Meditations

Second Council of Nicaea: Coveteousness

And [Jesus] said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15

“19. Some superiors of churches and monasteries, men and women, allow themselves to be so blinded by covetousness, that they demand money from those who are in the clerical state, or who wish to enter a monastery. If a bishop or abbess or cleric has done this, he is no longer to commit the same, or, in accordance with Canon 2 of Chalcedon, he will be deposed. If an abbess does it, she shall be removed from her convent and transferred into another as a subordinate. So with the abbess who is not a priest. In regard, however, to that which parents have given to the monastery with their children as dower, or that which these have brought of their own property with the declaration that it was consecrated to God — this must remain to the monastery, whether they continue there or go out again, if its superior is free from fault” (in regard to the departure of the person in question).”

Second Council of Nicaea (A.D. 787) in “Canon 19” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 5; by Charles Joseph Hefele, 315-316.

This marks the final post in my recent exploration of the seven councils that shaped the church in the first 8 centuries. I was inspired to explore them after seeing the seven murals that illustrated them on the walls of the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv.

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)

Another issue the seventh council had to deal with relates to covetousness. Anyone in charge of a church or ministry, a monastery or convent, was warned not to become blinded by covetousness. Let’s explore this further.

Covetousness can be defined as “having a strong desire for things that other people have.” We see things other people have. We think we need these things. Then, blinded by this thinking, we use our power to try to get these things.

Notice the wrong turn we take. Things God created for us are good. But when we think we need anything (other than God), we become possessed by that possession and blinded by covetousness.

Furthermore, a closer look at this canon reveals that things donated to ministries are described as “consecrated to God.” Herein we find the secret to avoid becoming blinded by covetousness.

We must use what we have faithfully as consecrated to God. It’s His! And while it’s true we may feel we need things, instead of choosing the path of discontentment with what God has supplied, let us give thanks for what we have and that we have Him.

In this place of contentment and dependence, He often supplies more in His timing because we have avoided covetousness (at least this time anyway). This can be tricky for all of us, even heads of Christian ministries.

8 August 2023 by Gary Hoag in Meditations Comments are off

Second Council of Nicaea: Showy Apparel

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

“16. The bishops and clergy may not adorn themselves with showy apparel. If they do so, they are to be punished. The like applies to those who anoint them. As, however, the accusers of the Christians (iconoclasts) not merely rejected the sacred images, but also persecuted with hatred those who passed ascetic lives, every one is to be punished who mocks men who are poorly and reverently clad, for in ancient times every cleric wore a poor and reverent garment, and no one made use of gay silken apparel or of a colored decoration at the border of his mantle.”

Second Council of Nicaea (A.D. 787) in “Canon 16” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 5; by Charles Joseph Hefele, 315.

I shot this header photo of the seventh of the seven councils in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv of this council. A primary topic of this council was the adoration of iconography.

Notice in the photo the presence of many images and icons. The council determined that icons should be treated with respect and veneration but not adoration, which should be reserved for God alone.

Another issue the council had to deal with relates to the apparel of the bishops and clergy. They were dressing too fancy and not exhibiting the simplicity and contentment Paul wanted Timothy to model for the church in Ephesus.

This strikes a nerve with me. I really don’t like it when I see any Christian workers, CEO’s, pastors, or board members looking flashy or showy in their appearance. What may be a turn on with the world should be a turn off to us.

We must show our piety not with our apparel but with our good deeds. I am not against having nice clothing. I would urge God’s servants to move beyond flashy and showy and instead focus on utility and simplicity.

This not only creates margin for greater generosity. It also positions people to shift their focus off of us and on to Jesus and what Jesus is doing among us.

7 August 2023 by Gary Hoag in Meditations Comments are off

Second Council of Nicaea: Depreciate

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” Acts 8:18-24

“5. Those who boast of having obtained a position in the Church by the expenditure of money, and who depreciate others who have been chosen because of their virtuous life and by the Holy Ghost without money, these shall, in the first place, be put back to the lowest grade of their order, and if then also they still persist (in their pride), they shall be punished by the bishop. But if anyone has given money in order to obtain ordination, the 30th apostolic canon and the 2nd canon of Chalcedon apply to him. He and his ordainer are to be deposed and excommunicated.”

Zonaras and Balsamon in earlier times, and later, Christian Lupus and Van Espen, remarked that the second part of our canon treated of simony, but not the first. This has in view rather those who, on account of their large expenditure on churches and the poor, have been raised (without simony) to the clerical state as a reward and recognition of their beneficence; and, being proud of this, now depreciate other clergy who were unable or unwilling to make such foundations and the like.”

Second Council of Nicaea (A.D. 787) in “Canon 5 and supplemental note” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 5; by Charles Joseph Hefele, 311.

I shot this header photo of the seventh of the seven councils in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv of this council. A primary topic of this council was the adoration of iconography.

Notice in the photo the presence of many images and icons. The council determined that icons should be treated with respect and veneration but not adoration, which should be reserved for God alone.

Sadly the council also had to deal with issues like simony. People were using wealth to locate positions in the church structure. Simony got the name from Simon who engaged this practice in the biblical text above.

But does simony happen in our church and ministry settings today? In my global work, I hear it take many forms. For example, wealthy people may appear virtuous and demonstrate beneficence sometimes do it to receive power in return.

Remember when Barnabas sold land and set the funds at the feet of the Apostles implying that the gift did not aim to control the saint but contribute to their needs. I see the desire for control through giving in many places.

I also hear of the expectation of bribes. People in many cultures cannot even be considered for a position of service without paying a bribe to get their proverbial application into the hands of those who may give it consideration.

Ultimately, the council notes show that such behavior depreciates or devalues those who walk with integrity and exhibits pride and idolatry. Their spirit reveals the pride and their actions expose their idolatrous thinking.

Control, pride, and idolatry are three temptations Jesus resisted in the wilderness. We must resist them too. I wrote about this in The Choice: The Christ-Centered Pursuit of Kingdom Outcomes. Reply if you want a free PDF copy.

6 August 2023 by Gary Hoag in Meditations Comments are off

Third Council of Constantinople: Keeper

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.

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.

5 August 2023 by Gary Hoag in Meditations Comments are off

Third Council of Constantinople: Rich collection

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.

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.

4 August 2023 by Gary Hoag in Meditations Comments are off

Second Council of Constantinople: Give your assent to nothing

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.

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.

3 August 2023 by Gary Hoag in Meditations Comments are off

Second Council of Constantinople: Give an account

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).

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.

2 August 2023 by Gary Hoag in Meditations Comments are off

Second Council of Constantinople: Bribed by presents

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).

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.

1 August 2023 by Gary Hoag in Meditations Comments are off

Council of Chalcedon: Canonical

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.

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?

31 July 2023 by Gary Hoag in Meditations Comments are off

Council of Chalcedon: Every church needs a steward

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.

30 July 2023 by Gary Hoag in Meditations Comments are off