Archives by: Gary Hoag

Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may grant me passage until I arrive in Judah, and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, directing him to give me timber to make beams for the gates of the temple fortress and for the wall of the city and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the gracious hand of my God was upon me. Nehemiah 2:7-8

“The keeper of the archives, George of Constantinople, now presented a third codex, which in the meantime he had found also in the patriarchal archives, and swore upon the Holy Gospels that neither himself nor any other, with his knowledge, had made any alteration”

Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680-681) in “Notes from the Ninth and Tenth Sessions” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 5; by Charles Joseph Hefele, 148.

I shot this header photo of the sixth of the seven councils in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv of this council. This council was sorting out heresies so they called for codices from the keeper of the archives.

1. Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicaea (A.D. 787)

I love this term, keeper. It’s a synonym for steward.

Just as Asaph was the keeper of the king’s forest, George was the keeper of the archives, the books and manuscripts that recounted history of the church in Constantinople. He played a pivotal role in the discussions by accessing important information.

His work was likely and largely mundane. We can envision a modern day librarian who may know how to locate thousands of books that may only be called for on rare occasions. But he or she knows right where they are!

Of what has God made you keeper? How might your role, which often might seem boring or meaningless actually play a key role in the big picture of mission? Ponder this with the LORD as you aspire to generous service.

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. 2 Timothy 4:13

“At the tenth session, March 18, 681, the rich collection of patristic and heretical passages for and against Dyothelitism presented by the Roman envoys was unsealed, read, compared with the copies of the works quoted which were found in the patriarchal archives at Constantinople, and discovered to be correct and unfalsified. These were, in the first series, extracts from Leo the Great, Ambrose, Chrysostom, Athanasius, Gregory of Nyssa, Cyril of Alexandria, Epiphanius, Gregory of Nazianzus, pseudo-Justin, the Emperor Justinian, Archbishop Ephraem of Antioch, Anastasius of Antioch, and John of Scythopolis.”

Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680-681) in “Notes from the Ninth and Tenth Sessions” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 5; by Charles Joseph Hefele, 142.

Again, I shot this header photo of the sixth of the seven councils in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv of this council. Emperor Constantine IV (pictured above) summoned this gathering in Constantinople.

1. Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicaea (A.D. 787)

This council was sorting out heresies so they called for a rich collection of books to study together. Needless to say they did not have the internet back then.

Yesterday morning, my wife, Jenni, had a friend come over to walk together. After their walk, Jenni showed her around our new home, including peeking into my office.

Her friend commented about liking my bookshelves. Paul had his parchments, this council had their rich collection, and I have my books.

The notes from this Council were not very interesting to me. But I did appreciate how the bishops gathered the writings they needed to help clean heresy out of the larger Church.

What’s the lesson related to generosity? God resources us to have funds for giving, but He also supplies so we have funds for getting the tools we need for serving His Church, like books.

What giftedness do you have for serving others in the name of Jesus? How might you use the resources He has given you not for self-indulgence but for strengthening your service.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3:27

Remember, the main work of the Second Council of Constantinople was to confirm the condemnation issued by edict in 551 by the Emperor Justinian against the Three Chapters (or three heretical groups).

I located this section which shows how those in authority wanted to keep the Church pure and unified. Notice, they anchored to the work of the Council of Chalcedon, which affirmed the earlier creeds and canons.

“After issuing this imperial edict, a great conference was held in the residence of the Pope, the Placidia Palace. Greek and Latin bishops of different neighborhoods, and the priests, deacons, and clerics of Constantinople, were present. Even Theodore Ascidas was present.

Both Vigilius and Dacius of Milan warned them against receiving the new imperial edict; and the former, in particular, said: “Beseech the pious Emperor to withdraw the edicts which he has had drawn up, and await the (projected) ecumenical decree on the matter in question, until the Latin bishops, who have taken offence (at the condemnation of the three chapters), shall be either personally present at a Synod, or send their votes in writing. If he should not listen to your petitions, then you ought to give your assent to nothing which tends to a rending of the Church.

If, however, you should do so, which I do not believe, you must know that, from that day, you are excommunicated from the apostolic see of Peter.”

In a similar sense spoke Bishop Dacius of Milan: “I and a part of those bishops in whose neighborhood my church lies, namely, from Gaul, Burgundy, Spain, Liguria, Æmilia, and Venetia, testify that whoever assents to those edicts, loses the Church communion of the bishops of the forenamed provinces, because I am convinced that those edicts infringe the sacred Synod of Chalcedon…”

Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553) in “Section 264” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 4; by Charles Joseph Hefele, 278.

Again, see the mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv of this council. Patriarch Eutychius of Constantinople sits presiding over the council which seemed to clean up messes.

1. Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicaea (A.D. 787)

Today’s post highlights how they dealt with a mess that aimed to divide them. They stated this message plainly to bishops “you ought to give your assent to nothing which tends to a rending of the Church.

This is an interesting use of the idea of giving. Yesterday they reminded the bishops that each would have to “give an account” and today they must “give their assent” to nothing divisive.

This gets to the heart of the Scripture today. One form of giving is doing good when it is within our power to act. Let us resolve to do this where God has placed us so that our generosity preserves the Christian faith and strengthens the church.

Do good, and as far as it is within your power, help to preserve the integrity of the Christian faith and the unity of the church for the advancement of the gospel in our generation.

So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Romans 14:12

“Whoever, after this true confession and this condemnation of heretics, separates himself from the Church, as though our piety consisted only in names and expressions, has to give account, for himself and for those led astray by him, on the day of judgment, to the great God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553) in “The Second Imperial Edict against the Three Chapters” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 4; by Charles Joseph Hefele, 278.

Again, at the Second Council of Constantinople, the main work of this council was to confirm the condemnation issued by edict in 551 by the Emperor Justinian against the Three Chapters (or three heretical groups).

1. Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicaea (A.D. 787)

Notice the mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv of this council. Patriarch Eutychius of Constantinople sits presiding over the council which seemed to clean up messes.

Today’s post highlights another mess. The council proclaims that those who have led others astray and separated from the church will have to give an account to God. Are you prepared to give an account to God?

This gets to the heart of the purpose of GTP: “In obedient service to Jesus Christ, GTP multiplies faithful stewards and mobilizes peer accountability groups to built trust and grow local giving to God’s work.”

In my 2023 IAC paper, I defined “peer accountability” as “God’s servants sharing the responsibility of reflecting consistent, God-honoring standards in ministry administration and governance with verified compliance.”

Reply if you want a copy of the paper. Therein, I gave a biblical argument for following standards and affixing a seal to confirm compliance with examples from Nehemiah and Paul. This prepares us to give an account.

There’s a key idea linked to not being prepared in this post. It gets to the heart of the “peer” part of “peer accountability.” If we are not helping each other stay on track, we can often unknowingly, lead others astray.

If you work at a church or ministry in USA and want to pursue ECFA accreditation, I can help waive the $500 application fee. If you live abroad I can help you set up or join the peer accountability group where you live.

And if this helps you see why the work of GTP is so important and you want to help the peer accountability groups get going in countries like Bolivia, India, Guatemala, and Indonesia, let me suggest this giving opportunity.

Click here to give in support of the groups coming together in these four countries. We are raising funds for $10,000 capacity building grants for these four countries.

Here’s the remaining need: $6,286 (Guatemala), $10,000 (Bolivia), $9,950 (India), and $7,982 (Indonesia). At this time, these local workers are raising local funds. When they hit $10,000 we want to send them a match from GTP.

Imagine, with your gift, you can help strengthen peer accountability groups in places that have been riddled with corruption. Join us in shaping the future of ministry in hard places.

Work with GTP to help God’s servants clean up messes like these councils did.

There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:34-37

“The second African deputy, the Primate Firmus of Numidia, allowed himself to be bribed by presents, and journey to the sea a disgraceful death. His colleague, Primasius, of the Byzacene province, was at first steadfast, and was therefore sent into a monastery ; but afterwards, when Boethius, the primate of the Byzacene province, had died, he agreed to sign the anathema on the three chapters, in order to become his successor. He returned to Africa and oppressed and plundered the bishops of the opposite party, until at last the merited punishment overtook him, and he was forced to give up all his unrighteous possessions, and died a miserable death.”

Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553) in “Notes on the African Deputies” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 4; by Charles Joseph Hefele, 268-269.

We have made our way to the Second Council of Constantinople. The main work of this council was to confirm the condemnation issued by edict in 551 by the Emperor Justinian against the Three Chapters (or three heretical groups).

1. Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicaea (A.D. 787)

Notice the mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv of this council. Patriarch Eutychius of Constantinople sits presiding over the council which seemed to clean up messes.

Today’s post from the “Notes on the African Deputies” section of the proceedings. It interested me for this reason. To many Christian workers or clergy are bribed by presents.

Gift giving is a cultural practice to express generosity around the world. And yet, taken to extremes, it can function as bribing people in power with presents. We must not let this happen to us.

In the end those guilty of this act were forced to give up all “unrighteous possessions” and they “died a miserable death.” Imagine the regret. But we can avoid this shame and suffering.

We must not receive any gifts with strings attached. In today’s Scripture, don’t miss the expression used twice. For the gifts to be set “at the apostles feet” revealed abandoning control.

When we do give gifts, let’s not use them to control charities, but humble set the gifts as offerings to God at the feet of God’s servants. By this way we can avoid bribery and encourage (like Barnabas) through our giving.

In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do. Galatians 2:9-10

“Bassian replied that he was made bishop in a canonical manner, that he had from his youth supported the poor, and had built a hospital and poorhouse with seventy beds. ”

Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) “Notes from the 11th Session on 29 October 451” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 3 by Charles Joseph, 299.

Again, since we arrived at the Council in Chalcedon, which is the most documented of them all, we spent a few days here. We will move on the Second Council of Constantinople tomorrow.

1. Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicaea (A.D. 787)

Again, the mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv depicts this council. Emperor the sister of the previous emperor, Theodosius II.

Today’s post from the notes from the 11th Session on 29 October 451. In this session, accusations have been made against some bishops that they took their office wrongfully.

I appreciated the description of Bassian. He was made bishop in a canonical manner, which means the right processes or standards had been followed, and he had the deeds befitting that of a bishop.

Notice he that he remembered the poor. He built a hospital. And he set up a poorhouse with seventy beds. This implies care for those in need, the sick, and those needing temporary assistance.

This provides a great picture for pastors today. Beyond preaching a weekly sermon, those overseeing God’s house should mobilize God’s people to care for those in need, the sick, and those needing temporary assistance.

What might need to change at your church? How could you be a part of that change?

We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. 2 Corinthians 8:20-21

“As, according to what we have heard, in some churches the bishops administer the property of the Church without stewards, the Synod decrees, that every church which has a bishop must also have a steward from its own clergy, who shall administer the property of the Church by commission from his bishop; so that the administration of the Church may not be uncontrolled, and thereby the property of the Church exposed to waste, and the clerical character exposed to evil fame.”

Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) “Canon 26” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 3 by Charles Joseph, 333.

Again, since we arrived at the fourth council, which is the most documented of them all, we are spending some time with this one. Remember, over 500 bishops convened and they sorted rules the church for more than 100 years.

1. Council of Nicea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicea (A.D. 787)

Again, the mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv depicts this council. Emperor the sister of the previous emperor, Theodosius II.

Today’s post from Canon 26 tells the clerics “that every church which has a bishop must also have a steward from its own clergy” to administrate the resources of the church. What a beautiful picture!

As the church was growing across the ancient world, the goal was to make sure activities were not “uncontrolled” and “exposed to waste” which would bring dishonor to the clergy and to God.

Does your church have a steward? Someone appointed with administrative gifting to manage the resources of the church so that there is no “waste” or bad reputation to God or the pastoral team.

At this point I want to offer a service to every reader. Get your church accredited for following the seven standards of responsible stewardship. What are they? Find them here on the ECFA website.

As ECFA press author, I can waive your $500 application fee and help you get on the path of accreditation. Every church needs a steward and a seal that externally verifies that the steward has administrated in compliance with standards.

Let me help you with this. Reply to this email and I can get you and your church on that path.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32

“It is not allowed to clerics, after the death of their bishop, to appropriate to themselves the (private) property belonging to him, a thing which is forbidden by the ancient canons. Those who so act shall be in danger of losing their posts.”

Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) “Canon 22” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 3 by Charles Joseph, 330.

Again, since we arrived at the fourth council, which is the most documented of them all, we will spend some time with this one. Remember, over 500 bishops convened and they sorted rules the church for more than 100 years.

1. Council of Nicea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicea (A.D. 787)

Again, the mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv depicts this council. Emperor the sister of the previous emperor, Theodosius II.

Today’s post from Canon 22 tells the clerics that it is not appropriate to appropriate private property to ourselves, in this case, it related to the death of a bishop.

You might ask what this has to do with generosity today. It actually may mark one of the biggest areas of corruption in the church today: people serving act like they can take church resources for themselves.

It is not appropriate to appropriate such resources to ourselves which belong to the body. In this case, the body must decide what to do with such items through the governance structures.

This brings out the problem I see globally with GTP. There is little or governance in most churches so the pastor (often with his wife) does whatever he wants with church resources with little accountability.

If we want to encourage generosity in our local churches, we should submit to peer accountability. In USA, that means to have your church join ECFA. Then you will know the clergy are not inappropriately appropriating church property.

When churches follow standards, and have faithful governance and administration in place, it avoids the corruption of the misappropriation of resources which brings dishonor to Christ and it encourages rich and greater generosity.

Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15

“All poor persons and such as are in need of support shall, after inquiry made, be provided only with ecclesiastical certificates and letters of peace for their journey.”

Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) “Canon 11” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 3 by Charles Joseph, 317.

Yesterday we arrived at the fourth council, which again, is the most documented of them all. That means we will spend some time with this one. Remember, over 500 bishops convened and they sorted rules the church for more than 100 years.

1. Council of Nicea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicea (A.D. 787)

Again, the mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv depicts this council. Emperor the sister of the previous emperor, Theodosius II.

I am enjoying the canons from the Council at Chalcedon. They read like Paul’s instructions to the church in Thessalonica. After Paul spells out that “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat,” we see today’s verses.

Everyone needed to follow these instructions. Think of it this way. The church wanted to make sure the distributions to the poor were not abused. With each one, an “inquiry” was made. They wanted to avoid dependency and help the real poor.

If a person was found to be unable to work, they would get “ecclesiastical certificates” and “letters of peace.” This implied that the church inquired of their situation, certified them to receive aid, and treated them with peace, as members of God’s family.

If you aid the poor in a church today, please read this closely. Don’t just give handouts that create dependency. Make an inquiry. Help everyone in short-term crisis, and supply long-term aid only to people whom you certify that they cannot work.

The key is to make an inquiry. On this point, I honor my wife. Today is her birthday. She sits by me faithfully like Pulcheria served beside Marcian in the photo above. And I honor her because while she does not oversee aid distribution, she asks good questions.

Making an inquiry is about forming and asking good questions to find out where people are at, what they need both physically and spiritually, and providing them the help. That’s what God’s people must do for each other. That’s generosity.

Happy Birthday, Jenni. Thanks for caring for others and for me so well. Thanks for how you ask good questions. May we all learn from this council to make an inquiry so that we supply just what people need to be fruitful disciples.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

“The clergy of the poorhouses, monasteries, and martyr chapels shall remain under the jurisdiction of the bishops belonging to the cities, and shall not conduct themselves in a self-willed or disobedient manner towards their own bishops. Those, however, who venture to violate this ordinance in any manner whatever, and do not submit to their bishop, if they are clerics, shall be subject to the canonical penalties, and if they are monks or laymen, they shall be excommunicated.”

Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) “Canon 8” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 3 by Charles Joseph, 317.

Now we move to the fourth council, which is the most documented of them all. That means there’s a lot of material so I may spend some time on this one. This huge gathering of 500 bishops would sort things in the church for more than 100 years.

1. Council of Nicea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicea (A.D. 787)

The mural in the header photo I shot in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv depicts this council. Emperor Marcian presided with his wife, Pulcheria, the sister of the previous emperor, Theodosius II.

Today’s post comes from the canons of that council. Again, a canon represents an ecclesiastical or church rule that came out of the council. This canon or rule instructed God’s servants to work together.

Notice the parachurch coming into view. Those who ministered at the “poorhouses, monasteries, and martyr chapels” got instructions to submit to their local bishop. This is not insignificant.

It aimed to bring unity and accountability to the Christian workers. The Church struggled because these God-fearing servants were going rogue and working disconnected from the Church. This weakened the Church.

Might this be the reason that the Church and parachurch ministries often appear weak in the public view today? They function disconnected. And notice the implications of lack of compliance.

Some violators were ordained, others were not. The ordained who did not comply received penalties. Those not ordained would be excommunicated. If that sounds strict, remember, it aimed to preserve the vitality of the Church.

We will spend more time on this council, but today don’t miss the lesson. If we value unity and accountability while serving in ministry we can help preserve the life of the Church and advance a generous Christian witness to a watching world.