An Amazing Story of Redemption

Daniel Segraves

Susan, my wife, was born into a family of four sisters. They had no background in Pentecostalism. Orphaned when Susan was eight years old, all four found their way into the full apostolic experience. Three married preachers.

Their story, written by Susan, is found in the October 2018 issue of Pentecostal Life, published by the United Pentecostal Church International. The title is “Blooming in Brokenness.” Read it to discover how God brought someone into their lives to transform their brokenness into spiritual wholeness.

IMG_1190(1).jpgThe magazine is available at pentecostallife.com.

 

Another Look at “Delivering Up the Kingdom”

Daniel Segraves
“Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. For ‘He has put all things under His feet.’ But when He says ‘all things are put under Him,’ it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all” (I Corinthians 15:24-28, NKJV).

 

After all opposition to Christ’s rule has ended, He will deliver the kingdom to God the Father. The subjection of everything to Christ excludes God the Father, for the Son Himself will be subject to God in order that God may be “all in all.” Several questions arise from I Corinthians 15:24-28: Since a time will come when Christ delivers the kingdom to God the Father, does this mean Christ will no longer reign? If God the Father has put all things under the feet of Christ with the exception of Himself, what is the relationship of Christ and God the Father? Does this refer to ontological or functional subordination? Does the statement “then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him” mean that the Son is not now subject to Him? What is different about this future subjection of the Son from His present subjection? Is God not “all in all” prior to this event?

Christ’s reign is eternal.

Christ must reign “until” He subdues all enemies, but this does not mean His reign will end. It means His reign will extend up to the point when His enemies are subdued, without addressing what will occur afterwards. If I Corinthians 15:24-28 indicates changes in Christ’s reign or in the relationship between God the Father and Christ, it suggests that Christ’s reign is temporary. This cannot be the case, as seen in Revelation 11:15: “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” (NKJV). The eternal throne is the throne “of God and of the Lamb” (Revelation 22:3, NKJV). Whatever it means for Christ to deliver the kingdom to God the Father and for Christ to reign until He has subjugated all enemies, it cannot mean there comes a time when the reign of Christ is terminated.

The context of I Corinthians 15:24-28 is the resurrection of the dead. In spite of the claims of some of the Corinthians, there is a resurrection, of which Christ’s resurrection is proof. Furthermore, if Jesus rose bodily, He still exists and will continue to exist throughout eternity as the God-man. The bodily resurrection of Christ, therefore, guarantees the permanence of the Incarnation; and because the Incarnation is permanent, the relationship between the Son and God the Father is constant.

Is Christ’s subordination ontological or functional?

In order to maintain the position that God is three co-equal persons, Trinitarian theology describes Christ’s subjection to the Father as functional subjection. [1] In other words, since Christ—viewed as the second person in the Godhead—is co-equal with God the Father—viewed as the first person in the Godhead—His subjection to the Father is not based on His being (ontological), for He is co-equal with the Father. Rather, it is a functional subjection for a specified purpose.

However, the subjection of Christ to God the Father is both functional and ontological. The Incarnation is certainly functional. God was manifest in the flesh for the express purpose of redemption. We also know that Jesus Christ—God incarnate—will judge the world.

However, there is more to the subjection of Christ than the functions of redemption and judgment. I Corinthians 15:24-28 addresses the role of Christ after His works of redemption and judgment are completed. Since Christ is fully man and fully God, the humanity of Christ is also ontologically subject to God the Father. Once the purpose for the Incarnation is completed, the subjection is no longer functional, for the function has been accomplished. At the point when Christ delivers the kingdom to God the Father, His subjection will be purely ontological.

The Son is and will always be subject to God the Father.

Human nature is, by definition, ontologically subordinate to God. Christ is one integrated person who is both divine and human. In order for His humanity to be meaningful, it was necessary for Christ to voluntarily limit Himself within the parameters of that which is essentially human. All references to the subjection of Christ to God, whether past, present, or future, depend upon Christ’s solidarity with the human race.

The use of “Christ” emphasizes the Incarnation. In verse 28 Christ is referred to as the “Son.” The identification of the Son as “Lord” calls attention to His deity as Yahweh. To identify the Son as Christ emphasizes His humanity and the fact that He is the anointed One. Paul’s primary Christological focus in I Corinthians is on the Son as Messiah. Except for four references (I Corinthians 5:5; 6:11; 11:23; 12:3), Paul identifies the Son as Christ. In I Corinthians the Son is identified as “Christ” forty-four times, as “Lord Jesus Christ” ten times, as “Jesus Christ” four times, as “Christ Jesus” four times, as “Jesus Christ our Lord” three times, and as “Christ Jesus our Lord” once.

The God-man will terminate all opposition and deliver the kingdom to God the Father. “God the Father” refers to God transcendent—God above and beyond the Incarnation. [2] God will conquer sin’s consequences not by means of His transcendence or immanence, but by means of His manifestation in the flesh. Redemption is rooted in the Incarnation.

The subjection of all things to Christ fulfills Psalm 8:6: “You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet.” This subjection includes only the created realm; God the Father is not subjected to the Messiah. The use of Psalm 8 in I Corinthians 15:25-27 and Hebrews 2:5-9 indicates that although the created realm is ontologically subordinate to the Messiah, it is not presently subjected because of the sin problem. The Fall was not just the fall of humans, but of the entire created realm. Creation, now subjected to futility because of sin, “will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” (See Romans 8:19-24.) Because the final defeat of death is yet future, and because death is the consequence of the Fall, we could say that the created order is at this time ontologically subordinate to the Messiah, but not behaviorally subordinate. Sin is now in its death throes, something like a snake whose head has been cut off, but who continues to flail about. On the other hand, Christ is presently subordinated to God the Father, because no sin problem is involved.

When all things are made subject to Christ, “then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all” (verse 28). This statement must be understood so as to avoid suggesting that the Son is not now subject to the Father.

No essential change in Christ’s nature is indicated in this passage. He will always be as He has always been. The relationship between Christ and God the Father as described in this passage is the same as elsewhere. The Son is always submitted to God transcendent. This is due to the human existence in which God humbled Himself.

The word translated “then” (tote, as opposed to eita in verse 24) need not mean “thereupon” or “thereafter.” It can mean “at that time,” with no idea of a point of origin. [3] It may mean that the state of things at this time will be as described. What is presently true continues to be true into eternity.

Even though hypotagesetai (“will be subjected”) is a future passive indicative, this may still indicate only that this is how things will be in the future. If hypotagesetai is read as a future passive indicative, it means in the future Christ’s subjection will be accomplished by someone outside of Himself. But this future passive indicative may function as a middle instead of a passive, with the subject represented as doing something for, to or by himself. [4] This is the same status that the Son of God assumed during His days on earth.

Jesus is not just an historical figure. He will continue to exist throughout eternity in His human existence as well as in His deity. This means that all human beings will continue to exist, for Christ’s essential humanness is no different than our humanness. Because He stands in solidarity with us, we stand in solidarity with Him. If He had discarded His humanity at death, not only would He not have experienced bodily resurrection, but neither would we have any certainty about our future.

1 See Gordon D. Fee, The New International Commentary on the New Testament, The First Epistle to the Corinthians (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1987), 760.
2 This is from the perspective that “God the Father” is a reference to God transcendent, the Son of God is a reference to God incarnate, and Holy Spirit is a reference to God immanent. In the final analysis, however, God is One. The same God who is transcendent is incarnate and immanent. The KJV has, “God, even the Father.”
3 F. Wilbur Gingrich, Shorter Lexicon of the Greek New Testament (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1965), 219.
4 See A.T. Robertson, A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1934), 809.

Bishop Timothy Dugas

Daniel Segraves

On October 20, 2017, I wrote the following letter to Bishop Timothy Dugas. Although he is now absent from the body, he is present with our Lord (II Corinthians 5:8). In an attempt to express my love for Brother Dugas, I am sharing my letter with you:

Dear Brother Dugas:

It is with sincere thanksgiving that I express my appreciation to you for your pastoral care during the past ten years.

When Judy and I, along with my mother, moved to this area in 2007, you greeted us in such a way that we immediately felt at home and knew that The Sanctuary would be our place to belong. Although you and Mary were suffering in a way we had not experienced, both of you loved us, demonstrating what it meant to live a life of faith and trust in God. When Mary departed from this present world to be with Christ, you continued to model that life of faith before us with consistent transparency.

Your personal illustration of how to suffer in a way that glorified God, refusing to fall into despair, was such a help to me when Judy was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. Your sensitivity to us, your spiritual care, and your visits to our home with your wife Deanna helped us to survive this experience. After Judy passed away, you were there to help me through those dark days. I am so grateful.

Now Susan and I are richly blessed with the privilege to continue to receive spiritual nurture from your ministry. Your ministry is not limited to words, although your words are encouraging and edifying. What you say flows from a life deeply rooted in genuine faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, regardless of the circumstances you have encountered.

Many years ago, when we were in Stockton, Jerry Renison was hospitalized, facing the amputation of a foot. Without planning it, Brother Kenneth Haney and I arrived at his bedside together. As we talked about what his future held, Brother Renison said something that had a profound influence on me. He said, “I guess faith is different things to different people, but for me, faith is knowing that God will do what is right for me.” His words were as if God had spoken to me.

Susan and I are praying for you and your family as you once again walk into a future that calls for trust in God in the face of uncertainty. We know you will show us how we should live as we too confront the unknown.

With Grateful Hearts,

Daniel and Susan Segraves

Aboard Air France

Daniel Segraves

We are aboard our aircraft. Susan, my beautiful wife who is usually reluctant to have her picture made, has agreed for me to share her happy likeness. We have ordered our cod, and we are on our way! We thank God for a safe trip, and we pray for His watchful care as we head west.

Our last breakfast in France

Daniel Segraves

This morning Susan and I enjoyed our final breakfast in Paris . . . unless we return in 2020!

We have enjoyed our days [Bonjour!] and nights [Bonsoir] in France. The people are polite and helpful. Most we met could speak some English.

We recommend our hotel, The Renaissance, located at 4 Rue du Mont Thabor in Paris. It is a Marriott property situated in the heart of the city. We didn’t have to walk far to reach the things we wanted to see, and clean taxis were readily available when we needed them.

The trip to the Charles de Gaulle airport took about 40 minutes, at a fare of less than 60 Euros. We are now ensconced in the pleasant Air France lounge awaiting our return to St. Louis, via Detroit, Michigan. This reminds me of Bobby Bare’s 1963 country song, “Detroit City,” with its plaintive cry, “Oh how I want to go home.” Yes, I well remember those cotton fields.

Au revoir!

A rainy day in Paris . . .

Daniel Segraves

I asked our concierge if she could stop the rain. She could not, but she made some recommendations and loaned us an umbrella.

Our first stop was two right turns from our hotel, where we savored authentic French onion soup, a salad featuring crisp and carefully stacked green beans, and the view from the second floor dining room [the French refer to it as the first floor; what we call the first floor is to them the “0” floor or l’etage] of Le Castiglioni on Rue Saint-Honoré.

When we left this delightful place, the rain had stopped. We walked along Rue de Rivoli, stopping at small shop where Susan discovered some attractive scarves to add to her collection.

On our way back to our hotel, we purchased some chocolate delicacies at Edwart’s, a chocolatier recommended by our concierge.

Then we arrived at Angelina’s of Paris, another establishment we learned of from our concierge, and joined the long line of those waiting to imbibe in the world famous – or at least that’s what they claim – hot chocolate from the African continent. It lived up to its reputation, so pudding like that the spoon nearly stands up in the cup. When we left Angelina’s, the line seemed as long as it was when we entered.

I wondered about the veracity of this sign, but after sticking my head into the shop, I might be able to be convinced.

We are back in our room, preparing for tomorrow’s departure. We have loved France, but Dogwood Meadow Court beckons, with its hummingbirds, bright red cardinals, geese, and occasional deer.

Bon soir!

Our last day in Paris

Daniel Segraves

Tomorrow, Susan and I will fly home from Paris. We have enjoyed all our adventures in France, from being greeted by the Nowackis to last night’s Eiffel Tower experience, with the exception of being caught in the midst of a scuffle between the police and illegal peddlers of Eiffel trinkets.

Before we ascended the Tower, we enjoyed a delicious dinner cruise on the Seine.

Before we boarded our Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Dinner Cruise, we enjoyed watching other boats traveling the river.

The dinner cruise concluded with an excellent choice of coffee.

Little is more entertaining than people watching while awaiting the arrival of our tour guide for the Eiffel Tower.

After we left the melee behind, which included armed police chasing sellers of cheaply made wares and warning shouts among those pursued, Susan and I recaptured the romantic ambiance of an evening stroll along the Seine toward our hotel. At least we recaptured it until we were strolled out and decided to hail a taxi. To walk into the lobby of our hotel once again was like coming home.

Through a glass, not so darkly. Susan waves from the window of our hotel room as I gaze up in admiration from the lobby atrium. We just received a text from Delta Airlines inviting us to check in. Only 24 hours remain of our Parisienne days.

Au revoir!

Strolling around Paris . . .

Daniel Segraves

Someone suggested we should not limit our adventures in Paris to well known tourist vistas. We are visiting typical tourist sites, but we are also exploring by simply strolling along. What a delightful experience!

A little shop named for my hometown . . . St. Louis, MO. I was born there in 1946.

Exploring a book display filled with small volumes all subtitled something like “A Short Introduction to . . . .” Each is about 100 pages long. I am looking at one titled “A Short Introduction to Miracles.” The bibliography includes a book on miracles written by Graham Twelftree, an Australian scholar who was one of my professors in my Ph.D. Program. The display gave me the idea to write short books on topics relevant to biblical studies. Who knows? Now that I’m retired . . .

An eye level plaque commemorating the commitment of the United States to the revitalization of Western Europe after World War II. The U.S. investment would have equaled $200 billions in 2016.

We rounded the corner and there they were! Napoleon’s Egyptian obelisk he brought back to Paris after his July 21, 1798 victory in Egypt, during which he destroyed nearly the entire Egyptian army. Josephine had asked him to bring home “a small obelisk.” This one is covered with ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

And then, the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair. Susan and I plan to ascend to the top of the tower tonight after a dinner cruise on the Seine River.

Should I, or shouldn’t I? Bicycling is a common form of transportation around Paris, along with scooters, motorbikes, tiny cars and feet. I’ll go with the feet.

Maxim’s. I’ve heard of it, but that’s all I know. It’s on the wrong side of the street!

Our Visit to France

Daniel Segraves

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Twenty-one students attended the week long sessions of the French Bible Institute, hosted by the headquarters church in Melun, France, where Missionary John Nowacki [far right] is pastor. Brother Nowacki and his wife, Anne [next to Brother Nowacki], founded the work of the United Pentecostal Church International in France in 1977 with four people in attendance. Today Brother Nowacki is president of the UPCI in France, with twenty churches. The headquarters church has two services each Sunday morning, with an average attendance of 600.

On Friday, August 17, 2018, Susan and I arrived at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, France. Missionary John Nowacki picked us up and drove us to Melun, where we were scheduled to be in the two Sunday services at the headquarters church.

We had heard before our trip that Brother and Sister Nowacki (John and Anne) were excellent hosts, and we discovered that to be true. Two days before we arrived, they had just returned from a trip to Canada, and they were still dealing with jet lag. Nevertheless, they served us a delicious breakfast in their beautiful home, then Brother Nowacki drove us to our hotel, located near the church.

Later in the evening, the four of us shared dinner at a lovely restaurant. It is customary in Europe to eat later in the day. Restaurants typically open at about 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, we traveled to the Chateau de Fontainebleau, one of the largest French royal chateaux, dating from the 12th century, where French rulers, including Napoleon, lived for more than 8 centuries.

On Sunday, I preached in each service. Brother Nowacki translated. Susan and I enjoyed the lively worship and the excellent music and singing provided by the Spirit-filled youth. My subject was “The Miraculous Good News” [the gospel] with I Corinthians 15 and Psalm 45 as my texts. One person was baptized with the Holy Spirit, and three were water baptized in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I take no credit for this, of course.

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I taught about four hours each day, Monday through Friday. Brother Nowacki translated for me in the beginning session on Monday, with Missionary Marcos Brainos and Associate Missionary Mike Long assisting throughout the week. My topic was “The Messiah in the Psalms.” The students listened carefully. Their questions at the end of the week revealed keen curiosity and insight. Susan, who attended each session, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It is such a rich blessing to have Susan as my wife. She says she would rather hear me teach than go shopping!

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We were treated to excellent food each day and evening. After all, we were in France! But on Friday night Mike Long picked us up for a special surprise. He said we were going to “Justin’s,” which I assumed was a French restaurant. It turned out to be the home of Justin Ward, a professional chef, and his wife, Caroline [from left, Caroline, Justin, and Mike]. Their hospitality was warm, and the four course meal Justin had prepared was delightful. We had heard that, for the French, an evening meal was a relaxed event with plenty of time for conversation between courses. That is what it turned out to be. We began eating just after 8 p.m. and our visit drew to a close at about 11 p.m. Conversation ranged from Bible quizzing (Caroline is the Bible Quiz Master for France) to cuisine (Justin has a degree in baking and teaches tourists from around the world how too bake) to our upcoming week in Paris (Mike Long has written a guidebook titled “Paris … 3 Days … No stress,” which is available on Amazon.com) to the fascination Justin and I share concerning Hammond B-3 organs and Leslie speakers (Justin plays various instruments, including the organ, and is leader of the music program at the headquarter’s church).

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Kiran was one of the students at the French Bible Institute. He is also an Uber driver, and on Saturday he drove us carefully and safely from our hotel in Melun to our hotel in Paris for our stay of nearly one week. Kiran is married, with a one year old daughter. He speaks French, English, and Malagasy.

In a following post, I will tell you about our time  in Paris. Keep in mind that Susan and I have been married almost 5 years. At this time, Paris is the place to be!