Friday, August 24, 2007
The Calling of God...
"The word of God is the greatest, most necessary, most important thing in Christendom. Without the external Word we would not know one spirit from another...Let the man who would hear God speak, read Holy Scripture." - Martin Luther
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Welcome...
The highlights of my Pastoral calling and experience include:
(1) 20+ years diverse cross-denominational association
(2) 10+ years involvement with 4 church plants in MA and CA
(3) M. Div. theological education equivalent
(4) Church Planting, pastoral and lay ministry experience
(5) Familiarity with the New England culture and context
As a Christian of 25 years and a 1988 graduate of Calvary Chapel Bible College in Southern California, I have had the privilege of planting and being Co-Pastor of Coram Deo Reformed Congregational Church in Dana Point, CA and Interim Minister at Andover Baptist Church in Andover, MA. Over the past several years I have had the honor of Sunday morning guest pulpit ministry at King of Grace Church - Methuen, Edgeworth Community Church - Malden, True Life Christian Fellowship - Lynnfield , New England Bible Church – Andover, First Congregational Church - Bradford, all of MA.
My greatest desire is to communicate the wonders of Jesus Christ! It is my passion to “proclaim Him” – by word and action - with clarity, conviction and compassion!
My prayer is for future fellowship in these matters…
Please feel free to contact me at: coramdeo978@yahoo.com
With Sincerity,
Danny
Vista
“a vibrant, holistic, biblical 21st century church”
…to know God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) better than we know anything
AND to enjoy God more than we enjoy anything!
to see…This is faith in Jesus Christ
to behold The Lord and Savior of the world – who He is, why He came and how He impacts every aspect of life!
to savor…This is worship of God
to contemplate the glorious splendor of His majesty - to exult in and enjoy the profound wonders of His eternal glory!
to show forth…This is love for man
to creatively demonstrate to others the manifold ways that God has expressed His goodness, mercy and grace toward mankind!
This community of Christians will hold the Bible in high regard as the spiritual foundation to all we believe and do. In particular, we will focus upon the doctrines of grace*, in which Jesus Christ is always and in all ways both central and supreme - that is, eternally matchless! Therefore, since He is the greatest reality in the universe, He is worthy of our deepest passion to enjoy, worship and serve to the utmost!
We will approach our cultural context with godly sensitivity, creativity and uncompromising convictions, by both living out and proclaiming the timeless message of a real God who has provided a real Savior for real sinners, lest one face real judgment. Our contextual approach will, under God, be free from self-righteous judgmentalism and free from pretense of all sorts, accepting people from all walks of life - just as they are - and introducing them to a God who cares enough not to leave them there!
Therefore, by cultivating theological precision (orthodoxy) that produces heartfelt worship (orthopraxy), the pulse of this community will be founded upon a vibrant, comprehensive, Biblical discovery of…
“Jesus Christ, who loved me and gave Himself for me”
*doctrines of grace:
God -a high view of the sovereignty, holiness and glory of God,
Guilt -a truthful view of man’s state before his Maker,
Grace -a clear view of the “unmerited” nature of Christ’s love
Gratitude -a comprehensive view of true good works!
…to know God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) better than we know anything
AND to enjoy God more than we enjoy anything!
to see…This is faith in Jesus Christ
to behold The Lord and Savior of the world – who He is, why He came and how He impacts every aspect of life!
to savor…This is worship of God
to contemplate the glorious splendor of His majesty - to exult in and enjoy the profound wonders of His eternal glory!
to show forth…This is love for man
to creatively demonstrate to others the manifold ways that God has expressed His goodness, mercy and grace toward mankind!
This community of Christians will hold the Bible in high regard as the spiritual foundation to all we believe and do. In particular, we will focus upon the doctrines of grace*, in which Jesus Christ is always and in all ways both central and supreme - that is, eternally matchless! Therefore, since He is the greatest reality in the universe, He is worthy of our deepest passion to enjoy, worship and serve to the utmost!
We will approach our cultural context with godly sensitivity, creativity and uncompromising convictions, by both living out and proclaiming the timeless message of a real God who has provided a real Savior for real sinners, lest one face real judgment. Our contextual approach will, under God, be free from self-righteous judgmentalism and free from pretense of all sorts, accepting people from all walks of life - just as they are - and introducing them to a God who cares enough not to leave them there!
Therefore, by cultivating theological precision (orthodoxy) that produces heartfelt worship (orthopraxy), the pulse of this community will be founded upon a vibrant, comprehensive, Biblical discovery of…
“Jesus Christ, who loved me and gave Himself for me”
*doctrines of grace:
God -a high view of the sovereignty, holiness and glory of God,
Guilt -a truthful view of man’s state before his Maker,
Grace -a clear view of the “unmerited” nature of Christ’s love
Gratitude -a comprehensive view of true good works!
Truth
The scriptures ~ I believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the verbally inspired word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God-breathed (II Tim 3:16, 17; II Peter 1:20,21; Matt 5:18;John 16:12,13).
The Godhead ~ I believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-co-eternal in being, co-eternal in nature, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections (Deut 6:4; II Cor 13:14).
The Person and work of Christ ~ I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (John 1:1,2,14; Luke 1:35). I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His obedient life and passive death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Rom 3:24; I Peter 2:24; Eph 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5). He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9, 10; Heb 7:25, Heb 9:24; Rom 8:34; I John 2:1-2).
The Person and work of the Holy Spirit ~ I believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and that He is the Supernatural agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; II Cor 3:6; I Cor 12:12-14; Rom 8:9; Eph5:18).
The total depravity of man ~ I believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that through Adam's sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; and that man is totally depraved, and of himself utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Gen 1:26,27 Rom 3:22, 23, 5:12; Eph 2:1-3, 12).
Salvation ~ I believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins. God thus places all our sin on Christ and credits to us all of Christs’ righteousness (Rom 4; Eph 2:8-10; John 1:12; Eph 1:7; I Peter 1:18-19).
The Church ~ I believe that the church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons(Eph 1:22,23; 5:25-27; I Cor 12:12-14; II Cor 11:2). I believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament scriptures (Acts 14:27, 18:22, 20:17, I Tim 3:1-3 & Titus 1:5-11). I believe in the autonomy of the local churches, free of any external authority and control (Acts 13:1-4, 15:19-31, 20:28; Rom 16:1,4; I Cor 3:9, 16, I Cor5: 4-7, 13; I Peter 5:1-4). I recognize believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper as scriptural means of testimony for the church.(Matt 28:19,20; Acts 2:41,42; Acts 18:8; I Cor 11:23-26).
Creeds/Confessions ~ Apostles Creed, Nicene Creed, Augsburg Confession, Belgic Confession, Canons of Dort, Heidelberg Catechism, Westminster Confession of Faith, London Baptist Confession 1689, Cambridge Declaration.
The Godhead ~ I believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-co-eternal in being, co-eternal in nature, co-equal in power and glory, having the same attributes and perfections (Deut 6:4; II Cor 13:14).
The Person and work of Christ ~ I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God became man without ceasing to be God, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful man (John 1:1,2,14; Luke 1:35). I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His obedient life and passive death on the cross as a representative, vicarious, substitutionary sacrifice; and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead (Rom 3:24; I Peter 2:24; Eph 1:7; I Peter 1:3-5). He fulfills the ministry of Representative, Intercessor, and Advocate (Acts 1:9, 10; Heb 7:25, Heb 9:24; Rom 8:34; I John 2:1-2).
The Person and work of the Holy Spirit ~ I believe that the Holy Spirit is a person who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and that He is the Supernatural agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption (John 16:8-11; II Cor 3:6; I Cor 12:12-14; Rom 8:9; Eph5:18).
The total depravity of man ~ I believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that through Adam's sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; and that man is totally depraved, and of himself utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Gen 1:26,27 Rom 3:22, 23, 5:12; Eph 2:1-3, 12).
Salvation ~ I believe that salvation is the gift of God brought to man by grace and received by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins. God thus places all our sin on Christ and credits to us all of Christs’ righteousness (Rom 4; Eph 2:8-10; John 1:12; Eph 1:7; I Peter 1:18-19).
The Church ~ I believe that the church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons(Eph 1:22,23; 5:25-27; I Cor 12:12-14; II Cor 11:2). I believe that the establishment and continuance of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament scriptures (Acts 14:27, 18:22, 20:17, I Tim 3:1-3 & Titus 1:5-11). I believe in the autonomy of the local churches, free of any external authority and control (Acts 13:1-4, 15:19-31, 20:28; Rom 16:1,4; I Cor 3:9, 16, I Cor5: 4-7, 13; I Peter 5:1-4). I recognize believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper as scriptural means of testimony for the church.(Matt 28:19,20; Acts 2:41,42; Acts 18:8; I Cor 11:23-26).
Creeds/Confessions ~ Apostles Creed, Nicene Creed, Augsburg Confession, Belgic Confession, Canons of Dort, Heidelberg Catechism, Westminster Confession of Faith, London Baptist Confession 1689, Cambridge Declaration.
4 Distinctives
Within the essentials of Christian doctrine there are the following theological categories, which are critically important and must be understood in our day! They contain truth that profoundly affects God’s relationship with us, our relationships with each other and our living the Christian life.
God is God-centered in everything: (Exodus3: 14; 34:6,7)
The Scriptures reveal God as Eternal, Infinite, Holy, Sovereign, Just, Wrathful, Merciful, Love, Gracious, Immutable, Self-Sufficient; Existent, All-Powerful; Present; Knowing, Transcendent, Immanent, Incomprehensible, Knowable… Therefore He is central and supreme in all things for the displaying of His infinite glory and the eternal enjoyment of every person within the framework of Christian Hedonism!
A clear distinction / Proper use of Law & Gospel: (Gal.3:19-24; Rom. 4:1-25)
The Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, is divided into two principle parts or kinds. One is the Law and the other is the Gospel.
Law: Righteousness God demands; written on our hearts by nature; Primary purpose is to declare the righteousness of God and thus aggravate sin in us and cause us to despair of our own righteousness.
Gospel: (Good News) Righteousness God gives; not at all in us by nature, but is a Sovereign, Unconditional, Free, Promise that is revealed from Heaven that Jesus Christ not only died for our sins, but also gives us His righteousness.
Christ Centered Focus of the Scriptures: (Luke 24:27; John 5:39, 1Cor.2.2)
The Old and New Testaments primary focus is to reveal something of either a
promise/type (OT) or fulfillment/reality (NT) about the nature, person and finished work of Jesus Christ. He is Prophet, Priest and King. He is our Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption! Jesus must be understood first as our substitute, then as our example, in justification as well as sanctification.
Moral applications follow.
God-centered Perspective on Faith: (John 1:13; Gal.1:12; Heb.11:1;)
God reveals a sovereign, unconditional, free, grace promise that creates faith.
“A firm and certain knowledge of God’s benevolence toward us, founded upon the freely given promise in Christ, both revealed to our minds and sealed upon our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” -John Calvin
"What is true faith? True faith is not only a knowledge and conviction that everything God reveals in his Word is true; it is also a deep-rooted assurance, created in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel, that out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ, not only others, but I too, have had my sins forgiven, and have been made forever right with God, and have been granted salvation."
- Heidelberg Catechism, 1563, Question 21: What is true faith?
God is God-centered in everything: (Exodus3: 14; 34:6,7)
The Scriptures reveal God as Eternal, Infinite, Holy, Sovereign, Just, Wrathful, Merciful, Love, Gracious, Immutable, Self-Sufficient; Existent, All-Powerful; Present; Knowing, Transcendent, Immanent, Incomprehensible, Knowable… Therefore He is central and supreme in all things for the displaying of His infinite glory and the eternal enjoyment of every person within the framework of Christian Hedonism!
A clear distinction / Proper use of Law & Gospel: (Gal.3:19-24; Rom. 4:1-25)
The Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, is divided into two principle parts or kinds. One is the Law and the other is the Gospel.
Law: Righteousness God demands; written on our hearts by nature; Primary purpose is to declare the righteousness of God and thus aggravate sin in us and cause us to despair of our own righteousness.
Gospel: (Good News) Righteousness God gives; not at all in us by nature, but is a Sovereign, Unconditional, Free, Promise that is revealed from Heaven that Jesus Christ not only died for our sins, but also gives us His righteousness.
Christ Centered Focus of the Scriptures: (Luke 24:27; John 5:39, 1Cor.2.2)
The Old and New Testaments primary focus is to reveal something of either a
promise/type (OT) or fulfillment/reality (NT) about the nature, person and finished work of Jesus Christ. He is Prophet, Priest and King. He is our Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption! Jesus must be understood first as our substitute, then as our example, in justification as well as sanctification.
Moral applications follow.
God-centered Perspective on Faith: (John 1:13; Gal.1:12; Heb.11:1;)
God reveals a sovereign, unconditional, free, grace promise that creates faith.
“A firm and certain knowledge of God’s benevolence toward us, founded upon the freely given promise in Christ, both revealed to our minds and sealed upon our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” -John Calvin
"What is true faith? True faith is not only a knowledge and conviction that everything God reveals in his Word is true; it is also a deep-rooted assurance, created in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel, that out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ, not only others, but I too, have had my sins forgiven, and have been made forever right with God, and have been granted salvation."
- Heidelberg Catechism, 1563, Question 21: What is true faith?
One Rainy Sunday
On a rainy Sunday, June 6, 1982, while attending the Billy Graham crusade by the urging of my two sisters, I “felt my Lord’s atoning blood, close to my soul applied. Me, me, He loved, the Son of God, for me, for me He died.”* Thus began my new life in the Christian faith. For the previous 20 years of my life, being in an unconverted state, I grew up thinking myself to be a good kid. And by all accounts of those around me, I was. That’s right. Compared to those around me, I was a good kid.
I was raised as a (nominal) Roman Catholic, being baptized as an infant and in time, receiving my first holy communion, confirmation and the coveted Pope Pius XII award by the time I was 13 years old. Perhaps I could more accurately be classified as a “practical atheist”, for my religious convictions had little association with the life I was living. The two, in my mind, were for occasions of their own. Me, myself and I owned 6 days and 23 hours of the week. Religion possessed a mere hour on Sunday mornings, if that. Besides all that, my reigning philosophy about religion was to pick any religion, then be the best person you can be and you’ll make it to heaven. In those days it never entered my mind that if you can make it to heaven by being a good person, then Jesus Christ died in vain! Not until that rainy day in June, as I sat in my seat listening to the preaching of Billy Graham, did it dawn on my soul that before God I am not so good. That’s right. Compared to the Holy and Righteous God how could I ever stand with my head held high? For the first time in my life I was measured up against One of Infinite Goodness, Holiness and Justice and immediately my badness was shown for what it really is…sin. Under the weight of this realization my heart was crushed. For the very first time in my entire life I realized that I was sinful to the very core of my being, as I tasted it and knew this was true of me as I was now standing before Almighty God and not anyone else. Previous to that evening I would admit to my sisters that “Yea, yea I’m a sinner, you’re a sinner, we’re all sinners”, but I never tasted the reality of it. You see, that night, as I sat in my seat, long before any choruses of “Just As I AM” were sung or any decisions were made, God revealed something to me, something of my sin before a Holy God. And I was granted to see myself as God truly sees me…and it was heavy! Well, while under this burden of conviction of sin and heaviness of heart, the preacher continued. God, in His sheer mercy, then revealed to me that even as sin-sick as I am, Jesus Christ loved me and gave Himself for me, took away my sin, forgave me, in order to bring me back to God! For the first time in my entire life this reality dawned upon my understanding and my soul! Such love melted my heart, with tears streaming down my face for hours afterward! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who lived a sinless life, took on Himself the wrath of God due me, died on a cross, in my place, for my sin, rose from the grave three days later to give me new life…real life…Life by, in and for God!
…And on top of all that, beyond my greatest imagination, all this taking place while sitting next to my Dad, who was undergoing the very same conviction of sin and tasting for the first time the love of God in Jesus Christ too! Spiritual twins undergoing the new birth! Wow! What rarities: converted in a memorable point in time, side by side with my father and now possessing an audio copy of that particular message preached by Billy Graham on that rainy Sunday in June, 1982.Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15)!
* “And Can It Be”, Charles Wesley, 1738
I was raised as a (nominal) Roman Catholic, being baptized as an infant and in time, receiving my first holy communion, confirmation and the coveted Pope Pius XII award by the time I was 13 years old. Perhaps I could more accurately be classified as a “practical atheist”, for my religious convictions had little association with the life I was living. The two, in my mind, were for occasions of their own. Me, myself and I owned 6 days and 23 hours of the week. Religion possessed a mere hour on Sunday mornings, if that. Besides all that, my reigning philosophy about religion was to pick any religion, then be the best person you can be and you’ll make it to heaven. In those days it never entered my mind that if you can make it to heaven by being a good person, then Jesus Christ died in vain! Not until that rainy day in June, as I sat in my seat listening to the preaching of Billy Graham, did it dawn on my soul that before God I am not so good. That’s right. Compared to the Holy and Righteous God how could I ever stand with my head held high? For the first time in my life I was measured up against One of Infinite Goodness, Holiness and Justice and immediately my badness was shown for what it really is…sin. Under the weight of this realization my heart was crushed. For the very first time in my entire life I realized that I was sinful to the very core of my being, as I tasted it and knew this was true of me as I was now standing before Almighty God and not anyone else. Previous to that evening I would admit to my sisters that “Yea, yea I’m a sinner, you’re a sinner, we’re all sinners”, but I never tasted the reality of it. You see, that night, as I sat in my seat, long before any choruses of “Just As I AM” were sung or any decisions were made, God revealed something to me, something of my sin before a Holy God. And I was granted to see myself as God truly sees me…and it was heavy! Well, while under this burden of conviction of sin and heaviness of heart, the preacher continued. God, in His sheer mercy, then revealed to me that even as sin-sick as I am, Jesus Christ loved me and gave Himself for me, took away my sin, forgave me, in order to bring me back to God! For the first time in my entire life this reality dawned upon my understanding and my soul! Such love melted my heart, with tears streaming down my face for hours afterward! Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who lived a sinless life, took on Himself the wrath of God due me, died on a cross, in my place, for my sin, rose from the grave three days later to give me new life…real life…Life by, in and for God!
…And on top of all that, beyond my greatest imagination, all this taking place while sitting next to my Dad, who was undergoing the very same conviction of sin and tasting for the first time the love of God in Jesus Christ too! Spiritual twins undergoing the new birth! Wow! What rarities: converted in a memorable point in time, side by side with my father and now possessing an audio copy of that particular message preached by Billy Graham on that rainy Sunday in June, 1982.Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15)!
* “And Can It Be”, Charles Wesley, 1738
Core
“The most revealing thing about the church is her idea of God, just as her most significant message is what she says about Him, or leaves unsaid, for her silence is often more eloquent than her speech.” - A.W. Tozer
caring about God’s Glory
With a high view of God, a Christ-centered perspective of scripture, and a humble appreciation of the grace of God in Christ on my behalf, I joyfully, energetically and authentically worship the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for time and eternity! My aim is for the glory of God…and our good.
caring about truth
With sound theology as the backbone and lifeblood of the Christian faith, the framework of our fellowship is founded upon “the 5 sola’s” of the Protestant Reformation and the “Doctrines of Grace”, (see VISTA) discovering the truth about God, guilt, grace and gratitude. Getting back to Bible basics that radically impact life is my aim.
caring about interaction
With a three-fold philosophy of teaching people to think, humbly ask good questions and search the scriptures for what is true and profitable, I seek to engage in a healthy forum of discussion and debate utilizing church history, systematic theology and proper methods of Biblical interpretation (hermeneutics). My aim is to elevate Biblical discernment.
caring about style
With a personality reflective of honesty, humility, and creativity, I seek to distinguish between those Biblical “absolutes” and “non-absolutes” concerning “doing church”. My aim is to be who I am, being biblical and innovatively engaging in our culture, as one in the world but not of it.
caring about others
With a life-changing understanding that God so loved us He gave His Son for us, we as a spiritual community are so impacted so that our desire is to give to others as well. My aim is to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of those both inside and outside our Christian community.
caring about God’s Glory
With a high view of God, a Christ-centered perspective of scripture, and a humble appreciation of the grace of God in Christ on my behalf, I joyfully, energetically and authentically worship the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for time and eternity! My aim is for the glory of God…and our good.
caring about truth
With sound theology as the backbone and lifeblood of the Christian faith, the framework of our fellowship is founded upon “the 5 sola’s” of the Protestant Reformation and the “Doctrines of Grace”, (see VISTA) discovering the truth about God, guilt, grace and gratitude. Getting back to Bible basics that radically impact life is my aim.
caring about interaction
With a three-fold philosophy of teaching people to think, humbly ask good questions and search the scriptures for what is true and profitable, I seek to engage in a healthy forum of discussion and debate utilizing church history, systematic theology and proper methods of Biblical interpretation (hermeneutics). My aim is to elevate Biblical discernment.
caring about style
With a personality reflective of honesty, humility, and creativity, I seek to distinguish between those Biblical “absolutes” and “non-absolutes” concerning “doing church”. My aim is to be who I am, being biblical and innovatively engaging in our culture, as one in the world but not of it.
caring about others
With a life-changing understanding that God so loved us He gave His Son for us, we as a spiritual community are so impacted so that our desire is to give to others as well. My aim is to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of those both inside and outside our Christian community.
Methodology
Along with a vision that is from God, there must also be the God-given method of implementing that vision. This highlights the importance of a clear Biblical philosophy of ministry, that is, a framework in which to accomplish what God has called us to. This methodology must begin with a solid theological approach and result in creative application (in that order!). To do less is to violate the Word and will of God.
Theological Considerations
A. Biblical priorities of the Ministry of the Word of God and Prayer.
B. Historical / Redemptive, literal, grammatical hermeneutic.
NOTE: awareness of context is crucial.
C. Define and maintain a proper distinction between Law and Gospel, i.e. the Law only/always demands and the Gospel only/always gives.
D. To cultivate a plurality of elders operating in a team leadership style who have a solid foundation of scriptural interpretation, church history and systematic theology.
E. To provide a forum in which to teach people to think clearly, encourage them to ask good questions, and direct them to search the scriptures for matters of faith and practice.
Practical Considerations
A. To establish a church personality and style that is founded upon a clear distinction between Biblical “absolutes” (Word, prayer, sacraments, fellowship) and “non-absolutes” (meeting day/time, order, length, format, style).
B. To live before God and man in the power and leading of the Holy Spirit through actions of selfless giving to the needs of others.
C. To equip a community of believers who minister to each other in the issues of both faith and life.
D. To engage in our culture in a way that is truthful and compassionate, yet thought provoking and non-judgmental.
E. To be a responsible part of the local communities in issues of civic duties, social programs and community service.
Theological Considerations
A. Biblical priorities of the Ministry of the Word of God and Prayer.
B. Historical / Redemptive, literal, grammatical hermeneutic.
NOTE: awareness of context is crucial.
C. Define and maintain a proper distinction between Law and Gospel, i.e. the Law only/always demands and the Gospel only/always gives.
D. To cultivate a plurality of elders operating in a team leadership style who have a solid foundation of scriptural interpretation, church history and systematic theology.
E. To provide a forum in which to teach people to think clearly, encourage them to ask good questions, and direct them to search the scriptures for matters of faith and practice.
Practical Considerations
A. To establish a church personality and style that is founded upon a clear distinction between Biblical “absolutes” (Word, prayer, sacraments, fellowship) and “non-absolutes” (meeting day/time, order, length, format, style).
B. To live before God and man in the power and leading of the Holy Spirit through actions of selfless giving to the needs of others.
C. To equip a community of believers who minister to each other in the issues of both faith and life.
D. To engage in our culture in a way that is truthful and compassionate, yet thought provoking and non-judgmental.
E. To be a responsible part of the local communities in issues of civic duties, social programs and community service.
Chronicles of the Christian Faith
QUALIFICATIONS:
Proven servant-leadership experience as Co-Pastor, President/CEO, two church plants, interim pastor, guest speaker and counseling/resource ministries. Public speaking and group presentation expertise acquired throughout 20+ years, combining education and experience in the ministry of the Christian Faith. Outstanding communication skills in writing, speaking and listening. Creative problem solver, excellent organizational abilities, insightful and motivated visionary in the Christian community.
CONVERSION:
1982 Billy Graham Crusade, Boston, MA
EDUCATION:
1986-1988 Calvary Chapel Bible College, Twin Peaks, CA (Seminary Level)
Biblical Studies
EXPERIENCE:
2006-Present theocentric Bradford, MA (house church) Lead the establishment of house church plant.
2004 –2006 King of Grace Church (Non-Denomination) Methuen, MA
Assignments: Children’s Ministry, Usher, Home Care Group Host.
2001-2003 New England Bible Church (Non-Denomination) Andover, MA
Assignments: Pulpit Ministry, Hermeneutics Seminar Leader
2001 Andover Baptist Church (American Baptist) Andover, MA
Assignments: Interim Pulpit Ministry, Preaching, Worship Moderator.
1991-1995 Coram Deo (Reformed Congregational) Dana Point, CA
Assignments: President/CEO, Co-Pastor, Church Planting, Pulpit Ministry, Evangelism, Counseling, Administration, Home Group Coordinator, Congregation Meeting Moderator, Speaker at Carlsbad High School, Carlsbad, CA.
1988-1990 Calvary Chapel (Non-Denomination) Boston, MA
Assignments: Church Planting Team, Pulpit Ministry, Sunday School Teacher, Worship Ministry, Men’s Prayer Ministry.
1985-1986 Christian Broadcasting Network (700 Club Affiliate) Malden, MA
Assignments: Counseling, Operation Blessing Coordinator, Ministry Resource Associate.
1983-1986 Parkway Christian Center (A/G) Revere, MA
Assignments: Youth Bible Study Leader, Organization Team,
Counseling, Visitation, Sunday School Teacher, Evangelism, Drama Program.
PRESENTATIONS
First Congregational Church, Bradford, MA (2007)
Greater Boston Church Planting Collaborative, Boston, MA (2007)
True Life Christian Church, Lynnfield, MA (2003-7)
King of Grace Church, Methuen, MA (2006)
Community Church of Edgeworth, Malden, MA (2004-5)
New England Bible Church, Andover, MA (2001-03)
Andover Baptist Church, Andover, MA (2001)
Proven servant-leadership experience as Co-Pastor, President/CEO, two church plants, interim pastor, guest speaker and counseling/resource ministries. Public speaking and group presentation expertise acquired throughout 20+ years, combining education and experience in the ministry of the Christian Faith. Outstanding communication skills in writing, speaking and listening. Creative problem solver, excellent organizational abilities, insightful and motivated visionary in the Christian community.
CONVERSION:
1982 Billy Graham Crusade, Boston, MA
EDUCATION:
1986-1988 Calvary Chapel Bible College, Twin Peaks, CA (Seminary Level)
Biblical Studies
EXPERIENCE:
2006-Present theocentric Bradford, MA (house church) Lead the establishment of house church plant.
2004 –2006 King of Grace Church (Non-Denomination) Methuen, MA
Assignments: Children’s Ministry, Usher, Home Care Group Host.
2001-2003 New England Bible Church (Non-Denomination) Andover, MA
Assignments: Pulpit Ministry, Hermeneutics Seminar Leader
2001 Andover Baptist Church (American Baptist) Andover, MA
Assignments: Interim Pulpit Ministry, Preaching, Worship Moderator.
1991-1995 Coram Deo (Reformed Congregational) Dana Point, CA
Assignments: President/CEO, Co-Pastor, Church Planting, Pulpit Ministry, Evangelism, Counseling, Administration, Home Group Coordinator, Congregation Meeting Moderator, Speaker at Carlsbad High School, Carlsbad, CA.
1988-1990 Calvary Chapel (Non-Denomination) Boston, MA
Assignments: Church Planting Team, Pulpit Ministry, Sunday School Teacher, Worship Ministry, Men’s Prayer Ministry.
1985-1986 Christian Broadcasting Network (700 Club Affiliate) Malden, MA
Assignments: Counseling, Operation Blessing Coordinator, Ministry Resource Associate.
1983-1986 Parkway Christian Center (A/G) Revere, MA
Assignments: Youth Bible Study Leader, Organization Team,
Counseling, Visitation, Sunday School Teacher, Evangelism, Drama Program.
PRESENTATIONS
First Congregational Church, Bradford, MA (2007)
Greater Boston Church Planting Collaborative, Boston, MA (2007)
True Life Christian Church, Lynnfield, MA (2003-7)
King of Grace Church, Methuen, MA (2006)
Community Church of Edgeworth, Malden, MA (2004-5)
New England Bible Church, Andover, MA (2001-03)
Andover Baptist Church, Andover, MA (2001)
Profile
DAODOB: October 23,1961 Birthplace: New York City, New York
Conversion: June 6, 1982 Billy Graham Crusade, Boston, MA
Parents: Arthur and Frances*
Siblings: Regina, Josephine, Victoria, Frances, Michael, Steven, (I’m last!)
Married: Cyndie, Everett, MA
Date / Place: February 21,1999 Honolulu, HI
Children / DOB: Samantha (8/28/2000), Emma (2/7/2003)
Interests / Hobbies: My wife, daughters, family & friends, FL in the winter, “Red Sox Nation”, NFL (Minnesota Vikings), bold coffee, blogging, apologetics, meaningful theological dialogue.
Personal Web log: Project 66 [genesis - revelation]
Church: theocentric: a gathering
Must Reading:
1. Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians. Kregel
2. John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (2 vol). Westminster, 1960
3. George Whitefield, Whitefields Journals. Banner of Truth, 1738-41
4. Gerhard Forde, Christian Spirituality: 5 Views of Sanctification. IVP, 1989
5. John Piper, Desiring God, Multnomah, 1986
*“The greatness of the things which follow death makes everything that goes before it slip into nothing”. – George Whitefield, evangelist
The Exchange
The Exchange
“where faith & life intersect”
At The Exchange, we desire to explore the vast world of spirituality, philosophy, and culture in the context of a thoughtful exchange of ideas, opinions and experiences. In this counter-cultural and trans-denominational setting, we seek to be honest with what we believe and why we believe it. Our aim is to:
stimulate people to think
encourage people to ask good questions
direct people to search the scriptures for themselves
Our goal: to discover those things that are true and profitable for life and spirituality. Our approach: to be free from self-righteous judgmentalism and pretense of all sorts, accepting people from all walks of life, just as we are.
Our investigation of the scriptures will be followed by an appropriate time for questions and answers. Periodically, guest Q&A panel members will come from local communities, churches and organizations.
Come join us for an evening of discussion, networking and refreshments.
“where faith & life intersect”
At The Exchange, we desire to explore the vast world of spirituality, philosophy, and culture in the context of a thoughtful exchange of ideas, opinions and experiences. In this counter-cultural and trans-denominational setting, we seek to be honest with what we believe and why we believe it. Our aim is to:
stimulate people to think
encourage people to ask good questions
direct people to search the scriptures for themselves
Our goal: to discover those things that are true and profitable for life and spirituality. Our approach: to be free from self-righteous judgmentalism and pretense of all sorts, accepting people from all walks of life, just as we are.
Our investigation of the scriptures will be followed by an appropriate time for questions and answers. Periodically, guest Q&A panel members will come from local communities, churches and organizations.
Come join us for an evening of discussion, networking and refreshments.
Hermeneutics Seminar
HERMENEUTICS
Looking Closely at God’s Word
February 16 – March 30, 2003
What in the world is hermeneutics?
· Definition: The science and art of how to interpret the Bible. Special attention given to a literal, grammatical and historical method.
· Description: We will examine the nature of the Bible, principles for sound interpretation and the qualifications & tools of the Biblical interpreter.
· Demand: God gave His word to man a long time ago, in distant lands, in foreign cultures. This demands interpretation into theological concepts, modern language and common understanding.
· Direction: “Someone can fish and feed you for a day, or teach you to fish and feed you for a lifetime.”
Scripture References
Ezr 7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.
Neh 8:8 They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.
Mat 22:37 And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.'
Act 17:11 Now these(Bereans) were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
2Ti 3:15 And that from a child you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
SYLLABUS*
1. February 16, 2003
What in the World is Hermeneutics, Anyway?
Definition of hermeneutics
Purpose / Importance / Objective
Scriptural support for…
2. February 23, 2003
Looking Beneath the Cover
Considerations about the Bible
Formation of the Bible
Major divisions and structure
3. March 2, 2003
The Bible Under a Microscope, part I
Grammar, Figures of Speech, History, Sentence Structure, Theology, Culture,
Word Meaning, Literary Style, Context
4. March 9, 2003
The Bible Under a Microscope, part II
5. March 16, 2003
Asking the Right Questions
Orientation process (Background: who, what, where, when, why…)
Observation process (What do I see here?)
Interpretation process (What does this mean?)
Correlation process (How does this relate to all of Biblical truth?)
Application process (How does this apply to me,family, church, world?)
6. March 23, 2003
Three Bible Basics
Proper Law – Gospel Distinction
Historic - Redemptive Principle
Christ-centered Approach
7. March 30, 2003
Common Misuses of Scripture / Qualifications & Tools of the Interpreter
*Syllabus adapted from Principles of Biblical Interpretation. Richard Goswiller. CCBC, 1988
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