Hello! I know this is an old article but it just came across my feed today. Thank you for this! It was well written and adds a lot of depth to some tough scripture.
I was wondering if all of this could somehow relate to another tough passage (at least for me) 1 John 2:27?
I am happy for old articles to make the rounds! And yes, I think it can help with that verse in that both anointings - though different - belong to all believers by virtue of their being in Christ. The James anointing is for the ill and weak, the I John anointing for those needing to discern good and false teaching. I know folks use I John 2 as if applies mostly to certain teachers - "he has a real anointing" - but I think it is for all of us. All in Christ have the Holy Spirit and are called to discern teaching which points us to the Gospel, and that which points us to our own strength. In that sense, it is very similar to James 5 because we all need the anointing of the Good News to strengthen us when we most feel that God has left us. Does that help? Thank you for reading!
Ok, Chris, this is an outstanding article with massive implications for pastoral ministry. Not only do you clarify a very tough passage, but it resonates deeply with Scripture, the kingdom, and the calling we have as pastors. Thank you so much for this!
Thank you. I hope it aids you and your elders in your ministry. I've had this in the bin for years but my sabbatical gave me a chance to put it together. Blessings!
Hello! I know this is an old article but it just came across my feed today. Thank you for this! It was well written and adds a lot of depth to some tough scripture.
I was wondering if all of this could somehow relate to another tough passage (at least for me) 1 John 2:27?
Thank you!
I am happy for old articles to make the rounds! And yes, I think it can help with that verse in that both anointings - though different - belong to all believers by virtue of their being in Christ. The James anointing is for the ill and weak, the I John anointing for those needing to discern good and false teaching. I know folks use I John 2 as if applies mostly to certain teachers - "he has a real anointing" - but I think it is for all of us. All in Christ have the Holy Spirit and are called to discern teaching which points us to the Gospel, and that which points us to our own strength. In that sense, it is very similar to James 5 because we all need the anointing of the Good News to strengthen us when we most feel that God has left us. Does that help? Thank you for reading!
Ok, Chris, this is an outstanding article with massive implications for pastoral ministry. Not only do you clarify a very tough passage, but it resonates deeply with Scripture, the kingdom, and the calling we have as pastors. Thank you so much for this!
Thank you. I hope it aids you and your elders in your ministry. I've had this in the bin for years but my sabbatical gave me a chance to put it together. Blessings!