Thoughts by Forest R. Steenfott c2003
A. W. Tozer’s View Point of the Church and the Leadership:
Though the gifted pen of Dr. A. W. Tozer ceased flowing in 1963, his printed legacy lives on. As a spokesman for evangelical Christianity, his best selling books include Born After Midnight, The Pursuit of God, The Divine Conquest, and The Root of the Righteous.
Dr. Tozer was known for his unusual ability to penetrate beyond the surface of Christian living and deal with basic spiritual issues. His articles appeared in almost every evangelical magazine.
At the time of his death, Dr. Tozer was a Bible conference speaker, editor of The Alliance Witness, and pastor of the Avenue Road Church of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
A. W. Tozer introduces my subject very adequately from his preface to his book “The Pursuit of God,” 1948.
“In this hour of all-but-universal darkness one cheering gleam appears: within the fold of conservative Christianity there are to be found increasing numbers of persons whose religious lives are marked by a growing hunger after God Himself. They are eager for spiritual realities and will not be put off with words, nor will they be content with words nor will they be content with correct “interpretations” of truth. They are athirst for God, and they will not be satisfied till they have drunk deep at the Fountain of Living Water.
“This is the only real harbinger of revival which I have been able to detect anywhere on the religious horizon. It may be the cloud the size of a man’s hand for which a few saints here and there have been looking. It can result in a resurrection of life for many souls and a recapture of that radiant wonder which should accompany faith in Christ, that wonder which has all but fled the Church of God in our day.
“But the hunger must be recognized by our religious leaders. Current evangelicalism has (to change the figure) laid the altar and divided the sacrifice into parts, but now seems satisfied to count the stones and rearrange the pieces with never a care that there is not a sign of fire upon the top of lofty Carmel. But God be thanked that there are a few who care. They are those who, while love the altar and delight in the sacrifice, are yet unable to reconcile themselves to the continued absence of fire. They desire God above all. They are athirst to taste for themselves the “piercing sweetness” of the love of Christ about Whom all the holy prophets did write and the psalmists did sing.
“There is today no lack of Bible teachers to set forth correctly the principles of the doctrines of Christ, but too many of these seem satisfied to teach the fundamentals of faith year after year, strangely unaware that there is in their ministry no manifest Presence, nor anything unusual in their personal lives. They minister constantly to believers who feel within their breasts a longing which their teaching simply does not satisfy.
“I trust I speak in charity, but the lack in our pulpits is real. Milton’s terrible sentence applies to our day as accurately as it did to his: ‘The hungry sheep look up, and are not fed.’ It is a solemn thing, and no small scandal in the Kingdom, to see God’s children starving while actually seated at the Father’s table. The truth of Wesley’s words is established before our eyes: ‘Orthodoxy, or right opinion, is, at best, a very slender part of religion. Though right tempers cannot subsist without right opinions, yet right opinions may subsist without right tempers. There may be a right opinion of God without either love or one right temper toward Him. Satan is a proof of this.’”—A. W. Tozer.
Education and Wealth
The stress on education and wealth in the American church are two issues that greatly disturb me. I have been in the church of our Lord Jesus since 1947, graduated from a Bible College, was a pastor for some years, raised my children in the church and preached and taught the Word of God. There is too much stress given to the importance in having higher education, and having a multimillion dollar church campus with a large number of staff people.
The church of our Lord Jesus Christ was God-decreed before the foundation of this world. From the Acts of the Apostles through to the first three chapters of Revelation—all focus on the Church. That is twenty-two books and three chapters out of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, which are exclusively given to and are about the Church. Now you do not have to be very smart to realize that God considers His Church to be very important. It has been around for about two thousand years. I believe that God’s feelings about His Church are brought out clearly in Ephesians 1: 3 – 14.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,
9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth; in Him.
11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Let me point out that I am not trying to belittle education or wealth. In fact, in order to have a good understanding of the Word of God and to avoid trusting in feelings, one must have a solid base on which to build depth of knowledge in the Scriptures. I stress that education is very important—yet there is a predominant belief in the church that pastors must have a seminary education. I am not generally questioning this, but I know many Spirit-filled pastors who received only Bible College training.
What I believe is wrong are people who use their degrees or position to promote themselves or their ministry. This is done over and over again today, with no apparent way of stopping its advance. We put doctors on pedestals and kneel at their altars. The highly educated and those with the title “doctor” seem to have taken over by being the only persons who have the truth and can tell us how to live better lives. I view this as a national happening.
The second issue that concerns me is the matter of excess wealth in the church today. Granted, money is important. Ministry cannot go forward without prayer and money. I’ve been in the church too many years not to realize the part that money has in the work of evangelism and discipleship.
But I’m speaking of wealth as in materialism in the church. This, too, is a national happening. I believe that Revelation 3:17 speaks of this condition. “Because you say, ‘I am rich and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.” The situations of extreme emphasis on higher education and on materialism are closely related. One goes hand in hand with the other. This can be seen in one word: pride. Pride is failing to rely on God as the only resource in this life.
This is where I have a few problems with the practices of today in accordance with the Scriptures. The main one that comes to mind is in 1 Peter 5: 1-11. This Scripture text speaks of pride and humility. It turns our thoughts to the leaders and pastors of the church. In verse 1, Peter states where he is coming from (he remembers his roots), “witness of the suffering of Christ.” Then in verse 2 he turns to the church leaders, “Feed the flock of God...taking the oversight thereof...willingly; not for filthy lucre.”
A note from First Peter in the Greek New Testament, by Kenneth S. West, Pages 124 and 125
The word “feed” is the translation of a Greek word, which literally means “to shepherd,” and includes the duties of a shepherd, tending, feeding, guiding, and guarding the flock of God. The noun form of the word is translated “pastors” in Ephesians 4:11. The word “oversight” is the translation of the same Greek word in another form which in other places is rendered by the words “overseer,” or “bishop,” referring to the spiritual care of the flock. The words “filthy lucre” are literally in the Greek text “base or dishonorable gain.” The pastor is not to commercialize his ministry.
How true this statement is today in the life of the church. A man can use his education and charisma to get a good pulpit and high pay. He can sit in a plush office with a large staff. It is his empire. I believe that people like these are in a minority. There are many God-fearing men and women out there serving on the front lines with no acknowledgment or thanks. It is just that these “empire-builders” are seen and heard by hundreds of thousands.
Let us turn back to 1 Peter 5:3, “Neither as being Lords over God’s heritage,” This should speak volumes to these empire builders. Verse 5 says, “Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility.” I’m trying to say what Kenneth S. West says, “The pastor is not to commercialize his ministry.” You can see how higher education and great wealth can lead to this situation. This is nothing but pride.
First Peter is actually speaking to and about the servants to the Body of Christ. I have problems beginning in verse five with the statement, “For God resisteth the proud.” Still, these empire builders, grow stronger year after year, have thousands of followers, and plenty of money in their pocket. They claim that they speak in Jesus’ name, that the Holy Spirit speaks to and guides them, and that thousands are being saved and healed by them.
I subscribe to two very popular Christian magazines. Charisma focuses on the Pentecostal movement, while Christianity Today focuses on the Evangelical movement. I read many Christian biographies, study theology books, and try to read up on today’s issues.
I get much valuable information out of both Charisma and Christianity Today. This information gives a clear view of the church in America and around the world today. From reading these two popular national magazines, I see that in America, the Church of our Blessed Savior is being built for men’s empires. Just consider some of their advertising, “Come see and hear these fabulous Doctors; they can change your life!” The magazines have many articles on these mega-churches. You can see the money just whooshing out of them. Oh yes, there are good things said and actions seen on both sides. But where is the “take up your cross and follow Me”?
I want to continue this thought of wealth (the issue of doctoral degrees can be brought into this, too). The church is made up of people just like you and me. The Body of Christ is composed of individuals. From time to time, we may have sung or heard the song “I’d Rather Have Jesus.”
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause,
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name.
He’s fairer than the lilies of rarest bloom,
He’s sweeter than the honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs,
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
I’ve been in the church sixty years. I know many loving, dedicated people and leaders who have had a very positive effect on my life. Their lives and works demonstrate the fact that they’d rather have Jesus than anything else in their life. With others, I know that the spirit of this song is not there. I’m speaking with regards to folks that are near my age, my peers. Independence in retirement is a must. Nothing can interfere with that, nor with their spacious homes, luxurious furnishings immaculate gardens, and late model cars. Oh, yes, a second home in the mountains, near lakes and streams, for retirement. I have seen this attitude in many church leaders, too. They do not seem to represent the song, “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” This sounds like the prosperity gospel!
Truthfully, I don’t believe that these people, churches, or pastors became wealthy by putting God first. Number one comes first; personal comfort and independence is a must. One of these so-called friends of mine told me, years after the fact, that he could have saved me from losing my home. I also have a very close Christian millionaire friend. Although he is very thoughtful and gives many words of encouragement, he is not a benevolent man. To him, money is for business, not for charity.
I am not one who says that to be a good Christian you have to be a loser or a sourpuss. I believe just the opposite. We should enter into the joy of the Lord, and praise of Him brings great joy. I have peace and joy in my life that no person or experience can take away. The last few verses of Romans 8 says it all. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Amen? Amen!
I am finding that many churches, Christian organizations, schools, and missions are trying to grab hold of the “brass ring.” I am puzzled that this adulation of doctorate degrees and wealth in the church cannot be recognized. It fits so well with Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” There are many God-fearing, Spirit-filled, faithful Bible preaching men and godly women out there who should raise the red flag about this overemphasis on advanced degrees and the accumulating of great wealth.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding bronze, or a tinkling cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing.
We need to stop and meditate on these three issues from this text for a minute. Notice all of the “I’s.” Right away we see a dilemma. First, I could be a world-renowned orator. People listen when I speak. But if I do not use it for the love of Christ to the glory of God, God considers me just a noisemaker.
Second, I could be a spiritual giant, with amazing faith abilities and several doctorates. Yet if I do not use it for the love of Christ to the glory of God, God considers me nothing.
Third, I could have great wealth to give to charity or even be a martyr. However, if I do not use it for the love of Christ to the glory of God, God considers it nothing.
Here are a few Scriptures regarding wealth.
1 John 3:17-18
But whoever has this world’s good, and sees his brother have need and shutteth up his compassions from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
There will be a final accounting for each of us. One thing will be certain: the ground is going to be level. The Judgment Seat of Christ is spoken of in Romans 14:7-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10. There is one emotion, which is the hardest to experience as far as I’m concerned. This is rejection. The Lord Jesus speaks of rejection in the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father, who is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name have cast out demons? And I will profess unto them, “I never knew you; depart from me, you that work iniquity.”
This is my conclusion. It is a simple one for all of us. The Lord Jesus gave His church marching orders in
Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 ‘teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”
Our supreme job is evangelize and discipleship, but Christ did not leave His church alone to do the work. He sent the Holy Spirit to empower us.
Acts 1: 8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
So what do we do about our extreme education and great wealth in out churches? We need by our collective faith to give the Lord Jesus Christ the exalted preeminence that is rightfully His.
Colossians 1:18 “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 2 and 3
Missionaries Harry and Lyn Ambacher
We served in Hong Kong with the Association of Baptist for World Evangelism (ABWE) from 1965 to 1996. We helped to start the China Baptist Theological College in 1966, Harry taught in the college from 1966 to 1996 and served as president from 1975 to 1996. Lyn taught in the college from 1967 to 1993.
We also had the privilege of starting 4 churches. The first was started in our home in the 1970s, and members of that first church then helped us to start 3 others. All 4 churches are independent today, with Chinese pastors.
Lyn was diagnosed in 1994 with probable Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, while still in her 50’s. The doctors urged us to return to Hong Kong, since Lyn wanted to and since that was more familiar to her than the U.S. But in 1996 it was no longer possible for Harry to carry on a full-time ministry at the college and in the churches, and care for Lyn at the same time.
So in June 1996, we returned to the U.S., on health furlough. We are now living in a duplex in Rockford, Illinois, beside our oldest daughter, Kristi, and her family, so that they can help to care for Lyn.
When Lyn was diagnosed, there was never any question what Harry should do. In 1958, he promised to try to love her “as Christ loved the church”. He is now caring for her 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Lyn is still talking some, though not in complete sentences. She cannot dress or feed herself, has to be bathed, and can only walk a few stumbling steps. She does still understand some, and still smiles.
The family is committed to keeping her at home as long as it is possible though we realize that might not be possible in the last stages.
When I got to know Harry Ambacher, I was in the midst of caring for my wife with what Lyn Ambacher had. I wrote to Harry Ambacher about my wife’s disease. We both learned that the disease was dementia. It is called Lewy Body Dementia. It starts with the lost of short-term memory, hallucinations and reasoning. It will come to a place where every bodily function must be done for them. Pastor Harry told me of times in the night that he would wake up and pray for my wife and me with tears. Can you believe that? He started four churches with native pastors, started a Bible College and seminary, the president and held a doctorate. In all things Harry was a pastor at heart. He is a good preacher, too.
The Church Doctrine of Clergy and Laity:
We all have a problem with pride. We are always looking at our accomplishments. A man may say, “I have learned well the homiletic of preaching. I have learned well Theology. I have mastered the Hebrew and Greek text of Scripture. I have many doctorates. I have taken studies in business science, sociology, and psychology. I have a charisma about me that draws men to me. I am paid well. There is only one thing I don’t have is a compassion for the souls of men. When I stand in the pulpit, I only see a sea of faces, not human beings created in the image of God. I am not a pastor! People call me a pastor and greatly love me.” There are two words that describe this man’s situation, the doctrine of clergy and laity. Apostle Peter spoke to this problem in his first epistle chapter five, verses one and two, “The elders (the word for pastors, shepherds) who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder (shepherd) and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:
Shepherd (pastor) the flock.”
The Institution of the Church:
I have been witnessing of the grace of God in my life these days. I am coming across many that have professed the Lord Jesus as their savior, but are greatly disillusioned with the institutional church. They express to me that it has become a great impersonal machine. They don’t attend the formal church gathering. Here are wandering sheep. They don’t have a working knowledge of the Bible where faith comes from. I’m sure that they don’t spend very much time in prayer. There isn't much Bible study and prayer of those that do attend church.
God was disdained with Israel over this same matter of their institutional worship.
Isaiah 1: 9 – 18 “Unless the LORD of hosts had left us a few survivors, We would be like Sodom, We would be like Gomorrah. Hear the word of the LORD, You rulers of Sodom; Give ear to the instruction of our God, You people of Gomorrah. What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?" Says the LORD. "I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed cattle. And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs, or goats. When you come to appear before Me, Who requires of you this trampling of My courts? Bring your worthless offerings no longer, Incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and Sabbath, the calling of assemblies-- I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly. I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts. They have become a burden to Me. I am weary of bearing them. So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you, Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, Reprove the ruthless; defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool.”
I believe that Israel is an entity in and of itself. Israel is not the church, nor the church is Israel. This same view of God toward Israel is seen of God’s view toward the church.
Please, notice carefully that Christ speaks directly, “To the angel (messenger—pastor) of the church in __________ write. Christ is putting the responsibility on the pastor for the conditions in the church.
Revelation 2:1 – 7 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this: 'I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot endure evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake, and have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of its place-- unless you repent. Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.'”
The church as I see it today is the Laodicea church of Revelation. The cause for this is the Leadership. Please, notice carefully that Christ speaks directly, “To the angel (messenger—pastor) of the church in __________ write. Christ is putting the responsibility on the pastor for the conditions in the church.
Revelation 3:14 – 21 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich, and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'"
God gave Israel and the Church a gracious and blessed invitation. For Israel it was, Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool.” The invitation to the Church to day is, Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me. This is not the door of personal salvation. It is the door of the church!
Now here is that blessed promise given by our Lord Jesus Christ to you and me, “He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Psalm 103: 1 – 5 “Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.”
Hebrews 12:1 – 2 “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God.
Pastors Who Have Plumbed the Depth of Failure:
“It is more than comforting to realize that it is those who have plumbed the depth of failure to whom invariably God gives the call to shepherd others. This is not a call given to the gifted, the highly trained or polished, as such.
Without a bitter experience of their own inadequacy and poverty, they are quite unfitted to bear the burden of spiritual ministry. It takes a man who had discovered something of measures of his own weakness to be patient with the foibles of others. Such a man also has a firsthand knowledge of the loving care of the Chief Shepherd, and His ability to heal one who has come humbly to trust in Him and Him alone.” J. C. Metcalfe
In the Name of Submission:
I read a book on spousal abuse. I believe this will underline my view of the lack of the church in having a preacher and not a pastor. The name and author of this book is “In the Name of Submission,” a painful look at wife battering, by Kay Marshall Strom. This is her introduction, “To the Reader.”
“We live in a violent society. To see proof of this one need only turn on the television set or open the evening newspaper or read the current movie reviews. For many people even home, instead of being as safe haven, is a place of pain and fear and anger and frustration. For some it is a place of death.”
“Wife abuse is by no means the only form of domestic violence. Wives also abuse their husbands, parents abuse their children, young people abuse their parents, adults abuse the elderly. There are even different levels of wife abuse. It doesn’t always result in black eyes and broken bones. Deep wounds are also caused by emotional abuse, humiliation, and verbal harassment.”
“Until a few years ago I knew almost nothing about battered women and abusive men. I had no idea of the prevalence of this occurrence, and could hardly believe it happened in Christian homes. For it is when the abuse is understood and faced by those involved, by the Christian community, and by society as a whole that the problem can be stopped and the victims healed. Once there is awareness, many good people, many Christian people, will be ready and willing to listen, to understand, and to help. Pray with me toward this end.” Kay Marshall Strom, Santa Barbara, California.
Thank you, Forest