Notebook Review (1/2017 – 10/2017)

If you know me, you know full well my obsession with notetaking and compiling notebooks. I recently learned that Leonardo DiVinci was well-known for his voracious notetaking. I have experienced blessings from this form of note-taking in life and in my studies, especially since I have preserved my notebooks from 2005 forward.

 

In this blog, I just want to review and share some of the highlights in my notes from January 2017 to October 2017, as I just had to buy a new 5 subject notebook. Quite the variety of points here so prayerfully this all comes together well and is edifying to you. It’s been quite the year – blessed, challenging, and growth producing.

 

I began my year with the desire to grow in my knowledge of “Jewish things”, namely to develop more audience relevance and understanding to my reading of the Scriptures. I began well noting weekly parshat (torah readings) and haftorah (readings from the prophets). I must admit, my journey is this regard isn’t where I had planned, however as of Rosh Hoshana (last week of September 2017), I have begun reading weekly portions from a Jewish literacy book and taking notes, as well as have begun doing Chronicles of Josephus (a review of the man and his writings) on TFC Radio “On Demand”. You can listen at https://tfcradio.org/chronicles-of-josephus/

 

Consider what 4th century Church Father and writer Eusebius said about the words of Josephus, “If anyone compares the words of our Savior with the accounts of the historian Josephus concerning the whole war, how can one fail to wonder, and to admit that the foreknowledge and the prophecy of our Savior were truly Divine and marvelously strange”.

 
I began my year noting it would be challenging and busy, so reading through John Wesley biographies were a fitting read. I launched into various opportunities to work with the youth and began preparation for my Revelation Debate which I had in March 2017. I will share the link for that debate on YouTube below. However throughout this review, I will share some notes and resources for, during, and from that debate. Here is the link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvRrX_IW0zs

 
As I look through some preparation notes I had made I was going to study out the millennium as revealed in the Book of Revelation, as well as dating issues and the purpose of the letter. My work continued with The Power of Preterism Network, because of course, I believe Preterism is bringing reform into the Body of Christ, and because within the “Preterist Movement” there is the need for clarity, healing, and strategy. Throughout the year, I produced quite a few videos on YouTube fostering this things in Preterism. You can watch the variety of those videos on my YouTube at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/user/TheEMFellowship

 
Speaking of debates, it was good to hear Travis Finley of Rethinking Revelation call Sam Frost out on his mistruths and futurist nonsense. You can read my review and find a link for the podcast at the following link, https://powerofpreterism.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/sam-stop-talking-a-review-of-the-smackdown-on-rr/

 
Besides all the studies, my notebook is full of details about all the privileged opportunities I have had throughout the year to engage the community. I was invited to participate in The Whole Child Conference which was replete with information from professionals such as doctors and the deputy police commissioner who spoke about issues with our youth and the need for fortified families. Our church, The Blue Point Bible Church, once again participated in a great multi-congregation effort called Hope Day in Brentwood, New York. I also graduated from a program called Parent Leadership Network developing a youth program called XD Youth. Much of my work with the youth, and engaging the heroin epidemic we experience on Long Island with a variety of community groups and individuals can be summed up with a quote I heard at a recent meeting, “I just want to help humans have a better time being humans”.

 
As I think that quote through I realize that pretty much sums up my goal in studying theology, dare I say the “knowledge of God” as well. Man’s innate wickedness and idolatry keeps Him from worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth, which ultimately leads to eternally fulfilling and satisfying life. 16th century reformer, John Calvin, say it best, “Man’s mind is like a store of idolatry and superstition; so much so that if a man believes his own mind it is certain that he will forsake God and forge some idol in his own mind”.
That was my goal in publishing Wicked, which came out in July 2017. You can obtain a copy and engage the details of the book at the website below. Wicked Things Explained has become a source for a weekly Scripture exhortation from the brackets in the book, further helping the reading understand things such as the Kingdom of God, Satan, Angels, and Demons, and much more from a narrative Scriptural position.
In July I had the opportunity to have a public exchange with Mr. Ed Stevens of the International Preterist Association (www.preterist.org) at the Niagara Preterist Association. It’s not secret that Mr. Stevens and I disagree on the details of the doctrine, the resurrection of the dead. Videos and more from the conference will soon be made available and made public.

 
In the meantime, I have been responding to some local criticism of Full Preterism by doing videos on YouTube called “A Full Preterist Speaks Up & Speaks Out”. Also, at The Blue Point Bible Church we have begun a challenging series titled “#ThingsChristiansSay, which is engaging topics such as the Bible, Christian attitudes, relationships, societal roles, the end times, and other secret things of God made clear through Scripture. Listen to the podcasts on TFC Radio at 8am on Sunday mornings, or visit our podcast and choose the sermon you want to listen to (www.buzzsprout.com/11630)

 
I conclude these notes thanking God for Spirit that leads me to be diligent in these things. As well as the privilege to serve by way of sharing my studies and learned knowledge. I love what Tim Keller said, “Ministry is either going to make you a far better Christian or far worse a Christian than you would have been otherwise”.

 
To God be the Glory!
-Pastor Michael Miano

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Growing in Self-Control / Shared Wisdom from Walter Mischel

A couple of months ago I shared a study I had done on 2 Peter chapter 1 in regards to being effective and productive in the use of the knowledge of God (which in turn allows us to experience the blessings and fulfilled promises of God (otherwise categorized as “life to the full”, “abundant” and or eternal” life). Namely, the continual growth in 7 specific things. You can go through that study by visiting the following link, https://mianogonewild.wordpress.com/2017/08/04/2-peter-1-growth-chart/
In my personal life I have developed a sort of system of consistent growth (akin to the style of Benjamin Franklin). What I do is, every couple weeks I pick a new growth trait from 2 Peter chapter 1 and challenge myself in to grow in that area. Many times this results in gaining shared knowledge from a book or teaching and prayerfully adding some new principles to my life. Again, as the Scripture emphasizes, these things need to be “ yours and increasing”.

So for the past 8 weeks or so (August), I focused on “self-control”. This led me to reading a book by one who is said to be an expert on the topic, Walter Mischel. The book is titled the Marshmallow Test, which details a test that was done on children and then followed through their lives, and through studies of this test, produced facts about self-control.
“The ability to delay gratification and resist temptation has been a fundamental challenge since the dawn of civilization”. What we believe is that, “….the ability to delay immediate gratification for the sake of future consequences is an acquirable cognitive skill”. Therefore, it is not that surprising to find that in studying through the lives of these students, we can analyze “…how they did or did not manage to delay gratification, unexpectedly turned out to predict much about their future lives”. “The Marshmallow Test became a tool for studying how people go from a choice to delay gratification to actually managing to wait and resist the temptation”. Therefore, in studying this principle we realize, “If the conditions that facilitate self-control, and those that undermine it, could be identified, perhaps they could be harnessed to teach people who have trouble waiting to be better at it”.

What was revealed through the study were various techniques that worked for these students in displaying self-control. Mischel remarks that, “Successful delayers created all sorts of ways to distract themselves and to cool the conflict and stress they were experiencing”. This is all so important because ultimately, What we do, and how well we control our attention in the service of our goals, becomes a part of our environment that we help create and that in turn influences us”.

Mischel goes on to explain the “Executive Function”, which is the part of our brain that which drives self-control. He notes the importance of this function aiding us in developing and keeping in mind a chosen goal, continue with goal -oriented thoughts which is a temptation reducing technique (otherwise known as “psychological distancing”). Furthermore, we must inhibit impulsive responses by what are known as “If-Then” behavior signatures (something like, if I become distracted and desire to watch tv but know I don’t want to be dumbed down by it, I will then grab a book and read outside instead).

Something that was rather encouraging to the work I do with youth, and reminded me of many of the great people I know who work with youth, was how self-control helps in developing a positive and productive youth (otherwise known my me and my co-laborers – an “eXtrmely Different youth”). Mischel notes, “…how the ability to voluntarily exercise self-restraint in pursuit of a hot goal early in life provides children with a powerful advantage that can help them succeed and maximize their potential throughout their lives”. He also noted how important the provoking, developing, and encouraging an “I think I can” mindset in the youth truly is. He noted how by use self-control and rewards, “Students who had been induced into a happy mood formed much higher expectations for their future performance, re-called more of their successful experiences, and made more self-descriptions”. I know I am planning to read a book he recommends in this regard by Carol Dweek called “Mindset”.

In conclusion, I want to end on the rewards factor. Let’s face it, when we consider using self-control it really boils down to whether or not we believe the reward for whatever it is we are exercising self-control in opposition to are attainable, possible, and worth it. As Mischel noted,“…trust is a factor in the willingness to delay gratification”. Consider this, “The emotional brains predisposition over to overvalue immediate rewards and to greatly discount the value of delayed rewards points to what we need to do if we want to take control: we have to reverse the process by cooling the present and heating the future”.
Placing emphasis on “cooling the present and heating the future” should lead us to the challenge of our goals. “Self-control skills are essential for pursuing our goals successfully, but it is the goals themselves that give us direction and motivation”. What do you desire, and what must become of you to attain that desire, is the key. Developing that vision and manifesting that reality are interlocked (sorry to sound so cliché, ha ha). Mischel says it like this, “…if we feel greater continuity with who we will become, we might also be willing to sacrifice more of our own pleasant pleasures for the sake of that future self”.

Recently I was encouraged to create a vision board. This was and has been one of the most encouraging techniques I developed to have that “greater continuity with who” I will become as I grow in the grace and knowledge of God. Prayerfully, through this blog I have encouraged you to consider some of these things and implement some new growth strategies into your life and maybe some new books to read. 😊

To God be the glory!
– Pastor Michael Miano

Kratt’s Critique of CBV Critiqued (Pt. 1)

Recently I read what was called “A Critique of the Corporate Body View of the Resurrection of the Dead (pt. 1)” by Jerel Kratt in the Summer 2017 issue of Fulfilled! Magazine. The foremost point I want to make through this response is that Mr. Kratt seemingly misunderstands and misses the point of the CBV. I say that all the while noting and appreciating his many contributions to the Full Preterist perspective.
The CBV understands the correlation of the “hope of Israel” as detailed through the Law and the Prophets with the Kingdom of God, and most significantly the resurrection of the dead (which is logically affirmed by reading Acts 26:22-23, and 1 Corinthians 15:50). To better help you understand the depth of this point, I direct you to the following articles by Mr. William Bell.

http://donkpreston.com/the-resurrection-the-kingdom-and-the-body-of-1-corinthians-15-3/
(This is part 3 of a 3 part series, links for part 1 and 2 are available within the article)

I fail to understand why so many like Mr. Kratt do all they can to understand the simplicity of the CBV and create illogical dilemmas and arguments to maintain their misunderstandings. To be fair, this is only a part 1 of his critique, therefore we will continue to engage his thoughts Now that I have given you some understanding of the CBV, I will proceed by looking at the texts brought forth and the misunderstanding it seems that fosters Mr. Kratt’s critique.
Just a quick point. This part 1 critique was based upon the mass confusion regarding the mention of “our body” found in the “resurrection texts”, namely Philippians 3:21 and Romans 8:23. Kratt points out the CBV argument that “…if the noun “body” is singular following a personal pronoun such as “our”, then the meaning is to be understood as a single corporate “body” (group, collective) to which everyone who is addressed belongs”. He then begins to point out exceptions and made the point – “it could go either way based on context”. So instead of focusing on exceptions and arguments against the simplicity of the “resurrection hope”, let’s look at the context of the two for-mentioned passages – Philippians 3:21 and Romans 8:23.
I must admit. I recently heard one of the most confusing and disheartening messages on the text of Philippians 3:21. I have to come to notice that opponents of the CBV will do all they can, even bore and confuse the masses, to demonize what we have come to understand as a true and wholesome understanding of the resurrection. In Philippians chapter 3 verses 2-3 seems to set the tone for the final points the Apostles are making known to the church at Philippi. They comparing those who claim to be of the circumcision (OC Jews) to those who are truly of the circumcision in Christ (a point also made in Romans 2:28-29). The “resurrection of the dead” otherwise known as the “hope of Israel” was the hope and desire to see God’s people manifest the righteousness of God. Of the flesh (naturally OC Israel) did not accomplish this, but the true Israel of God does (but it was not yet attained until the fulfillment of all things cf. Luke 21:22). In Philippians 3:18, the enemies of the cross are those Judizers seeking to upset the assemblies (bodies) (otherwise known as ecclesias) being planted and started. So, when we get to verse we are discussing, Philippians 3: 21, the corporate context should be evident. As they came into these local assemblies (bodies), which were hardly perfect and were struggling against legalism and idolatry prevailing all around them, they trusted that at the coming of the Lord they would go from one mind to another (be changed) and be a community that was fashioned and conformed to the image of His glorious body.
Moving over to the writing of the letter to the Romans it is important to note that various New Testament scholars have critiqued the current perspectives of this writing in more recent times. Noting the overtly Hellenistic interpretation that has led much of popular interpretation of this writing, these NT scholars have challenged us that this writing is much more Jewish in its details than many have noticed. This should cause us to pause and again ask, “What was the hope of the Law and the Prophets?”

Paying attention to pronouns is always important when reading through many of the New Testament letters, and so if the case in reading through Romans. Romans chapter 8 begins with a “therefore”, which calls us back to the details that were already being discussed. The context begins in chapter 5, wherein life under Law is being compared to being “in Adam” (“the death”) and how Christ overcomes that death through the gift of Eternal Life. Consider Romans 7:4 which reads, “Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.”. Life under Law is the “flesh” that is being discussed (regardless to the vague argument Mr. Kratt sought to bring forth). Simply read the context! Life under Law could not produce righteousness (which is the “hope of Israel”), and therefore the only way God’s “dead people” would be raised into eternal life, saved from their groanings, would be to become “Spiritually-minded) – which happens to individuals as they come into the Body of Christ. The contrast of Romans 8:8 of “those in the flesh” is not speaking against humanity, but rather life under Law (flesh and blood Israelites claiming to be the people of God). Based upon the context, when we get to Romans 8:10 and Romans 8:23, the “body” that is dead and in need of redemption is those who are coming out of Judaism and trusting in the transformative Body of Christ -which was being redeemed in that that generation through the fulfillment of all jots and tittles of the Old Covenant.

In bringing this response to a conclusion, I want to point out a strange thing. None of this is information that Mr. Jerel Kratt does not know. As he pointed out in the first paragraph of his critique noting the point of the CBV of the resurrection of the dead, “…does not refer to individual dead people departing Hades, but of the corporate body of saints, both alive and dead, coming out of Judaism..”. Yes and amen. In AD 70, as the coming of the Lord came to reality, demonstrating the faithfulness of God, the dead and living saints who had come into the Body of Christ found themselves “changed” (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:51). No longer did they find themselves distracted, distraught, and confused by rampant persecution, but rather in-right standing (righteous) and saved in the eyes of God. So began the clarity regarding His Kingdom…We will follow Mr. Kratt’s next article regarding those who “are being raised” in the context in 1 Corinthians chapter 15.

May we continue to relish in the blessings of Christ’s glorious promises fulfilled!
– Pastor Michael Miano
The Blue Point Bible Church (www.bluepointbiblechurch.org)
The Power of Preterism Network (www.powerofpreterism.com)

 

A Simple List of Bible Verses Mentioning “Satan”

This past Sunday I began preaching through the various mentions of Satan in Scripture. I didn’t make it through every mention therefore we will continue with a Part 2 next week. You can listen to the podcasted sermon here,

https://www.buzzsprout.com/11630/555126-outlining-wickedness-identifying-defeating-the-satan-part-1

Here is a copy of the list of verses I will be going through that help identify Satan. I will do well to remind you though, “Satan” is an ancient word, and we must study the context and audience relevance of ancient words in order for them to truly impart the truth of God to us.

Genesis 3 cf. Genesis 49:17; 2 Kings 18:4; Job 1613; Isaiah 27:1; Ezekiel 29:3

Numbers 22:22, 32

Job 1:6-12, Job 2:1-7 cf. Deuteronomy 19:15-20

Psalm 109:4-8 cf. Acts 1:20

1 Chronicles 21:1 cf. 2 Samuel 24:1

Zechariah 3:2 –  cf. Amos 4:11; Jude 1:23

Matthew 4/ Mark 1/ Luke 4 –  cf. James 1:14; Hebrews 4:15

Matthew 12/ Mark 3/ Luke 11

Matthew 13/ Mark 4/ Luke 8

Matthew 16:21-23/ Mark 8:31-33

Luke 10:18 – cf. Isaiah 14:12; 2 Cor 11:12-14

Luke 22:3-4

Luke 22:24-34

Acts 5:3

Acts 26:16-18 – cf. Matthew 15:6-9; Ephesians 2:12 cf. “schemes of Satan” cf 2 Cor 2:11; Ephesians 6:10-20

Romans 16:20

1 Corinthians 5:5 – cf. 1 Timothy 1:20; Luke 15:14-32

1 Corinthians 7:5

2 Corinthians 4:4

2 Corinthians 12:7

1 Thessalonians 2:18

Revelation 2:9; 3:9

Revelation 12:7-17

Revelation 20

Notes from A Preacher & His Models

As a pastor I am always seeking new opportunity to grow in my calling. At a pastor’s meeting I recently attended, Mr. James Stalker’s lectures at Yale were recommended. I know I can surely say I was blessed by reading through The Preacher & His Models, and wanted to share my notes and prayerfully edify others.

“…the mission of Christianity is not to occupy a respectable place apart, but to leaven life through and through” – Penetrate the world with the Gospel! Heal the Nations! Callings the Restorers!

Pastoral calling is not tame!

“We have too tame and conventional way of thinking about our career. Men are not even ambitious about doing more than settling in a comfortable position and getting through its duties in a respectable way. WE NEED TO HAVE MEN PENETRATED WITH THE PROBLEMS AS A WHOLE, AND LABORING WITH NEW DEVELOPMENTS WHICH THE TIMES REQUIRE”.

THE PREACHER AS A MAN OF GOD
“God’s man” – prophetic call, vision of God, vision of sin
“His whole being is taken possession of for the Divine purposes and subjected to the sway of Divine inspiration”.
“…the outer must be preceded by the inner; public life for God must be preceded by private life with God; unless God has first spoken to a man, it is vain for a man to attempt to speak for God”.

THE PREACHER AS A PATRIOT
“Our message in modern times is addressed to the individual; but the message was addressed to the nation”. – we are called to implore the nation with criticism, denunciation, comfort (Isaiah 51:8)
“It will be conceded by all that the preacher exists for the promotion of righteousness and the denunciation of sin in the world”.

THE PREACHER AS A MAN OF THE WORD
Compelled to preach – Jeremiah 20:9; 1 Corinthians 9:16
Demolish Strongholds – Jeremiah 23:29; 2 Corinthians 10
“The prophets had to go amongst men, even if it were at risk of life, and deliver the Divine message. They had to use every device to make it telling, striking it at every opportunity and giving line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. They did not disdain the homliest means, if it served a purpose”.
– thought and expression – win their attention and keep it!
“The more a Bible is searched, the more it will be loved; and the stronger the conviction will grow, that its deep truths are the Divine answers to the deep wants of human nature”.
“To obtain command of language it is good to hear the best speakers and to read the best books”.
“The writing of books is perhaps the likeliest of all avenues by which to carry religious influence to the most select minds”.

THE PREACHER AS A FALSE PROPHET
“There will always be a demand for smooth things and an appropriate reward for him who is willing to supply them in the name of God…But popularity may be purchased at too dear a rate. It may be bought by the suppression of the Truth and the letting down of the demands of Christianity. There will always be a demand for a religion which does not agitate the mind too much to interfere with the pursuits of a worldly life”.
“Neither orthodoxy nor heterodoxy is a guarantee: the only guarantee is a humble mind living in the secret of the Lord”. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

THE PREACHER AS A MAN
– responsibility
– use of intellectual gifts – “Cultivate your strengths”
Using the Apostle Paul as an example – “…there was never a time when to receive the approval of God was not the deepest passion of His nature”.; “He could never have allowed himself that which would have robbed him of his SELF-RESPECT”.
“People do not respect “the cloth”, unless they find a man inside it”.
“It is the manhood in ourselves which enables us to understand the human nature of our hearers; and we must have had life experience, if we are to preach to the life of men”.

Martin Luther’s Qualifications of a Minister
He should be able to teach plainly and in order
He should have a good, level head
Possess a good power of language
A good voice
A good memory
He should know when to stop speaking/ giving wisdom
He should be sure of what he wants to say
He should stake everything on the Truth
Study diligently
Suffer himself to be vexed and criticized by everyone

THE PREACHER AS A CHRISTIAN
1Timothy 1:5; 2 Peter 1 – BeingCHRISTIAN; Growth charts
A personal attachment to the Savior

THE PREACHER AS AN APOSTLE
“…obtain a a definite sphere to fill and a definite work to do” – “God inspired impulses”
“The Christian man says: Here is my own task – If I do not accomplish it, no one else can. This is my corner in the great labor field, which I, and no one else, have to make fruitful and beautiful. I shall be answerable to the Judge of All at the last day for the manner in which the work assigned to me is done”.
“…to love and be loved is the secret to a happy and successful ministry”.

THE PREACHER AS A THINKER
Titus 1:9 – encourage in sound doctrine and rebuke those who oppose it
– knowledge of Church History and thought
– The Holy Spirit by Owens
– New Testament Theology by Weiss
– Life and Epistles of St. Paul by Conybeare

“Pay close attention to YOURSELF and YOUR TEACHING; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you (1 Timothy 4:16)”.

“All of our work is determined by this – the Spirit and power of our preaching, the quality of the influence we exert, and the tenor of our walk and conversation”.

 

2 Peter 1 – “Growth Chart”

“Healthy systems to sustain growth”

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted everything pertaining to life and Godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply:

 

MORAL EXCELLENCE:

 

KNOWLEDGE:

 

SELF-CONTROL:

 

PERSEVERANCE:

 

GODLINESS:

 

BROTHERLY KINDNESS:

 

LOVE:

For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

PURCHASE – MGW Resources

It’s been busy putting together resources for MGW (Miano Gone Wild): Apologetics and Ministry. I must thank God that he had given me the ability and opportunity to put some things these things together.

The latest purchase opportunity you can participate in until August 1st is a bundle of my 2 published books, Freaked Out by the New Covenant & Wicked. You can order both for $30 + S&H at the following link:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=AC2YW5BSN6H9E

If you only want to purchase Freaked Out by the New Covenant for $18 + S&H, visit this link, https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=TTS83S9ELR9CQ

And the recently, published Wicked for 19.95 + S&H, visit this link, https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=K223XQ97HW33A

 

Thank you for your support and encouragement.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Michael Miano
The Blue Point Bible Church