Dr. John Hartmann

In today’s study we build on last week’s theme of the ministry of reconciliation by exposition of some key passages which emphasize the thought that every person in Christ has been given a gift for service and hence a “stewardship” in relation to the work of God, which includes the building up of the Body of Christ to be the dwelling of God in the Spirit and the proclamation of the gospel to those whom God would call out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Dr. Hartmann begins with the parable of the stewards in Matthew 25:14-30, emphasizing the need for both wisdom and faithfulness. The parable speaks of two possible outcomes: for those who are wise and faithful in their use of God’s gifts, the Lord at the end will bring commendation, “well done, good and faithful slave”, and then entrust those slaves with more responsibility in His house. For the foolish and unfaithful there will be reproof, “you wicked, lazy slave”.

Ephesians 4:7-16 is a key passage with respect to this matter of stewardship in our gifts. Dr. Hartmann offers a brief summary of the “calling” we have as the church: to be a dwelling of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:20-22) and to be filled up to all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19). If we think that this boggles the mind and stretches what we can imagine, then good … God is able to bring this to pass, “exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Ephesians 4 then speaks of how we may “walk worthy” of this calling with which we have been called. Verses 1-3 emphasize character, qualities such as humility, meekness, forbearance, long-suffering, forgiveness, and the maintaining of the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Verse 7 states in no uncertain terms that each member of Christ’s body has been apportioned a measure of grace as a gift for service in the work of God. The participation of each then causes the growth of the Body into the measure of the stature belonging to “the fullness of Christ”.

A brief overview of 1 Corinthians 12-14 follows, in order to underline the point that each member of the Body is to serve others out of a motivation of love.

Romans 12 provides a vision for how the church functions as a community. Verses 1-2 are foundational: in response to the mercies of God, we must give our bodies to God, to be used in His service, reject conformity to the values and pursuits of this age, and be transformed into Christ’s image through renewing of the mind, so that we can examine and approve those things that are “the will of God”, things that are “good”, “acceptable”, and “perfect” to Him. Verses 3-8 implore us to exercise sound judgment in soberly assessing the measure of God’s grace apportioned to us for service. We will have joy when we know who we are as God’s workmanship and serve in accordance with the way we have been anointed by God. Verses 9-21 give a picture of the way we relate to each other in the Body: a community marked by a hatred for evil and love of good, by love, by brotherly kindness and affection, and by forgiveness and forbearance.

This message is designed to provoke Christ’s people unto “love and good deeds”, and to inspire each to be a good steward of the grace of God given to each for service.

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Peace with God: the Ministry of Reconciliation

In this study Dr. Hartmann deals with Jesus’ work of reconciling the world to God through His Cross and the ministry of reconciliation that follows for both the church and those whom God specifically calls to be laborers in the harvest. With a brief exposition of Romans 5:1-11 serving as a point of departure, Dr. Hartmann returns to Romans 5:1-2, where we find that three things result from having been justified by faith: 1) Peace with God, 2) Access into this grace in which we have come to stand (as an abiding state affairs), and 3) boasting in hope of the glory of God.

The first of these, “peace with God”, is one and the same with being reconciled to God, which turns out to be a uniquely Pauline conception. Our study follows with an in-depth look at several Pauline passages which serve to underline the point that God through the Cross has reconciled the world to Himself, and has, in that reconciliation, inaugurated a new creation in Christ, a new collective humanity that will one day regain the glory of God and reign together with Christ. Passages such as Colossians 1:20-23, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, and Ephesians 2:10-18 all serve to draw out this magnificent truth of reconciliation. Colossians 1 clarifies that Jesus’ death provided the grounds for peace between God and man and also a cosmic reconciliation in which the heavens and the earth will be restored to God’s intention. 2 Corinthians 5 shows that the reconciliation of the Cross also brought God’s judgment on the fallen creation which is passing away, with the resurrection marking the inauguration of a New Creation in Christ. Ephesians 2 shows that this new creation is not just individualistic but collective, the church being “one new (collective) man” in Christ.

The whole church is called to participate in the ministry of reconciliation and the proclamation of the word of reconciliation that logically follows. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself and has given us both the ministry and the word of reconciliation. This leads quite naturally to discussion of “gift-based” ministry, in which all whom Christ has redeemed have a part to play, since all have been given grace for service in accordance with the measure of Christ’s gift allotted to each one. Dr. Hartmann at this point encourages us to consider our stewardship in the purpose of God, strongly recommending that each read and ponder the following passages: Matthew 25:14-30, Romans 12:1-8, Ephesians 4:7-11, and 1 Peter 4:10-11.

An added point emerges in relation to the notion of “peace with God”: in having been reconciled to God, believers may now live in the “peace of God”, with passages such as John 14:27; Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:19-34; Luke 8:14; Proverbs 12:25; Psalm 37-1-11 and 1 Peter 5:6-7 showing that they, to be fruitful, must live free from the care of this world.

Returning to Romans 5:1-2, Dr. Hartmann concisely treats the second result of justification: access into a life of grace in relationship with God. Jesus death rends the veil and provides access to the throne of grace, to which we draw near in a sincere heart and full assurance of faith because of the Cross. God calls us to a life of prayer in which we live in the continual supply of grace by which we may live out all He has purposed for us. James 4:6-10, as well as Hebrews 4:14-16 and 10:19-22 strongly encourage us to draw near to God, that we might experience the never-ending supply of grace that is ours in Christ, namely, “all things pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).

Finally, Dr. Hartmann briefly expounds “boasting in hope of the glory of God”, encouraging believers on the basis of Ephesians 1:17-19 to pray for enlightenment concerning this idea and to read the NT with a view to discovering its eschatological orientation.

In terms of practical application, Dr. Hartmann closes with 4 key points that summarize the thrust of this message:

1) Enjoy and revel in the reality of “peace with God” and don’t be robbed of the “peace of God”.

2) Draw near to God and live in the continual experience of His grace that will bring transformation of character and effective service in one’s gifts.

3) Pray for revelation of the hope of the glory of God that has been promised to God’s sons, all the while searching the Scriptures with a view to discovering their eschatological orientation. Get the vision and understanding that the old creation has already been judged at the Cross and that it is yet to be judged with fierce wrath at the end of the age; likewise, get the vision that the New Creation has dawned and sow into it with one’s whole life.

4) Get free from entanglements and distractions of this age and get serious about your gift-based role in the great ministry of reconciliation.

This sermon offers a timely challenge to believers living a society where the church culture has become all too tied to the world that is passing away, and gives encouragement and Biblical substance to those whose hearts have been prepared to seek first the kingdom of God.

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In today’s study Doctor Hartmann offers a brief overview of the whole Book of Isaiah, followed by a closer look at the first major section of the book in chapters 1-12. The Scriptures teach that a house is built by wisdom, that by understanding that house is established, and that by knowledge its rooms are filled with precious treasures (Proverbs 24:3). This study aims above all to equip the saints with some of the tools that one needs to understand the Scriptures, to read them more intelligently, with a sense of the background and context that brings the text itself to life.

Isaiah 1-12 is characterized by a thematic structure in which Israel and Judah’s breaking of the covenant leads to judgment. God, however, uses judgment for purging the nation of evildoers and preserves a remnant in whom His redemptive purpose is realized. Added to this, the purgation of the nation through judgment ultimately paves the way for the kingdom of Messiah, which will bring salvation and blessing, not only to the remnant of Israel, but to all nations that will bow the knee to Israel’s God and to Messiah, His anointed agent of salvation and the One upon Whom God places the anointing of His Spirit for wise government, which will results in a kingdom of righteousness, justice, and peace.

Included here is an outline of the whole book of Isaiah, followed by an outline of Isaiah 1-12. Anyone who listens to this teaching can use this outline to follow along.

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In this message Dr. Hartmann highlights aspects of the story of David as it relates to the larger Biblical story that runs from Genesis to Revelation, which has as its goal the redemption, calling out and preparation of a Davidic-like people who will one day be glorified as sons of God and reign as a kingdom of priests together with Jesus the Messiah, Who Himself descends from the house of David and inherits in His kingdom the throne of His father David. Whoever inherits David’s throne will one day rule the world, and this can be none other than Jesus the Messiah and the people He redeems as the first-born of many brothers. Paul prays that we as the church would receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that we might know the hope of this calling (Eph 1:17-18; Col 1:27).

The Lord placed upon David an anointing for kingship, which included an anointing for warfare, for priestly worship, and for godly government and judgment aligned with God’s ways. God found in David a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22) and made him the shepherd-king over His inheritance, which he shepherded with integrity of heart and guided with skilful hands (Ps 78:70-72). Dr. Hartmann proposes that God is preparing a Davidic-type leadership in this day that will replace the house of Saul, which He has rejected from kingship because it is self-serving, selfishly ambitious, full of vainglory, more concerned with sacrifice than obedience, and that glories in appearance rather than heart, lacking the integrity and wisdom that flows form the fear of God, which are the foundation stones of godly government that seeks the glory of God and the welfare of His people.

An overview of the story of David focuses on the period of preparation in 1 Samuel 16-31. David is foreordained to kingship and anointed mightily with the Spirit of the Lord, after which he begins to do mighty deeds of warfare. Saul soon becomes jealous and begins to persecute David, which becomes a part of his preparation and training as he learns faith and perseverance in the wilderness. He twice refuses to take matters into his own hands when given opportunity to kill Saul, choosing to let God remove him in His time. David faces tremendous discouragement but learns to encourage himself in the Lord. He keeps his heart in the right place and God removes Saul from being king, after which David displays his concern for the honor of God in the Song of the Bow.

This message moves “outside the box” in challenging the remnant of God’s people to understand what God is doing to prepare a people for the harvest and the restoration of His house in this time. If you have been experiencing the discipline of the Lord in this way this message may provide encouragement, perspective and strengthening unto endurance.

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Dr. Hartmann examines the ministry of pastoral care and encouraging the downtrodden by looking at Matthew 11:2-6 where the imprisoned John the Baptist sends some of his disciples to Jesus to ask if he is the expected Messiah. Jesus answers them, by telling them to describe to John what they see happening in the ministry of Jesus and His disciples.

Dr. Hartmann proceeds to examine the characteristics of authentic discipleship and ministry.

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Dr. Hartmann examines righteousness as described in Romans 3:21-25 and examines the various sacrifices and the Day of Atonement to understand the central element of Jesus death and resurrection in the Gospel.

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Dr. Hartmann examines righteousness as described in Romans 3:21-25 and examines the various sacrifices and the Day of Atonement to understand the central element of Jesus death and resurrection in the Gospel.

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Dr. Hartmann continues his exposition of Romans in this poignant teaching that outlines key concepts of New Testament covenant righteousness. Biblical ideas of faith and works are harmoniously drawn out in this exegetically correct exhortative teaching

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Dr. Hartmann elucidates biblical concepts of righteousness in this profoundly insightful teaching. Drawing on his doctoral dissertation rich layers of wisdom and understanding are broad for word in a most succinct manner in this wonderful teaching.

The biblical concept of righteousness is contextualized within the idea of relationship contained by the boundaries of a covenant.

God has kept his part of the covenant relationship. He has done this through the saving activity in Jesus Christ as promised in the Old Testament Scriptures.

God is revealed in Scripture as a covenant keeping God. He reveals this in His faithfulness to Israel throughout history by many acts of deliverance and assistance, even in executing judgment for violations of the covenant. God protected, delivered, and defended Israel on many occasions in keeping with his part of the covenant. This was epitomized ultimately in the sacrificial deliverance God wrought for humanity in Jesus Christ.

The book of Romans unpacks the concept that righteousness leads to life. Therefore understanding of biblical concept of righteousness is critical. The concept of righteousness is framed within the eschatological understanding judgment day in which all humans will be judged by Jesus Christ. God is the ultimate judge. Only the righteous will be acquitted. According to the Scriptures, cities nations generations and individuals will all be judged. Scripture indicates that the judgment will be based upon the light one has. God will judge according to deeds, his judgment will be impartial.

What will be the basis for being found righteous before God? What is declared righteous before God on the basis of faith apart from the works of the law according to Romans. Dr. Hartmann goes on to explain that the phrase “works of the law” is not to be understood as equating to good works. Quite the contrary, good works are to be enjoined by those who believe.

Dr. Hartmann goes on to succinctly unpack the biblical concepts of works, the works of the law, the historical theological constructs found in the writings of the apostle Paul, the early church, Catholicism, Protestantism, and several theologians.

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The biblical concept of righteousness is contextualized within the idea of relationship within the boundaries of a covenant. Integral to the view are broad domains of ideas headed by words such as behavior, law, status, justice or justification. The idea biblical righteousness cannot be separated from or fully understood apart from these concepts.

These concepts of covenantal relationship apply to various relationships. Including God’s relationship to humans, and humans relationship with one another.

God’s covenantal relationships with humans are often found in Scripture along the side of concepts related to righteousness, faithfulness, loving-kindness, and truth. These words and the powerful concepts signify are used to describe God’s behavior towards humans. These are the same concepts that we in turn are to exercise and our relationship towards God and other humans. Biblical righteousness cannot be fully understood apart from a comprehensive understanding these things.

Dr. Hartmann masterfully elucidates these critical biblical concepts in this teaching.

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