Starting is easy. Everybody can do it. All you have to do is show up. The gun goes off and away you go. In a running race, the start is particularly invigorating. You are surrounded by a mass of healthy bodies who are fresh and excited.
Almost everyone starts off too quickly. It usually only takes a few hundred yards to realize this fact. You are in good shape but the pace is beyond what you have trained for. Your heart rate powers up too quickly and you begin breathing hard.
In a short race, say a 5K, this is not too big of an issue. You planned on pushing it harder than your long runs anyway and expected to be out of breath. Anybody can suck gas for 20-25 minutes. So you push through.
But if your race is a marathon and you are out of breath at the half-mile mark, the thought can be daunting, even overwhelming. Slow down. Pace is key. But don’t sandbag. Run what you have trained for. You have got over three and half hours of running to go. So, catch your breath. Make it half way. It’s all down hill from there. Down hill. On the back side. Going home. These are things that help you make it through the pain of the harder part. Sometimes it is merely tricking yourself that the first part was hardest. Maybe it was. Probably it wasn’t. But now you know you can make it and every step brings you one step closer to home. So, you keep it up and you finish.
This book is not really about running. Of course, running is the theme. Running is the trainer. Running is a tool. Stay with me and you will see that this book is about life. As is running or whatever endeavor you have found that makes you, not only who you are, but enables you to press beyond the exigencies of every day living, to that something beyond which gives meaning and joy to the mundane.
I picked up endurance running almost by accident. In high school track, I was a sprinter. A hard workout for me was five three hundred meter sprints at top speed. Three quarters around the track in thirty-nine seconds. Repeat it five times. Puke your guts out. I thought it was hard then but now, as I look back, we had it pretty easy.
Even then, we sprinters always shuddered at the workouts of the one and two milers. Their speed days consisted of twelve four hundred meter sprints. Their sprints were not exactly the same as our sprints but they ran them hard and they ran a lot of them. On their distance days, they would go out and run six or seven miles. This seemed completely absurd to us sprinters.
We could not comprehend running that far. Not ever. Not under any circumstances.
In winter track, the coaches would haul us out to the country for a little conditioning. Our distance runners would do four miles and the sprinters would usually run fartleks. This consisted of walking from one telephone pole to the next, then jogging to the next one, then a full sprint to the next one. We never did this for more than two miles. Even when we did slow distance running, the sprinter’s distance was just two miles.
The first time I ran two miles without stopping, I thought I had accomplished a tremendous feat. It seemed a very long distance and I was surprised that I could do it. My brother, our top sprinter, was impressed. When it came to distance, he ran slowly, slowly, so impressing him that way was fairly easy. Alas, I had the curse of mediocrity. Too slow to compete in the 100. Too fast to compete in the mile. But I am not alone. Ninety-five percent of the athletes on our track team were in the same boat. They were not the fastest sprinters. They were not the great endurance runners. They were just filler, like me. Good for training and perhaps a relay team but would never be the excellent individual runner.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
I'm Back
Greetings,
I've not kept up very well with my goal to post at least three times per week. My Exhortation and Meditations for church have made it but not much else.
I've got a bit of an excuse. I was sick, as was most of my family. Out with flu. Pretty much down and out, as a group, for two weeks. I've got other good excuses but excuses piled up, start to smell funny.
I've got a bit of a project that I am going to try in order to force me to keep up some writing. I'm working on a book, of sorts. Not sure what it will be when all is said and done. I've got a few pages written. They are a bit wobbly, here and there. But I hope they are like those old Weebles, they wobble but they don't fall down.
Anyway, I suppose I'll let you be the judge. I hope you enjoy.
I've not kept up very well with my goal to post at least three times per week. My Exhortation and Meditations for church have made it but not much else.
I've got a bit of an excuse. I was sick, as was most of my family. Out with flu. Pretty much down and out, as a group, for two weeks. I've got other good excuses but excuses piled up, start to smell funny.
I've got a bit of a project that I am going to try in order to force me to keep up some writing. I'm working on a book, of sorts. Not sure what it will be when all is said and done. I've got a few pages written. They are a bit wobbly, here and there. But I hope they are like those old Weebles, they wobble but they don't fall down.
Anyway, I suppose I'll let you be the judge. I hope you enjoy.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Communion Meditation-Extravagant Love
John 6:4-13 4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. 5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
The disciples did not think that there was enough food to feed the people. Jesus knew that there was. He likes it when resources are low. He wants to teach us that if we have Him then we have all the resources that we need. But there is more than that. Jesus does not just want to teach us to get by on a little. Frugality is perhaps sometimes a virtue but not on a wedding day, not on a honeymoon, not on an anniversary. Jesus is not frugal when it comes to His bride. God forbid that He should be such a frugal minded husband. He loves to lavish His bride with good things. He gives her fine clothing.He fills her table. He adorns her with beauty and she is lovely for Him.
In this story, what the disciples have is enough. It is somewhat insignificant. Anything they would have had would have been enough. He also could have created something from nothing, for, that is what He in fact, does.
It is significant that there is a great excess in this story. Jesus did not just break bread and fish until everyone was full. He kept breaking after there was more than enough, such that there was excess. He was extravagant. There are twelve baskets left over. Enough to feed every tribe of Israel. In Christ, we are the New Israel and the Church has now become Israel around the globe.
Canaan is no longer the Promised Land. The entire world is the Promised Land. In Jesus, there is enough to feed them all from the River to the utter ends of the Earth. That is what we declare here. So, let us eat and drink in thanksgiving for God’s abundant provision of life to all the world in Jesus Christ.
The disciples did not think that there was enough food to feed the people. Jesus knew that there was. He likes it when resources are low. He wants to teach us that if we have Him then we have all the resources that we need. But there is more than that. Jesus does not just want to teach us to get by on a little. Frugality is perhaps sometimes a virtue but not on a wedding day, not on a honeymoon, not on an anniversary. Jesus is not frugal when it comes to His bride. God forbid that He should be such a frugal minded husband. He loves to lavish His bride with good things. He gives her fine clothing.He fills her table. He adorns her with beauty and she is lovely for Him.
In this story, what the disciples have is enough. It is somewhat insignificant. Anything they would have had would have been enough. He also could have created something from nothing, for, that is what He in fact, does.
It is significant that there is a great excess in this story. Jesus did not just break bread and fish until everyone was full. He kept breaking after there was more than enough, such that there was excess. He was extravagant. There are twelve baskets left over. Enough to feed every tribe of Israel. In Christ, we are the New Israel and the Church has now become Israel around the globe.
Canaan is no longer the Promised Land. The entire world is the Promised Land. In Jesus, there is enough to feed them all from the River to the utter ends of the Earth. That is what we declare here. So, let us eat and drink in thanksgiving for God’s abundant provision of life to all the world in Jesus Christ.
Death to Life
Rev 21:5 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
We know that God has created. We know that in Christ, He has recreated. We see this truth presented to us clearly in the Scriptures. And yet, we also find in the world that all things are not yet completely new. We have the promise in the Spirit and the hope of the promise in future resurrection. But we now we see as in a mirror dimly.
Part of the great hope that we have is, not to be delivered from these bodies, but to have our mortality put on immortality. We want sin and death to be swallowed up in victory. God has told us that this is what Jesus Christ has accomplished for us on the cross. John Owen said that the cross presented to us the Death of Death in the death of Christ. But we do not yet see all things in subjection. The creation still groans. People still die. Sin, though condemned, still lurks. We suffer.
But we must remember that we, who are in Christ, are dead to sin. It has no power to condemn us. For we are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, in Christ. And Paul says that we ought to therefore put to death the deeds of the flesh. We are dead to sin. And if we are not dead to sin, then we must die. And our life in Christ consists of this. We must learn to die continually. As we do so, conversely, we will begin to realize, even in our mortal bodies, the life of Christ that is being stored up for our immortal bodies.
So, we come to this time of confession, not dragging our feet, sullen and despondent, nor hopeless and feeble. But we come, even to repentance, in the power of the Holy Spirit. For, we must rely upon Him both to die and to live. And we must do both, identifying with Christ in His death. Really dying. And being raised to life in Christ in His life. Really living.
So, let us come to death that we might be raised up beyond it.
We know that God has created. We know that in Christ, He has recreated. We see this truth presented to us clearly in the Scriptures. And yet, we also find in the world that all things are not yet completely new. We have the promise in the Spirit and the hope of the promise in future resurrection. But we now we see as in a mirror dimly.
Part of the great hope that we have is, not to be delivered from these bodies, but to have our mortality put on immortality. We want sin and death to be swallowed up in victory. God has told us that this is what Jesus Christ has accomplished for us on the cross. John Owen said that the cross presented to us the Death of Death in the death of Christ. But we do not yet see all things in subjection. The creation still groans. People still die. Sin, though condemned, still lurks. We suffer.
But we must remember that we, who are in Christ, are dead to sin. It has no power to condemn us. For we are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, in Christ. And Paul says that we ought to therefore put to death the deeds of the flesh. We are dead to sin. And if we are not dead to sin, then we must die. And our life in Christ consists of this. We must learn to die continually. As we do so, conversely, we will begin to realize, even in our mortal bodies, the life of Christ that is being stored up for our immortal bodies.
So, we come to this time of confession, not dragging our feet, sullen and despondent, nor hopeless and feeble. But we come, even to repentance, in the power of the Holy Spirit. For, we must rely upon Him both to die and to live. And we must do both, identifying with Christ in His death. Really dying. And being raised to life in Christ in His life. Really living.
So, let us come to death that we might be raised up beyond it.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Communion Meditation-Crumbs of Life
Matt 15:25-28 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. 28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
We have already noticed one important aspect of these verses in the Exhortation, earlier in the service. That is, that this woman compares herself to the dogs which eat from the Master’s table. She was a Gentile dog and therefore not part of the Covenant people of God. But we have also realized that Jesus was expounding the teaching that those who are true covenant members are those who believe like Abraham. Covenant connection to Jesus is by grace through faith.
This is Paul’s great driving point in Romans. It is a correction of the false assumptions of the Jews and a comfort to the fearful expectations of the Gentiles. God is righteous to Gentile and Jew alike, through His Son, Jesus Christ. So, all those who approach God honestly, looking for mercy in Jesus Christ, will find it. It does not matter where they were born or who their fleshly parents were. But they must all be children of Abraham, people who look to God in faith.
Another key point in these verses is the great faith of this woman. She was willing to eat the crumbs from the table of Jesus. Even His disciples were not willing to do that. They wanted to sit at His right hand and at His left at the banqueting hall of the great High King. But not she. She would rather be a dog beneath His feet than a great Gentile outside of His courts. She realized that anything He had touched was sure to bring life. Even a bit of crumb, a scrap from His table.
A bit of crumb, a scrap. That is what we eat here. A piece of bread. Hardly even a piece of bread. More like a piece of a piece, almost like leftovers or throw aways. But nothing that comes from Jesus is throw away. What comes from His table is life.
We have no right to be here. Not in our own name. Not with our family background. Not with our deeds. Not with our thoughts. But we are here and we would rather be here, at His table, than anywhere else. For He is here. And He bids us welcome and eat. Take hold of life. Take hold of hope. Take hold of healing. Take hold of Jesus.
We have already noticed one important aspect of these verses in the Exhortation, earlier in the service. That is, that this woman compares herself to the dogs which eat from the Master’s table. She was a Gentile dog and therefore not part of the Covenant people of God. But we have also realized that Jesus was expounding the teaching that those who are true covenant members are those who believe like Abraham. Covenant connection to Jesus is by grace through faith.
This is Paul’s great driving point in Romans. It is a correction of the false assumptions of the Jews and a comfort to the fearful expectations of the Gentiles. God is righteous to Gentile and Jew alike, through His Son, Jesus Christ. So, all those who approach God honestly, looking for mercy in Jesus Christ, will find it. It does not matter where they were born or who their fleshly parents were. But they must all be children of Abraham, people who look to God in faith.
Another key point in these verses is the great faith of this woman. She was willing to eat the crumbs from the table of Jesus. Even His disciples were not willing to do that. They wanted to sit at His right hand and at His left at the banqueting hall of the great High King. But not she. She would rather be a dog beneath His feet than a great Gentile outside of His courts. She realized that anything He had touched was sure to bring life. Even a bit of crumb, a scrap from His table.
A bit of crumb, a scrap. That is what we eat here. A piece of bread. Hardly even a piece of bread. More like a piece of a piece, almost like leftovers or throw aways. But nothing that comes from Jesus is throw away. What comes from His table is life.
We have no right to be here. Not in our own name. Not with our family background. Not with our deeds. Not with our thoughts. But we are here and we would rather be here, at His table, than anywhere else. For He is here. And He bids us welcome and eat. Take hold of life. Take hold of hope. Take hold of healing. Take hold of Jesus.
Exhortation-Blessed Dogs
Matt 15:25-27 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
Here, on the Second Sunday of Lent, it is good for us to think of ourselves as we really are. The Scripture is both alarming and comforting at the same time. It is this paradox of life in the Christian faith that is striking. We look at ourselves from one perspective and are disgusted. We look at ourselves from another perspective and are pleased. We look at God with a realization of our human condition and we shrink in fear. We look at God as the prodigal’s father and we are moved with fearless love.
So, what is our condition and what is our position before God? Shall we retreat? Shall we approach? Shall we be ashamed? Shall we be bold?
Let the woman teach us. She approached near to Jesus and called out to Him. However, He did not answer her. But she would not give up. She had come to realize that Jesus was her only hope. Even though she had no claim of birth, no claim of heritage, no claim of righteousness upon Him, still, she called out to Him. She came to Him. She needed Him. And if He could not help her, then no one could.
Jesus is rude to her and insults her and still she will not leave. He refuses to talk to her. He tells her that she is not among the favored people. And still she will not leave. She does not deny any of this. She knows herself. At least well enough to know that she cannot make claims upon Jesus. But she also knows Him well enough to know that He can be moved to mercy and compassion. Furthermore, she must have some inkling that He was treating her the way He was treating her precisely to pull out the depth of her desire and faith. She will not leave without the blessing. She will get what she seeks.
Finally, she compares herself to a dog that must survive with the scraps and crumbs that fall from the table. She knows that even crumbs from Jesus are enough and more to satisfy for life. Jesus marvels at her faith and grants her request.
So, we come to God. We realize that we have no other option. We are not worthy. We can make no claim on Him. We are but dogs, scavengers who can barely keep ourselves alive. But we know that even a scrap from Jesus is life from the dead. So, we come and we know that He will hear, He will bless, He will heal.
So, how do we come to God? What is our response to Him? We come humbly, in the name of Jesus, expecting a blessing, because of God’s mercy and refusing to leave until we get it. First, we confess our own condition. Then we call upon Him to hear and to heal. And He does so.
Here, on the Second Sunday of Lent, it is good for us to think of ourselves as we really are. The Scripture is both alarming and comforting at the same time. It is this paradox of life in the Christian faith that is striking. We look at ourselves from one perspective and are disgusted. We look at ourselves from another perspective and are pleased. We look at God with a realization of our human condition and we shrink in fear. We look at God as the prodigal’s father and we are moved with fearless love.
So, what is our condition and what is our position before God? Shall we retreat? Shall we approach? Shall we be ashamed? Shall we be bold?
Let the woman teach us. She approached near to Jesus and called out to Him. However, He did not answer her. But she would not give up. She had come to realize that Jesus was her only hope. Even though she had no claim of birth, no claim of heritage, no claim of righteousness upon Him, still, she called out to Him. She came to Him. She needed Him. And if He could not help her, then no one could.
Jesus is rude to her and insults her and still she will not leave. He refuses to talk to her. He tells her that she is not among the favored people. And still she will not leave. She does not deny any of this. She knows herself. At least well enough to know that she cannot make claims upon Jesus. But she also knows Him well enough to know that He can be moved to mercy and compassion. Furthermore, she must have some inkling that He was treating her the way He was treating her precisely to pull out the depth of her desire and faith. She will not leave without the blessing. She will get what she seeks.
Finally, she compares herself to a dog that must survive with the scraps and crumbs that fall from the table. She knows that even crumbs from Jesus are enough and more to satisfy for life. Jesus marvels at her faith and grants her request.
So, we come to God. We realize that we have no other option. We are not worthy. We can make no claim on Him. We are but dogs, scavengers who can barely keep ourselves alive. But we know that even a scrap from Jesus is life from the dead. So, we come and we know that He will hear, He will bless, He will heal.
So, how do we come to God? What is our response to Him? We come humbly, in the name of Jesus, expecting a blessing, because of God’s mercy and refusing to leave until we get it. First, we confess our own condition. Then we call upon Him to hear and to heal. And He does so.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Communion Meditation-Partial Sight
We see partially. Our vision is not fully fixed. Although we were blind, now we see. We have seen Jesus as our Redeemer by faith. When we are told that God has made a way for us into the holy of holies, we look past our sins that block the way and see Jesus beckoning us in as friends. We make our way past the rumblings and threatening of the wrath of God and up to the mercy seat of Jesus. When we arrive there, we see that Jesus has brought the show bread and the blood of the offering. He wants us to eat and drink it. We recoil at the idea but He reassures us that the show bread can be eaten and the blood has been redeemed with good wine made to be drunk by all the saints.
We are surprised to be in this holy place and eating such holy food. We cannot take it all in and cannot comprehend all the various meanings of all the rituals and furniture of the holy place.
Nor, can we see all the benefits of being in such a place. We are like high priests here, who could only enter once a year, but we get to enter every week. We are like king David, eating the shewbread but this is no exception to the rule but the exception has become the rule. We are like the prophets of Old, hearing the very words of God, not occasionally, when the Spirit moves, but every week, words of promise fulfilled. And all without the danger of being harmed by God because of our sinfulness, because we are here with Jesus, at the mercy seat, eating and drinking the peace offering with God. We have become prophet, priests and kings because we partake of the righteousness of God which is Jesus Christ.
So, we understand in part. We have to have faith for the rest. But we see Jesus. We see the bread and the wine. So, we eat and are thankful and we pray that Jesus will touch us again and help us to see more each time that we come into this holy room.
We are surprised to be in this holy place and eating such holy food. We cannot take it all in and cannot comprehend all the various meanings of all the rituals and furniture of the holy place.
Nor, can we see all the benefits of being in such a place. We are like high priests here, who could only enter once a year, but we get to enter every week. We are like king David, eating the shewbread but this is no exception to the rule but the exception has become the rule. We are like the prophets of Old, hearing the very words of God, not occasionally, when the Spirit moves, but every week, words of promise fulfilled. And all without the danger of being harmed by God because of our sinfulness, because we are here with Jesus, at the mercy seat, eating and drinking the peace offering with God. We have become prophet, priests and kings because we partake of the righteousness of God which is Jesus Christ.
So, we understand in part. We have to have faith for the rest. But we see Jesus. We see the bread and the wine. So, we eat and are thankful and we pray that Jesus will touch us again and help us to see more each time that we come into this holy room.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Believing is Seeing
In a church near here, somewhere, there was a man who had lost his eyesight as a fairly young man. He had been an honorable man prior to this but the people in his church figured that he must somehow have deserved his ill fortune. He was eventually reduced to beggary, the people having distanced themselves from him.
One summer, flyers went up announcing that a faith healer was coming to town. The church was fairly modern so they were not overly excited about the news. Many tongues began to wag.
At their church picnic in the park that Sunday, there was a big uproar. The blind man had been sleeping under the bandstand and popped out and asked what was going on. The people from his former church told him that a faith healer was in town and was just now entering the park.
The blind man instantly began yelling, “Faith healer, have mercy on me. Please stop. Faith healer, help me!”
The people from his church were greatly embarrassed and told him to be quiet. One said, “Why are you yelling? Can’t you see that he is nothing?”
But the blind man just looked at him with blank staring eyes.
And the more they told him to shut up the more he shouted up, “Faith healer, have mercy on me. I need your help!”
And the faith healer stopped. He looked towards the dignified and embarrassed church and commanded that whoever had yelled at him needed to come forward. The church members were nonplussed at being spoken to in such a way by that sort of charismatic fellow but they complied nonetheless. The blind man was brought forward.
The faith healer looked at the man and realized that he was not looking back.
“What do you want me to do for you?”
“I want to see.”
The faith healer said, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.”
And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. (Luke 18:43)
But the proud members of the church did not follow. They scoffed.
One of his former friends said, “I knew he wasn’t blind. Imagine us doing a stunt like that. For the life of me, I can’t see why he does such things.”
One summer, flyers went up announcing that a faith healer was coming to town. The church was fairly modern so they were not overly excited about the news. Many tongues began to wag.
At their church picnic in the park that Sunday, there was a big uproar. The blind man had been sleeping under the bandstand and popped out and asked what was going on. The people from his former church told him that a faith healer was in town and was just now entering the park.
The blind man instantly began yelling, “Faith healer, have mercy on me. Please stop. Faith healer, help me!”
The people from his church were greatly embarrassed and told him to be quiet. One said, “Why are you yelling? Can’t you see that he is nothing?”
But the blind man just looked at him with blank staring eyes.
And the more they told him to shut up the more he shouted up, “Faith healer, have mercy on me. I need your help!”
And the faith healer stopped. He looked towards the dignified and embarrassed church and commanded that whoever had yelled at him needed to come forward. The church members were nonplussed at being spoken to in such a way by that sort of charismatic fellow but they complied nonetheless. The blind man was brought forward.
The faith healer looked at the man and realized that he was not looking back.
“What do you want me to do for you?”
“I want to see.”
The faith healer said, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.”
And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. (Luke 18:43)
But the proud members of the church did not follow. They scoffed.
One of his former friends said, “I knew he wasn’t blind. Imagine us doing a stunt like that. For the life of me, I can’t see why he does such things.”
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
God is a Rock
Yesterday, having said this,
"We must not be afraid to fix that which is broken or to build upon that which is foundational. Whether they be Confessions, Catechisms, or Ecclesiastical Structures."
Today, I must qualify.
I do think these issues are about reformed and reforming, about a cultural clash, protecting sacred ground. So, let me be clear. I am not opposed to sacred ground. Like it very much. And, I readily agree that the Westminster Confession of Faith is sacred ground. But it is not the same kind of sacred ground as Scripture.
None of our men, nor this one, are in a hurry to remodel. We like the building we are in and think it is quite a good one from which to launch attacks on the enemy. The devil, by the way, not other Presbyterians. In fact, most of our men only take a few standard exceptions from the Westminster Confession. The pope is not THE antichrist, some family or church related recreation is permissable and even good on the Lord's Day, and the exception of more substance, that very small children ought to be allowed to the Lord's Table. Basic stuff. Not the kind of exceptions heretics are made of. We readily agree that the Confession of Faith is a good guide for orthodoxy and a ready, at hand, starting point for finding dissent or even heterodoxy. That is, if used properly.
In the discussions that I have had with anti-FV Presbyterians, I have found them to be less confessional than myself. They don't like the fact that baptism confers (Westminster's word) grace, for instance. But we do. Who should take an exception here? This struck me as odd, as the main accusation against our men is that they are not faithful to the confession. It is we FV-ers that are arguing for the right to differ from the confession, as long as we do so Scripturally. We also believe that the Confessions, in theory, can and should be improved. But while arguing for this right, we really don't take it very much. That is good because the men at Westminster were brilliant and gave us a wonderfully crafted document. But it was for their time, for their day, for their issues. It is amazing that it has withstood the test of time and church issues this long. Brilliant.
But think about the answer to Shorter Catechism #4, for instance. God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal and unchangeable, in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice , goodness and truth.
I like this answer. It is all true. But does it define God very well or give us much insight into His character? Especially to a four or five year old? But more biblical language does this for us. "God is a rock, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of the great tree of His Church." This is a quick start, just looked up a few verses as I wrote. It could be much better written but I propose that even this simple attempt says more about God, not less, than the abstract ideas and doctrines, represented in the shorter catechism. And it does so, in Biblical language. Is this somehow, not being confessional?
Rich Lusk has written a Shorter Catechism-like work with more biblical language answers. However, as far as I know, no one in the CREC or FV-leaning PCA circles has sought to formally add any changes or updates to Westminster. Why? Because we do not have substantive differences. But the Bible has much more to say about God, doctrine and practice than the Confession of Faith was ever intended to say. So, we ought to be able to add. And if it comes to it, we can even subtract. No sin there. No necessary heresy. Just plain old reformation.
Since we are presbyterians, even CREC men, then we should not make changes to a church document willy-nilly or in our own little vacuum. We should seek to do so, as we can, as the broader church. That church is getting harder to find in the micro-p's, split-p soup we call TR Land.
So, where does this leave us? In my opinion, the ones arguing for the culture to be more Scriptural than confessional are more confessional than the true confessors.
Truth is stranger than fiction.
"We must not be afraid to fix that which is broken or to build upon that which is foundational. Whether they be Confessions, Catechisms, or Ecclesiastical Structures."
Today, I must qualify.
I do think these issues are about reformed and reforming, about a cultural clash, protecting sacred ground. So, let me be clear. I am not opposed to sacred ground. Like it very much. And, I readily agree that the Westminster Confession of Faith is sacred ground. But it is not the same kind of sacred ground as Scripture.
None of our men, nor this one, are in a hurry to remodel. We like the building we are in and think it is quite a good one from which to launch attacks on the enemy. The devil, by the way, not other Presbyterians. In fact, most of our men only take a few standard exceptions from the Westminster Confession. The pope is not THE antichrist, some family or church related recreation is permissable and even good on the Lord's Day, and the exception of more substance, that very small children ought to be allowed to the Lord's Table. Basic stuff. Not the kind of exceptions heretics are made of. We readily agree that the Confession of Faith is a good guide for orthodoxy and a ready, at hand, starting point for finding dissent or even heterodoxy. That is, if used properly.
In the discussions that I have had with anti-FV Presbyterians, I have found them to be less confessional than myself. They don't like the fact that baptism confers (Westminster's word) grace, for instance. But we do. Who should take an exception here? This struck me as odd, as the main accusation against our men is that they are not faithful to the confession. It is we FV-ers that are arguing for the right to differ from the confession, as long as we do so Scripturally. We also believe that the Confessions, in theory, can and should be improved. But while arguing for this right, we really don't take it very much. That is good because the men at Westminster were brilliant and gave us a wonderfully crafted document. But it was for their time, for their day, for their issues. It is amazing that it has withstood the test of time and church issues this long. Brilliant.
But think about the answer to Shorter Catechism #4, for instance. God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal and unchangeable, in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice , goodness and truth.
I like this answer. It is all true. But does it define God very well or give us much insight into His character? Especially to a four or five year old? But more biblical language does this for us. "God is a rock, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of the great tree of His Church." This is a quick start, just looked up a few verses as I wrote. It could be much better written but I propose that even this simple attempt says more about God, not less, than the abstract ideas and doctrines, represented in the shorter catechism. And it does so, in Biblical language. Is this somehow, not being confessional?
Rich Lusk has written a Shorter Catechism-like work with more biblical language answers. However, as far as I know, no one in the CREC or FV-leaning PCA circles has sought to formally add any changes or updates to Westminster. Why? Because we do not have substantive differences. But the Bible has much more to say about God, doctrine and practice than the Confession of Faith was ever intended to say. So, we ought to be able to add. And if it comes to it, we can even subtract. No sin there. No necessary heresy. Just plain old reformation.
Since we are presbyterians, even CREC men, then we should not make changes to a church document willy-nilly or in our own little vacuum. We should seek to do so, as we can, as the broader church. That church is getting harder to find in the micro-p's, split-p soup we call TR Land.
So, where does this leave us? In my opinion, the ones arguing for the culture to be more Scriptural than confessional are more confessional than the true confessors.
Truth is stranger than fiction.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Reformed? or Reformer?
Peter Leithart makes a great point about the current Federal Vision controversies. Leithart says that this debate is creating an identity crisis for Presbyterians, particularly the OPC and PCA.
Another issue that is at stake in all of this is the very nature of reformation. The church is to continue reforming. Reformation was not a once for all-time event. It is necessary that we children of the Reformation do not see ourselves as heirs of a great house that we must struggle to keep up. There is some truth in that. But God requires that we build a house, not just live in one. We must continue to grow individually and corporately.
Of course, any work that truly tears down the house ought to be rejected. We are to build not tear down. But if mistakes have been made, then perhaps parts of the house must be dismantled and refurbished. Besides that, other aspects of the house just are not built yet. We must not be afraid to fix that which is broken or to build upon that which is foundational. Whether they be Confessions, Catechisms, or Ecclesiastical Structures.
Are we Reformed? Or Reforming?
A friend of mine embraced many of our Reformed views after many years of being a Christian. One day, he told me that he was now a 'Reformer.' At the time, I smiled to myself, bemused. He didn't quite understand the nomenclature. We are used to hearing people say, "Well, I give up, now I'm Reformed." But that is wrong and my friend was right.
What are you? Reformed or Reformer?
Another issue that is at stake in all of this is the very nature of reformation. The church is to continue reforming. Reformation was not a once for all-time event. It is necessary that we children of the Reformation do not see ourselves as heirs of a great house that we must struggle to keep up. There is some truth in that. But God requires that we build a house, not just live in one. We must continue to grow individually and corporately.
Of course, any work that truly tears down the house ought to be rejected. We are to build not tear down. But if mistakes have been made, then perhaps parts of the house must be dismantled and refurbished. Besides that, other aspects of the house just are not built yet. We must not be afraid to fix that which is broken or to build upon that which is foundational. Whether they be Confessions, Catechisms, or Ecclesiastical Structures.
Are we Reformed? Or Reforming?
A friend of mine embraced many of our Reformed views after many years of being a Christian. One day, he told me that he was now a 'Reformer.' At the time, I smiled to myself, bemused. He didn't quite understand the nomenclature. We are used to hearing people say, "Well, I give up, now I'm Reformed." But that is wrong and my friend was right.
What are you? Reformed or Reformer?
North/South Face Off
Just finished my annual State of the Church address. I have been studying about the rise of Global South Christianity. Although the state of the Western Church is a bit discouraging, the State of the Church in the world is quite exciting.
Philip Jenkins makes several notable observations in his book, The New Faces of Christianity. He talks a great deal about the contrast of simple, believing Global South Christians and complex, educated Northern Christians. The contrast, in many ways could simply be unbelief vs. belief.
In a world where the words of Jesus take on great importance for everyday survival, he says, "The practical consequences are all too clear if we contrast the teeming congregations of Africa and Asia with the empty churches of post-Christian Europe. In the words of the Magnificat, God has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty." (p. 186)
An interesting contrast for Northern Christians vs. those Christians in Asia, Africa, and South America, where manifest evil and demons are still forces to be reckoned with. "Modern optimism (of the North) means that angels remain quite acceptable to popular belief, while giving credence to demons raises doubts about one's sanity." "Yet the further Christianity moves from ideas of evil (in the North), the less intelligible doctrines such as salvation and redemption become; salvation from what?" (p. 184)
And while we are thankful for science and medicine in the West, it has become a ready excuse for unbelief. "For most Europeans and Americans, healing is a secular, medical function, and has long been so." (p. 185)
It is good for us to think about these things, trying to see them from the perspective of people who live amongst great evil and come from cultures that have lived this way for centuries. The rise of Christ in these nations gives them hope that evil can, in fact, be overcome. While we have some good things to teach them, they also have much to teach us.
Philip Jenkins makes several notable observations in his book, The New Faces of Christianity. He talks a great deal about the contrast of simple, believing Global South Christians and complex, educated Northern Christians. The contrast, in many ways could simply be unbelief vs. belief.
In a world where the words of Jesus take on great importance for everyday survival, he says, "The practical consequences are all too clear if we contrast the teeming congregations of Africa and Asia with the empty churches of post-Christian Europe. In the words of the Magnificat, God has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty." (p. 186)
An interesting contrast for Northern Christians vs. those Christians in Asia, Africa, and South America, where manifest evil and demons are still forces to be reckoned with. "Modern optimism (of the North) means that angels remain quite acceptable to popular belief, while giving credence to demons raises doubts about one's sanity." "Yet the further Christianity moves from ideas of evil (in the North), the less intelligible doctrines such as salvation and redemption become; salvation from what?" (p. 184)
And while we are thankful for science and medicine in the West, it has become a ready excuse for unbelief. "For most Europeans and Americans, healing is a secular, medical function, and has long been so." (p. 185)
It is good for us to think about these things, trying to see them from the perspective of people who live amongst great evil and come from cultures that have lived this way for centuries. The rise of Christ in these nations gives them hope that evil can, in fact, be overcome. While we have some good things to teach them, they also have much to teach us.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
An Honest and Good Heart
I often post our Exhortations and Meditations in this place. I thought I would give you our entire Liturgical form here so you can see how we do this in our church.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Minister: Let us Worship the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
SCRIPTURE OF PRAISE
Luke 9:1-2 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Minister: Our Father in Heaven, we praise Your Name, for it is great and mighty to save and to heal. We thank You that Your Word has gone out to the ends of the Earth, proclaiming freedom to captives, dispensing with the authority of the devils, curing men of all manner of diseases and announcing the peace of the kingdom of God. We thank You that though we were sick and dead in our sins, You have made us healthy and alive in Christ. Though we were blind, we now see Jesus. Though we were deaf, You have given us ears to hear His Word. Glory be to God in the Highest. Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE-Psalm 47- All Peoples, Clap Your Hands for Joy-Cantus Christi 87
EXHORTATION
Luke 8:4-5 4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: 5 A sower went out to sow his seed
That seed is the word of God. There are people who hear this Word who do not really hear it. The devil comes and takes away the Word out of their hearts before they even have time to believe and be saved. Other people hear this Word as if they were a wee bit of soil on a rocky spot. When they first hear the Word of God, they receive it with joy. But since they are on rocky ground, they have no root. They believe for a short time but as soon as some difficulty or temptation comes their way, they fall away.
There are other people who seem to be in good soil. But the soil is also sown with weed and thorn seeds. They get along for a time but eventually they are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
Some hear the word as if they were good ground, well prepared. They have an honest and good heart. They hear the Word and keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. (Luke 8:16-17)
Dear Saints, be careful how you hear the Word of God. If you hear Jesus and have the Word of Life, then more shall be given you. More Word. More life. But if you do not hear and obey, then even what you think you have, which really isn’t much after all, will be taken away from you.
So, come to Jesus, honestly, with an honest and good heart. Honest because you are man, woman or child and He is God. Good because Jesus takes your faith in Him and reckons it as righteous. So, let us confess our sins, seeking Christ.
SCRIPTURE OF CONFESSION
Luke 8:5-7 and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Minister: Our Father, we confess to You that there are those in Your Church who do not really believe as they should. They have embraced Your Word but are unwilling to let go of the pull of the world. Our Father, we renounce the world and its desires, taking up our crosses and following Jesus. May we look to Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Our Father, prepare our hearts now and ever, to be good and honest soil, ready to receive all the Words of Jesus, to hold them dear, and to keep them until He returns.
Unison: O Lord God, who sees that we do not put our trust in anything that we do; mercifully grant that by Your power we may be defended against all adversity and temptation, through Christ our Lord. We confess our individual sins to You now. (Silent Confession)
Minister: O, Father, we thank You for hearing and forgiving us through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Minister: Rise up, O Saints of God, Forgiven in Christ Jesus.
SCRIPTURE OF ASSURANCE
Luke 8:8-10 8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? 10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God:
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Dear Saints, those of you who hear the Word of God and seek the Lord Jesus Christ in Spirit and Truth, are the good soil. May you fruit bear 30, 60 and 100 fold. The Lord Jesus is your Lord. In Him, you are forgiven. So, come and worship Him now. Amen.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Minister: Let us Worship the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
SCRIPTURE OF PRAISE
Luke 9:1-2 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Minister: Our Father in Heaven, we praise Your Name, for it is great and mighty to save and to heal. We thank You that Your Word has gone out to the ends of the Earth, proclaiming freedom to captives, dispensing with the authority of the devils, curing men of all manner of diseases and announcing the peace of the kingdom of God. We thank You that though we were sick and dead in our sins, You have made us healthy and alive in Christ. Though we were blind, we now see Jesus. Though we were deaf, You have given us ears to hear His Word. Glory be to God in the Highest. Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE-Psalm 47- All Peoples, Clap Your Hands for Joy-Cantus Christi 87
EXHORTATION
Luke 8:4-5 4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: 5 A sower went out to sow his seed
That seed is the word of God. There are people who hear this Word who do not really hear it. The devil comes and takes away the Word out of their hearts before they even have time to believe and be saved. Other people hear this Word as if they were a wee bit of soil on a rocky spot. When they first hear the Word of God, they receive it with joy. But since they are on rocky ground, they have no root. They believe for a short time but as soon as some difficulty or temptation comes their way, they fall away.
There are other people who seem to be in good soil. But the soil is also sown with weed and thorn seeds. They get along for a time but eventually they are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
Some hear the word as if they were good ground, well prepared. They have an honest and good heart. They hear the Word and keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. (Luke 8:16-17)
Dear Saints, be careful how you hear the Word of God. If you hear Jesus and have the Word of Life, then more shall be given you. More Word. More life. But if you do not hear and obey, then even what you think you have, which really isn’t much after all, will be taken away from you.
So, come to Jesus, honestly, with an honest and good heart. Honest because you are man, woman or child and He is God. Good because Jesus takes your faith in Him and reckons it as righteous. So, let us confess our sins, seeking Christ.
SCRIPTURE OF CONFESSION
Luke 8:5-7 and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Minister: Our Father, we confess to You that there are those in Your Church who do not really believe as they should. They have embraced Your Word but are unwilling to let go of the pull of the world. Our Father, we renounce the world and its desires, taking up our crosses and following Jesus. May we look to Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Our Father, prepare our hearts now and ever, to be good and honest soil, ready to receive all the Words of Jesus, to hold them dear, and to keep them until He returns.
Unison: O Lord God, who sees that we do not put our trust in anything that we do; mercifully grant that by Your power we may be defended against all adversity and temptation, through Christ our Lord. We confess our individual sins to You now. (Silent Confession)
Minister: O, Father, we thank You for hearing and forgiving us through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Minister: Rise up, O Saints of God, Forgiven in Christ Jesus.
SCRIPTURE OF ASSURANCE
Luke 8:8-10 8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? 10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God:
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Dear Saints, those of you who hear the Word of God and seek the Lord Jesus Christ in Spirit and Truth, are the good soil. May you fruit bear 30, 60 and 100 fold. The Lord Jesus is your Lord. In Him, you are forgiven. So, come and worship Him now. Amen.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Warmly Cooling
I'm a bit of a skeptic. I fashion myself a throwback, perhaps all the way back to the medieval age. Or at least back to when men were men, women were women and the weather minded its own business. So, being skeptical is not necessarily throwbackish. Perhaps, as a profession, skepticism is more modern. So perhaps, I am modern, really, in an old fashioned sort of way.
Whence comes all this confusion? Its the weather, I tell you. I can't help it. I remember as a child in Southern Idaho when my winters were long and cold. I used to spit on the wood shed and try to touch the spit as fast as I could to see if it was frozen yet. At -20 F, it would freeze before I touched it. But I hadn't remembered a winter like that for many, many years and now that I am old enough to say things like, "Twenty years ago...", well I suppose I know what I'm talking about. It is definitely getting warmer.
Sure, I was skeptical about global warming, too, until this so-called winter. It was in the 60's and 70's during Christmas break. The flowers were coming up, the Iris's blooms were starting to unfold. It was Spring in December. Global warming was a fact and my skepticism had been undeniably erased by the mere force of brute facts. Facts, I tell you, sure, solid, facts.
So, it was no wonder when I looked out this morning and saw the sun shining that I knew that I had made the correct, reasonable, scientific choice. In fact, since it is so warm, now, I don't even have to start my car five minutes early and let it run so my hands don't freeze on the steering wheel. I'd probably do it if it was cold. But it is nice that it is so warm so I don't have a personal moral dilemma about warming up my car.
Anyway, I headed off to work this morning thinking these great thoughts. What a shock to my system as I walked out the front door. The calm air, the blue sky and the bright sunshine were being selfish, deceitful perhaps, almost liars. They looked so warm and inviting from inside my cozy home. Arctic blastedness! Not so. I wheeled back into my house with an astonished look on my face and headed over to the computer to check the weather. Five degrees! What! On my globally warm Tuesday?
I had time to rethink it all NOW. Good thing I had time to do so, while the car warmed up. Global warming? Pshah!
Got to work and found this article. Peace of mind.
Whence comes all this confusion? Its the weather, I tell you. I can't help it. I remember as a child in Southern Idaho when my winters were long and cold. I used to spit on the wood shed and try to touch the spit as fast as I could to see if it was frozen yet. At -20 F, it would freeze before I touched it. But I hadn't remembered a winter like that for many, many years and now that I am old enough to say things like, "Twenty years ago...", well I suppose I know what I'm talking about. It is definitely getting warmer.
Sure, I was skeptical about global warming, too, until this so-called winter. It was in the 60's and 70's during Christmas break. The flowers were coming up, the Iris's blooms were starting to unfold. It was Spring in December. Global warming was a fact and my skepticism had been undeniably erased by the mere force of brute facts. Facts, I tell you, sure, solid, facts.
So, it was no wonder when I looked out this morning and saw the sun shining that I knew that I had made the correct, reasonable, scientific choice. In fact, since it is so warm, now, I don't even have to start my car five minutes early and let it run so my hands don't freeze on the steering wheel. I'd probably do it if it was cold. But it is nice that it is so warm so I don't have a personal moral dilemma about warming up my car.
Anyway, I headed off to work this morning thinking these great thoughts. What a shock to my system as I walked out the front door. The calm air, the blue sky and the bright sunshine were being selfish, deceitful perhaps, almost liars. They looked so warm and inviting from inside my cozy home. Arctic blastedness! Not so. I wheeled back into my house with an astonished look on my face and headed over to the computer to check the weather. Five degrees! What! On my globally warm Tuesday?
I had time to rethink it all NOW. Good thing I had time to do so, while the car warmed up. Global warming? Pshah!
Got to work and found this article. Peace of mind.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Better than the Witch Doctor?
In The New Faces of Christianity, Philip Jenkins makes a compelling case for the dramatic shift of Christianity around the globe. In fact, he does not have to ‘make a case’ for it at all. The facts are evident for all to see and our role in this is simply to recognize ‘what is’ or not. There are many startling aspects in what is occurring. How we view this depends largely on our view of what God is doing in history.
Much of the rise of Christianity in the global South is occurring among Pentecostals and Charismatics. Those of us with the mature Christian faith of North America may object to the growth of the church in this way. It does not fit our paradigm as to what the modern or mature church ought to be. One aspect of this dynamic growth in the church has been an emphasis on a ‘health and wealth’ gospel. That form of the gospel resonates strongly with a large portion of the world that is sick and poor. They need health and wealth and they are increasingly looking to Jesus to bring it to them.
While I am no proponent of this form of peddling Jesus to the masses, especially in its radically materialistic form here in the States, via the format of the The Blasphemy Network (TBN), I am glad to see the gospel of Jesus preached to those who need His message of salvation.
Tell me, what is worse, North Americans who have a solid, orthodox faith, without any outlandish aspects, who also do not think that prayer, and by implication, Christ, has anything to do with their health and wealth? Or, global South Christians who are still culturally young in the faith, who take the many words of Scripture on this subject, as if God actually meant them? Is it that their doctrine is wrong? Or is it merely an imbalance? Perhaps the expression of a childlike faith? The Scriptures require us to have this kind of faith. It must always be childlike. That is, truly trusting. But it must not stay childish. We must grow up in our understanding of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. But could we North Americans not use some balancing of our own in this area?
I am not charismatic. Nor will ever be. I was once, or tried to be, but I failed or did I succeed? I often tried to speak in tongues, but also prayed that God would not let me do so, unless it was real. I never did. And a stint in YWAM in the mid-80's, along with a lot of other goofy stuff, cured me of any charismatics leanings.
I believe the miraculous sign gifts to the church have ceased. Although, after reading Jenkins’ books, it is somewhat difficult to write that sentence. But even the testimony of the early church fathers showed that miracles gradually dissipated from the church over the course of a few hundred years. However, God does not cease to do remarkable things. He makes the sun come up each day. He puts food on my table. He gives me a healthy body. While I can tie these blessings to seemingly scientific data (if I try hard), I must retain the proper view that these blessings occur because they are wrought by the hand of the Governor of Providence. In that sense, they are miraculous.
Global South Christians live in a world where daily survival requires them to have a vibrant faith. Faith in the God who providentially governs daily circumstances is more than just an idea to them. It is no wonder that a health and wealth gospel is appealing. Instead of wagging our heads about this, we should consider this a manifestation of a truly Trinitarian faith. It is anti-Gnostic, and that is good. Consider this quote from Africa, “If the gospel you are preaching does not speak to human needs, it is useless. It cannot compete with the witch doctor and the gods.”
You see, they believe that worshipping the ancestors has real power. They need a power that is stronger and Jesus is it. Granted, we have some syncretism to deal with, some muddy waters to clear out, some false doctrines to clean up. But this is not unlike the issues facing the early Christian Church. We best roll up our sleeves and get at it.
Much of the rise of Christianity in the global South is occurring among Pentecostals and Charismatics. Those of us with the mature Christian faith of North America may object to the growth of the church in this way. It does not fit our paradigm as to what the modern or mature church ought to be. One aspect of this dynamic growth in the church has been an emphasis on a ‘health and wealth’ gospel. That form of the gospel resonates strongly with a large portion of the world that is sick and poor. They need health and wealth and they are increasingly looking to Jesus to bring it to them.
While I am no proponent of this form of peddling Jesus to the masses, especially in its radically materialistic form here in the States, via the format of the The Blasphemy Network (TBN), I am glad to see the gospel of Jesus preached to those who need His message of salvation.
Tell me, what is worse, North Americans who have a solid, orthodox faith, without any outlandish aspects, who also do not think that prayer, and by implication, Christ, has anything to do with their health and wealth? Or, global South Christians who are still culturally young in the faith, who take the many words of Scripture on this subject, as if God actually meant them? Is it that their doctrine is wrong? Or is it merely an imbalance? Perhaps the expression of a childlike faith? The Scriptures require us to have this kind of faith. It must always be childlike. That is, truly trusting. But it must not stay childish. We must grow up in our understanding of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. But could we North Americans not use some balancing of our own in this area?
I am not charismatic. Nor will ever be. I was once, or tried to be, but I failed or did I succeed? I often tried to speak in tongues, but also prayed that God would not let me do so, unless it was real. I never did. And a stint in YWAM in the mid-80's, along with a lot of other goofy stuff, cured me of any charismatics leanings.
I believe the miraculous sign gifts to the church have ceased. Although, after reading Jenkins’ books, it is somewhat difficult to write that sentence. But even the testimony of the early church fathers showed that miracles gradually dissipated from the church over the course of a few hundred years. However, God does not cease to do remarkable things. He makes the sun come up each day. He puts food on my table. He gives me a healthy body. While I can tie these blessings to seemingly scientific data (if I try hard), I must retain the proper view that these blessings occur because they are wrought by the hand of the Governor of Providence. In that sense, they are miraculous.
Global South Christians live in a world where daily survival requires them to have a vibrant faith. Faith in the God who providentially governs daily circumstances is more than just an idea to them. It is no wonder that a health and wealth gospel is appealing. Instead of wagging our heads about this, we should consider this a manifestation of a truly Trinitarian faith. It is anti-Gnostic, and that is good. Consider this quote from Africa, “If the gospel you are preaching does not speak to human needs, it is useless. It cannot compete with the witch doctor and the gods.”
You see, they believe that worshipping the ancestors has real power. They need a power that is stronger and Jesus is it. Granted, we have some syncretism to deal with, some muddy waters to clear out, some false doctrines to clean up. But this is not unlike the issues facing the early Christian Church. We best roll up our sleeves and get at it.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Communion Meditation-Wash Up!
It is good to prepare ourselves for many things. It is unthinking of us and haphazard to just show up. We do this sometimes but to our shame. Sometimes circumstances beyond our control require us to ‘just show up,’ but that should be the exception, not the norm. Some people have a penchant for showing up for just about anything and seldom seem as if they have given even a moment of forethought to the event. They really like that song, “Just as I am.” It has some merit but should ‘just as you were’ perpetually be ‘just as you always are?’
It would be bad manners to come to a meal unprepared. This is true of the most ordinary meals. Wash up, tuck in your shirt, wait for the ladies to sit down. But how much more so for a special occasion? A Thanksgiving feast, the Christmas dinner, an important birthday. Then, the preparations should be even more elaborate. Put on some nice clothes, decorate the room, make sure to ask questions of Suzy on her birthday. We should be constantly looking forward and arriving at places with a sense of preparation, ahead of time, not twenty seconds before or twenty seconds into it.
What we do here, at the Lord's Table, is of the highest importance. We seem to have to use our ordinary meals and special days to inform us how to act here. Really, we should be thinking much better about how to act here and practicing on improving this, so that we know how to act out there.
We ought to come to this meal having prepared. That is the purpose of our service, to prepare us. We go through many steps and think about many things. The right clothes, the right thoughts, the right expectations, the right attitude. And of course, none of this should be on the outside only but what we see on the outside should reflect the reality of what God has done on the inside.
Are you prepared? Did you wash up? Are you minding your manners? If so, then wonderful, we’ll pray and eat presently. And if not, then why not? We gave you plenty of time before calling you to supper. There now, I don’t say that to depress you. Let’s not have any long faces. Sit down and eat anyway. The food is good. The fellowship is splendid. Perhaps the goodness of the meal will make you think more of it the next time you come here to eat. Welcome all.
It would be bad manners to come to a meal unprepared. This is true of the most ordinary meals. Wash up, tuck in your shirt, wait for the ladies to sit down. But how much more so for a special occasion? A Thanksgiving feast, the Christmas dinner, an important birthday. Then, the preparations should be even more elaborate. Put on some nice clothes, decorate the room, make sure to ask questions of Suzy on her birthday. We should be constantly looking forward and arriving at places with a sense of preparation, ahead of time, not twenty seconds before or twenty seconds into it.
What we do here, at the Lord's Table, is of the highest importance. We seem to have to use our ordinary meals and special days to inform us how to act here. Really, we should be thinking much better about how to act here and practicing on improving this, so that we know how to act out there.
We ought to come to this meal having prepared. That is the purpose of our service, to prepare us. We go through many steps and think about many things. The right clothes, the right thoughts, the right expectations, the right attitude. And of course, none of this should be on the outside only but what we see on the outside should reflect the reality of what God has done on the inside.
Are you prepared? Did you wash up? Are you minding your manners? If so, then wonderful, we’ll pray and eat presently. And if not, then why not? We gave you plenty of time before calling you to supper. There now, I don’t say that to depress you. Let’s not have any long faces. Sit down and eat anyway. The food is good. The fellowship is splendid. Perhaps the goodness of the meal will make you think more of it the next time you come here to eat. Welcome all.
Septuagesima
You’ll notice on our bulletin that this is Septuagesima Sunday. Some of you may hear a similarity in that word to the Septuagint, which was the Greek translation of the Old Testament by the 70 Jewish elders. Septuagesima, seventy days. Strange name, not exactly sure of its historical use but we can let it help us to think like Christians. Some say that it refers to the approximate number of days to Easter. Others to the 70 years of Babylonian exile. Some early Christians began some form of fasting 70 days before Easter. Whatever the exact origin of the word, the dates are clear. It is to be placed three Sundays before Lent or nine Sundays before Easter.
Why do I bring it up here? The main reason I want to discuss it is to point out how differently we think today. Rarely, do we count our days by our religious holidays. If we do so at all, it is because we are just now learning to do so. We think in terms of school years, semesters, Labor Day and Memorial Day, July 4. I know that I do. Our school year runs from Labor Day to Memorial Day. It’s not sinful to do so, per se, but something strikes me as particularly non-Christian about it. It also strikes me as odd that modern day Christians, some Presbyterians at that, object to the keeping of a church calendar. They do so, expressly exchanging it for a secular calendar. There is no other calendrical choice. But the government does not govern time, the Heavenly Governor does.
Also, I want us to think in terms of preparation. We ought to prepare for seasons just like we prepare ourselves for Church. Some of you say, “But I don’t prepare myself for Church.” Well, that is the problem.
Of course, Church should prepare us. Something happens here that changes us and makes us fit for God’s kingdom, battling with the devil, and persevering unto the end. Something analogous occurs when we go to be a guest at someone’s home. We do not come disheveled, exhausted looking or sounding, and all out of sorts, even if we think we need the fellowship and the meal to encourage and nourish us. We make sure we are in a fit condition to enter their house. We talk to the children ahead of time about having good manners. We remember the house rules of our host.
Some of you do not prepare at all to enter the Lord’s house. You do not think about His house, His rules, what trouble He’s gone through to invite you here, what the meal cost, or what a blessing you should be to Him when you get here. Basically, you have shown bad manners. So, come expecting supreme fellowship, consolation for your soul and body. But come, also having prepared your soul and body so that you can be a blessing to Jesus and His body, the saints.
Start thinking about Sunday on Saturday. Prepare your heart and home before you come to church. And then the fellowship, worship, and meal will be an even greater blessing to you. Think more highly of others, your fellow saints and Your Lord, than you do yourself. Where will this take you? I don’t know exactly, for you, but hopefully, we can all learn from this and make some important changes.
Why do I bring it up here? The main reason I want to discuss it is to point out how differently we think today. Rarely, do we count our days by our religious holidays. If we do so at all, it is because we are just now learning to do so. We think in terms of school years, semesters, Labor Day and Memorial Day, July 4. I know that I do. Our school year runs from Labor Day to Memorial Day. It’s not sinful to do so, per se, but something strikes me as particularly non-Christian about it. It also strikes me as odd that modern day Christians, some Presbyterians at that, object to the keeping of a church calendar. They do so, expressly exchanging it for a secular calendar. There is no other calendrical choice. But the government does not govern time, the Heavenly Governor does.
Also, I want us to think in terms of preparation. We ought to prepare for seasons just like we prepare ourselves for Church. Some of you say, “But I don’t prepare myself for Church.” Well, that is the problem.
Of course, Church should prepare us. Something happens here that changes us and makes us fit for God’s kingdom, battling with the devil, and persevering unto the end. Something analogous occurs when we go to be a guest at someone’s home. We do not come disheveled, exhausted looking or sounding, and all out of sorts, even if we think we need the fellowship and the meal to encourage and nourish us. We make sure we are in a fit condition to enter their house. We talk to the children ahead of time about having good manners. We remember the house rules of our host.
Some of you do not prepare at all to enter the Lord’s house. You do not think about His house, His rules, what trouble He’s gone through to invite you here, what the meal cost, or what a blessing you should be to Him when you get here. Basically, you have shown bad manners. So, come expecting supreme fellowship, consolation for your soul and body. But come, also having prepared your soul and body so that you can be a blessing to Jesus and His body, the saints.
Start thinking about Sunday on Saturday. Prepare your heart and home before you come to church. And then the fellowship, worship, and meal will be an even greater blessing to you. Think more highly of others, your fellow saints and Your Lord, than you do yourself. Where will this take you? I don’t know exactly, for you, but hopefully, we can all learn from this and make some important changes.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
A Titch of Aceticism
The Reformation was an attempt to reform that which had got bent and out of shape. The Church, the Roman Catholic Church, had become a bloated and ill looking bride. The stated goal of our Lord is that she be without spot or blemish or any such thing. The spots must go. The blemishes, too.
It is interesting that modern day Protestants, perhaps especially we Presbyterian types, see the shadow of Rome looming over many Christian practices. Every attempt at a modern Reformation, even say back to what our Reformers taught and practiced, is seen as another step ‘back to Rome.’ This might include the church calendar, a formal liturgy, robes for ministers, baptizing and communing children, or even regular fasting.
Many of us grew up with RCatholics eating fish on Friday, thought it was weird, and couldn’t even get an answer from our RCatholic friends as to why they did so. Just do, that’s why. But it really isn’t that weird.
I sit here with a fat belly from another lunchtime feast. Food is plentiful in my part of town and I greet it gladly. But I do not want it to be my god, my own personal Buddha to carry around with me. I ought to remind myself often that God is my God, not wealth, not pleasure, not food. What is wrong with eating some simple fare, regularly, to show myself that I can, to focus on the Lord’s goodness, to put down the flesh’s ever-present demands? I’m no Gnostic but what is wrong with a titch of asceticism now and then? Is there no truth in abstaining, even for a season, for the purpose of prayer?
We have not yet put anything like this in practice in our church but I see no biblical reason why it would not be a healthy and wise practice, especially if we insist on the glory of feasting on the Lord’s Day, especially if we practice the principle, not just our own favorite method. Live simply. Eat simply. Rule the flesh. Do not let it rule you.
Feasting on the Lord’s Day. That’s the real rub. Many stodgy Sabbatarian types get it all backwards. Sunday is the fast day. Perhaps that is not what their text books say. Just their voices. Just their faces. Perhaps they don’t abstain from food. Just joy. Don’t do this. Don’t do that. Put on a long face.
Stop! Not so! Jesus rose from the dead on Sunday. We get to go to church to eat with Jesus and His friends that day. We have the whole day, with an empty agenda, to do whatever the Lord would have us do, with family, with friends. What joy!
But Augustine was not in Rome. “And yet, if any one were to think that the Lord’s Day should be appointed a day of fasting, in the same way as the seventh day is observed by some (the Roman Church of AD 396) such a man would be regarded, and not unjustly, as bringing a great cause of offence into the Church.” (Letters of St. Augustine, Letter XXXVI, AD 396).
His point here is that the Lord’s Day should be a feast day and not a fast day. He proves both points for us. Fasting is allowed and even good. Fasting on the Lord’s Day is an offence to Christ’s Church.
Is this Catholic? I hope so. Is it Roman? Nope. Not in a thousand years.
It is interesting that modern day Protestants, perhaps especially we Presbyterian types, see the shadow of Rome looming over many Christian practices. Every attempt at a modern Reformation, even say back to what our Reformers taught and practiced, is seen as another step ‘back to Rome.’ This might include the church calendar, a formal liturgy, robes for ministers, baptizing and communing children, or even regular fasting.
Many of us grew up with RCatholics eating fish on Friday, thought it was weird, and couldn’t even get an answer from our RCatholic friends as to why they did so. Just do, that’s why. But it really isn’t that weird.
I sit here with a fat belly from another lunchtime feast. Food is plentiful in my part of town and I greet it gladly. But I do not want it to be my god, my own personal Buddha to carry around with me. I ought to remind myself often that God is my God, not wealth, not pleasure, not food. What is wrong with eating some simple fare, regularly, to show myself that I can, to focus on the Lord’s goodness, to put down the flesh’s ever-present demands? I’m no Gnostic but what is wrong with a titch of asceticism now and then? Is there no truth in abstaining, even for a season, for the purpose of prayer?
We have not yet put anything like this in practice in our church but I see no biblical reason why it would not be a healthy and wise practice, especially if we insist on the glory of feasting on the Lord’s Day, especially if we practice the principle, not just our own favorite method. Live simply. Eat simply. Rule the flesh. Do not let it rule you.
Feasting on the Lord’s Day. That’s the real rub. Many stodgy Sabbatarian types get it all backwards. Sunday is the fast day. Perhaps that is not what their text books say. Just their voices. Just their faces. Perhaps they don’t abstain from food. Just joy. Don’t do this. Don’t do that. Put on a long face.
Stop! Not so! Jesus rose from the dead on Sunday. We get to go to church to eat with Jesus and His friends that day. We have the whole day, with an empty agenda, to do whatever the Lord would have us do, with family, with friends. What joy!
But Augustine was not in Rome. “And yet, if any one were to think that the Lord’s Day should be appointed a day of fasting, in the same way as the seventh day is observed by some (the Roman Church of AD 396) such a man would be regarded, and not unjustly, as bringing a great cause of offence into the Church.” (Letters of St. Augustine, Letter XXXVI, AD 396).
His point here is that the Lord’s Day should be a feast day and not a fast day. He proves both points for us. Fasting is allowed and even good. Fasting on the Lord’s Day is an offence to Christ’s Church.
Is this Catholic? I hope so. Is it Roman? Nope. Not in a thousand years.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Hope for Latin Students
Can you imagine St. Augustine having trouble with his Latin? He did.
"Now here I used the word "cupi:" will you tell me whether it should be "cupi" or "cupiri?" And I am glad this has come in the way, for I wish you to instruct me in the inflexion of this verb "cupio," since, when I compare similar verbs with it, my uncertainty as to the proper inflexion increases. For "cupio" is like "fugio," "sapio," "jacio," "capio;" but whether the infinitive mood is "fugiri" or "fugi," "sapiri" or "sapi," I do not know. I might regard "jaci" and "capi" as parallel instances answering my question as to the others, were I not afraid lest some grammarian should "catch" and "throw" me like a ball in sport wherever he pleased, by reminding me that the form of the supines "jactum" and "captum" is different from that found in the other verbs "fugitum," "cupitum" and "sapitum." As to these three words, moreover, I am likewise ignorant whether the penultimate is to be pronounced long and with circumflex accent, or without accent and short." (Letters of St. Augustin, Letter III, to Nebridius, AD. 387)
"Now here I used the word "cupi:" will you tell me whether it should be "cupi" or "cupiri?" And I am glad this has come in the way, for I wish you to instruct me in the inflexion of this verb "cupio," since, when I compare similar verbs with it, my uncertainty as to the proper inflexion increases. For "cupio" is like "fugio," "sapio," "jacio," "capio;" but whether the infinitive mood is "fugiri" or "fugi," "sapiri" or "sapi," I do not know. I might regard "jaci" and "capi" as parallel instances answering my question as to the others, were I not afraid lest some grammarian should "catch" and "throw" me like a ball in sport wherever he pleased, by reminding me that the form of the supines "jactum" and "captum" is different from that found in the other verbs "fugitum," "cupitum" and "sapitum." As to these three words, moreover, I am likewise ignorant whether the penultimate is to be pronounced long and with circumflex accent, or without accent and short." (Letters of St. Augustin, Letter III, to Nebridius, AD. 387)
A Lamb-killed Dragon
"China's moment of its greatest achievement-and of the most benefit to the rest of the world-may lie just ahead. That moment may occur when the Chinese dragon is tamed by the power of the Christian Lamb." (Jesus in Beijing, D. Aikman, p. 292)
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
New Faces of Christianity-Philip Jenkins
More Jenkins Quotes
"Between 1900 and 2000, the number of Christians in Africa grew from 10 million to over 360 million, from 10% of the population to 46%."
"By 2050, we can predict, there should be around 3 Billion Christians in the world, of whom only around one fifth or fewer will be non-hispanic whites."
Quoting African belief in the integrity of Scripture, "We do not have the same problem about the Bible as white people have with their scientific mentality."
"Only in the 1960's did Bible reading acquire its exalted status among Latin America's lay Catholics, while the massive growth of Protestant and Pentecostal communities begins in the same era. Today, though, Latin American nations-above all, Brazil-are among the world's greatest producers and consumers of Bibles."
One more on the supreme place of the Bible in these cultures. "As in the first Christendom of medieval Europe, the shift from orality to literacy gives an enormous symbolic power to the written text, to the Book, which in many cases might be the only book in a given household. In much of modern Africa, even many pastors might not own any books except a Bible."
"Between 1900 and 2000, the number of Christians in Africa grew from 10 million to over 360 million, from 10% of the population to 46%."
"By 2050, we can predict, there should be around 3 Billion Christians in the world, of whom only around one fifth or fewer will be non-hispanic whites."
Quoting African belief in the integrity of Scripture, "We do not have the same problem about the Bible as white people have with their scientific mentality."
"Only in the 1960's did Bible reading acquire its exalted status among Latin America's lay Catholics, while the massive growth of Protestant and Pentecostal communities begins in the same era. Today, though, Latin American nations-above all, Brazil-are among the world's greatest producers and consumers of Bibles."
One more on the supreme place of the Bible in these cultures. "As in the first Christendom of medieval Europe, the shift from orality to literacy gives an enormous symbolic power to the written text, to the Book, which in many cases might be the only book in a given household. In much of modern Africa, even many pastors might not own any books except a Bible."
New Faces of Christianity-Philip Jenkins
From Here to Timbuktu
Jenkins' basic thesis is that Christianity is rapidly going south, the Global South. This expansive growth seems to bother both conservative and liberal Western Christians. It bothers the libs because Southern Christianity is well, conservative, or what might be called by American liberals, fundamentalist. Mainly speaking, southern Christians are opposed to homosexual lifestyles, ministers, and practice. Many are also opposed to ordaining women and have a deep sense of the integrity and authority of Scripture. In all of these issues, they think they have the Bible on their side.
American conservatives, although they have more in common with southern Christians, may also be a bit bothered. Southern Christianity in China (not in the south but it is), Brazil, and Africa is full of Pentecostals, healing, miracles, charismatics. This does not fit well with a stodgy, informed Presbyterianism. It may not fit well with modern American Baptists either. But the church is exploding in these areas. They ARE Christians. God is doing something really huge, perhaps bigger and more meaningful in a shorter timeframe, than anything globally that He has done thus far. How will we view this?
"By 2025, Africa and Latin America will vie for the title of the most Christian continent. A map of the statistical center of gravity of global Christianity shows that center moving steadily southward, from a point in norhtern Italy in 1800, to central Spain in 1900, to Morocco by 1970 and to a point near Timbuktu today."
Jenkins' basic thesis is that Christianity is rapidly going south, the Global South. This expansive growth seems to bother both conservative and liberal Western Christians. It bothers the libs because Southern Christianity is well, conservative, or what might be called by American liberals, fundamentalist. Mainly speaking, southern Christians are opposed to homosexual lifestyles, ministers, and practice. Many are also opposed to ordaining women and have a deep sense of the integrity and authority of Scripture. In all of these issues, they think they have the Bible on their side.
American conservatives, although they have more in common with southern Christians, may also be a bit bothered. Southern Christianity in China (not in the south but it is), Brazil, and Africa is full of Pentecostals, healing, miracles, charismatics. This does not fit well with a stodgy, informed Presbyterianism. It may not fit well with modern American Baptists either. But the church is exploding in these areas. They ARE Christians. God is doing something really huge, perhaps bigger and more meaningful in a shorter timeframe, than anything globally that He has done thus far. How will we view this?
"By 2025, Africa and Latin America will vie for the title of the most Christian continent. A map of the statistical center of gravity of global Christianity shows that center moving steadily southward, from a point in norhtern Italy in 1800, to central Spain in 1900, to Morocco by 1970 and to a point near Timbuktu today."
Calvin Said It
Yesterday, after school, Calvin, Rick Davis, and myself were sitting in my office prior to heading home. Calvin got to go to school today because he has now finished over one hundred pages of Alpha Phonics. Usually, he is just a Friday boy but some weeks, when he finishes another twenty-five pages, he gets to be a Monday and a Friday boy. So, Monday boy is gazing at my books. I've got a few, not expansive. The office is largeish and most of two walls are taken up with my books. I suppose to a five year old, it looks like a library.
Calvin starts off the conversation with Mr. Davis.
"Dad has a lot of books."
"Ya, he sure does."
"When Dad dies, I'm going to take over."
Precious.
Covenant Succession.
Just hope there are no thoughts towards my early retirement.
Calvin starts off the conversation with Mr. Davis.
"Dad has a lot of books."
"Ya, he sure does."
"When Dad dies, I'm going to take over."
Precious.
Covenant Succession.
Just hope there are no thoughts towards my early retirement.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Communion Meditation-God is Here
Dear saints, I hope we have learned two things from our sermon on Moses. The first is for you. The second is for your elders.
First of all, you have been brought near the Rock of Christ. The blessings are about to flow. Though You are in the wilderness and thirsty, you are not in danger of perishing. Blessed are all those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. And the righteousness of God is revealed in your midst. Be glad that you are hungry, for God provides a meal. Be glad that you are thirsty, for there is water and wine in abundance for all.
Because this is true, you must learn not to complain and grumble. You can let the Lord know that you hunger and thirst but do so in faith not doubting His provision. Look upon the food of God’s sustenance. The Rock has poured forth and food and drink are here in abundance. We are not just speaking of spiritual food and drink. God has amply supplied your every need. AND He even provides for your spiritual needs. He feeds you body and soul. What complaints can you make to Him? Are you still hungry? Then come and eat. Are you still thirsty? Then, come and drink, and be ye filled.
And the second thing we, your elders, must learn, is faith. Not faith in you, the people, but rather, faith in God on your behalf. We must implore Him to meet you in this place, feed you and nourish you. And we must not grow weary in this, our task. Do not grumble. But if you do, we will talk to Jesus for you, asking Him to flow over you in abundance of the Holy Spirit. Do not doubt that God is here among us. But if you do, we will remind you that He is near and therefore you must come to Him and dine and drink. Stop your doubting. Believe God. But if not, believe us. God is here. Come and eat.
First of all, you have been brought near the Rock of Christ. The blessings are about to flow. Though You are in the wilderness and thirsty, you are not in danger of perishing. Blessed are all those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. And the righteousness of God is revealed in your midst. Be glad that you are hungry, for God provides a meal. Be glad that you are thirsty, for there is water and wine in abundance for all.
Because this is true, you must learn not to complain and grumble. You can let the Lord know that you hunger and thirst but do so in faith not doubting His provision. Look upon the food of God’s sustenance. The Rock has poured forth and food and drink are here in abundance. We are not just speaking of spiritual food and drink. God has amply supplied your every need. AND He even provides for your spiritual needs. He feeds you body and soul. What complaints can you make to Him? Are you still hungry? Then come and eat. Are you still thirsty? Then, come and drink, and be ye filled.
And the second thing we, your elders, must learn, is faith. Not faith in you, the people, but rather, faith in God on your behalf. We must implore Him to meet you in this place, feed you and nourish you. And we must not grow weary in this, our task. Do not grumble. But if you do, we will talk to Jesus for you, asking Him to flow over you in abundance of the Holy Spirit. Do not doubt that God is here among us. But if you do, we will remind you that He is near and therefore you must come to Him and dine and drink. Stop your doubting. Believe God. But if not, believe us. God is here. Come and eat.
Finishing Faith
The essence of being a Christian is living by faith. We are to be people who see by faith and not by sight. This is an odd thing to say. How can we see what we cannot see? For faith is the essence of things not seen. But we are to see something. What is it? We are to see Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. And even seeing Jesus is a metaphor because we do not really see Him but we do see Him with eyes of faith.
Now, to say that He is author and finisher is saying a lot. We do not only see Him for salvation. We must see Him for that. That is our first duty. We realize that we cannot save ourselves and so we look to Him for salvation. We believe that He has come, represents the Father on our behalf, calls us to union with Himself, sends the Holy Spirit to be with us always.
But then, He is the finisher of our faith. What does this mean? It means that He is always there. It means that we are to see Him in every area of life. Every doubt, every struggle, every sin, every need, every joy, namely everything and every event is part of what Jesus is finishing in us. We must do it all by faith. When we sin, we must look to Him in faith. When we do well, we must give Him credit in us by faith.
Sometimes you complain and grumble about the life the Lord has given you. Stop doing that and look to Jesus in faith. Sometimes you are discouraged in hard times. Look to Jesus and be encouraged. Sometimes you sin outright, even blatantly. Stop, look to Jesus for forgiveness. Sometimes you do not trust Him to provide for you needs, even though He said that He would. Stop worrying and being anxious and look to Jesus in faith.
We should confess our unbelief. Lord, we believe, help our unbelief, and then expect that Jesus will build us up to believe in Him to finish our faith.
Now, to say that He is author and finisher is saying a lot. We do not only see Him for salvation. We must see Him for that. That is our first duty. We realize that we cannot save ourselves and so we look to Him for salvation. We believe that He has come, represents the Father on our behalf, calls us to union with Himself, sends the Holy Spirit to be with us always.
But then, He is the finisher of our faith. What does this mean? It means that He is always there. It means that we are to see Him in every area of life. Every doubt, every struggle, every sin, every need, every joy, namely everything and every event is part of what Jesus is finishing in us. We must do it all by faith. When we sin, we must look to Him in faith. When we do well, we must give Him credit in us by faith.
Sometimes you complain and grumble about the life the Lord has given you. Stop doing that and look to Jesus in faith. Sometimes you are discouraged in hard times. Look to Jesus and be encouraged. Sometimes you sin outright, even blatantly. Stop, look to Jesus for forgiveness. Sometimes you do not trust Him to provide for you needs, even though He said that He would. Stop worrying and being anxious and look to Jesus in faith.
We should confess our unbelief. Lord, we believe, help our unbelief, and then expect that Jesus will build us up to believe in Him to finish our faith.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Reformed Ranglers
In my recent studies, one fact has revealed itself very clearly to me. I don't particularly like it but there it is. We, the Reformed Christians of the world, are a stunningly huge minority. This is true, even if we factor in all forms of Anglicanism into the mix. To which, I reckon, a whole lot of my TR brothers would strongly be opposed. But, for the sake of argument, let us say that the Anglicans, all forms of Presbyterians, and Reformed Baptists are among the Reformed. If we count them ALL as in OUR camp, then, compared to the worldwide church, Catholic, we are still a small minority.
Worldwide, the Roman Catholic church continues to grow. In Africa and South America, the Pentecostal Church is exploding. In China, house churches, mainly under five main groups, are expanding dramatically. Many of those, to the tune of tens of millions, in the Chinese house church movement are some form of Pentecostal or charismatic.
What are we to make of this? Do we rejoice? Do we lament? I dare say, in our own Reformed camp, we probably do neither. I am not sure we even care. We Reformed folks have a tremendous heritage. We really do have a fabulous set of systematics. Many of our churches have a highly developed biblical liturgy. Some are even teaching, expecting and enforcing godly Christian behavior. This is good. But what is our role regarding the rest of the world? Are we to merely bury our talent, the great understanding of biblical doctrine that we have inherited from the likes of Calvin and his many successors? Or, shall we simply continue to rangle over ridiculous internal squabbles? How will we ever bless the rest of the world (and they need it so badly), if we cannot even be a blessing to the brothers and sisters in our own family. It is shameful.
God loves doing things in an ironic way. I think the growth of the church, the way that it is currently growing worldwide, is a cosmic farce. God is making fun of us. He is using the base things of the world to confound the wise. We have our suped up Nascars ready to go but would rather use them in our own sadistic crashup derby than get them out and make a go of it on the track. Meanwhile, the churches militant in South America, Africa and China are all driving Ford Fiestas and they are kicking our butts!
Worldwide, the Roman Catholic church continues to grow. In Africa and South America, the Pentecostal Church is exploding. In China, house churches, mainly under five main groups, are expanding dramatically. Many of those, to the tune of tens of millions, in the Chinese house church movement are some form of Pentecostal or charismatic.
What are we to make of this? Do we rejoice? Do we lament? I dare say, in our own Reformed camp, we probably do neither. I am not sure we even care. We Reformed folks have a tremendous heritage. We really do have a fabulous set of systematics. Many of our churches have a highly developed biblical liturgy. Some are even teaching, expecting and enforcing godly Christian behavior. This is good. But what is our role regarding the rest of the world? Are we to merely bury our talent, the great understanding of biblical doctrine that we have inherited from the likes of Calvin and his many successors? Or, shall we simply continue to rangle over ridiculous internal squabbles? How will we ever bless the rest of the world (and they need it so badly), if we cannot even be a blessing to the brothers and sisters in our own family. It is shameful.
God loves doing things in an ironic way. I think the growth of the church, the way that it is currently growing worldwide, is a cosmic farce. God is making fun of us. He is using the base things of the world to confound the wise. We have our suped up Nascars ready to go but would rather use them in our own sadistic crashup derby than get them out and make a go of it on the track. Meanwhile, the churches militant in South America, Africa and China are all driving Ford Fiestas and they are kicking our butts!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
America Alone?
I just finished Mark Steyn's, America Alone. This is a fine book and should be read by all who want to get a grasp on what is happening, religiously, in Europe. He boils the whole mess down to two main issues. Fruitfulness and will. In Europe, white people don't have babies, and Arabs do. More specifically, Christians don't have babies and Muslims do. The ethnic makeup in Europe is changing and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The most popular baby name in Europe will continue to be Mohammad. The fact is that the European nations are being invaded, there are no arrows in the quiver to defend her, and this bodes ill for the West, as we know it.
Although this is a terrific book, it is depressing. Steyn does offer some solutions to this dilemma. He is trying to give European and American politicians a wake up call. But it is clear that these solutions will not be followed. The powers that be have crafted a view of the world that is utterly powerless against such a natural invasion.
Having depressed myself sufficiently with Steyn, I moved on to two other books that are as encouraging as Steyn's book is discouraging. Jesus in Beijing by David Aikman is an account of the growth of the Christian Church in China. It is quite stunning. Europe as a Western, and by historic definition, a Christian force, is in trouble. Christianity, itself, is not. The Church continues to grow and flourish. The example of what God has done in China while Europe was gearing up to commit suicide, is a lesson we all should note. It strikes me as divinely ironic. As a WASP, I have reason to be discouraged. As a Christian, where all my first allegances should lie, I am greatly encouraged.
The Next Christendom by Philip Jenkins is perhaps even more powerful. Amerca's people are also darker. Latinos from Mexico, central America and even South America continue to stream across the border. Our national media, and perhaps especially many conservatives, continue to paint this as a very sad and dangerous situation. But many of these people are Christians. While the face of the country is changing dramatically, what does this mean for the growth of the kingdom of God?
Perhaps we should not be so interested in protecting our national borders as we are in seeing the kingdom of God in Christ expand to the very ends of the earth. We were once that 'ends of the earth'. But now the church is expanding in dramatic fashion in Africa and Latin America, what Jenkins calls, Southern Christianity. By mid-century, the greatest centers of Christian population will not be in Europe. In order, the masses of Christians will reside in the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Phillipines, Nigeria, Zaire, Ethiopia, Russia, China and Germany. No Britain, no France, no Italy. But imagine a billion Christians in Africa by 2050, another billion in Latin America, perhaps another billion in Asia, and you begin to get a very encouraging picture.
God is doing something big and for the most part we are missing it. Or at least, just not paying very close attention. We need to look at this situation with new eyes, embrace what God is doing and figure out how to be participants in this new Great Conversation. If we don't, we will simply get swallowed up by this glorious brown wave and be another footnote of history.
Although this is a terrific book, it is depressing. Steyn does offer some solutions to this dilemma. He is trying to give European and American politicians a wake up call. But it is clear that these solutions will not be followed. The powers that be have crafted a view of the world that is utterly powerless against such a natural invasion.
Having depressed myself sufficiently with Steyn, I moved on to two other books that are as encouraging as Steyn's book is discouraging. Jesus in Beijing by David Aikman is an account of the growth of the Christian Church in China. It is quite stunning. Europe as a Western, and by historic definition, a Christian force, is in trouble. Christianity, itself, is not. The Church continues to grow and flourish. The example of what God has done in China while Europe was gearing up to commit suicide, is a lesson we all should note. It strikes me as divinely ironic. As a WASP, I have reason to be discouraged. As a Christian, where all my first allegances should lie, I am greatly encouraged.
The Next Christendom by Philip Jenkins is perhaps even more powerful. Amerca's people are also darker. Latinos from Mexico, central America and even South America continue to stream across the border. Our national media, and perhaps especially many conservatives, continue to paint this as a very sad and dangerous situation. But many of these people are Christians. While the face of the country is changing dramatically, what does this mean for the growth of the kingdom of God?
Perhaps we should not be so interested in protecting our national borders as we are in seeing the kingdom of God in Christ expand to the very ends of the earth. We were once that 'ends of the earth'. But now the church is expanding in dramatic fashion in Africa and Latin America, what Jenkins calls, Southern Christianity. By mid-century, the greatest centers of Christian population will not be in Europe. In order, the masses of Christians will reside in the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Phillipines, Nigeria, Zaire, Ethiopia, Russia, China and Germany. No Britain, no France, no Italy. But imagine a billion Christians in Africa by 2050, another billion in Latin America, perhaps another billion in Asia, and you begin to get a very encouraging picture.
God is doing something big and for the most part we are missing it. Or at least, just not paying very close attention. We need to look at this situation with new eyes, embrace what God is doing and figure out how to be participants in this new Great Conversation. If we don't, we will simply get swallowed up by this glorious brown wave and be another footnote of history.
Friday, January 19, 2007
The Lord's Prayer-Our Father
We ought to pray the Lord's prayer, if for no other reason, than to begin it. For it begins so wonderfully, Pater, Father. In english we say 'Our' first. Not so in the Greek. Father comes first. The beginning of this prayer says much. We speak to God as Father. Not just any father, not somebody's father, but Our Father. Is this not wonderful?
I understand for some of you that it is NOT wonderful. You cannot imagine the joy, fear, reverance, strength, kindness, mercy, grace, gladness, and peace of father. Maybe only fear and strength stand out to you. But that is not our God, that is not our Father.
Our Father is the prodigal's father. He watches for such wretched sons and daughters as we are to return from our revels. He longs to grant forgiveness and with forgiveness reconcile us to Himself. To say Father is to admit that He is over us and that we are at His mercy. But we also appeal to His mercy for He is Our Father. Mercy is His business. Where sin abounds, even among God's children, grace does much more abound. So, when we sin and know that we have done ill, we should not shrink from God, but run to Him. He is Father. He is safety.
When my children were young, I often played Tiger with them. I would chase them, growling, roaring, pawing, scratching. They knew that I was father but they were also afraid of Tiger. At around 18-24 months old, the children could not quite grasp how much was just fun and how much was really dangerous. Sometimes, when Tiger dad was exceptionally effective, the toddler child would be terror stricken. This is where we begin to understand father from a child's perspective. What is a terrified child to do? To run is too scary. Tiger will catch me from behind. To stand still means instant death. Perhaps dad really is Tiger and will kill me. But, maybe, Tiger really is dad and will save me. After this complex thought process the child makes the right decision. Run to Tiger. Run to dad. Run to father.
It is only when we will not say Our Father, that we must tread in real fear of Him. Jesus said, Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. (Matt 10:32-33)
If we will not call God Our Father, then we deny true brotherhood with the Son and Jesus will not vouch for us before the Father. When we pray Our Father, we make ourselves out to be brothers and sisters of Jesus. This evokes God's pleasure towards us just as He is always pleased with His beloved Son.
I understand for some of you that it is NOT wonderful. You cannot imagine the joy, fear, reverance, strength, kindness, mercy, grace, gladness, and peace of father. Maybe only fear and strength stand out to you. But that is not our God, that is not our Father.
Our Father is the prodigal's father. He watches for such wretched sons and daughters as we are to return from our revels. He longs to grant forgiveness and with forgiveness reconcile us to Himself. To say Father is to admit that He is over us and that we are at His mercy. But we also appeal to His mercy for He is Our Father. Mercy is His business. Where sin abounds, even among God's children, grace does much more abound. So, when we sin and know that we have done ill, we should not shrink from God, but run to Him. He is Father. He is safety.
When my children were young, I often played Tiger with them. I would chase them, growling, roaring, pawing, scratching. They knew that I was father but they were also afraid of Tiger. At around 18-24 months old, the children could not quite grasp how much was just fun and how much was really dangerous. Sometimes, when Tiger dad was exceptionally effective, the toddler child would be terror stricken. This is where we begin to understand father from a child's perspective. What is a terrified child to do? To run is too scary. Tiger will catch me from behind. To stand still means instant death. Perhaps dad really is Tiger and will kill me. But, maybe, Tiger really is dad and will save me. After this complex thought process the child makes the right decision. Run to Tiger. Run to dad. Run to father.
It is only when we will not say Our Father, that we must tread in real fear of Him. Jesus said, Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. (Matt 10:32-33)
If we will not call God Our Father, then we deny true brotherhood with the Son and Jesus will not vouch for us before the Father. When we pray Our Father, we make ourselves out to be brothers and sisters of Jesus. This evokes God's pleasure towards us just as He is always pleased with His beloved Son.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Praying Gambler
Okay, Calvin is at it again. This time, sister Leah was the object of his spirituality. My lovely wife, Katie, chanced by the bedroom door just in time to see Calvin praying up a Backgammon storm. She, and I must say me, too, are still not sure what to make of this. She had another talk with Cal about praying. She suggested to him that praying for the right numbers to put his sister on the bar was perhaps not the best use for prayer.
He listened respectfully and then made a request, "May I just pray about it one more time?" His wise mother replied in the affirmative.
Our Calvinist begins, "Heavenly Father, thank You for this day. May I please roll a four and a one." Roll the dice. Four and One.
No kidding.
He listened respectfully and then made a request, "May I just pray about it one more time?" His wise mother replied in the affirmative.
Our Calvinist begins, "Heavenly Father, thank You for this day. May I please roll a four and a one." Roll the dice. Four and One.
No kidding.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Newly Resolved
For the three of you who regularly visit this site. Thank you! I've got news for you. I'm making a sort of New Year's resolution. As I am not very good at that sort of thing, I suppose the result will be disastrous. However, since there are only three of you who read this blog, then the disaster will be fairly well contained.
Here's the New Year's resolution. I plan to actually make posts on this blog. Go figure. Part of my reluctance to blog much is that I am not certain that I have much to contribute to the Great Conversation. However, I am old enough, now, pert near 42, that I am now under the delusion, that having made it to 42, almost, that THAT fact qualifies me as a contributor.
Don't you remember how your grandpa figured that he qualified for the very same reason? But when you were fifteen or sixteen, it seemed a ludicrous qualification. You didn't have time to listen to grandpa and didn't really care to. But when you are 42, like I almost am, and Grandpa has long since passed on to meet his Maker, the wisdom of age seems a bitter loss. If I could only listen to him NOW.
So, styling myself a grandpa wanna be, and in a sincere effort to raise my blog readership to 4, I intend on posting regular entries. At least two per week.
Quick, go tell your friend!
Here's the New Year's resolution. I plan to actually make posts on this blog. Go figure. Part of my reluctance to blog much is that I am not certain that I have much to contribute to the Great Conversation. However, I am old enough, now, pert near 42, that I am now under the delusion, that having made it to 42, almost, that THAT fact qualifies me as a contributor.
Don't you remember how your grandpa figured that he qualified for the very same reason? But when you were fifteen or sixteen, it seemed a ludicrous qualification. You didn't have time to listen to grandpa and didn't really care to. But when you are 42, like I almost am, and Grandpa has long since passed on to meet his Maker, the wisdom of age seems a bitter loss. If I could only listen to him NOW.
So, styling myself a grandpa wanna be, and in a sincere effort to raise my blog readership to 4, I intend on posting regular entries. At least two per week.
Quick, go tell your friend!
The Power of Prayer
Our five year old Calvin was playing Backgammon with his mother today. He noticed that a two would put her on the bar. Before he rolled the dice, he solemnly closed his eyes and said "Heavenly Father, please give me a two."
My wise wife then gave Calvin a short lecture on prayer, praying for important things, not making light of God’s providence and such good motherly advice.
After nodding respectfully, Calvin promptly rolled a two.
My wise wife then gave Calvin a short lecture on prayer, praying for important things, not making light of God’s providence and such good motherly advice.
After nodding respectfully, Calvin promptly rolled a two.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Prepare Ye the Way
Mark 1:1-3 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
The prophet John went before the Lord, commanding men to repent and to be baptized for the remission of their sins. This was preparation for the Lord to draw near. For only humbled men can abide Jesus Christ. This was both a grace and a warning to them. When Jesus comes to those who are hard of heart and unwilling to repent, He comes on that terrible day. But when He comes to those who have been softened by the Word of God’s prophets to recognize their sinfulness and abhor every way that separates them from their Holy God, He comes on that great and notable day.
So, you too, have been prepared. You have been called to worship the One true God. You have confessed your sins. You have had the Word of God read and declared to You. All of this is wonderful but also humbling for we realize that these things are too high for us, we cannot attain to them. We fall short of the glory of our God. So, we lay ourselves down upon His mercy and in this humiliation, our gracious God is glad to lift us up.
The paths are straight. The Lord Jesus comes and He bids you come to Him. His mercies are new. His face is towards those who long to see Him. Though your eyes be downcast in humility, Jesus will look upon you and take away that shame. He now bids You to look to Him in the joy of forgiveness and sweet communion. We were in the wilderness, but no longer. The king is here. The banquet is set. The guests have arrived. So, let us eat.
The prophet John went before the Lord, commanding men to repent and to be baptized for the remission of their sins. This was preparation for the Lord to draw near. For only humbled men can abide Jesus Christ. This was both a grace and a warning to them. When Jesus comes to those who are hard of heart and unwilling to repent, He comes on that terrible day. But when He comes to those who have been softened by the Word of God’s prophets to recognize their sinfulness and abhor every way that separates them from their Holy God, He comes on that great and notable day.
So, you too, have been prepared. You have been called to worship the One true God. You have confessed your sins. You have had the Word of God read and declared to You. All of this is wonderful but also humbling for we realize that these things are too high for us, we cannot attain to them. We fall short of the glory of our God. So, we lay ourselves down upon His mercy and in this humiliation, our gracious God is glad to lift us up.
The paths are straight. The Lord Jesus comes and He bids you come to Him. His mercies are new. His face is towards those who long to see Him. Though your eyes be downcast in humility, Jesus will look upon you and take away that shame. He now bids You to look to Him in the joy of forgiveness and sweet communion. We were in the wilderness, but no longer. The king is here. The banquet is set. The guests have arrived. So, let us eat.
The Christian Year
As I mentioned last week in the exhortation, one of our goals in this church is that we learn to think like Christians. Today is the first Sunday of Advent. This is the beginning of the Christian calendar. We have too long been formed by the calendar of those who do not see Christ as the centerpiece of history, the point from which all times should be counted. But He is and though the world try to erase the memory of Christ in the Common Era, C. E., they cannot do so.
After all, in every nation on Earth, the calendar is counted reckoning the years according to our God’s Sovereign rule in Christ Jesus, the Lord. Some nations try to count the year according to their prophets but all the world knows the truth. And even these pagan and Islamic countries are made to trade and meet, the world over in the A.D. It is the year, 2006. More precisely it is A.D., Anno Domini, the Year of the Lord, 2006. Jesus has been reigning these 2006 years, glory be to God. And it will remain A.D., world without end. How blessed we are to begin counting another year of Jesus’ reign.
God has made great promises to us and He is not slow in delivering them. However, some cannot bide the Lord’s timing. They are impatient and do not believe and trust that the Lord will do that which He said that He would do. They mistake His delay for lack of concern, or for a failure on His part. But we are not to be like this. It is A.D, 2006. Another year of Jesus’ reign, A.D, 2007, will bring another year of the establishment of His kingdom. Can we not see what He has done in the world? Can we not anticipate what He will do as He continues to reign?
Let us put aside all unbelief. Let us believe the heralds of God who have made His promises known. Let us confess our lack of faith and trust in His power to do so.
After all, in every nation on Earth, the calendar is counted reckoning the years according to our God’s Sovereign rule in Christ Jesus, the Lord. Some nations try to count the year according to their prophets but all the world knows the truth. And even these pagan and Islamic countries are made to trade and meet, the world over in the A.D. It is the year, 2006. More precisely it is A.D., Anno Domini, the Year of the Lord, 2006. Jesus has been reigning these 2006 years, glory be to God. And it will remain A.D., world without end. How blessed we are to begin counting another year of Jesus’ reign.
God has made great promises to us and He is not slow in delivering them. However, some cannot bide the Lord’s timing. They are impatient and do not believe and trust that the Lord will do that which He said that He would do. They mistake His delay for lack of concern, or for a failure on His part. But we are not to be like this. It is A.D, 2006. Another year of Jesus’ reign, A.D, 2007, will bring another year of the establishment of His kingdom. Can we not see what He has done in the world? Can we not anticipate what He will do as He continues to reign?
Let us put aside all unbelief. Let us believe the heralds of God who have made His promises known. Let us confess our lack of faith and trust in His power to do so.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Exhortation-Thinking Like a Christian
One of the issues that we try to emphasize in our church is thinking like a Christian. That is much easier said than done. All around us there is an attempt to get us to think like the world. And this attempt is often more successful than we like to admit. We often raise alarms against the attempts. We are disgusted by the world’s systems and its desire to allure us into its clutches. All around us are images, sounds, smells and tastes that draw us in, that frame our way of thinking. It feels worldly but we are so caught up in the center of it, that we are often unable to tell what exactly it is that feels so worldly.
I believe that the reason this is the case is because we have not been trained to think like Christians. From our earliest days, we have been programmed to think according to our culture. If our culture is particularly Christian, then our tendencies lean in that direction. If our culture lurches away from the Christian faith, then Christians lurch with it towards the world. It is a true lurching but since the entire center shifts, Christians find themselves at the right of what use to be the left. This is true of conservative politics, as well. What we now call moderate conservatives, would have been the right wing liberals just fifty years ago. Many modern conservatives are pro-homosexual, pro-abortion, pro-big government. What we now call a conservative, isn’t.
This sort of thing is rapidly sweeping modern evangelicalism in America. Modern evangelicals are beginning to embrace (perhaps already have embraced), the extreme relativism of the liberal movement of the 1920’s. Gresham Machen articulated this clearly in his book Christianity & Liberalism, first published in 1923. He outlines liberalism as a rejection of historic Christianity. This is significant because Machen was attacking the prevailing views of his own denomination. He was a Presbyterian. It appears that his fight was with the creeping scientism of his day. That is, science trumps the infallibility of Scripture, so we better get our doctrines lined up with science. Out with miracles, then, the virgin birth and the bodily resurrection of Jesus must go.
Today, even science is not king. In my opinion, culture is now king. Our authorities have become teenagers with an attitude. And this adolescence is drinking at the fountain of youth, so the teenager does not grow up when he hits 20. At 30, 40, and 50, he is still cool.
But what is culture? Well, a loose definition is simply what a given group of people in fact believe and practice. So, you could have any number of cultures, vast or broad. A national culture, a local church culture, a family culture and so on. What strikes me as odd in this, is that there seems to be no driving mechanism of our current culture. This is as true in the political realm as it is in the church. The shifting nature of the culture is the determinate factor of the next shift. It is like an ocean liner adrift without engines or a rudder. It simply blows where it will and wherever it blows is somehow, inexplicably, declared the right place to be. Perhaps it is not culture, per se, that drives the ship but, rather, the logical end of strict democratic government. The people have become god.
This is what happens to a culture that sails without a destination, without a map, without a navigational system, without a captain. In our culture, when the mapmakers actually do arrive, they get hooted out as representing a place that either cannot be a real place or one that certainly can never actually be achieved. So, out with the mapmaker and his map. Back to sailing, if you can call it that, at the mercy of the winds. The fates again direct the aimless wandering of the ill-fated crew.
The modern evangelical church is no help. At the risk of getting tossed off the ship, instead of maps, they offer advice. Their advice is appreciated, sort of, but never followed and the ship continues wandering aimlessly.
I started this exhortation thinking about thinking like a Christian. How do we do that? We are all on this ship. It is going where it is going. We cannot get off. What do we do? We need a new culture but we cannot change the one we are in.
So, we must grow a new one from within. We must be subversive in the greatest possible way. We must overthrow the crew. As long as the ship is sailed by the captain’s orders, and it always is, total victory is our only recourse. We offer a simply solution. Look at the map. Steer the ship. Arrive at port. But we have an advantage over our adversaries. We have time. We have homes. We have spouses. We have children. We can teach our children to read maps. We can raise a new captain. We can get to port.
We have begun this task. We are raising our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We have high expectations of our children, of our marriages, and of honoring God in our worship. We are learning the Word of God and that it applies to every area of life, church, family, work, government, cooking, art, education, and recreation. We reject every form of liberalism, changing the Word of God to suit man. Christ came to make us new, to renew us and to change us into His image. He inaugurated a New Heavens and a New Earth. Behold all things are made new. Therefore, we reject liberalism, conservatism, evangelicalism and every other ism. For all isms are merely new gods in old clothes. But we stand on the authority of the Word of God, inspired, infallible and able to change body and soul into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our culture has too long had a strangle hold on us. By God’s grace, we are prying its death grip from the throats of our children. May He teach us, and them, to rise above the prevailing wisdom of the day, to a bolder and higher calling. But not one that is couched merely in such politically sounding meaningless words as that last sentence. No, our calling is in Christ and Him crucified. His death is the only hope of life for such a hopeless culture. Our meandering must stop as we anchor to Him. Perhaps, by His grace, He will sink the ship we are on, baptizing it to new life and set it sailing again, powered by the Holy Spirit, directed toward the port of last call, Eschaton Bay. They are building a cathedral there.
I believe that the reason this is the case is because we have not been trained to think like Christians. From our earliest days, we have been programmed to think according to our culture. If our culture is particularly Christian, then our tendencies lean in that direction. If our culture lurches away from the Christian faith, then Christians lurch with it towards the world. It is a true lurching but since the entire center shifts, Christians find themselves at the right of what use to be the left. This is true of conservative politics, as well. What we now call moderate conservatives, would have been the right wing liberals just fifty years ago. Many modern conservatives are pro-homosexual, pro-abortion, pro-big government. What we now call a conservative, isn’t.
This sort of thing is rapidly sweeping modern evangelicalism in America. Modern evangelicals are beginning to embrace (perhaps already have embraced), the extreme relativism of the liberal movement of the 1920’s. Gresham Machen articulated this clearly in his book Christianity & Liberalism, first published in 1923. He outlines liberalism as a rejection of historic Christianity. This is significant because Machen was attacking the prevailing views of his own denomination. He was a Presbyterian. It appears that his fight was with the creeping scientism of his day. That is, science trumps the infallibility of Scripture, so we better get our doctrines lined up with science. Out with miracles, then, the virgin birth and the bodily resurrection of Jesus must go.
Today, even science is not king. In my opinion, culture is now king. Our authorities have become teenagers with an attitude. And this adolescence is drinking at the fountain of youth, so the teenager does not grow up when he hits 20. At 30, 40, and 50, he is still cool.
But what is culture? Well, a loose definition is simply what a given group of people in fact believe and practice. So, you could have any number of cultures, vast or broad. A national culture, a local church culture, a family culture and so on. What strikes me as odd in this, is that there seems to be no driving mechanism of our current culture. This is as true in the political realm as it is in the church. The shifting nature of the culture is the determinate factor of the next shift. It is like an ocean liner adrift without engines or a rudder. It simply blows where it will and wherever it blows is somehow, inexplicably, declared the right place to be. Perhaps it is not culture, per se, that drives the ship but, rather, the logical end of strict democratic government. The people have become god.
This is what happens to a culture that sails without a destination, without a map, without a navigational system, without a captain. In our culture, when the mapmakers actually do arrive, they get hooted out as representing a place that either cannot be a real place or one that certainly can never actually be achieved. So, out with the mapmaker and his map. Back to sailing, if you can call it that, at the mercy of the winds. The fates again direct the aimless wandering of the ill-fated crew.
The modern evangelical church is no help. At the risk of getting tossed off the ship, instead of maps, they offer advice. Their advice is appreciated, sort of, but never followed and the ship continues wandering aimlessly.
I started this exhortation thinking about thinking like a Christian. How do we do that? We are all on this ship. It is going where it is going. We cannot get off. What do we do? We need a new culture but we cannot change the one we are in.
So, we must grow a new one from within. We must be subversive in the greatest possible way. We must overthrow the crew. As long as the ship is sailed by the captain’s orders, and it always is, total victory is our only recourse. We offer a simply solution. Look at the map. Steer the ship. Arrive at port. But we have an advantage over our adversaries. We have time. We have homes. We have spouses. We have children. We can teach our children to read maps. We can raise a new captain. We can get to port.
We have begun this task. We are raising our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We have high expectations of our children, of our marriages, and of honoring God in our worship. We are learning the Word of God and that it applies to every area of life, church, family, work, government, cooking, art, education, and recreation. We reject every form of liberalism, changing the Word of God to suit man. Christ came to make us new, to renew us and to change us into His image. He inaugurated a New Heavens and a New Earth. Behold all things are made new. Therefore, we reject liberalism, conservatism, evangelicalism and every other ism. For all isms are merely new gods in old clothes. But we stand on the authority of the Word of God, inspired, infallible and able to change body and soul into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our culture has too long had a strangle hold on us. By God’s grace, we are prying its death grip from the throats of our children. May He teach us, and them, to rise above the prevailing wisdom of the day, to a bolder and higher calling. But not one that is couched merely in such politically sounding meaningless words as that last sentence. No, our calling is in Christ and Him crucified. His death is the only hope of life for such a hopeless culture. Our meandering must stop as we anchor to Him. Perhaps, by His grace, He will sink the ship we are on, baptizing it to new life and set it sailing again, powered by the Holy Spirit, directed toward the port of last call, Eschaton Bay. They are building a cathedral there.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Exhortation-Give Thanks
Dear brothers and sisters, it is Thanksgiving week and we are to give thanks. We do not a thanks to the air nor to no one in general, but rather, a we give thanks and a praise to our God who has been good to us. David has penned a glorious thanksgiving for us in 1 Chron 16:7-36. Let us give thanks together as we read it and let us remember this week to be thankful, not complaining, not grumbling, not pessimistic, but rather, thankful.
1Chron. 16:7-36 Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren. 8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. 9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. 10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.
12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; 13 O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones. 14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
15 Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations; 16 Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac; 17 And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, 18 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance; 19 When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it. 20 And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people; 21 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes, 22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
23 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. 24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. 25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. 28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. 30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth. 32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein. 33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth. 34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
35 And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise. 36 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.
Dear Christian, we are thankful but sometimes it is easy to not be thankful. It is easy to forget. It is easy to be grumpy and complaining. When we are this way, we must see our danger and turn again to the Lord.
1Chron. 16:7-36 Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren. 8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. 9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. 10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.
12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; 13 O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones. 14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
15 Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations; 16 Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac; 17 And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, 18 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance; 19 When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it. 20 And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people; 21 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes, 22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
23 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. 24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. 25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. 28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. 30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth. 32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein. 33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth. 34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
35 And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise. 36 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.
Dear Christian, we are thankful but sometimes it is easy to not be thankful. It is easy to forget. It is easy to be grumpy and complaining. When we are this way, we must see our danger and turn again to the Lord.
Communion Meditation-Thanksgiving
As we gather around our tables this coming Thursday, let us be thankful. It is good that our nation takes a day to remember to be thankful. For, remembering to be thankful is the only way that we actually are thankful. We teach our children this. If someone gives them a piece of candy or a kind word, it is not thankfulness to enjoy eating the candy or to relish in the kind word. It may be nothing more than greediness or self-righteousness or pride. But when a child or an adult says, “Thank you, I appreciate that very much,” then they are being thankful. When this happens, instead of a mindset of entitlement to the good done to them, a humility of self is both generated and conveyed. This is primarily the case because thanksgiving makes us aware of the grace and mercy of the giver. We do not deserve the candy or the praise but it is given anyway. When we realize this, thanksgiving ought always to be the response. To fail to recognize this is the beginning of forgetfulness, the creeping in of self-righteousness and an entitlement mindset that makes all of one’s problems somebody else’s fault. Folks, we Christians must not go there.
How will we ever learn this lesson so that it fills up our whole souls and flows out from us with an ever-gushing stream of thankfulness? I know just the place. We gather here each Lord’s Day. We get to eat and drink the life of Christ. We are invited to do this by the Holy God, the Creator of the universe, of man, the world and all that is in the world. We are brought here as friends of Jesus Christ, collectively, we are the very bride of Christ. He sends His Holy Spirit so that we have the presence of Jesus with us until the ends of the world. And….we don’t deserve to be here. We are not holy, like Jesus, at least not without Jesus. We are not God’s perfect children, at least not apart from our connection to His Son, in Whom He is well pleased. We are not royalty, at least not until betrothed, engaged and wed to Christ as His Church. We are not eternal beings, at least not until filled with the everlasting Spirit of God.
But here we sit each week, welcome, well-fed, full of promise, full of joy. And the only thing we can do as recipients of such a great blessing is to give thanks. To fail to do so is most rude. To not see the need to do so is near damnable. But to give thanks and to receive, even apart from our own worthiness to do so, generates the humility of thanksgiving in us that spreads to every corner of our lives. It all starts here.
So, let us eat and drink with thanksgiving. We give thanks for Jesus, for this covenant meal, for our homes, for our spouses, for our children, for our parents, for our immediate and extended families, for our church, for our elders, for our jobs, for our friends, for our government, for our country, for our state, for our city, and for all things good from God.
How will we ever learn this lesson so that it fills up our whole souls and flows out from us with an ever-gushing stream of thankfulness? I know just the place. We gather here each Lord’s Day. We get to eat and drink the life of Christ. We are invited to do this by the Holy God, the Creator of the universe, of man, the world and all that is in the world. We are brought here as friends of Jesus Christ, collectively, we are the very bride of Christ. He sends His Holy Spirit so that we have the presence of Jesus with us until the ends of the world. And….we don’t deserve to be here. We are not holy, like Jesus, at least not without Jesus. We are not God’s perfect children, at least not apart from our connection to His Son, in Whom He is well pleased. We are not royalty, at least not until betrothed, engaged and wed to Christ as His Church. We are not eternal beings, at least not until filled with the everlasting Spirit of God.
But here we sit each week, welcome, well-fed, full of promise, full of joy. And the only thing we can do as recipients of such a great blessing is to give thanks. To fail to do so is most rude. To not see the need to do so is near damnable. But to give thanks and to receive, even apart from our own worthiness to do so, generates the humility of thanksgiving in us that spreads to every corner of our lives. It all starts here.
So, let us eat and drink with thanksgiving. We give thanks for Jesus, for this covenant meal, for our homes, for our spouses, for our children, for our parents, for our immediate and extended families, for our church, for our elders, for our jobs, for our friends, for our government, for our country, for our state, for our city, and for all things good from God.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
A New Song
A New Song
Sing of God, the Father.
Sing of God, the Son.
Sing of God, the Holy Spirit,
Three in One.
Blessings to His Majesty.
Maker of Heaven and Earth.
Glory to the Incarnate One
With earthly joy and mirth.
And to God’s Breath, we breathe,
Sing of God, the Son.
Sing of God, the Holy Spirit,
Three in One.
Blessings to His Majesty.
Maker of Heaven and Earth.
Glory to the Incarnate One
With earthly joy and mirth.
And to God’s Breath, we breathe,
Praise, for our new birth.
Communion Meditation-Dangerous Fire
The Lord’s Supper is a dangerous place. Holy places were dangerous in the Old Testament. We sometimes make the mistake of thinking that Holy Places are no longer dangerous. It is no wonder that many defile the sanctuary with their worship. But beware. Touching Holy things when unholy is more dangerous now in the New Covenant than it was in the old.
Heb 12:18-29 18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 20(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) 22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
All those who were unholy and who touched the mountain, died. This is frightening because our mountain is more holy, if you will. Our firey God attends this altar still. If you come to His mountain, this holy place, you might die. But if you refuse to come, you will most assuredly die.
So, while coming is frought with potential danger, not coming is guaranteed danger. The only logical thing to do, then, is to come.
But we do not come with trepidation and fear, wondering if we will die or live. That is not the point at all. We come as friends of Jesus Christ. We come as the children of God. We come as vessels cleansed by the fire of God’s Spirit. We come, not fearful of our own unworthiness. We admit that. We come, dressed in Christ, who is worthy. We come, believing God, because He says, “Come and welcome.” And because we are His holy vessels, His Holy Fire, taken and eaten here, is the guarantor of further purification. The Supper exposes, but for good to those who are the beloved, those who are called according to the purpose of God. And this should make us want to come.
Heb 12:18-29 18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 20(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) 22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
All those who were unholy and who touched the mountain, died. This is frightening because our mountain is more holy, if you will. Our firey God attends this altar still. If you come to His mountain, this holy place, you might die. But if you refuse to come, you will most assuredly die.
So, while coming is frought with potential danger, not coming is guaranteed danger. The only logical thing to do, then, is to come.
But we do not come with trepidation and fear, wondering if we will die or live. That is not the point at all. We come as friends of Jesus Christ. We come as the children of God. We come as vessels cleansed by the fire of God’s Spirit. We come, not fearful of our own unworthiness. We admit that. We come, dressed in Christ, who is worthy. We come, believing God, because He says, “Come and welcome.” And because we are His holy vessels, His Holy Fire, taken and eaten here, is the guarantor of further purification. The Supper exposes, but for good to those who are the beloved, those who are called according to the purpose of God. And this should make us want to come.
Exhortation-Touch
In the Old Testament, touching unclean things made one unclean.
Lev 5:2-3 2 Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.
And the unclean were not allowed to touch hallowed things or holy things.
Lev 12:4 4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.
Very interestingly, when the sin offering touched anything, it made it holy.
Lev 6:27 27 Whatsoever shall touch the flesh thereof shall be holy: and when there is sprinkled of the blood thereof upon any garment, thou shalt wash that whereon it was sprinkled in the holy place.
In the New Testament, things are a bit different. There are no things that are unclean in and of themselves. As Paul says,
Rom 14:14 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
But, we are still to keep ourselves clean in Christ. There is filthiness in the world that the Christian ought not to be tangled up in and we are to be cleansed from filthiness.
2 Cor 6:17-7:1 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing (aligning yourselves with unbelievers, marrying an unbeliever); and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
It is not the things, themselves, but the heart of man. Sin is not outside of us. It is in us, in the will when we disobey. We do not become clean by cleaning the outside of the cup.
Col 2:20-23 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21(Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
We are in earthen vessels, our fallen bodies, struggling against sin and the disease and death of sin, but there is hope. For all those who touch Jesus are cleansed.
Matt 9:21 21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. And others, Matt 14:36 36 …besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
Also, whomever Jesus touches is cleansed.
Mark 8:22-25 22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
Mark 10:13-16 13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
But, touching Christ, now, or being touched by Him, His blood, sanctifies us so that we can approach the most Holy without fear.
Heb 9:13-14 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
This is wonderful promise and ought to remind us of the need to confess our sins and to be touched by Jesus so that we are cleansed and made whole.
Lev 5:2-3 2 Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.
And the unclean were not allowed to touch hallowed things or holy things.
Lev 12:4 4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.
Very interestingly, when the sin offering touched anything, it made it holy.
Lev 6:27 27 Whatsoever shall touch the flesh thereof shall be holy: and when there is sprinkled of the blood thereof upon any garment, thou shalt wash that whereon it was sprinkled in the holy place.
In the New Testament, things are a bit different. There are no things that are unclean in and of themselves. As Paul says,
Rom 14:14 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
But, we are still to keep ourselves clean in Christ. There is filthiness in the world that the Christian ought not to be tangled up in and we are to be cleansed from filthiness.
2 Cor 6:17-7:1 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing (aligning yourselves with unbelievers, marrying an unbeliever); and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
It is not the things, themselves, but the heart of man. Sin is not outside of us. It is in us, in the will when we disobey. We do not become clean by cleaning the outside of the cup.
Col 2:20-23 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21(Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
We are in earthen vessels, our fallen bodies, struggling against sin and the disease and death of sin, but there is hope. For all those who touch Jesus are cleansed.
Matt 9:21 21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. And others, Matt 14:36 36 …besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
Also, whomever Jesus touches is cleansed.
Mark 8:22-25 22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
Mark 10:13-16 13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
But, touching Christ, now, or being touched by Him, His blood, sanctifies us so that we can approach the most Holy without fear.
Heb 9:13-14 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
This is wonderful promise and ought to remind us of the need to confess our sins and to be touched by Jesus so that we are cleansed and made whole.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Exhortation-Taste and See that the Lord is good
Ps 119:103-104 103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
As we have been working through the senses of sight and hearing, we have found that our bodies are very important in regards to serving the Lord rightly. What we see and what we hear have an impact on our faith. Of course, how we see and how we hear are vital as well.
God has given us the wonderful ability to taste. It is probably one of the most joyous senses and one that we utilize to a great degree each day. We spend a huge amount of time and money on pleasing this sense. Our sense of taste can lead us to sweet things easily gotten, candy and chocolate, or salt and spicy things, purchased readily, chips and beef jerky. But if we are to appreciate God’s variety and kindness in food and drink, we have to work at it. There are many dishes and drinks that cannot be easily appreciated. Many items take a great deal of preparation to produce a fine tasting and aesthetically pleasing meal. A fine lasagne is not made in minutes. Other good foods take some getting used to, Greek olives, Salsas, strong cheese, various vegetables, good beer and fine wine and many other dishes. Even basic foods take an appreciation in order to enjoy them, potatoes, rice, beans. We want to develop discriminating taste. This is not the same as becoming a picky eater. We want to enjoy all of God’s good gifts to us, so we eat what is good and learn to like what we eat. Picky eaters are developing bad habits that spill over into other areas of life.
How does this relate to tasting God? In many ways. First, God is good. He is good in all of His dealings and particularly in His dealings with us. Some taste Him and find that He is too bitter, or too sweet, or too strong, or too weak. But God deals with us in many ways, some strong, chastisement, and some easy, mercy. But all of His dealings are full of grace for our God is good. But we must develop a taste. We must eat all that is put before us, trusting our heavenly Father that it is good for us and will help us to grow up to be healthy and strong. We must not be picky about eating from God’s table. This is rude and shows a tendency to a creeping rebellious heart. Only give a Bible picky mind time and all of God’s food will be rejected.
Prov 24:13-22 13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: 14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
Of course, we need to eat correctly. We must use our mouths to the glory of God in our eating and drinking. Drunkeness and gluttony are prohibited to us. We will look at those things next week.
Before we come to learning how to eat, we must learn to eat the Lord’s food which produces wisdom. Otherwise, how will be instructed on how to live out the details? We must commit to eating whatever is put before us by the Lord. If it is biblical, then it is food from Jesus and we are required to eat. Many of you have a rule that your children must eat whatever is put before them, and this is good. They must eat because the food is good, it comes from mother and it is healthy. If they refuse, they prove that they have, at the least, an immature appreciation of good things, whether in their taste buds or in their minds. And, at the worst, they show a disdain for mother and father in refusing that which is good. I am not saying that you should feed your toddlers spicy enchiladas with hot salsa. They need to develop a taste. But God is calling us to maturity. Milk for babies. A full course meal for adults. All of His food is good. Grow up, take and eat.
As we have been working through the senses of sight and hearing, we have found that our bodies are very important in regards to serving the Lord rightly. What we see and what we hear have an impact on our faith. Of course, how we see and how we hear are vital as well.
God has given us the wonderful ability to taste. It is probably one of the most joyous senses and one that we utilize to a great degree each day. We spend a huge amount of time and money on pleasing this sense. Our sense of taste can lead us to sweet things easily gotten, candy and chocolate, or salt and spicy things, purchased readily, chips and beef jerky. But if we are to appreciate God’s variety and kindness in food and drink, we have to work at it. There are many dishes and drinks that cannot be easily appreciated. Many items take a great deal of preparation to produce a fine tasting and aesthetically pleasing meal. A fine lasagne is not made in minutes. Other good foods take some getting used to, Greek olives, Salsas, strong cheese, various vegetables, good beer and fine wine and many other dishes. Even basic foods take an appreciation in order to enjoy them, potatoes, rice, beans. We want to develop discriminating taste. This is not the same as becoming a picky eater. We want to enjoy all of God’s good gifts to us, so we eat what is good and learn to like what we eat. Picky eaters are developing bad habits that spill over into other areas of life.
How does this relate to tasting God? In many ways. First, God is good. He is good in all of His dealings and particularly in His dealings with us. Some taste Him and find that He is too bitter, or too sweet, or too strong, or too weak. But God deals with us in many ways, some strong, chastisement, and some easy, mercy. But all of His dealings are full of grace for our God is good. But we must develop a taste. We must eat all that is put before us, trusting our heavenly Father that it is good for us and will help us to grow up to be healthy and strong. We must not be picky about eating from God’s table. This is rude and shows a tendency to a creeping rebellious heart. Only give a Bible picky mind time and all of God’s food will be rejected.
Prov 24:13-22 13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: 14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
Of course, we need to eat correctly. We must use our mouths to the glory of God in our eating and drinking. Drunkeness and gluttony are prohibited to us. We will look at those things next week.
Before we come to learning how to eat, we must learn to eat the Lord’s food which produces wisdom. Otherwise, how will be instructed on how to live out the details? We must commit to eating whatever is put before us by the Lord. If it is biblical, then it is food from Jesus and we are required to eat. Many of you have a rule that your children must eat whatever is put before them, and this is good. They must eat because the food is good, it comes from mother and it is healthy. If they refuse, they prove that they have, at the least, an immature appreciation of good things, whether in their taste buds or in their minds. And, at the worst, they show a disdain for mother and father in refusing that which is good. I am not saying that you should feed your toddlers spicy enchiladas with hot salsa. They need to develop a taste. But God is calling us to maturity. Milk for babies. A full course meal for adults. All of His food is good. Grow up, take and eat.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Communion Meditation-Today if you will hear His voice
We must hear the voice of the Lord.
Heb 3:7-9 7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
The Lord was displeased with the children of Israel because they hardened their hearts. What did that look like? It looked like fear in the presence of enemies. The spies had returned with a good report of the land. It really was a land flowing with milk and honey. There were grape clusters that had to be carried on poles. This truly was the land of promise and God had promised.
All was good but ten of the twelve spies were faithless. They saw the grapes but they also saw the giants. And in looking at the giants, they forgot about the wonderful deliverance from Egypt and God’s victorious demolition of Pharoah and his kingdom. Canaan was nothing compared to Egypt. It was not a major centralized nation but many nations and kings. God had already done great miracles before Israel and they should have remembered His promise to purge the land from enemies and establish Israel in the promised land.
We are here, gathered as God’s people, in the land of promise, God’s Church, among the enemies of God, those who have not yet submitted to Christ. God calls upon us to take and eat, to take and drink. This eating and drinking is the reminder that God had done all that He said He would do. It is the fact that God is still feeding us through His Son, the one who kills all giants and purges the promised land of wickedness. It is the promise yet to be fulfilled that the giant killer, David’s Son, will remain on His throne in warlike aspect until all of His enemies are subdued beneath His feet.
Hear the voice of God in this. These are sure words of promise. Do not harden your hearts in abject fear of the enemy, for God has cast them down. So, hear and come and eat and drink.
Heb 3:7-9 7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
The Lord was displeased with the children of Israel because they hardened their hearts. What did that look like? It looked like fear in the presence of enemies. The spies had returned with a good report of the land. It really was a land flowing with milk and honey. There were grape clusters that had to be carried on poles. This truly was the land of promise and God had promised.
All was good but ten of the twelve spies were faithless. They saw the grapes but they also saw the giants. And in looking at the giants, they forgot about the wonderful deliverance from Egypt and God’s victorious demolition of Pharoah and his kingdom. Canaan was nothing compared to Egypt. It was not a major centralized nation but many nations and kings. God had already done great miracles before Israel and they should have remembered His promise to purge the land from enemies and establish Israel in the promised land.
We are here, gathered as God’s people, in the land of promise, God’s Church, among the enemies of God, those who have not yet submitted to Christ. God calls upon us to take and eat, to take and drink. This eating and drinking is the reminder that God had done all that He said He would do. It is the fact that God is still feeding us through His Son, the one who kills all giants and purges the promised land of wickedness. It is the promise yet to be fulfilled that the giant killer, David’s Son, will remain on His throne in warlike aspect until all of His enemies are subdued beneath His feet.
Hear the voice of God in this. These are sure words of promise. Do not harden your hearts in abject fear of the enemy, for God has cast them down. So, hear and come and eat and drink.
Exhortation-Hear the Lord
Dear Saints, Open your ears.
Eccl 5:1-2 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
This verse tells us to listen more than to speak. Some wit once said that you have two ears and one mouth and you ought to use them in that proportion. But this is not an exhortation on speaking but rather on hearing. We find talking very easy but often find listening very difficult. Hearing can be passive. I hear the shouts of children playing. Or it can be active. I am listening for the sound of a deer walking in the woods. Biblical hearing is more than merely hearing the sound of words. Biblical hearing is more than just listening to what the Bible says or what the preacher says. We are to listen, understand and believe. Therefore, we can act.
This is why we constantly pray for both the preaching and hearing of the Word of God. Yes, we desire the preacher to be faithful to the text. We ask God to fill his mouth and to make apt application to us in the assembly that we might know and do the Word of God. But this is not all on the preacher. We also pray for the hearing of the Word. We pray for the Holy Spirit to open your ears and to give you understanding. Are your ears open? Are you awake? Are you eager to hear? Did you get the wax out of your ears last night or this morning?
So, you must come prepared to the congregation to hear the word of God. Did you plan your Saturday night so that your Sunday morning will be fresh, awake, energetic, anticipatory? There is no law that says you must not go to bed late Saturday night before church on Sunday. But the fact that you do so says a lot about what you think is happening on Sunday. It says a lot about how important you think Sunday is.
I often see eyelids on Sundays, drooping, slipping, sleeping, eyelids. I am not condemning an occasional tired Sunday morning. I have had them, droopy eyes, even in the midst of dynamic, Spirit-filled preaching. But when your eyelids droop Sunday after Sunday, it tells me that you are not hearing the Word of God. This is not just a reminder of a petty fault. Your soul really is at stake. And not yours only but also your spouse’s and your children.
Saturday ought to be preparation for the Lord’s Day. We prepare our hearts as well as our homes and bodies. Many of you host families for meals on the Lord’s Day and this is a wonderful celebration of God’s goodness to us. But that hosting should be a result of hearing the Word. I hope you don’t stay up until midnight planning and then have a difficult time rousing yourself for the foundation of the celebration, covenant renewal worship in the presence of God and His saints.
Others of you get up early and work hard all week and see Friday and Saturday nights as your time to stay up late and sleep in on Saturday and Sunday mornings. I think you have it half right.
So, think of these things, think of this day, the Lord’s Day, on Saturday. Plan for Sunday worship, Saturday, so that you and your children can come to this place, awake, rejoicing, cheerful, energetic and hearing.
Also, some of you come and need a pick-me-up here. Your faith is weak. Your sins have overwhelmed you. Your doubts have assailed you. While you can also work on preparing your mind by confessing sins ahead of time, it is true that the very gathering and worship of the saints is also a remedy for the downcast sheep. But if this is the case, you must be more mindful of preparing Saturday night as well. Don’t put more roadblocks in your way to joy as you seek God’s forgiveness, comfort, and communion here. Prepare your home and your mind and your body so that you can come here and hear God's faithful and wonderful promises to you.
Eccl 5:1-2 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
This verse tells us to listen more than to speak. Some wit once said that you have two ears and one mouth and you ought to use them in that proportion. But this is not an exhortation on speaking but rather on hearing. We find talking very easy but often find listening very difficult. Hearing can be passive. I hear the shouts of children playing. Or it can be active. I am listening for the sound of a deer walking in the woods. Biblical hearing is more than merely hearing the sound of words. Biblical hearing is more than just listening to what the Bible says or what the preacher says. We are to listen, understand and believe. Therefore, we can act.
This is why we constantly pray for both the preaching and hearing of the Word of God. Yes, we desire the preacher to be faithful to the text. We ask God to fill his mouth and to make apt application to us in the assembly that we might know and do the Word of God. But this is not all on the preacher. We also pray for the hearing of the Word. We pray for the Holy Spirit to open your ears and to give you understanding. Are your ears open? Are you awake? Are you eager to hear? Did you get the wax out of your ears last night or this morning?
So, you must come prepared to the congregation to hear the word of God. Did you plan your Saturday night so that your Sunday morning will be fresh, awake, energetic, anticipatory? There is no law that says you must not go to bed late Saturday night before church on Sunday. But the fact that you do so says a lot about what you think is happening on Sunday. It says a lot about how important you think Sunday is.
I often see eyelids on Sundays, drooping, slipping, sleeping, eyelids. I am not condemning an occasional tired Sunday morning. I have had them, droopy eyes, even in the midst of dynamic, Spirit-filled preaching. But when your eyelids droop Sunday after Sunday, it tells me that you are not hearing the Word of God. This is not just a reminder of a petty fault. Your soul really is at stake. And not yours only but also your spouse’s and your children.
Saturday ought to be preparation for the Lord’s Day. We prepare our hearts as well as our homes and bodies. Many of you host families for meals on the Lord’s Day and this is a wonderful celebration of God’s goodness to us. But that hosting should be a result of hearing the Word. I hope you don’t stay up until midnight planning and then have a difficult time rousing yourself for the foundation of the celebration, covenant renewal worship in the presence of God and His saints.
Others of you get up early and work hard all week and see Friday and Saturday nights as your time to stay up late and sleep in on Saturday and Sunday mornings. I think you have it half right.
So, think of these things, think of this day, the Lord’s Day, on Saturday. Plan for Sunday worship, Saturday, so that you and your children can come to this place, awake, rejoicing, cheerful, energetic and hearing.
Also, some of you come and need a pick-me-up here. Your faith is weak. Your sins have overwhelmed you. Your doubts have assailed you. While you can also work on preparing your mind by confessing sins ahead of time, it is true that the very gathering and worship of the saints is also a remedy for the downcast sheep. But if this is the case, you must be more mindful of preparing Saturday night as well. Don’t put more roadblocks in your way to joy as you seek God’s forgiveness, comfort, and communion here. Prepare your home and your mind and your body so that you can come here and hear God's faithful and wonderful promises to you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)