gave the apostles, including Paul, authority to heal thereby authenticating their ministries (Matthew 10:1; Acts 14:8; 16:18). The real question for the believer is not if God heals but by what means and when. Spiritual healing occurs when the soul is restored to fellowship with God and injuries caused by sin are repaired. David prayed, “…have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you” (Psalm 41:4). Forgiveness of sin by God is spiritual healing. “My wayward children,” says the LORD, “come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts” (Jeremiah 3:22). Salvation is the greatest healing of all. We were dead in sin but God made us alive with Christ and new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). What are the four types of physical healing we see in Scripture? The first is natural healing done by the body continuously. God has designed us with physiological
capabilities for healing and by the grace and providence of God this is the way most healing takes place. “After all the males had been circumcised, they rested in the camp until they were healed” (Joshua 5:8). A second type is healing through medicine and medical technology and skills (Jeremiah 46:11; 1 Timothy 5:23)—remember Luke was a doctor. Today through the grace and providence of God we have excellent medicines, medical technology, and skills to facilitate healing. A third type of healing is miraculous, instantaneous, and complete. This too is by the power and grace of God and the Bible is full of examples of healing the blind and lame and the dead being raised (Matthew 11:5; 21:14; John 11:44). Finally, when Christ returns at the end of the age He will heal and restore all things and His people. “…And there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (Revelation 21:4). Is healing guaranteed in the atonement? “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed” (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). The contexts of both these verses make it clear they are referring to spiritual healing, not physical. Through faith in the work of Christ we have spiritual healing—forgiveness and salvation.
Since God can heal everyone why doesn’t He? God has a plan and is working all things toward the fulfilment of that plan. To that end He sometimes uses sickness to bring His children to heaven. Sometimes He uses sickness to glorify Himself through that person. Sometimes He uses sickness to discipline His children due to sinful behaviour (1 Corinthians 11:30). How should I respond to sickness and healing? When illness strikes, ask for healing. It may be God’s will to heal at that time and your prayer may be part of the means God uses to heal. If He heals share your story with others. If we pray for personal healing and God doesn’t heal how should we respond? Examine yourself asking God to show you whether the reason for your sickness is sin on your part. If so, confess your sin and ask God to cleanse and heal you and ask the elders to pray for you (James 5:14-15). If there is no known sin to confess recognize God has a better plan or different timing. In the meantime, use the illness as an opportunity to strengthen your faith, cultivate humility, heighten your joy, and experience his sufficient grace.
Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.
Finding Healing through Forgiveness
“There are not many things that we all have in common, but I can tell you one: we all have someone we need to forgive.” - CHUCK SWINDOLL In the school of life, we must all take a forgiveness course. We can’t skip it because we all need to forgive someone or to see forgiveness from someone we’ve offended. Our teacher is the world’s leading expert on forgiveness. No one has more experience in forgiving than Him. His exams can be tough when we’re asked to put into practice what we’ve learned. However, when we pass the test, the feeling of relief that follows is healing to the soul. Let’s join our teacher Jesus on the hillside by the Sea of Galilee where He is starting His first lecture on the topic of seeking forgiveness. “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” (Matthew 5:23–24) Friction between individuals may smoulder as resentment or flame up as
anger, spark as name-calling or ignite as out-of-control rage. Regardless the degree of heat, Jesus said the fire must be doused immediately, both in our heart where sin begins and with our feet as we rush to make amends. Jesus’ next lesson, offering forgiveness, is prompted by Peter’s question about the frequency of forgiving: “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” (Matthew 18:21) Jesus’ answer shocked Peter, “‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven!’” (18:22). Peter viewed forgiveness through the narrow lens of human limitations. Figuring that our capacity to forgive runs out sooner or later, he sought permission to limit forgiving to no more than seven times. If you need to reconcile a relationship, ask Jesus for the courage to seek forgiveness. Or if someone has injured you, ask the Lord for the grace to extend forgiveness.
“Looking Back: Finding Healing through Forgiveness with Cynthia Swindoll’s Testimony” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series Finding Healing through Forgiveness. You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.
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