Expedition 44 is Dr. Will Ryan's Theology Video Site. Dr. Ryan is the Chair of Theology and Biblical Studies for Covenant Theological Seminary.

expedition44

Doc Ryan & Dr. Matt with Expedition 44 
 
Shepherding/Teaching 
o Cares for and develops the people of God by leading, nurturing, protecting, and discipling them 
o The teaching aspect clarifies the mind and will of God as found in the Bible so that people can gain wisdom and understanding in following Jesus as a disciple. 
 
Focus/Tasks 
o Cultivate a loving and spiritually mature network of relationships and community 
o Discern 
o Guide 
o Help the faith community to explore and seek to understand the mind of God 
o Disciple 
 
Impact when Shepherding is a monopolized gift 
o Closed, non-missional community 
o Co-dependency between the church and pastor (hierarchy/CEO mentality- messiah complex) 
o Don’t rock the boat approach to organization 
o Too passive and insider focused 
 
Impact when Teaching is a monopolized gift 
o Theological dogmatism 
o Christian Gnosticism (saved by knowledge) 
o Bible and Theology replaces the Holy Spirit 
o Control through ideas (Pharisaism- is it lawful?) 
 
Summary 
o Jesus is the Shepherd. Pastor is not an office or position in the Bible but a function 
o The chief task of the shepherds/teachers was to help the church in times of personal crisis (shepherding) and to enlighten and cultivate the church’s spiritual life by revealing Christ through the exposition of Scripture (teaching). 
o One must learn before they teach 
o Those who function in shepherding are to be mature believers (“elders”). 
o Teaching and shepherding are gifts for the unity and building up of the body to reflect Jesus Christ. 
o Shepherding is about service and discipleship and not rule or authority.

Doc Ryan & Dr. Matt with Expedition 44

Shepherding/Teaching
o Cares for and develops the people of God by leading, nurturing, protecting, and discipling them
o The teaching aspect clarifies the mind and will of God as found in the Bible so that people can gain wisdom and understanding in following Jesus as a disciple.

Focus/Tasks
o Cultivate a loving and spiritually mature network of relationships and community
o Discern
o Guide
o Help the faith community to explore and seek to understand the mind of God
o Disciple

Impact when Shepherding is a monopolized gift
o Closed, non-missional community
o Co-dependency between the church and pastor (hierarchy/CEO mentality- messiah complex)
o Don’t rock the boat approach to organization
o Too passive and insider focused

Impact when Teaching is a monopolized gift
o Theological dogmatism
o Christian Gnosticism (saved by knowledge)
o Bible and Theology replaces the Holy Spirit
o Control through ideas (Pharisaism- is it lawful?)

Summary
o Jesus

THE CHURCH SERIES PART 19 Shepherd-Teacher (Five fold Gifting Problems) Expedition 44

Dr. Ryan and Dr. Matt discuss Matt's doctoral studies journey and the dissertation process at CTS for THD and PHD degrees. 
 
Covenant Theological Seminary 
www.gocovenant.net

Dr. Ryan and Dr. Matt discuss Matt's doctoral studies journey and the dissertation process at CTS for THD and PHD degrees. 

Covenant Theological Seminary
www.gocovenant.net

Expedition 44 & Covenant Theological Seminary Dissertation Discussion with Dr. Ryan and Dr. Matt

Dr. Will Ryan and Dr. Matt are joined by their friend Sam D'Alie, a CTS student, in this episode to talk about evangelism in the 5 fold giftings. 
 
Note: We are testing out some new equipment in this episode so please forgive some of the audio and video issue at the beginning. The audio and video clears up around 28:00. Thanks! 
 
What is an evangelist? 
o Essentially the recruiter, carrier, and communicator/storytellers of the gospel message (Jesus is king) 
o The truth teller to unbelievers 
o They call for a response to Jesus’ kingship 
 
Their focus/core tasks 
o Concern for those outside the kingdom 
o Making clear the offer to come into the kingdom so people can respond in allegiance 
o Recruit for the cause/“brand ambassadors” for the kingdom 
 
Impact on the body when Evangelism is “the main thing” (monopolization and imbalance) 
o When the gift of evangelism is the central thing in the church there tends to be a narrow vision 
o Lack of communal heath with the focus on the outside rather than care on the inside of the church 
o Narrow perspective of faith (lack of discipleship- AKA simple gospel views) 
 
We need all the gifts to be a healthy body. But the 5 in Ephesians 4 are needed specifically for unity and growth in the body of Christ 
o Apostolic work sets the culture and plants, waters, and weeds in the community. They are often itinerant workers plowing new roads for the kingdom. 
o Prophets are covenant enforcers exhorting the body to stay on course and listen to the Lord for his vision. 
o Evangelists embody the gospel message and share it boldly through invitation, which results in a growing community pursing discipleship. 
o We will explore the Shepherd Teacher soon 
 
  
Overview 
o The great commission connects preaching the gospel (evangelism) with the necessity of discipleship- we can’t divorce the two. The 4 American gospel we looked at all divorce evangelism and discipleship but they are 2 sides of the same coin. 
o OT Evangelism was communal (if there even was evangelism to the nations)- the community evangelizes by their life together that reflects Jesus. This was mainly evangelism/discipleship of each other. We don’t see evangelists sent out to the nations in the OT but rather that the nations would flow into Zion by their “light”. 
o NT Evangelism always resulted in community and discipleship as well. Jesus called people to “follow him”. The Apostles planted churches and formed Jesus cultures for the evangelist to invite people into and experience the life of Jesus. What is being offered in the NT is not an “eternal destination” but a community around Jesus. 
o “Conversion” doesn’t result from saying a prayer but that could be the start. It is costly according to Jesus. Not some simple statement but a pledge of allegiance to a way of life that could lead to your martyrdom. Most evangelism today leaves people still connected to the ways and systems of the world and makes it “easy” by front loading benefits and downplaying the commitment to the cross and the way of Jesus. 
o Evangelize through relationship- who will you invite to your table/community?

Dr. Will Ryan and Dr. Matt are joined by their friend Sam D'Alie, a CTS student, in this episode to talk about evangelism in the 5 fold giftings. 

Note: We are testing out some new equipment in this episode so please forgive some of the audio and video issue at the beginning. The audio and video clears up around 28:00. Thanks!

What is an evangelist?
o Essentially the recruiter, carrier, and communicator/storytellers of the gospel message (Jesus is king)
o The truth teller to unbelievers
o They call for a response to Jesus’ kingship

Their focus/core tasks
o Concern for those outside the kingdom
o Making clear the offer to come into the kingdom so people can respond in allegiance
o Recruit for the cause/“brand ambassadors” for the kingdom

Impact on the body when Evangelism is “the main thing” (monopolization and imbalance)
o When the gift of evangelism is the central thing in the church there tends to be a narrow vision
o Lack of communal heath with the focus on the outside rather th

Expedition 44 The church Series: part 18 the Evangelist

Dr. Will Ryan and Dr. Matt Mouzakis interview Dr. Carmen Imes (@CarmenJoyImesPhD) on her new book Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters. 
 
Follow Dr. Imes: https://www.youtube.com/@CarmenJoyImesPhD/videos

Dr. Will Ryan and Dr. Matt Mouzakis interview Dr. Carmen Imes (@CarmenJoyImesPhD)  on her new book Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters. 

Follow Dr. Imes: https://www.youtube.com/@CarmenJoyImesPhD/videos

Being God's Image: Interview with Dr. Carmen Imes

Pastor Matthew Stevenson (lvahs.org) invited X44's Matt Mouzakis to have a conversation about women in ministry aimed at equipping pastors to answer questions on the topic. 
 
Language of Complementarian 
See https://www.patheos.com/blogs/jesuscreed/2015/03/02/revisionist-history-on-the-term-complementarian/ and https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/genesis-confusion/ for a summary of the history of the language surrounding this issue. 
 
1 Tim 2:11-14 
 Matt M. misspoke about the parsing of the greek tense of epitrepo (I do not permit). The tense is present active indicative. The reason behind the interpretation of “at this time” is due to the use of epitrepo in the rest of scripture where it is always in the context of a local vs. universal situation. “At this time” is based on the context and this grammatical information. See https://margmowczko.com/1-timothy-212-and-1-corinthians-1434-epitrepo/. Scholars such as Philip Payne (Man and Women one in Christ), Craig Keener (IVP Bible Background Commentary, Paul and Women), Scot McKnight (Blue Parakeet), Andrew Bartlett (Men and Women in Christ), and more come to this same conclusion based on this grammatical construction, seeing it as a time bound event just for a certain period for the church in Ephesus. It is addressed to certain women in that church in the first century. 
 
“Eve was not subjected as soon as she was made nor when He brought her to the man, did either she say or hear such things from God nor did the man say such word to her: he said in deed that she was ‘bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh’, but of rule or subjection he nowhere made mention unto her.”- John Chrysostom 
 
1 Tim 3 & Titus 1 and 2 
John Chrysostom Homily 11.1 on 1 Tim 3: 
“The women likewise”. 
Paul meant the [women] deacons [τας διακονους]. There are those who think he was talking about women in general. No, that is not the case. It would have made no sense to have inserted here something about women in general. He was referring to those having the dignity of the Diaconate [της διακονιας]. 
“Let deacons be the husband of one wife.” 
This is also appropriately said of women deacons [γυναικων διακονων], for this [monogamy] is necessary, useful and proper to the highest degree in the Church. 
 
1 Corinthians 11 
See Unveiling Paul’s Women by Lucy Peppiatt and Paul and Gender by Cynthia Westfall for more on the views of head coverings. 
 
Wayne Grudem makes arguments against the “source” interpretation and certain metaphorical meanings of head (kephele) saying it never meant source and has a meaning of authority. Many scholars have push back on his article on this in 1985 showing that a literal head (thing on your neck) or source are the most prominent interpretations and there is a possibility for “authority” being a gloss of this term, though a minority one. Context and biblical theology must determine the interpretation of this word with a wide metaphorical spectrum of meanings. Yet, Philip Payne argues that “source” is the most used metaphor for kephele (see Payne, Man and Women: One in Christ, 113-139). See https://www.pbpayne.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/what-about-headship-ch7.pdf 
 
Here is a history of the headship debate: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/meta-study-debate-over-meaning-head-kephale-pauls-writings/ 
 
According to Witt the interpretation of kephele (head) as “authority over” is based on a cherry-picking of Greek lexicons. Witt specifically calls out complementarian Wayne Grudem, who argues for this meaning based on six Greek lexicons, while Philip Payne provides nineteen Greek lexicons where “authority” is not listed as a meaning for kephale. (Witt, Icons of Christ, 128). See an overview of Witt’s work on kephele in this article: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/fleshofmyflesh/2023/01/headship-in-1-corinthians-a-source-of-misunderstanding/ 
 
The Septuagint uses the Hebrew word for “head” (rosh), meaning a literal head, when the translators invariably translated rosh into kephalē. However in Hebrew, like in English, “head” can also mean a leader or ruler. In the instances where rosh meant a leader the translators did not use the word kephalē in their translation; instead, they typically used the Greek word archōn, which does mean ruler or leader. It seems that most of the translators of the Septuagint knew that kephalē does not usually mean leader, ruler, or person in authority. 
 
Ephesians 5:21-33 
Originally there was no verb in Ephesians 5:22. The earliest manuscripts of Ephesians 5:22 (including Vaticanus) do not include the verb “submit.” Nor does its citations by Clement of Alexandria (Stromata 4.8.64), Origen, and Theodore of Mopsuestia. Jerome even writes that in Greek manuscripts verse 22 never repeats the verb “submit” from verse 21. 
 
For more on women ordination in the early church see https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/ordained-women-patristic-era/

Pastor Matthew Stevenson (lvahs.org) invited X44's Matt Mouzakis to have a conversation about women in ministry aimed at equipping pastors to answer questions on the topic. 

Language of Complementarian
See https://www.patheos.com/blogs/jesuscreed/2015/03/02/revisionist-history-on-the-term-complementarian/ and https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/genesis-confusion/ for a summary of the history of the language surrounding this issue. 

1 Tim 2:11-14
 Matt M. misspoke about the parsing of the greek tense of epitrepo (I do not permit). The tense is present active indicative. The reason behind the interpretation of “at this time” is due to the use of epitrepo in the rest of scripture where it is always in the context of a local vs. universal situation. “At this time” is based on the context and this grammatical information. See https://margmowczko.com/1-timothy-212-and-1-corinthians-1434-epitrepo/. Scholars such as Philip Payne (Man and Women one in Christ), Craig Keener (IVP Bible Ba

Women in Ministry? Conversation with Pastor Matthew Stevenson Lakeview Assembly (Hot Springs AR)

Before our series on James, we began to look at the “5 fold gifts”. We did an episode on apostleship and today we’re going to look at prophetic ministry. But first let’s look at Eph 4 and the context for these 5 gifts. 
 
Eph 4:11-13 
 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 
 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 
 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 
 
Some things we talked about in the apostleship episode about this text were: 
• These are functions and not offices. They are gifts not “roles” 
• The scope of this text is about the equipping of the body. It is zoomed in on gifts that equip but not elevating them over others. 
• Everyone has an aspect of all these gifts within them but most are strong in one of these areas. 
• The goal is for the body of Christ to be whole and mature, to be united in faith, and full of the knowledge of God. 
 
Prophet 
 
To figure out what the gift of prophecy looks like today we need to look at what the prophets did in scripture. 
 
Foretelling or Forthtelling? 
Foretelling 
• This is the common wester view of prophecy. It’s usually about predicting the future. It’s all about telling future events. 
o Even when dealing with future events, often it was about what would happen if Israel didn’t turn back to God. Much of forthtelling was about conditional. 
• When we examine the prophetic writings in scripture we see that the vast majority of all prophecy is directed at the present and not at the future… It’s not foretelling- it’s forthtelling 
o Obviously there’s some foretelling in the prophets of the future- Of Jesus 
o How much of prophetic ministry today is about the future if Jesus has come? 
 
Forthtelling (Or exhortation) 
• This is simply speaking forth God’s word and encouraging others to follow it. 
• This is different from teaching/preaching as it is revelation from God into present situations. It is not exposition of the scripture but the exhortation should never contradict scripture. 
 
In the OT the prophets were mainly covenant enforcers rather than ones who looked into a crystal ball and saw the future (divination?) 
• The main point of OT prophecy was about calling God’s people back into covenant faithfulness and the same is true for those today who have the gift of prophecy.

Before our series on James, we began to look at the “5 fold gifts”. We did an episode on apostleship and today we’re going to look at prophetic ministry. But first let’s look at Eph 4 and the context for these 5 gifts. 

Eph 4:11-13
 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

Some things we talked about in the apostleship episode about this text were:
• These are functions and not offices. They are gifts not “roles”
• The scope of this text is about the equipping of the body. It is zoomed in on gifts that equip but not elevating them over others. 
• Everyone has an aspect of all these gifts within them but most are strong in one of these 

THE CHURCH SERIES PART 17 PROPHETS: Expedition 44 Theology

James 5 
 
James 5:1-6 
James begins with a scathing reprimand against the rich in his congregation for trusting in their possessions. James continues his message to the rich from chapter 4 and tells them to weep and wail over their riches. 
 
“in these last days you have stored up your treasure” 
Last days was a common way to talk about the time after Jesus rose from the dead. (Acts 2:17; 2 Tim. 3:1; Heb. 1:2; 2 Pet. 3:3; 1 John 2:18; Jude 18 all use “last days” to talk about their present day.) 
 
Workers and wages 
The law of Moses forbade withholding wages, even overnight; if the injured worker cried out to God, God would avenge him (Deut 24:14–15; cf., e.g., Lev 19:13; Prov 11:24; Jer 22:13; Mal 3:5). 
 
The rich have fattened hearts for the day of slaughter 
The picture here is of the rich being fattened like cattle for the day of their own slaughter (cf., e.g., Jer 12:3; Amos 4:1–3); similar imagery appears in parts of the early apocalyptic work 1 Enoch (94:7–11; 96:8; 99:6). As often in the Old Testament (Amos 6:4–7), the sin in verse 5 is not exploitation per se (as in v. 4) but a lavish lifestyle while others go hungry or in need. 
James is saying that it is not the workers who are against the rich, but God himself is. They have lived in luxury while the poor starve from not being paid and God is pissed. 
 
James 5:7-12 
James returns to his opening argument about trials and addressed the poor telling them to have perseverance. 
 
James is telling the poor to leave vengeance to the Lord. This is part of wisdom and found throughout the psalms and proverbs as well as Paul in Romans 12:19-21 
 
Prophets and Job 
The prophets often suffered for doing what God called them to do. God is calling them to be patient and allow Him to repay. 
The whole structure of the book of Job was probably meant to encourage Israel after the exile; although God’s justice seemed far away and they were mocked by the nations, God would ultimately vindicate them and end their captivity. Again, James is telling the audience to rest in God’s Character (v11)- The Lord who is full of compassion and Mercy (Ex 34:6-7) 
 
Oaths 
It is obvious that James is quoting Jesus in Matthew 5:33-37 here in verse 12. 
Many commentators bring up the zealot oath when commenting on this verse in James. 
Craig Blomberg says: “Oaths can force us into behavior that does not glorify God.” 
 
James 5:13-20 
James’ call to nonresistance doesn’t mean he’s calling the church to pretend that these things don’t matter. God is a God of justice. James calls his church to fight…. In prayer and in care for one another. 
 
Confession and prayer 
Protestants get a little worried about confession. But here James commands it. We are called to confess to each other (not to a priest necessarily). We have the tendency to make this just a thing between us and God. The emphasis here is on community. Confess to each other, pray for each other. Vulnerability and accountability is so important in our growth as disciples. The Body of Christ is need to grow up into the fullness of Christ in each one of us. Confession also brings restoration between factions in the Body 
 
Conclusions: 
James warns about putting trust in the things of this world such as riches. Even more he warns against the neglect of the needy. 
 
When we are in trials we are to count it joy and have endurance. In this endurance we are to take on the mind of Christ and leave revenge to the Lord. He will bring justice. It is not our job to use violent resistance. 
 
Instead, we are to resist through prayer and confession. This will bring unity to the Body of Christ and form us into the people we are called to be. Prayer also opens us up to the power of God so that we can be used to bring healing and restoration to others.

James 5

James 5:1-6
James begins with a scathing reprimand against the rich in his congregation for trusting in their possessions.  James continues his message to the rich from chapter 4 and tells them to weep and wail over their riches. 

“in these last days you have stored up your treasure”
Last days was a common way to talk about the time after Jesus rose from the dead. (Acts 2:17; 2 Tim. 3:1; Heb. 1:2; 2 Pet. 3:3; 1 John 2:18; Jude 18 all use “last days” to talk about their present day.)

Workers and wages
The law of Moses forbade withholding wages, even overnight; if the injured worker cried out to God, God would avenge him (Deut 24:14–15; cf., e.g., Lev 19:13; Prov 11:24; Jer 22:13; Mal 3:5). 

The rich have fattened hearts for the day of slaughter
The picture here is of the rich being fattened like cattle for the day of their own slaughter (cf., e.g., Jer 12:3; Amos 4:1–3); similar imagery appears in parts of the early apocalyptic work 1 Enoch (94:7–11; 96:8; 99:6). As often in

James Chapter 5 (Part 6) Expedition 44

James 4 
 
James 4:1-12 is an extension of James 3:13-18. James is addressing the zealot and revolutionary mindset in the church which is framed as wisdom from below which is worldly, demonic, and natural (fleshly). Rather than the wisdom from above which is about peacemaking. 
 
Friendship with the world (v1-5) 
Fighting vs. peacemaking 
 The point is that God will not share his people with the world. He expect them also to be faithful and not adulterous with the world systems. Going after the things of the world is to worship another god 
 
The solution: Prayer and humility (v6-10) 
Humility was a central characteristic of Jesus- not pride or power seeking. It was power under and not over. The zealot mindset was rooted in pride thinking it was God’s will yet it looked nothing like Jesus and the way of humility. 
Prayer forms us a seems to be the way that we overcome this 
Prayer is more than asking God for things. James says to ask with God’s motives in mind. He also says to draw near. Prayer also resists the evil one (Lord’s prayer) …Prayer does all of this. It aligns us with God and his heart. It helps detach us from the world. 
 
Disunity and Judgement (v11-12) 
James now turns in 11-12 to addressing violent speech. He just dealt with motivations and actions and now goes to speech rooted in the heart. 
 
Prov 6:16-19 
Disunity in the church is proof we are more like the world than like Jesus 
 
James 4:13-17 
Those tending towards the zealot mindset were likely those being oppressed (the poor). Now James turn more towards the rich but still riffing on the topic of wisdom from above vs. the world. He’s specifically targeting materialism and individualism and how it leads to putting trust in ourselves and not in God. Likewise, making our own plans rather than seeking God’s path. 
 
Conclusions: 
This section is an expansion of the contrast of the Wisdom of God vs. the wisdom of the world. 
· The world’s wisdom is self-seeking, God’s wisdom is focused on others and rooted in God’s character 
· The world seeks power over others, God’s way is power under (power through serving) 
· The world’s way is pride, God’s way is humility 
· The world trusts in its possessions and selfish ambition, those who trust in God seek His provision and plan.

James 4

James 4:1-12 is an extension of James 3:13-18. James is addressing the zealot and revolutionary mindset in the church which is framed as wisdom from below which is worldly, demonic, and natural (fleshly).  Rather than the wisdom from above which is about peacemaking. 

Friendship with the world (v1-5)
Fighting vs. peacemaking
 The point is that God will not share his people with the world. He expect them also to be faithful and not adulterous with the world systems. Going after the things of the world is to worship another god

The solution: Prayer and humility (v6-10)
Humility was a central characteristic of Jesus- not pride or power seeking. It was power under and not over. The zealot mindset was rooted in pride thinking it was God’s will yet it looked nothing like Jesus and the way of humility. 
Prayer forms us a seems to be the way that we overcome this
Prayer is more than asking God for things. James says to ask with God’s motives in mind. He also says to draw near. Praye

James Chapter 4 (Part 5) Expedition 44

Dr Ryan from Expedition 44 interviews Mega church pastor Josh Amstutz of the faith experiment (God)

James 3 connects to the theme of wisdom in James 1:5-8 of seeking wisdom and not being double minded. James 1:19 speaking of wisdom as being slow to speak and the expansion of it in James 1:26 where James talks about the tongue and the one who does not bridle it having worthless religion because his heart is deceived. 
 
Psalms of Solomon 12:1-5 
1 Lord, deliver my soul from a lawbreaking and wicked man, 
from a tongue that breaks the law and whispers and speaks false and deceitful things. 
2 The words of the tongue of an evil man are in diversity of twisting. 
Just like a fire lighting up its beauty among a people 
3 is its exile, to fill houses with a lying tongue; 
for lawbreakers to cut down trees of burning merriment, 
4 to demolish lawbreaking houses in battle with whispering lips. 
May God remove the lips of lawbreakers from the innocent in perplexity, 
and may the bones of the whisperers be scattered by those who fear the Lord; 
5 may a slanderous tongue be destroyed by the holy ones with the fire of flame.

James 3 connects to the theme of wisdom in James 1:5-8 of seeking wisdom and not being double minded.  James 1:19 speaking of wisdom as being slow to speak and the expansion of it in James 1:26 where James talks about the tongue and the one who does not bridle it having worthless religion because his heart is deceived. 

Psalms of Solomon 12:1-5
1 Lord, deliver my soul from a lawbreaking and wicked man, 
from a tongue that breaks the law and whispers and speaks false and deceitful things. 
2 The words of the tongue of an evil man are in diversity of twisting. 
Just like a fire lighting up its beauty among a people 
3 is its exile, to fill houses with a lying tongue; 
for lawbreakers to cut down trees of burning merriment, 
4 to demolish lawbreaking houses in battle with whispering lips. 
May God remove the lips of lawbreakers from the innocent in perplexity, 
and may the bones of the whisperers be scattered by those who fear the Lord; 
5 may a slanderous tongue be destroyed by the holy

JAMES SERIES PART 4 Chapter 3 Expedition 44 Biblical Theology

https://www.nokingbutchristnetwork.com 
 
The network of Christian media makers proclaiming that there is no king but Christ Jesus. A hub of content to help you draw closer to Him through exploring what it is to proclaim Jesus alone as king over your life. 
 
 
The Bad Roman 
https://www.youtube.com/@thebadroman9938 
https://www.thebadroman.com 
https://open.spotify.com/show/7cTGH924R62n6pheR9Nesd?si=4946e2f26595496d 
 
Rival Nations 
https://www.rivalnations.org 
 
Expedition 44 
https://expedition44.com

https://www.nokingbutchristnetwork.com

The network of Christian media makers proclaiming that there is no king but Christ Jesus. A hub of content to help you draw closer to Him through exploring what it is to proclaim Jesus alone as king over your life.


The Bad Roman
https://www.youtube.com/@thebadroman9938
https://www.thebadroman.com
https://open.spotify.com/show/7cTGH924R62n6pheR9Nesd?si=4946e2f26595496d

Rival Nations
https://www.rivalnations.org

Expedition 44
https://expedition44.com

No King But Christ Network- The Bad Roman, Rival Nations, Expedition 44

Doc Ryan with Expedition 44 
 
James expands on James 1:9-11 here and deals with the sin of favoritism. 
 Favoritism (prosopolempsia) literally means to “lift up face” or to “receive face”. It describes the basis 
of receiving someone based on external appearance. 
 It’s also interesting to note that 2:1 is the last time we see Jesus mentioned in this epistle. 
 The big idea here is that our faith leads us to not treat certain people better than others. In the rest of 
this chapter James will get at faith and actions of love being 2 sides of the same coin. 
 
Conclusions- Paul vs. James… 
o It has been argued that James and Paul are talking about 2 different points of faith. Paul is talking 
about entrance into a community (who’s in and who’s out) and James is talking about who’s already in 
and how to live your faith. Faith results in action. 
o If this is so Paul is saying trust is what puts you in but once you are “in” you need to walk the 
journey by embodying Christ’s faithfulness (James’ POV). Trust is just the starting line. 
o James and Paul both seem to be against easy-believism. The analogy of a marriage or a friendship 
(James 2:23) is fitting… If I simply believe I am married or someone’s friend and that as far as it goes, 
simply affirming that fact- what happens? If I am married or a friend I will invest in the relationship and 
live according to that. 
o “Works” in James are work of love (The Royal Law), “Works” in Paul are works of Torah that marked 
someone out as Jewish. 
o James and Paul both affirm actions that flow out of faith (faithfulness)… true faith results in action. See 
the end of Galatian and the fruit of the Spirit, See Romans 12 and the actions and mindset that come 
along with being a living sacrifice, See all that we covered in James today. 
o James and Paul might be talking about different situations but they agree that you are saved by faith 
and works that working together in love. True faith fulfills the Royal Law.

Doc Ryan with Expedition 44

James expands on James 1:9-11 here and deals with the sin of favoritism.
 Favoritism (prosopolempsia) literally means to “lift up face” or to “receive face”. It describes the basis
of receiving someone based on external appearance.
 It’s also interesting to note that 2:1 is the last time we see Jesus mentioned in this epistle.
 The big idea here is that our faith leads us to not treat certain people better than others. In the rest of
this chapter James will get at faith and actions of love being 2 sides of the same coin.

Conclusions- Paul vs. James…
o It has been argued that James and Paul are talking about 2 different points of faith. Paul is talking
about entrance into a community (who’s in and who’s out) and James is talking about who’s already in
and how to live your faith. Faith results in action.
o If this is so Paul is saying trust is what puts you in but once you are “in” you need to walk the
journey by embodying Christ’s faithfulness (James’ PO

JAMES PART 3 CHAPTER 2 Biblical Theology Expedition 44 -Doc Ryan & Matt Mouzakis

James 1 
 
3 main points of the letter which fall under the Law of liberty/Royal Law 
· How to face trials (and their purpose) 
· Wisdom from above (not the World) 
· Love for brothers and sisters (speak in love, care for the poor, no favoritism or hierarchy) 
 
1:2-4 
Joy 
Purpose of trials 
Perfection. This is not moral perfection (watch our perfection episode). This is about wholeness. The word here is teleios- the goal. In a sacrificial context it’s something fit to offer to God. 
Completeness. Becoming fit for service in humility. 
Lacking Nothing. If we meet our testing in the right way, if day by day we develop this unswerving constancy, day by day we will live more victoriously and reach nearer to Jesus Christ himself. 
 
 
1:5-8 
Proverbs 9:10- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. 
What is wisdom? Wisdom from a biblical perspective begins with following the God who has now revealed himself in Jesus Christ 
James bases the request for wisdom in God’s character… “who gives to all generously and without reproach” 
Luke 11:11-13 
This has more to do with doubting God’s character than with doubting that God will answer them. Wisdom comes from knowing God’s nature Ex 34:6-7 
James describes this person as double minded or double souled. There is a civil war going on inside. 
 
1:9-11 
The upside-down kingdom 
 In Jesus’ teaching, Matthew and Luke’s versions of the first beatitude (Mt 5:3, Lk 6:20) combine to show that the “poor” who are blessed are both the economically marginalized and those who trust in God as their only hope. 
The rich person must look beyond his wealth. The rich in scripture are often linked to those who trust in themselves or their possession rather than God for their deliverance. 
Wealth also came with social honor and status in the Roman world. James is cutting down the notion of hierarchy in the church based on a status. 
James draws on Isaiah 40:6-8 to point out that his money and possession are temporary and will fade away. 
 
1:12-18 
Blessed 
Verses 13-15 talk about how a trial or test can turn into a temptation when faced without joy and wisdom 
James talks about the life cycle of sin. 3 stages in temptation: The first is suggestion, the second is experiment, and the third is consent. 
In V16 James says do not be deceived. Again, James is basing everything on God’s character because he continues in 17-18 to show that God is only good and the giver of good gifts. 
V18 connects our new birth to Wisdom (the word of truth) who is Jesus and our purpose in Him. 
 
1:19-26 
James returns to the topic of wisdom from above vs. worldly wisdom and applies to the love of neighbor in verses 19-27. There are 3 parts to this section: 19-21, 22-25, and 26. 
V19 introduces the section about being quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. 20-21 expounds on slow to anger, 22-25 is about being quick to hear, 26 is about being slow to speak. 
The perfect Law of liberty (James 2:8) 
James speaks about the necessity of orthopraxy (correct action) this is based in orthodoxy (correct belief). If one only has orthodoxy this is worthless religion. 
 
1:27 
James contrasts V27 with V26 and describes what pure religion (devotion and worship) looks like. James lists 2 things of what pure religion is: visiting orphans/widows and remaining unstained by the world. 
James clarifies that social justice is very important but not by itself sufficient for “true religion”. The second crucial aspect is to keep yourself unstained by the world. 
World (kosmos) is used 3 other times in James (2:5; 3:6; 4:4) and each time it is talking about the fallen world systems. 
These 2 tasks must be held in balance- serving the needy and personal/communal purity.

James 1

3 main points of the letter which fall under the Law of liberty/Royal Law
·      How to face trials (and their purpose)
·      Wisdom from above (not the World)
·      Love for brothers and sisters (speak in love, care for the poor, no favoritism or hierarchy)

1:2-4
Joy
Purpose of trials
Perfection. This is not moral perfection (watch our perfection episode). This is about wholeness. The word here is teleios- the goal. In a sacrificial context it’s something fit to offer to God.  
Completeness.  Becoming fit for service in humility. 
Lacking Nothing. If we meet our testing in the right way, if day by day we develop this unswerving constancy, day by day we will live more victoriously and reach nearer to Jesus Christ himself.


1:5-8
Proverbs 9:10- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. 
What is wisdom? Wisdom from a biblical perspective begins with following the God who has now revealed himself in Jesus Christ
James bases the request for wisdom in God’s character… “w

JAMES PART 2 CHAPTER 1 SERIES Expedition 44 Biblical Theology

James Intro (1:1) 
The Epistle of James has had a controversial history. It had a hard fight to get into the cannon of scripture especially in the west. 
· The Latin speaking church fathers never mention it until the 4th century 
· James is absent from the Muratorian Canon (170 AD), which was the first list of NT books we have in the West 
· James seemed to be a late addition in the Western Christian church 
 
The Greeks in the East accepted James early. 
· Origen was the first to quote it in the 200s and attributes it to James brother of Jesus 
· Eusebius accepted James in his list of writings but notes that he was aware that other did not. 
· Athanasius in his famous Eastern list on the Canon (which includes our exact list of NT writings) included James without question and since them it has not been questioned until the reformation. 
· Luther called James an “epistle of straw” and wanted it, along with Hebrews, Jude, and Revelation, removed from his Canon. He claimed, “it contains nothing of the gospel”. 
 
Why is James’ canonicity controversial? 
· James only mentions Jesus twice in the letter (James 1:1, 2:1) 
· Some have thought that James’ view of justification to be at odds or contradiction with Paul 
· An emphasis on action (doing) rather than mental ascent (knowing/believing). This makes trouble in reformed theology. 
 
James 1:1a 
 
Author and Date 
The Early Church credit the letter to James Jesus’ brother. Origen and Eusebius identify him as the author and as the bishop of Jerusalem. Eusebius and Josephus both report him as a martyr for the gospel. He was stoned to death around 62 AD. Many scholars date it to 62 AD shortly before his death. 
 
Bondservant 
Absolute obedience, absolute humility, absolute loyalty- All in discipleship 
 
Audience 
James 1:1b 
 
 The twelve tribes in the Diaspora has a few equally valid possible meanings. 
· The Diaspora was a common term for the 10 northern tribes (Israel) scattered by Assyria during the exile. But James writes to 12 tribes. 
· This could be Jews outside of Jerusalem. Though there were many messianic Jews at this time, this view is unlikely that this is strictly Jewish. 
· This could mean Christian- Jews outside of Palestine. Following the persecution of Stephen, the church spread out. This could be combining both the Jews of the southern tribes that returned to Israel and the norther tribes scattered in Asia Minor and beyond. 
· The phrase could have a 3rd meaning - To the Christians- the Christian Church was the true Israel. At the end of Galatians, Paul sends his blessing to the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16). Peter calls Jews and gentiles in 1 Peter Exiles. Paul calls Jews and Gentiles the one new man and inheritors of the promises (Eph 1 & 2). This notion comes through Jesus being the fulfillment of Israel and the true Jew and all those on Him are considered to be Jews. 
o James could be using this to address Christian Jews and Gentiles as “all Israel” in the Diaspora throughout the world. 
 
Circumstance and Themes 
 
James seems to be giving an exhortation to congregations outside of Jerusalem. Remember our apostle episode where we talked about the Jerusalem model of churches being planted though persecution and spreading. These are likely people who had been part of Body life with James in the past. 
· James is encouraging these Christians thought trials but he is also correcting behavior 
· James 1:2-12 outlines the main points of the letter 
o How trials lead to completeness (1:2-4) 
o Seek Wisdom from Above and not from the World (1:5-8) 
o Favoritism and social status (wealth) have no place in the Upside-down Kingdom (1:9-11) 
· James 1:13-27 takes the same 3 issue and gets more specific 
o The blame God for your trials and temptations (1:13-18) 
o True Wisdom results in action: Wise doers of the Word are contrasted with fools who use anger to bring about God’s righteousness (1:19-25) 
o True religion speaks in love and cares for the poor and outcast (1:26-27) 
· James teaches from 2 main sources: The sermon on the mount/plain and the sage wisdom of Proverbs 1-9. James is rhetorical mix of proverbs and the teachings of Jesus. 
o James 2-5 has 12 teachings that fall under the 3 categories we just covered and call the church to wholehearted devotion to the way of Jesus 
o All James teachings are grounded in what he calls the law of liberty or the Royal law: Love God & Love your Neighbor (The summary of the Torah) 
 
The Big Idea of James: 
· Be wholly devoted to God (not the World) 
· Speak in Love 
· Serve the poor

James Intro (1:1)
The Epistle of James has had a controversial history. It had a hard fight to get into the cannon of scripture especially in the west. 
·      The Latin speaking church fathers never mention it until the 4th century
·      James is absent from the Muratorian Canon (170 AD), which was the first list of NT books we have in the West
·      James seemed to be a late addition in the Western Christian church

The Greeks in the East accepted James early. 
·      Origen was the first to quote it in the 200s and attributes it to James brother of Jesus 
·       Eusebius accepted James in his list of writings but notes that he was aware that other did not. 
·      Athanasius in his famous Eastern list on the Canon (which includes our exact list of NT writings) included James without question and since them it has not been questioned until the reformation. 
·      Luther called James an “epistle of straw” and wanted it, along with Hebrews, Jude, and Revelation, removed from his Ca

SERIES ON THE EPISTLE OF JAMES INTRODUCTION - Expedition 44 Dr. Will Ryan and Matt Mouzakis

Doc Ryan and Matt Mouzakis with Expedition 44 
 
Over the next few episodes, we’ll be diving into 5 gifts that many call the 5-fold ministry or 5-fold giftings. There are traditions that take these 5 (APEST-Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd/Pastor, Teacher) as offices in Ephesians 4:11. This is difficult to support in the context of the passage where Christ is giving gifts to his church. 
 
What is an Apostle? 
· Apostle simply means “sent one”. They were ambassadors or emissaries who carried teachings and messages of a king or religious leader/sect 
· Apostle was a not a religious word in the ancient world. Caesar had Apostles that were sent around the Roman empire to help spread the Roman culture and the Roman way of life. 
· In Judaism the ones sent from the temple out to the diaspora synagogues to collect the temple tax were called “apostles” 
· It was simply one who was sent with a message or mission. It was a task or function. Though in the world it may be an office we don’t see much evidence of that in the church. 
 
Jesus’ mission and message to His Apostles 
Matt 28:18-20 
 
· The Jerusalem Model—A group of apostolic workers spends years raising up one large church. After a number of years, the church is transplanted into many different cities, thus creating many new churches. The workers visit those new churches and lay fresh foundations for them. 
· The Antioch Model—Apostolic workers are sent out from a local church to plant new churches in new cities. The workers leave those churches in their infancy but give periodic help and encouragement as they mature. 
· The Ephesian Model—An older worker resides in a particular city to plant a new church and train younger workers. He then sends those workers out to plant new churches in nearby regions. 
· The Roman Model—Christians from many different churches transplant themselves into a particular city to establish one new church. 
 
Teamwork 
There is also always a sense of teamwork in apostolic ministry and that it is done in 2s 
 
The “Worker” and the “Work” 
The term “worker” was a favorite of Jesus (Matt 9:37-38, 20:1-2, Luke 10:2,7) Paul used it in his letters (1 Cor 3:9, 2 Cor 6:1, 11:13, Col 4:11). Luke refers to the planting and nurturing of congregations (not buildings) as “the work” 
 
Apostolic Office? 
The question is this an office and thus does it have “authority” over churches? Or must one have some sort of “apostolic covering”? 
o Paul didn’t Lord over those in the churches he planted but he wanted to “persuade” them of the truth and God’s will. 
o Paul’s 2 favorite words for this concept were parakalein and erotao. These words are not imperial edicts but one means “to make an appeal” and the other is “a request between equals”. 
o Paul refrained from using epitage (commandment) to charge obedience to himself. Instead, he urged, beseeched, appealed, pleaded, and asked of the churches he ministered in. This is the tone of cooperation. 
§ Evidence of this is in- Rom. 12:1; 15:30; 16:2, 17; 1 Cor. 1:10; 4:16; 16:12, 15; 2 Cor. 2:8; 5:20; 6:1; 8:6; 9:5; 10:1–2; 12:18; Gal. 4:12; Eph. 3:13; 4:1; Phil. 4:2–3; 1 Thess. 2:3, 11; 4:1, 10; 5:12, 14; 2 Thess. 2:1; 3:14–15; 1 Tim. 1:3; 2:1; Philem. 9–10, 14) 
§ On rare occasions he did charge (paraggello) obedience to the things that he had written (1 Thess. 4:11; 2 Thess. 3:4, 6, 10, 14). But the object of obedience was not Paul as a person. It was Christ whose mind he was expressing at the time. Paul charged people to have obedience to Christ rather than himself (Rom. 1:5; 16:19, 26; 2 Cor. 2:9; Phil. 2:12). 
§ “Not that we have dominion over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy” 2 Cor. 1:24 
 
The apostle is: 
o An itinerant worker 
o Plants churches 
o Teaches the church to live under the gospel 
o Equips the church to serve each other and Christ 
o Leaves that church functioning as an organic community 
o Is available for support but is not part of the congregation 
o Not an office of the church but an essential function and gifting to further the Kingdom of God

Doc Ryan and Matt Mouzakis with Expedition 44

Over the next few episodes, we’ll be diving into 5 gifts that many call the 5-fold ministry or 5-fold giftings. There are traditions that take these 5 (APEST-Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd/Pastor, Teacher) as offices in Ephesians 4:11. This is difficult to support in the context of the passage where Christ is giving gifts to his church.  

What is an Apostle?
·      Apostle simply means “sent one”. They were ambassadors or emissaries who carried teachings and messages of a king or religious leader/sect
·      Apostle was a not a religious word in the ancient world. Caesar had Apostles that were sent around the Roman empire to help spread the Roman culture and the Roman way of life. 
·      In Judaism the ones sent from the temple out to the diaspora synagogues to collect the temple tax were called “apostles”
·      It was simply one who was sent with a message or mission. It was a task or function. Though in the world it may be an 

The Church Series PART 16 APOSTLES - Expedition 44 Biblical Theology Apostleship

Doc Ryan and Matt interview Michael Gaddy on Christianity and the Constitution. 
 
Michael Gaddy worked in national intelligence and with source documents in the national archives related to the founding of the United States. He is a walking history book and has a passion for teaching real history based on the facts of these source documents. Much of the content of this interview will challenge the narrative of what you were taught in history class in school.

Doc Ryan and Matt interview Michael Gaddy on Christianity and the Constitution. 

Michael Gaddy worked in national intelligence and with source documents in the national archives related to the founding of the United States. He is a walking history book and has a passion for teaching real history based on the facts of these source documents. Much of the content of this interview will challenge the narrative of what you were taught in history class in school.

Expedition 44 Interview with Michael Gaddy on American Nationalism Christianity and the Constitution

A fascinating look at what will increase spiritual power in your life and ministry. 
 
In 48 Laws of Spiritual Power, best-selling author Frank Viola lays out the unchanging principles of tapping into God’s power and releasing it to serve others. These laws (principles) are based on over thirty years of ministry experience—trench-tested in Frank’s life and the lives of others who have spent decades in ministry. 
 
Though these laws may seem counterintuitive and uncommon, they will equip you to look for God’s power in your ministry. In short, digestible chapters packed with secrets of effective and impactful ministry, 48 Laws of Spiritual Power will equip you with what you need for your ministry to thrive. With straight-to-the-point insights, the book provides a unique perspective on God’s work and practical tools for overcoming the inevitable hardships that are part of any ministry. 
 
As the author says, 
 
“Anyone who has read my work knows that I’m highly allergic to legalism. So when I refer to the ‘laws’ of God’s power, I’m not using the term ‘laws’ to mean ‘rules.’ Instead, I’m using it to refer to unchanging principles, as in the ‘law’ of gravity. 
 
This is not a book that will teach you how to zap demons and do great wonders and eat cucumbers (as my old friend’s mother used to put it). 
 
There are hundreds of books on that subject. 
 
48 Laws of Spiritual Power is quite different. It covers the waterfront on the ‘laws’ (principles) that govern God’s power in all aspects of ministry and service. 
 
The book contains 40 years of lessons I’ve unearthed in serving the Lord in many different contexts – lessons born out of failure, success, highs, lows, blood, sweat, tears, and even laughs (mostly at myself).” 
 
48 Laws of Spiritual Power will: 
 
Help you access God’s power in your personal life and release it in the lives of others 
Introduce you to uncommon wisdom that is rarely talked about in seminary or Bible college 
Give you a fresh look at how to transform your ministry with the power God is ready to grant you 
The key to effective ministry is God’s power. 
 
“With 48 Laws of Spiritual Power, Viola has released another amazing book. The advice it contains is clear and full of practical insights. An absolutely essential read for anyone who is in ministry, either full-time, part-time, or spare-time. As the author says in the opening, “If you are in Christ, your entire life is a mission trip.” Organized in short digestible chapters and intriguing illustrations, Viola’s arresting conversational style is sure to keep you glued to the end. This is an important book that will navigate all Christians – especially leaders – on how to access God’s power in every aspect of their mission.” – Christian Book Reviews

A fascinating look at what will increase spiritual power in your life and ministry. 

In 48 Laws of Spiritual Power, best-selling author Frank Viola lays out the unchanging principles of tapping into God’s power and releasing it to serve others. These laws (principles) are based on over thirty years of ministry experience—trench-tested in Frank’s life and the lives of others who have spent decades in ministry.

Though these laws may seem counterintuitive and uncommon, they will equip you to look for God’s power in your ministry. In short, digestible chapters packed with secrets of effective and impactful ministry, 48 Laws of Spiritual Power will equip you with what you need for your ministry to thrive. With straight-to-the-point insights, the book provides a unique perspective on God’s work and practical tools for overcoming the inevitable hardships that are part of any ministry.

As the author says,

“Anyone who has read my work knows that I’m highly allergic to legalism. So when I re

Expedition 44 interview with Viola Frank 48 Laws Of Spiritual Power

We explored in our church leadership episode that Church leadership should look different than the world. Today we are looking at the concept of oversight. In the Modern church we see this consisting of mainly Pastors, Deacons, and Elders. Today we’ll just be looking at deacons and elders as we’ll be covering the pastor in the 5-fold ministry episodes coming up. 
 
The Worship Space and History of Ecclesial Hierarchy 
It is a historical fact that churches met in houses up and met in circles (or squares) face to face until the Constantinian shift. Following this entanglement and merge we see churches beginning to meet in buildings that were very similar to the pagan temples if not repurposing the pagan temples. 
 
A lot of our thoughts of leadership and church rule derives from a stage and positions of prominence based on the basilica format of the church building. Rather than a circle of equal believers we now have a hierarchy which occupies a stage and the location of the pulpit and altar equals power and authority which God never intended. Even today this plays into the elevating of certain people who stand on the stage over other brothers and sisters. 
 
 
Words of Positional Authority 
 
• arche (a rank-and-file leader, head, or ruler) 
• time (an officer or dignitary) 
• telos (the inherent power of a ruler or tribute to a ruler) 
• archisunagogos (a synagogue official) 
• hazzan (a public leader or worship) 
• taxis (a post, position, or rank) 
• hierateia (a priest’s office) 
• archon (a ruler or chief) 
 
Yet not even one of these is used of any leader in the NT church in the Bible. The favorite term used of those providing oversight is diakonos from which we get deacon, but it means servant or table-waiter. 
 
What is an Elder? 
1 Tim 3:1-7 
Titus 1:5-11 
1 Peter 5:1-8 
Hebrews 13:7, 17 
1 Tim 5:17-22 
 
“Appointing Elders” 
One thing lacking when you look at the NT is the appointing of elders at the planting of the church. The apostle might stay for a little while but usually he’d plant the church, train, and return at a later time to “recognize” elders- those who were mature in the Lord. 
 
Who does Paul address in his Epistles to? 
If Elder was a position of hierarchy and authority you’d think that Paul would address his epistles to the “leaders”- the pastors and elders or deacons or bishops - but he never does. 
 
What is a Deacon? 
Acts 6:1-6 
1 Tim 3:8-13 
Romans 16:1-2 
 
Decision making in the Early Church 
Acts 15:22-26 
 
All in all, the New Testament knows nothing of an authoritative mode of leadership. Nor does it know a “leaderless” individualism. It rejects both hierarchical structures as well as rugged individualism. Instead, the New Testament envisions leadership as coming from the entire church. The brothers and sisters supply direction and decision-making by consensus. Seasoned brothers and sisters supply oversight. In this way, the early churches were guided democracies. Decision-making was communal. It stood between hierarchical structures on the one hand and individualism on the other. Elders and leaders were called to exercise pastoral oversight in the context of mutual subjection rather than in a hierarchical structure of subordination. 
 
Elder Conclusions 
o Elders were simply old and wise person of character 
o They had the function of teaching and discipling the less mature brothers and sisters in a motherly/fatherly mentoring role and the mature in an iron sharpening iron role 
o They eldered, shepherded, and oversaw… this was their character, function, and gifting not their office. 
o They are among the flock not over the flock 
o All language of positional authority is absent when talking of eldering in the NT 
 
 
Deacon Conclusions 
o Deacon-ing was complete service and servanthood, void of positional power. 
o They do good works in the public eye that reflect back on the body of Christ and Christ himself so they must be of Christlike character and good reputation. 
o They are servant ambassadors.

We explored in our church leadership episode that Church leadership should look different than the world. Today we are looking at the concept of oversight. In the Modern church we see this consisting of mainly Pastors, Deacons, and Elders. Today we’ll just be looking at deacons and elders as we’ll be covering the pastor in the 5-fold ministry episodes coming up. 

The Worship Space and History of Ecclesial Hierarchy
It is a historical fact that churches met in houses up and met in circles (or squares) face to face until the Constantinian shift. Following this entanglement and merge we see churches beginning to meet in buildings that were very similar to the pagan temples if not repurposing the pagan temples. 

A lot of our thoughts of leadership and church rule derives from a stage and positions of prominence based on the basilica format of the church building. Rather than a circle of equal believers we now have a hierarchy which occupies a stage and the location of the pulpit and alta

Expedition 44 Church Series Part 15: Church Oversight (Elders and Deacons) Biblical Theology

INTRODUCTION – Election day is NOV 8 (less than a month away) 
• “AMERICAN CONVERSATION” Apology to the 25% of our international viewers 
• “Should Christians vote or be involved in politics?” Questions like these evoke very strong opinions from people as some people feel Christian involvement constitutes spiritual harlotry, while others see it as their moral duty to be “salt and light”. 
• the Bible doesn’t give direct exegetical answers to these questions that are good for every situation over the next several thousand years. Therefore, answering these questions requires us to reason our answers from Biblical wisdom understanding the culture and audience the text was written to and attempting to apply what we learn to our own situations. 
• Scriptures: Romans 13, I Peter 2, 1 Sam 8, Rev 13 
• Lastly, all of us are of the “ALL IN FOR THE KINGDOM” mindset. I would even say that we are stretching to fit Jesus definition of wholly devoted disciples. 
• We aren’t just fans or followers we are attaining to be sold out all in disciples. 
QUESTION 1 OVERVIEW: 
Should Christians vote? 
 
QUESTION 2 Are you liable or in union with the person you vote for whether they make it or not? If you don’t vote do you still have a right to be upset? 
 
QUESTION 3 Is voting a spiritual privilege or duty or is it traitorous (A SIN) to Jesus’ kingdom? 
QUESTION 4 At what point do you shake the dust from your sandals or wash your hands of an un-Godly government?

INTRODUCTION – Election day is NOV 8 (less than a month away)
• “AMERICAN CONVERSATION” Apology to the 25% of our international viewers
• “Should Christians vote or be involved in politics?” Questions like these evoke very strong opinions from people as some people feel Christian involvement constitutes spiritual harlotry, while others see it as their moral duty to be “salt and light”. 
• the Bible doesn’t give direct exegetical answers to these questions that are good for every situation over the next several thousand years. Therefore, answering these questions requires us to reason our answers from Biblical wisdom understanding the culture and audience the text was written to and attempting to apply what we learn to our own situations. 
• Scriptures: Romans 13, I Peter 2, 1 Sam 8, Rev 13
• Lastly, all of us are of the “ALL IN FOR THE KINGDOM” mindset. I would even say that we are stretching to fit Jesus definition of wholly devoted disciples. 
• We aren’t just fans or followers we ar

EXPEDITION 44 -THE CHURCH SERIES PART 14: Voting and Government with Dr. Steve Cassell

Doc Ryan and Matt Mouzakis with Expedition 44 
 
We started with the 7 churches of Revelation to look at some of the things that Jesus wants in a church and to identify some of the mindsets of “Babylon” which are anti-church. 
 
This series will be looking at the concepts a church leadership and then what many people consider to be the “offices” that comprise that leadership structure. But the glaring question we need to ask is “Are these offices or simply people using their god given gifts?” 
 
Today’s leadership structures in the church are based on the contemporary hierarchical and positional mindset. By contrast we would believe that the New Testament vision is that of a functional mindset. Positional thinking is hung up on nouns, while functional thinking stresses verbs. 
 
Jesus on Hierarchy and Positional Authority 
Matt 20:25-28; Luke 22:25-26; Matt 23:8-12 
Jesus comes against both the worldly view of hierarchical power and the religious view of positional authority. Why? Because they stunt the organic nature of his body. They impede the functioning of the gifts when just the “professionals” do all the “kingdom work”. And they create a 2-class system in the church. 
 
No King but Christ 
1 Sam 8 
The text is about Israel rejecting God and wanting to be like the world. There can be applications in this for both the world and the church. Originally the people of Israel were called to be a kingdom of priests with Yahweh as their king. The church is given this same calling- a kingdom of priests with God as their king, Israel is a type and shadow of the church today. It was never God’s plan for humans to rule over other humans. We often want early rulers in the forms of government leaders and also in the church in the forms of “church leadership/pastors/bishops/etc. The placement of a human positional authority over God’s people is equal to a rejection of God and worship of other gods according to the text (v7-8). 
 
Submission 
Eph 5:21 
Biblical submission has nothing to do with hierarchy, control, or power. It is simply a voluntary yielding to one another. 
The biblical word to submit is hypotasso. It does not mean to obey. Hypakouo is the word for obey and it is never used in the NT for any leader in the church or even of the government. The only one we obey is God. 
 
Authority (exousia) has to do with the communication of power. Scripture teaches that God is the sole source of all authority (Rom. 13:1). And this authority has been vested in His Son (Matt. 28:18; John 3:30–36; 17:2). All authority belongs to Jesus. 
 
Authority is organic and based on character, spiritual gifts, and maturity. 
1 Cor 16:15-18; Phil 2:29-30; 1 Thes 5:12-13; 1 Tim 5:17; Heb 13:7; 1 Pet 5:5 
 
Spiritual Covering 
Covering is only mentioned one time in the NT and is grossly misinterpreted. 
1 Cor 11:10-12 
An important linguistic note is that “a symbol of” is not in the text. It’s not saying that a veil is a sign of being under someone’s “covering”. The Greek is specific here that a women has authority over her own head. “Authority” is in the grammatical feminine as well as “head”. Meaning the authority belongs to the one whose head the are talking about (the women). It’s saying that the women are on equal standing in the church. Verses 11-12 confirm this… women and man are dependent on each other and all things are under God. God is the only authority 
 
The bible consistently consigns accountability to God (Matt. 12:36; 18:23; Luke 16:2; Rom. 3:19; 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:5; Heb. 4:13; 13:17; 1 Peter 4:5). 
So if the laymen is “covered” by the pastor who is “covered” by the denomination, mother church, or higher-ranking Christian leader. They are protected as the theory goes… but can you see where it falls apart? We need to ask who covers the mother church, denomination, or the influential leader? Some will say God covers them. 
Now do you see the bigger problem if we are the priesthood of believers? We’ve put a middleman and mediator between us and God. 
 
A better view of Leadership and Authority 
These are usually described in verbs and not nouns in the NT. It’s about gifting not offices. So, when someone is using their gift of “elder-ing”, “pastor-ing”, “teach-ing” they are displaying Christ through their gift, not their office. The power comes from Christ being displayed not the office. 
 
You will actually not find the word “office” in the Greek text. It’s been put into translations (usually the KJV) in a few places but this is not the case in the text. Rom 11:3; Rom 12:4; Titus 3:1; 1 Tim 3:10, 13

Doc Ryan and Matt Mouzakis with Expedition 44

We started with the 7 churches of Revelation to look at some of the things that Jesus wants in a church and to identify some of the mindsets of “Babylon” which are anti-church. 

This series will be looking at the concepts a church leadership and then what many people consider to be the “offices” that comprise that leadership structure. But the glaring question we need to ask is “Are these offices or simply people using their god given gifts?” 

Today’s leadership structures in the church are based on the contemporary hierarchical and positional mindset. By contrast we would believe that the New Testament vision is that of a functional mindset. Positional thinking is hung up on nouns, while functional thinking stresses verbs. 

Jesus on Hierarchy and Positional Authority
Matt 20:25-28; Luke 22:25-26; Matt 23:8-12
Jesus comes against both the worldly view of hierarchical power and the religious view of positional authority. Why? Because the

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