S-7 PEOPLE-FILES
- Torben Sondergaard - David Sons - Jose Soto - James Spencer - Maya Spinler - RC Sproul Jr - Peggy Fletcher Stack - Ginger Stahl - Glenn T Stanton - Joshua Stanton - John Starke - Todd Starnes - Tyler Staton - Mat Staver - Charles Steele Jr - Bri Stensrud - Jerry Stephenson - John Stevens - Donald Stewart -
==torben sondergaard======
Aug 7, 2023: CBN: 'Persecuted' and 'Targeted': Evangelist Torben Søndergaard Faces Deportation
Danish evangelist Torben Søndergaard now faces possible deportation after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals denied a "Petitioner's Motion for Stay of Removal" that could have freed Søndergaard from an ICE prison or led to a new trial in the immigration courts.
Danish evangelist Torben Søndergaard now faces possible deportation after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals denied a "Petitioner's Motion for Stay of Removal" that could have freed Søndergaard from an ICE prison or led to a new trial in the immigration courts.
--david sons-----------------------
June 14, 2023: Religion News Service: Ouster of Saddleback and Fern Creek from SBC over women pastors is affirmed
The appeals that reached the convention floor on the first day of the two-day meeting marked a new juncture for Southern Baptists. When the Executive Committee announced in May this would occur, its chairman, David Sons, called it “the first time in SBC history for this particular item of business to come before the Convention.”
The appeals that reached the convention floor on the first day of the two-day meeting marked a new juncture for Southern Baptists. When the Executive Committee announced in May this would occur, its chairman, David Sons, called it “the first time in SBC history for this particular item of business to come before the Convention.”
==jose soto======
José Soto is an independent researcher and writer who is passionate about the gospel. He works at the intersection of philosophy and biblical studies, investigating how the biblical story squares with our experience of reality. Besides the gospel, the nature of Scripture and biblical studies in general, his interests include history, sociology, and the philosophy of education.
Reality According to the Scriptures by Jose Soto
What is the meaning of life, and how does it relate to the Gospel? Reality According to the Scriptures by José Soto seeks to answer this question and enlighten us on God’s grand plan. It provides a glimpse into Soto’s research on the nature of God’s creation and the true purpose of life. He draws on Scripture, reputable secondary sources, and personal life experiences to present the divine message of the Gospel and redemption. It covers topics on the meaning of blessings, the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, oneness with God, and love for one another. These lessons will open your eyes to a new dimension and understanding of Christian life and existence. This is one of the best-researched works I have ever read. José Soto did a great job of compiling all this data to create a masterpiece. Each chapter builds up from the previous one, giving the narrative a smooth flow and making it easier to understand. Soto includes well-researched references and organizes everything beautifully. Apart from its amazing format and structure, it also has a life-changing message. Everyone has their views on reality and the purpose of existence. Reality According to the Scriptures presents us with a message about the part we are to play in this world. The message of redemption is that of love, hope, and purpose. What we emit into the world will reflect who we are, and if we do the will of God, we present Him to the world through our work. He lives in all of us, and no matter how far you think you have gone astray, He is always there for each one of us. This is the first volume in the series by Soto and I can't wait to read more of his work." "
-----------Reviewed By Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite; Apr 27, 2023
What is the meaning of life, and how does it relate to the Gospel? Reality According to the Scriptures by José Soto seeks to answer this question and enlighten us on God’s grand plan. It provides a glimpse into Soto’s research on the nature of God’s creation and the true purpose of life. He draws on Scripture, reputable secondary sources, and personal life experiences to present the divine message of the Gospel and redemption. It covers topics on the meaning of blessings, the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, oneness with God, and love for one another. These lessons will open your eyes to a new dimension and understanding of Christian life and existence. This is one of the best-researched works I have ever read. José Soto did a great job of compiling all this data to create a masterpiece. Each chapter builds up from the previous one, giving the narrative a smooth flow and making it easier to understand. Soto includes well-researched references and organizes everything beautifully. Apart from its amazing format and structure, it also has a life-changing message. Everyone has their views on reality and the purpose of existence. Reality According to the Scriptures presents us with a message about the part we are to play in this world. The message of redemption is that of love, hope, and purpose. What we emit into the world will reflect who we are, and if we do the will of God, we present Him to the world through our work. He lives in all of us, and no matter how far you think you have gone astray, He is always there for each one of us. This is the first volume in the series by Soto and I can't wait to read more of his work." "
-----------Reviewed By Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite; Apr 27, 2023
==james spencer======
James Spender Files
As I’ve noted elsewhere, politicians and political parties are not in the business of making disciples for Jesus Christ or glorifying God—they are focused on securing votes. To achieve this, politicians often co-opt Christian language, using terms like "Christian values," quoting Bible verses, and suggesting that America is uniquely God’s nation. Such appeals target Christian sensibilities, invoking nostalgia for a past that might seem preferable to the present. However, these appeals are often a mere appropriation of Christian language, bent to serve political ideologies. This appropriation blurs the distinction between the Church and the United States. If the Church is to engage in politics, it must do so as the people under Christ’s authority, not as mere citizens of the U.S. The problem would be easier to navigate if Christian writers and influencers weren’t amplifying this confusion. While we all make mistakes, many popular discussions of Christian political engagement lack theological depth. As a result, they adopt contemporary political narratives instead of developing a robust biblical and theological understanding. --James Spencer; Crosswalk; 3 Ways Christianity Cuts through Political Noise with Clear Hope 10/23/24
==maya spinler======
Maya Spinler Files
“What is the glory? While glory sometimes means fame, honor or praise, in scripture, it also has another meaning. It is a name that is given to God’s manifest presence. God is everywhere all the time, or omnipresent, but there are some special times where He is more tangible. I am a faithful witness that when we ask God to draw near and reveal Himself, He most certainly does. As I have been working through the grieving process, I have had indescribable encounters with God that have built up my faith and restored peace. A peace that does not say everything is perfect or well, but one that hands God the hurt and inspires an attitude of praise." --Maya Spinler: Bethel Clarion
==rc sproul jr======
RC Sproul Jr
Any Christian should agree that the civil law of any nation ought to be the civil law that God commands. The question is, does God want the law He gave to Israel to be that law? If our only other option were legal chaos, man’s law, autonomy, then of course He must want us to adopt Israel’s law. What if though, there were another law of God? What if we can at least begin to discern that law which God intended for all nations everywhere? What if said law were more clear than the quicksilver law we call natural law? God gave Moses His law for Israel, His set apart people. God gave His law for all people to those who represented all people, Adam and Noah. The laws God gave them we can rightly call “creation” law. I would argue that civil government itself is established when Noah gets off the ark, when God says that if a man sheds another man’s blood then by man his blood shall be shed. Marriage isn’t something God gave only to believers, but to all mankind in Adam. A case could be made for sabbath keeping and tithing as well. The long and the short of it is we are left with God’s law, not man’s, with that morality which ought to carry criminal penalties, and I’m happy to report, minimal government, minarchism.
--RC Sproul Jr; Legislating Morality; 9.7.23
--RC Sproul Jr; Legislating Morality; 9.7.23
==peggy fletcher stack======
Oct 21, 2022: Religion News: Best In Religion Journalism: Religion News Association Presents Its Annual Awards
Among the highlights:
Other big winners included Jack Jenkins of Religion News Service for Excellence in Religion Reporting at Large Newspapers and Wire Services, Peggy Fletcher Stack of the Salt Lake Tribune for Excellence in Religion Reporting at Small-to-Mid-sized Newspapers and PJ Grisar of The Forward for Excellence in Religion Feature Writing.
Among the highlights:
Other big winners included Jack Jenkins of Religion News Service for Excellence in Religion Reporting at Large Newspapers and Wire Services, Peggy Fletcher Stack of the Salt Lake Tribune for Excellence in Religion Reporting at Small-to-Mid-sized Newspapers and PJ Grisar of The Forward for Excellence in Religion Feature Writing.
--ginger stahl----------------------
ReStory Ministries Resources Churches and Parents on LGBTQ Issues
Flooding the altars of conferences and resource vaults of ReStory Ministries are church leaders and parents who are searching for Biblical yet compassionate ways of navigating cultural hot topics. ReStory Ministries founded by Ginger (Hahn) Stahl and several other Assemblies of God adherents affected by LGBTQ, offers an unashamedly Pentecostal perspective to equip pastors, missionaries, parents, and concerned believers on issues regarding sexuality and identity. Seiler was among the ReStory founders and now serves as its executive director. LGBTQ ideology is flooding the United States. Seiler, a U.S. missionary serving with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries and an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, calls it an epidemic that is spreading among the younger generation at an alarming rate. Parents, leaders, and Christian family members are being hit hard as they struggle to navigate this delicate issue.
(Ashley B Grant/Assemblies of God 11/29/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
Flooding the altars of conferences and resource vaults of ReStory Ministries are church leaders and parents who are searching for Biblical yet compassionate ways of navigating cultural hot topics. ReStory Ministries founded by Ginger (Hahn) Stahl and several other Assemblies of God adherents affected by LGBTQ, offers an unashamedly Pentecostal perspective to equip pastors, missionaries, parents, and concerned believers on issues regarding sexuality and identity. Seiler was among the ReStory founders and now serves as its executive director. LGBTQ ideology is flooding the United States. Seiler, a U.S. missionary serving with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries and an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, calls it an epidemic that is spreading among the younger generation at an alarming rate. Parents, leaders, and Christian family members are being hit hard as they struggle to navigate this delicate issue.
(Ashley B Grant/Assemblies of God 11/29/23)
READ MORE>>>>>
--glenn t stanton-----------------
Aug 17, 2023:
Focus on the Family promotes panic about many cultural trends. Why no panic about evangelical church trends?One of Glenn T Stanton’s goals in writing the The Myth of the Dying Church was encouraging parents who hear too much bad news about their inability to pass on their faith to their children, he said in a 2019 interview. (He did not respond to requests for comments for this article.)
Examples of his encouraging tone can be found elsewhere in his book, as when he writes, “Raising our children to hold onto a living faith is nearly guaranteed. It’s relatively simple, and any parent can do it.” Focus also prides itself on owning the libs and countering mainstream media reports, including reports on evangelical church decline. Focus’s conservative news outlet, The Daily Citizen, “provides a faith-based perspective to counter the mainstream media’s anti-Christian bias.” -Baptist News Global; Focus on the Family falsely says only liberal churches are declining 8.16.23
Focus on the Family promotes panic about many cultural trends. Why no panic about evangelical church trends?One of Glenn T Stanton’s goals in writing the The Myth of the Dying Church was encouraging parents who hear too much bad news about their inability to pass on their faith to their children, he said in a 2019 interview. (He did not respond to requests for comments for this article.)
Examples of his encouraging tone can be found elsewhere in his book, as when he writes, “Raising our children to hold onto a living faith is nearly guaranteed. It’s relatively simple, and any parent can do it.” Focus also prides itself on owning the libs and countering mainstream media reports, including reports on evangelical church decline. Focus’s conservative news outlet, The Daily Citizen, “provides a faith-based perspective to counter the mainstream media’s anti-Christian bias.” -Baptist News Global; Focus on the Family falsely says only liberal churches are declining 8.16.23
==joshua starke====================
July 7, 2023: Washington Post: Born-again Christians are less Southern Baptist than they used to be
Jews have long resisted efforts at conversion, and some who learned about the fast were not enthusiastic about it.
“To pray for us to abandon a tradition that is beloved by so many is tone deaf,” said Rabbi Joshua Stanton, an interfaith leader who works with the evangelical community.
Jews have long resisted efforts at conversion, and some who learned about the fast were not enthusiastic about it.
“To pray for us to abandon a tradition that is beloved by so many is tone deaf,” said Rabbi Joshua Stanton, an interfaith leader who works with the evangelical community.
==john starke===================
John Starke is the lead pastor of All Souls Church in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He is also an editor at the Gospel Coalition, an organization committed to renewing faith in the gospel of Christ and to reforming the ministry practices of local churches to conform fully to the Scriptures. He is married to Jena and has three children.
We Put Down Roots. Then Everything Around Us Shifted.
In reflecting on this, Pastor John Starke of New York City notes that “while the pandemic has surely exposed what is fragile in our world and in the church, it has also exposed what is in vain … [some] had been trying to build something that God had no intention of building. ”
(Hannah Anderson/Christianity Today 7/19/21)
READ MORE>>>>>
In reflecting on this, Pastor John Starke of New York City notes that “while the pandemic has surely exposed what is fragile in our world and in the church, it has also exposed what is in vain … [some] had been trying to build something that God had no intention of building. ”
(Hannah Anderson/Christianity Today 7/19/21)
READ MORE>>>>>
June 10, 2014: John Starke: Gospel Coalition: What We’re Reading This Summer
Dec 7, 2013: Huffington Post: Sally Lloyd-Jones, 'Jesus Storybook Bible' Author, Sells Over 1,000,000 Books
John Starke, pastor of New York’s All Souls Church, said he uses her children’s Bible with his four children because it gives a good overview of the Bible with quality writing and illustrations. “I think the main difference is that the book is both biblical and imaginative. Children’s books tend to err on one of those extremes,” he said. “But Sally’s book is strong on both ends.”
Dec 8, 2011: John Starke: Gospel Coalition: What’s Next for New York Churches
John Starke, pastor of New York’s All Souls Church, said he uses her children’s Bible with his four children because it gives a good overview of the Bible with quality writing and illustrations. “I think the main difference is that the book is both biblical and imaginative. Children’s books tend to err on one of those extremes,” he said. “But Sally’s book is strong on both ends.”
Dec 8, 2011: John Starke: Gospel Coalition: What’s Next for New York Churches
==todd starnes==========
Trump's Bible endorsement draws mixed reactions from Christians: 'Syncretistic expression'
Conservative Christian radio and Newsmax host Todd Starnes criticized the opposition to Trump's Bible endorsement from what he called "wokevangelicals." "President Trump urged Americans to pray, read the Bible, and familiarize themselves with the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence," he wrote on X. "The triggered response from the heathens and wokevangelicals is pitiful and sad."
(Christian Post 3/30/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Conservative Christian radio and Newsmax host Todd Starnes criticized the opposition to Trump's Bible endorsement from what he called "wokevangelicals." "President Trump urged Americans to pray, read the Bible, and familiarize themselves with the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence," he wrote on X. "The triggered response from the heathens and wokevangelicals is pitiful and sad."
(Christian Post 3/30/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==tyler staton=============
Tyler Staton is the Lead Pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, and the National Director of 24-7 Prayer USA. He is passionate about pursuing prayer--communion and conversation with God--while living deeply, poetically, and freely. Tyler believes that life is about relationship, prayer is an invitation, and justice is kinship. Tyler is the author of Praying Like Monks, Living like Fools and Searching for Enough. He lives in Portland with his wife Kirsten and children.
The Luis Palau Association and Gloo Launch a Free, First-of-its-Kind Evangelism Master Class to Christ Followers Across the U.S.
These key leaders include Christine Caine, Mark Mittelberg, Lisa Fields, Tyler Staton, Andrew and Wendy Palau, Rebecca McLaughlin, and many more. Within each episode, a keynote speaker leads the way in addressing common cultural barriers to evangelism and reveals the opportunities God has given us within those same challenges. Then, Ed and Kevin host rubber-meets-the-road conversations with vocational ministry leaders to better understand how Gospel sharing plays out in everyday life. As each episode draws to a close, viewers receive a practical challenge to engage culture in their own lives.
(Missions Box 10/19/23) READ MORE>>>>>
These key leaders include Christine Caine, Mark Mittelberg, Lisa Fields, Tyler Staton, Andrew and Wendy Palau, Rebecca McLaughlin, and many more. Within each episode, a keynote speaker leads the way in addressing common cultural barriers to evangelism and reveals the opportunities God has given us within those same challenges. Then, Ed and Kevin host rubber-meets-the-road conversations with vocational ministry leaders to better understand how Gospel sharing plays out in everyday life. As each episode draws to a close, viewers receive a practical challenge to engage culture in their own lives.
(Missions Box 10/19/23) READ MORE>>>>>
==mat staver=======================
Mathew D. "Mat" Staver, J.D., is an American lawyer and former Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) pastor who became a Southern Baptist. He is the founding member and Chairman of the Liberty Counsel law firm since 1989.
Mat Staver
"I want to take away the fear that you may have regarding tax-exempt status and political intervention. No church has ever lost its tax-exempt status for lobbying or for political intervention. The lobbying restriction came into the IRS code in 1934 and no church has ever lost its exemption for supporting or opposing local, state or federal legislation......In 1954, the political intervention restriction came into the IRS Code. It says that churches may not support or oppose candidates for office. That's an absolute prohibition, but again, no church even for that has ever lost its tax-exempt status for supporting or opposing a candidate." -- Mat Staver; Charisma; 8.18.16
--Charles steele jr---------------
Civil rights leader: Confederate emblems 'treason'
Debate about the prominence of Old South symbols reignited after the June 17 massacre of nine black worshipers at a church in Charleston, South Carolina. Charles Steele Jr., head of the Atlanta-based Southern Christian Leadership Conference, said Wednesday at the Mississippi Capitol that Confederate names should disappear from streets and structures. "The Confederacy and what it stands for is treason," he said. Steele said he believes if African-Americans had ever organized to overthrow the U.S. government, they would've been killed or deported, and the South needs to stop commemorating the Confederacy.
(Emily Webster Pettus/Hattiesburg American 7/1/15)
READ MORE>>>>>
Debate about the prominence of Old South symbols reignited after the June 17 massacre of nine black worshipers at a church in Charleston, South Carolina. Charles Steele Jr., head of the Atlanta-based Southern Christian Leadership Conference, said Wednesday at the Mississippi Capitol that Confederate names should disappear from streets and structures. "The Confederacy and what it stands for is treason," he said. Steele said he believes if African-Americans had ever organized to overthrow the U.S. government, they would've been killed or deported, and the South needs to stop commemorating the Confederacy.
(Emily Webster Pettus/Hattiesburg American 7/1/15)
READ MORE>>>>>
--bri stensrud---------------------------
June 1, 2023:
Women of Welcome is a collaborative partnership between the National Immigration Forum and World Relief, one of six faith-based agencies contracted with the US Government to resettle refugees in the country, aiming to help evangelical women understand immigration and refugee resettlement from a Biblical perspective.
As attention turns to the border with the end of Title 42 and with new policies restricting US entry for asylum-seekers, the head of the organisation says she believes those women are changing the conversation among evangelicals.
“This is why I am confident that this community of women is going to change the dynamic in the immigration space - I’m 100 per cent sure of it - because of the women who are in our community and the growth that has happened with the women in the community,” said Bri Stensrud, director of Women of Welcome.
The organisation was founded in 2017 after rhetoric around immigrants and refugees became “inflamed” and “dehumanising” during former President Donald Trump’s first campaign for office, Stensrud said. Previous polling by Lifeway Research showed evangelicals’ views about immigration were being shaped more by the media than by the Bible, she pointed out.
Research also showed evangelical women were more supportive than their male counterparts of policies impacting immigrants and refugees, said Matthew Soerens, US director of church mobilisation for World Relief. Women also expressed more ambiguity - voicing concerns about security alongside values like hospitality and compassion, Soerens said. More at Sight Magazine
Women of Welcome is a collaborative partnership between the National Immigration Forum and World Relief, one of six faith-based agencies contracted with the US Government to resettle refugees in the country, aiming to help evangelical women understand immigration and refugee resettlement from a Biblical perspective.
As attention turns to the border with the end of Title 42 and with new policies restricting US entry for asylum-seekers, the head of the organisation says she believes those women are changing the conversation among evangelicals.
“This is why I am confident that this community of women is going to change the dynamic in the immigration space - I’m 100 per cent sure of it - because of the women who are in our community and the growth that has happened with the women in the community,” said Bri Stensrud, director of Women of Welcome.
The organisation was founded in 2017 after rhetoric around immigrants and refugees became “inflamed” and “dehumanising” during former President Donald Trump’s first campaign for office, Stensrud said. Previous polling by Lifeway Research showed evangelicals’ views about immigration were being shaped more by the media than by the Bible, she pointed out.
Research also showed evangelical women were more supportive than their male counterparts of policies impacting immigrants and refugees, said Matthew Soerens, US director of church mobilisation for World Relief. Women also expressed more ambiguity - voicing concerns about security alongside values like hospitality and compassion, Soerens said. More at Sight Magazine
--JERRY STEPHENSON----------------------
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.Feb 23, 2021: Bluegrass Institute: How Many Students Were Failing in JCPS in Fall 2020?
Pastor Jerry Stephenson, a good friend of BIPPS’, by the way, took part in a Let Them Learn press conference in Louisville this morning. Let Them Learn is a fast-growing group of parents. According to a Twitter comment, Stephenson said something like 20,000 to 30,000 students in the Jefferson County Public School District (JCPS) were not being engaged. The Tweet questioned his figures Apr 9, 2015: Christian Post: Pastor Who Introduced Rand Paul Thinks Obama Is 'Angry at Christianity' and 'May Evolve' From Tradition
Pastor Jerry Stephenson who introduced Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., on Tuesday for his presidential announcement also issued a statement about President Obama's religious views that left many questioning its meaning. Stephenson spoke with The Christian Post to elaborate on that initial statement and explained why he believes Obama's angry with Christianity and could evolve away from the religion. |
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--john stevens-----------------------
April 24, 2023: Premier Christianity: Forget the national emergency alert, Christians need to sound the alarm for God’s coming judgement
The government’s new emergency system is a reminder that Christians should be a clarion call for a lost world. There will be no second chances to escape judgement when Jesus returns, says John Stevens
The government’s new emergency system is a reminder that Christians should be a clarion call for a lost world. There will be no second chances to escape judgement when Jesus returns, says John Stevens
John Stevens
Abel is presented in Hebrews 11v4 as an example of faith, implicitly in contrast to Cain who is an example of unbelief. It is important to appreciate that Hebrews 11 is using faith in a very specific sense, rather than generically. In Hebrews 11 faith is trust and confidence in God’s promise of eternal reward for perseverance. The author is exhorting his readers to persevere in their faith in Jesus so as to enter the eternal inheritance he promises. Faith trusts in the unseen (and hence not presently experienced) future, and lives sacrificially on the basis of it.
Given this understanding of faith, the author says that Abel brought God a ‘better sacrifice.’ The sacrifice is not simply better because he had faith, although faithless sacrifice would not be pleasing to God (Hebrews 11v6). The phrase ‘better’ carries the sense of ‘greater’ or ‘more.’ The author is highlighting the superiority of the offering that Abel brought because he was sure that it would result in an eternal reward.
The author of Hebrews expands on the hints in the account of Genesis 4 that indicate the nature of Abel’s superior sacrifice. It is possible that the sacrifice was superior because it was animal rather than cereal. It required shed blood, which Hebrews maintains is essential for the forgiveness of sin. Abel’s sacrifice may thus have indicated his awareness of his need for cleansing before God.
However, the text seems to highlight two other differences ahead of this. First, Cain’s offering was singular, whereas Abel’s offering was plural. Second Abel’s offering is explicitly said to have been of the ‘firstborn’ whereas Cain is not said to have brought an offering of the ‘first fruits’ of the soil.
The text, therefore, indicates that Abel’s sacrifice was more valuable and more costly than that of Cain. He made multiple offerings (all the firstborn from the flock) and he put God’s rights ahead of his own profit. Cain appears to have given God what he thought he could get away with, rather than what God is worth. Abel gave far more because he knew that he would gain something far greater in the end.
The point Hebrews is making is that Abel was willing to make a more costly sacrifice because he had faith that his act of devotion would be rewarded. Hebrews 11v6 explains the faith of Abel and Enoch. They both earnestly sought God (which means more literally that they drew near to him) and they believed that he would reward them. Abel lost his life because of his persevering faith, but he gained God’s commendation and an eternal reward. The lesson that we need to learn is that persevering faith, which results in sacrificial and costly action (such as refusing to apostatise in the face of persecution), is made possible by confident trust in the promise of eternal reward. This is the message of Hebrews 11 illustrated from multiple examples. --John Stevens; Dissenting Opinion; Exegetical Thoughts: Hebrews 11v4 - Why Was Abel's Sacrifice Better Than Cain's 5.3.23
Given this understanding of faith, the author says that Abel brought God a ‘better sacrifice.’ The sacrifice is not simply better because he had faith, although faithless sacrifice would not be pleasing to God (Hebrews 11v6). The phrase ‘better’ carries the sense of ‘greater’ or ‘more.’ The author is highlighting the superiority of the offering that Abel brought because he was sure that it would result in an eternal reward.
The author of Hebrews expands on the hints in the account of Genesis 4 that indicate the nature of Abel’s superior sacrifice. It is possible that the sacrifice was superior because it was animal rather than cereal. It required shed blood, which Hebrews maintains is essential for the forgiveness of sin. Abel’s sacrifice may thus have indicated his awareness of his need for cleansing before God.
However, the text seems to highlight two other differences ahead of this. First, Cain’s offering was singular, whereas Abel’s offering was plural. Second Abel’s offering is explicitly said to have been of the ‘firstborn’ whereas Cain is not said to have brought an offering of the ‘first fruits’ of the soil.
The text, therefore, indicates that Abel’s sacrifice was more valuable and more costly than that of Cain. He made multiple offerings (all the firstborn from the flock) and he put God’s rights ahead of his own profit. Cain appears to have given God what he thought he could get away with, rather than what God is worth. Abel gave far more because he knew that he would gain something far greater in the end.
The point Hebrews is making is that Abel was willing to make a more costly sacrifice because he had faith that his act of devotion would be rewarded. Hebrews 11v6 explains the faith of Abel and Enoch. They both earnestly sought God (which means more literally that they drew near to him) and they believed that he would reward them. Abel lost his life because of his persevering faith, but he gained God’s commendation and an eternal reward. The lesson that we need to learn is that persevering faith, which results in sacrificial and costly action (such as refusing to apostatise in the face of persecution), is made possible by confident trust in the promise of eternal reward. This is the message of Hebrews 11 illustrated from multiple examples. --John Stevens; Dissenting Opinion; Exegetical Thoughts: Hebrews 11v4 - Why Was Abel's Sacrifice Better Than Cain's 5.3.23
--donald stewart-----------------
June 14, 2023: Religion News Service: Ouster of Saddleback and Fern Creek from SBC over women pastors is affirmed
Freedom Church also had its say in front of the delegates on Tuesday, with Donald Stewart, an elder of the Florida congregation, saying in his three-minute speech that the church’s former pastor resigned and is “no longer involved in the leadership of the church.”
But Executive Committee member Dean Inserra cast doubt on whether that pastor would remain resigned. He added that the state convention and a local association in Florida “provided Freedom Church with the confirmed and admitted sexual misconduct of the individual serving as the senior pastor, yet Freedom Church took zero action.”
Freedom Church also had its say in front of the delegates on Tuesday, with Donald Stewart, an elder of the Florida congregation, saying in his three-minute speech that the church’s former pastor resigned and is “no longer involved in the leadership of the church.”
But Executive Committee member Dean Inserra cast doubt on whether that pastor would remain resigned. He added that the state convention and a local association in Florida “provided Freedom Church with the confirmed and admitted sexual misconduct of the individual serving as the senior pastor, yet Freedom Church took zero action.”
