Lord, it belongs not to my care
by Richard Baxter

Lord, it belongs not to my care
whether I die or live;
to love and serve thee is my share,
and this thy grace must give.

If life be long,O make me glad
the longer to obey;
if short, no laborer is sad
to end his toilsome day.

Christ leads me through no darker rooms
than he went through before;
he that unto God’s kingdom comes
must enter by this door.

Come, Lord, when grace hath made me meet
thy blessèd face to see:
for if thy work on earth be sweet,
what will thy glory be!

Then I shall end my sad complaints
and weary sinful days,
and join with the triumphant saints
that sing my Savior’s praise.

My knowledge of that life is small,
the eye of faith is dim;
but ’tis enough that Christ knows all,
and I shall be with him.

A good friend recently sent me this Hermeneutics Quiz. It’s a couple of years old, but interesting nonetheless.

So, I took the quiz and scored it. It’s only 20 questions and it doesn’t take long.

Give it a shot and let me know what you scored. It would also be interesting to hear what others think of the explanation of the scoring.

My score was 48 which puts me on the conservative hermeneutic scale. The explanation starts:

First, the conservative hermeneutic group scores 52 or lower. The strength of this view is its emphasis on the authority, ongoing and normative authority, of all of Scripture. It tends to operate with the line many of us learned in Sunday school: “If the Bible says it, that settles it.” Such persons let the Bible challenge them with full force. Literal readings lead to rather literal applications. Most of the time.

What did you score?

What do you think?

A visiting minister was substituting for the famed pastor Henry Ward Beecher. A large audience had assembled to hear the popular pastor. At the appointed hour, the visiting minister entered the pulpit. Learning that Beecher was not to preach, several began to move toward the doors. The visiting minister stood and called out, “All who have come here today to worship Henry Ward Beecher may now withdraw from the church! All who have come to worship God, keep your seats!” No one then left.
——————————
Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations : A treasury of illustrations, anecdotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers and Christian workers. Garland TX: Bible Communications.

Remember who you are gathered together to worship.

Hi everyone.  A good friend of mine needs your help!

His name is Dave Salzman. He needs help raising funds for an event with Hope for Guatemala.

Last August, I was grateful to be able to help a local mission raise $40,000 and I was very thankful for those who gave through this site. Well, Dave is participating in something similar, the annual Golf4Guatemala tournament.

This event raises funds to benefit children in Guatemala. These children are poverty-stricken and you can help impact their lives.

How?

The basic process is – Each Spring Break, high school students from Stonecreek Church sacrifice their typical teenage vacations to help children in poverty.  In a world where approximately 40% of people live on less than $2 a day, these students want to make an impact, meet a need, and bring hope to the hopeless.

Through Hope for Guatemala, a non-profit organization in Guatemala City, Guatemala, these high school students have the opportunity to help 200 children who represent 114 families, and as a result positively impact the lives of more than 1,100 people.

On April 5-10, 2010, students from Stonecreek will embark on a “once in a life-time” journey that will change their lives forever. During the trip students will be able to serve meals daily, do light miscellaneous construction, as well as build life-changing relationships. With your prayer and support, students will be able to spend their Spring break like never before.

Please consider sponsoring Dave to help these children in Guatemala.

It can be $1 to any amount you wish. Also, your sponsorship is fully tax-deductible.

The Golf4Guatemala tournament will be on March 10, 2010.

Just click here and fill out the Hope for Guatamala Donation Form.

Hope for Guatemala will send you paperwork so you may fulfill your pledge as well as paperwork for your tax deduction. This donation form is so Dave can fill out his pledge sheet.

Thanks for your consideration. Please pray with us for this event.

You don’t have to go worship God this weekend with His people. You get to go worship God this weekend with His people. You get to do what God’s past people could only dream of, worship God openly, directly and corporately through the Messiah.

Think and reflect on the words below as you savor the opportunity to worship God through Christ.

“We have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh” (Hebrews 10:19-20). Without Christ the holiness of God had to be protected from us. He would have been dishonored, and we would have been consumed because of our sin. But now, because of Christ, we may come near and feast our hearts on the fullness of the flaming beauty of God’s holiness. He will not be dishonored. We will not be consumed. Because of the all-protecting Christ, God will be honored, and we will stand in everlasting awe. Therefore, do not fear to come. But come through Christ.
———————-
Piper, John. Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Wheaton, IL: Good News Publishers, 2006. 67. Print.

On a recent Fighting for the Faith radio program host Chris Rosebrough had Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller as a guest to help with a sermon review. During the sermon review Wolfmueller mentioned something he called a heresy two-step. It’s a process that some might use to preach heresy or some position/doctrine that that is not from the text.

The way Wolfmueller identified the process was very helpful. I’ve written out a paraphrase of this process of preaching to watch out for.

The Heresy Two-step starts with two feet on the text. The allusion must be given that the text is going to be taught on. Then a sliding step backwards is taken into an abstraction. You move from the text to an idea about the text or to a word in the text. Once the text is abstracted and a general principle or something along these lines is made. You can now wiggle around and go in any direction you want. You can make the text say whatever you want. Instead of teaching the text you are pontificating on this abstraction which was drawn from the text.

I thought this to be a helpful analysis. Not only is it helpful for discerning false teachers, but it would seem to act as a measure for anyone who preaches/teaches. It should help those of us who do so to watch how we are arriving at a message from the text, especially, for the less experienced.

Helpful? Accurate? Thoughts?

What do you think of when you think of American Christianity and the American church? Just stop and think about that for a moment before reading further.

Think a little more…

OK, ready?

Below is a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer on American Christianity. Please, read it and think through it. Although he was speaking of the American church in the 1920’s and 30’s think of how his words might apply today.

• Is he correct?
• If not, how far off is he and what correction would you offer?
• If so, what can American churches and her members do for correction?
• What other thoughts does this quote bring to mind?

God has granted American Christianity no Reformation. He has given it strong revivalist preachers, churchmen and theologians, but no Reformation of the church of Jesus Christ by the Word of God….American theology and the American church as a whole have never been able to understand the meaning of ‘criticism’ by the Word of God and all that signifies. Right to the last they do not understand that God’s ‘criticism’ touches even religion, the Christianity of the church and the sanctification of Christians, and that God has founded his church beyond religion and beyond ethics….In American theology, Christianity is still essentially religion and ethics…Because of this the person and work of Christ must, for theology, sink into the background and in the long run remain misunderstood, because it is not recognized as the sole ground of radical judgment and radical forgiveness.[6]

6. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Protestantism without the Reformation,” in No Rusty Swords: Letters, Lectures and Notes, 1928-1936, ed. Edwin H. Robertson, trans. Edwin H. Robertson and John Bowden (London: Collins, 1965), 92-118.
As cited by Michael Horton in Who Exactly Are the Evangelicals?

Even if you don’t answer here this is certainly food for thought.

“Bread of Heaven! on Thee I feed,
For Thy flesh is meat indeed!
Evermore my soul be fed
With this true and living Bread!
Day by day with strength supplied
Through the life of Him who died.
“Vine of Heaven! Thy blood supplies

This vast cup of sacrifice.
’Tis Thy wounds my healing give;
To Thy cross I look and live.
Thou my life! oh let me be
Rooted, grafted, built on Thee!”

- Octavius Winslow
(Thanks to the new
Octavius Winslow site)

For the month of February Christianaudio is giving away an unabridged audio copy of Mark Driscoll’s book Religion Saves: And Nine Other Misconceptions. Simply use the coupon code FEB2010 when prompted.

To get your free audio book: http://christianaudio.com/free

While you are here check out my review of Religion Saves.

I like the concept of the book as found in its title Religion Saves. As much as a book debunking that religion saves needs to be written I think it is hard to do in the format Mark Driscoll has chosen. Letting others pick your topics and then finding an appropriate title would not be an easy task for anyone. I say that as I ask the question of whether or not the topic of religion saves was actually tackled. Most of the topics aren’t really salvation issues. They are moral issues for the world and Gospel issues for the church. Driscoll is very good at addressing moral issues, their practical outworking in one’s life and practical solutions. Let’s browse through the topics. Read the whole review…

In a recent post I asked two questions in relation to the Super Bowl and church attendance. The comment thread turned into a debate over Sabbatarianism and the place of the Lord’s Day in the Christian’s life. This is understandable to a point, yet I did receive some off-line comments which would have added to the discussion. While I did not argue for either, one point stood out and brought some other questions on church attendance to mind.

The term legalism came up in the above post though not as a direct charge. However, I’ve seen it argued that those who hold to Sunday as being the Lord’s Day, in that the Christian has a weekly duty to worship, as being legalistic. One commenter made the comment, in essence, that it would actually be legalistic if Sunday worship were not grounded in the Sabbath (4th Commandment) since one would be adding their own law. This is an interesting approach since most Christians would not require nor forbid others of what God has not required nor forbid least we earn the charge of legalism. Then I got curious about something.

On what basis does one judge how often they should attend church?

All Christians, I hope, have some idea of how often they expect themselves to attend church. Which should translate in some way as to how much they expect their fellow church members to attend also. I’m not talking about when people are sick, out of town, etc. I mean the normal week to week where nothing is preventing corporate worship. Yes, this could include the Super Bowl or any activity.

Most of us look forward to Sunday mornings. But do we have some kind of corporate obligation? Based on what? Is once a week enough if there are also Wednesday and Sunday evening services? How about once a month? How does one answer what is acceptable between once a month to once a week? Is Christmas and Easter enough?

So, on what basis do you decide how often you should attend church? Do you hold their fellow church members to a similar standard? Do expect others to hold you to a standard?

On what basis and what is this standard of church attendance frequency?

If Christ has our love, he has our all; and Christ never has what he deserves from us, till he has our love. True love withholds nothing from Christ, when it is sincerely set upon him. If we actually love him, he will have our time, and he will have our service, and he will have the use of all our resources, and gifts, and graces; indeed, then he shall have our possessions, freedom, and our very lives, whenever he calls for them. In the same way, when God loves any of us, he will withhold nothing from us that is good for us. He does not hold back his own only begotten Son, Rom.8:32. When Christ loves us, he gives us everything we need– his merits to justify us, his Spirit to sanctify us, his grace to adorn us, and his glory to crown us. Therefore, when any of us love Christ sincerely, we lay everything down at his feet, and give up all to be at his command and service: “And they loved not their lives unto the death,” Rev. 12:11.

- Thomas Doolittle from What is Love to Christ?

Every year during the Super Bowl the question of church attendance arises. Should a person skip church for the Super Bowl? If he/she skips their regular Sunday evening church service are they sinning?

There seem to be two main positions on this. Those who are more sabbatarian minded fall along the lines of a person is sinning if they skip their church service for the Super Bowl. Those who skip church service may be charged with antinomianism. Corporate worship is a Christian duty that should have priority of all other activities. It should not matter that it is the Super Bowl.

Those on the other side of the argument may skip church service for the Super Bowl claiming they are free in Christ to do so. The sabbath for them is an Old Testament Law and is not specifically for the church. Some on this side may even claim that a Super Bowl party is a great time to share the gospel. Isn’t this true for any such event?

I can’t help but wonder if there is just a slight bit of guilt in some who comment about sharing the gospel. There is a little guilt sometimes when people add qualifiers in explaining their agenda. However, there are also those who will zealously take a Super Bowl party as an opportunity to share the gospel. I haven’t yet heard of how sharing the gospel at a Super Bowl party was received. Those are the stories I’d love to hear and learn from!

People skip church service for other events too, not just the Super Bowl. There does not seem to be as big of a deal made of these other events. Atleast, not publicly. There is also something that drives people and they must watch the Super Bowl. Other events that people skip church for do not seem to get the same rise of excitement. For example, many do not seem to run around telling people how they will not be at church, but will be at their kids make-up game instead.

Well, I’m curious. Without debating whether or not there is a Christian sabbath, I’d love to hear the answers to the two questions below.

For those skipping regular church service for the Super Bowl.

1.   Why is the Super Bowl such a big deal that you must skip church service?

For those attending regular church service and are bothered by others skipping.

2.   People skip church service for other activities, why is it a big deal to skip for the Super Bowl?

P.s. I’ve changed the word “miss(ing)” to “skip(ping)” thanks to Nathan pointing out the difference. My original connotation of missing was skipping, but this will be clearer.

Never was a poor sinner more unworthy of favor from God or His people than myself. I deserve not a name and a place among the children, but am as vile as a dog, and would be glad for crumbs of mercy that fall from the children’s table. But such is the free grace of God towards me, through the slain Lamb, that He deals with me as a child, a dear child, and feasts me as a prince with Him according to the royalty, the dignity of His own infinite state. If salvation in all its parts were not all of grace, it would not suit such a wretched, miserable sinner as I am. But oh, blessed be God, there is salvation enough for me in Christ to be had of the freest grace—of grace in which there is no scantiness, but an immense and eternal fullness to fill my needy soul, through all time and to eternity! And glad am I, under all my sins, miseries and needs, to live under the reign of grace—of this grace which reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ my Lord!

~Anne Dutton,1692-1765

What exactly does the term missional mean? Attempts to answer this question can be found in books, videos, sermons, blog posts, theological ejournals, conference presentations, magazine articles, etc. Depending on who you ask will depend on the answer which may be good, bad or ugly. You get to decide which is which.

Where do we go from here? Is missional something tangible that can be easily defined propositionally? Is it a concept? Or a movement? A theology? All of the above?

One thing the word is – cool!

However, at the moment there does not seem to be one agreed upon definition. This is fine to a point. Yet, with so many defining themselves as missional; and others preaching for the need to be missional, it is only fair to ask for some sort of definition. Seriously, with a term this popular it can only benefit the body of Christ to have some sort of core working definition.

So I went to twitter looking for a concise definition that Hemingway would appreciate. I mean – where would you go? My inquiry:

Define “missional” in 140 characters or less.

The answers?

@voiceofthesheep Missional: Going and teaching the nations (making disciples), baptizing them, teaching them to observe all that Christ commanded.

@aaronsauer A popular buzz word among hip Christians.

@AlaskaBiff salt & light (missional)

@aaronstrongarm Being all things to all people to save some

@Frank_Turk #missional is seeing the results of the Gospel as equally important to its declaration.

@tburus Missional: Living with a missionary mindset in your indigenous context.

@michaeldebusk Engaging people with the gospel on their own turf.

@chriscanuel With all the talk lately about what “missional” means, is it an oversimplification to just say it means living intentionally for Christ?

@voiceofthesheep Jesus sent disciples on a mission, to make disciples, teaching them to observe all he commanded. THAT’S missional.

@ocdavedv: Define #missional in 140 characters or less: “being a missionary everywhere you are!” It’s being Jesus to everyone everywhere!

@StevenPatton a term made up by someone because they were tired of the word “evangelism” and its implications but its really the same thing.

An interesting conversation (per twitter) follows.

@chriscanuel @StevenPatton I think being missional is certainly evangelism, but I think there is a bit more to it. At least w/how most define evangelism.

@StevenPatton @chriscanuel missional = reformed word for evangelism. That’s my thought on it.

@chriscanuel @StevenPatton I do think we have overcomplicated the word to a great degree though.

@StevenPatton @chriscanuel right. We’ve bungled the word evangelism. we’ve screwed it up so bad its easier just to make a new one than to correct the old

The consensus?

I’m not exactly sure, but just searching missional on twitter will give atleast 50 pages of results. These are updated by the second. It is definitely a buzz word which doesn’t make it a bad thing. The core elements of missional seem to lie somewhere between – sharing and living out the gospel to being on a mission daily. How about one more crack at a concise definition?

Intentionally serving others to win more to Christ through living out and sharing the gospel.

Whew, glad that’s settled! It is settled, isn’t it? What do you think?

The Trellis and the Vine:The Ministry Mind-Shift that Changes Everything by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne. Matthias Media, 2009. 196 pages.

The Trellis and the Vine focuses on doing the hard work of gospel living. That is, Christians giving of themselves through personal discipleship creating gospel growth.

The trellis represents the structure of a church including “management, finances, infrastructure, organization, governance.”  The vine represents gospel growth that grows around the trellis such as “planting, watering, fertilizing, and tending.” (8) Very often trellis work can take over vine work since it tends to be easier see and to figure out what needs to be done. Vine work can be tougher to discern just what needs to be done and exactly how to do  it.

This book tackles the aspect of vine work. The reader is moved from thinking of the church as an institution into a personal, intentional and relational understanding. The barriers of trellis thinking are broached and broken down without being dismissed. The authors attempt to get the readers thinking about vine work.

The authors explain the reasons for vine work and gives examples of how it can be done. They explain what vine work training might look like and encourage every church member to be involved. A chart of “gospel growth stages” is given using seven example people that one might find in their church. Those stages consist of outreach, follow-up, growth and training. (86-87) This is an example of one of the tools offered.

A particularly interesting chapter is Why Sunday sermons are necessary but not sufficient. The authors lay out two stereotypes of church ministry – Pastor as clergyman and Pastor as CEO. (98) Every person will probably be able to see some aspect of these stereotypes in their churches. The authors offer a another way which is the pastor as trainer. (99) This is the position the authors have been pressing in the book. The authors’ position makes sense and is argued for biblically. This chapter could be a wake-up call for pastors and church members alike. Churches are challenged to evaluate a their programs, activities and structures against the gospel growth criteria presented. (108)

The book gives some very practical advice on growing a vine type of ministry in a church. The authors give examples of how it is done, where to start and some resources for training. Part of this is included in the three appendices including a helpful FAQ.

This book is a great ministry resources. It answers questions that pastoral staff may have as to how to get members intentionally involved each others lives for the gospel. Church members, both new and old, ask who are anxious to be involved in church life yet are unsure how will benefit. This book will guide them and help them ask the right questions of their pastor(s). Some long-time church members will be challenged if they are overly focused on particular programs, activities, etc. It may encroach on traditions for some though in a healthy, gospel-centered way.

In the face of suffering, the believer is not to look for the “hidden God”-that is, God in his secret majesty. We cannot even attempt to figure out by speculation why we are suffering. We can only, with Moses, look upon God’s “back-side,” his compassion and mercy as revealed in Christ and his cross. While God’s hidden will in suffering cannot be found, and searching for it can only drive one to depression or delusion, his revealed will is displayed in the suffering of Christ, in which his people are called to share.

So, Paul says, “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Rom. 5:2-5)

Michael Horton, In the Face of God: The Dangers and Delights of Spiritual Intimacy, p. 77.

Last night in ethics class we were proposed a scenario that I’m going to propose here. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Ready? Here goes!

You and your group are visiting a country that is in the middle of a civil war. All of you are then captured by one of the militias. In order to be set free you must prove that you are not on the opposing side. This militia has also captured an innocent person who is their prisoner.   You are given two options:

• Kill the innocent prisoner to prove your on their side which will set you all free.
• Do not kill the innocent prisoner showing you are not on their side and all be killed.

What do you do and why?

I recently started seminary working toward an MDiv. Getting through seminary while having a family and full-time job looks to be a pretty big task.

Additionally, paying for seminary after recently experiencing a large personal economic downturn is an equally difficult task. However uncomfortable times may be, the Lord is providing. Of course, if He provided just a bit more I would not complain.

I am very appreciative for how the Lord is helping me right now. At the same time He is also molding me and teaching me patience and perseverance. I can’t say it’s always fun. I can say “Praise God” and be content in Christ alone. It is really amazing to see how He works through various means to take care of us.

The Lord did use various means to situate me and help me get into seminary. As I looked around for outside resources to help pay for seminary such as scholarships and such I always came up short. I may be looking in the wrong places though I’ve asked others who have had the same experience. If you do not personally have the funding tuition money for seminary can be hard to come by.

I did recently find one source of a potential scholarship that I was thankful for. Logos Bible Software is offering a  seminary scholarship of $1,000.00 and a copy of their Scholar’s Library software. Click the “seminary scholarship” link or the banner below for more information. While there is no guarantee of getting the money there is a chance. Given the limited funding resources (as far as I know) I’m thankful for even a chance to help with tuition.

If anyone knows of any additional resources to help pay for seminary please let the readers and me know. That information would help many people.

Also, if anyone feels led to donate to help with tuition, please contact me. I’m more than willing to accept such a gracious gift with a gracious “Thank you” that I would not begin to express my gratefulness.

I’m grateful for my library. It’s decent and growing slowly. Sometimes I think about what it takes to move all those books, but it’s a cake walk compared to moving Dr. Mohler’s library.

Dr. Mohler shares some information about his library/study and books in general. I appreciate his insights and as a coffee drinker I learned of something else I can do with coffee beans.

Is coveting allowed?

Many times a ministry/person is defended, regardless of their teachings, because they are popular or successful. Not only are ministries defend as such, but they also come to a place where they can do no wrong. They might be betrayed as above any type of criticism or biblical correction.

Such ministries might be defended in various ways such as:

• God is clearly blessing this ministry. Just look at all the good they do.
• I’ve seen more people grow, etc. using their teachings.
• God would not let such growth of said ministry if it weren’t solid.
• Nothing has helped me grow as much as this ministry.
• Just look at the number of people they touch.
• Add your own, etc.

Are these oft given reasons a valid biblical measure of success? What do you think?

Many people offer up sacrifice, and they think that is enough; but the people of God they rest not only in the duty, no, nor in the spirituality of the duty, though that be counted a great matter: but they go one step higher, and so must you in all the duties you tender up to God, and that is, not only to be careful that your duties be spiritual, but you must tender them to God in the hands of Jesus Christ, and expect acceptance through him. When thou hast to deal with God in all thy approaches to him, be sure thou doest not omit the work of Faith, in laying hold upon Christ and carrying him along with thee; or else thy service will not be accepted. We know the sacrifices in the law, though they were never so good, yet they were not accepted unless a man brought them to the Priest, and the Priest he must offer up the sacrifice, and then it was accepted. Now what was that to signify to us, but Christ’s Priestly office : this is the very, work of the Priestly office of Christ, to take all our sacrifices that we tender up to the Father, and to offer them up for us: for we must not presume to offer them our selves; and though they offered a sacrifice that was never so good, yet if they did not offer it upon the right Altar, it was not accepted: so Christ he is the right Altar upon which we must offer up all our sacrifices to the Father; we must look towards the Temple, towards Christ, in all that goes from us unto God, Christening all in all for acceptation of our duties.

~Jeremiah Burroughs, The Saints Treasury, 1641.

Buddhism’s numbers are apparently shrinking. They aren’t growing.

They’re answer? Hip-hop and alcohol?

“This is an old, old story, a fantasy and longing cosmology. Hey, hey, what’s the story about? It’s about the Buddha, yo. Hey brother, listen carefully! You got it? No? You don’t? Okay, baby, no problem.”

That is one hip-hop (can we call it that?) verse as reported by CNN – Buddhist monks use hip hop, alcohol to attract followers.

Isn’t that funny to think about and watch? I wonder where they got the idea?

Think about this…

Christians, is this video, and the approach itself, make Buddhism in any way appealing? Is it at all attractive? Tempting?

What do you think non-Christians think of Christianity when we do stuff like this in a similar vein?

In Francis Chan’s sermon Beware of Good Liars, he reads a letter from a single mother seeking his advice.

I’m curious how others would respond. I won’t comment yet. Just read it.

Pastor Francis, I made a covenant promise to a ministry [a TV ministry] in January for $100 a month. I’m a single mom with two teenage sons. One of which is mildly autistic with mild traumatic brain surgery.

I work really hard to make ends meet. I support my boys by myself. I have no family to help me and lately the ends haven’t been meeting to pay those bills, but still give my $100 covenant each month to the [TV ministry].

I was watching something recently about the $2.5 million pay check that he [preacher of this TV ministry] gives himself annually. And even more for each member of his family that works within the ministry. I saw pictures of his home and cars, etc. and I felt like someone punched me in the stomach.

I know I give to God with a genuine heart and that what the pastor chooses to do with that money is between him and God. That he’ll be judged if he misuses it.

But am I wrong to be disappointed and hurt that my money I work so hard for to spread the word and feed poor people goes into his pocket for beautiful homes and planes and luxury dinners for him and his family?

Here’s my question. Am I wrong to break my covenant and give to a ministry I feel is working solely for the Kingdom of God and not for personal gain while spreading the Gospel?

How would you answer?

I can’t help but wonder just how many people there are just like this lady.

Ecumenism today can be seen in social/political change in the name of the ‘greater good’. Or in doctrinal statements drafted and signed by different “Christian” sects.

When dealing with such issues many Protestants speak up when it seems the Gospel is at stake. Other Protestants don’t always take to kindly to this. It seems no big deal to them to partner with others such as Roman Catholics.

Some Protestants have even endorsed books by Roman Catholics. Revert to Rome, Frank Beckwith, had some Protestant endorsements on his book Return to Rome. One of the Catholic endorsers writes that this book is “encouraging for Catholics who aspire to the New Evangelization so often urged by John Paul II.” A big stir was caused recently when Michael Horton endorsed a book by Catholic apologist Scott Hahn. Are these endorsements lending a hand to building up Rome? That remains to be seen.

Is all of this a big deal? Maybe. Why?

The Pope gives us an answer to why this might be a big deal as recently reported by Yahoo News.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI defended his decision to invite disaffected Anglicans to join the Catholic Church en masse, saying Friday it was the “ultimate aim” of ecumenism.

Benedict told members of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith that the invitation wasn’t an attack on the church’s reunification efforts with other Christians but was rather designed to help them by bringing about “full and visible communion.”

Ecumenism should be more of a position of “can’t we all just get along working together while we continue disagreeing” rather than one of “can’t we all just get along and work together while I try to convert you.” It is no secret, or it shouldn’t be that Rome does not believe those outside her have the fullness of the Christian faith. This being the case, it only makes sense to want to bring others into their fold.

Let’s stop pretending then.

The Vatican denied that it was poaching for converts in the Anglican pond and said its unprecedented invitation was merely a response to the many Anglican requests to join the Catholic Church.

The Vatican’s invitation “is not in any way contrary to the ecumenical movement but shows, instead, its ultimate aim which consists of reaching full and visible communion of the Lord’s disciples,” Benedict told the members of the congregation, which he headed for a quarter century before becoming pope.

So Rome is not looking for converts, yet she is? It’s understandable to reach out and help someone join an organization they want to join. If that were all it is then what’s the big deal? Rome sees the unity Jesus spoke of in John 17 as being fulfilled only if everyone joins them.

Either way it is refreshing to see an admission from the Vatican that the true aim of ecumenism is to bring others to mother Rome. It seems that when Protestants join with Rome in ecumenical efforts to affect social/political change (such as the Manhattan Declaration?) they may be opening themselves up to being evangelistic targets.

Is this always the case? Probably not, but when the head of your church tells you their goal in ecumenism, it’s certainly motivation for others to follow suit. It is easy to see how ecumenical partnerships open the door to this type of evangelism. The Gospel does seems to take a back seat to whatever the issue(s) may be in these partnerships.

Be aware. Remember what Paul wrote to Timothy.

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:16 (ESV)

The Reformation might be over, but the Reforming isn’t.

Update

I was asked – What if the true aim of Protestant engagement w/ Rome was [evangelism]? Why do we neglect this option? Don’t they need saving?

I was not neglecting this option, but gleaning the Popes reported position. The purpose is, in a sense, to warn Protestants. The topic is Rome’s position which does not mean others are neglected. It means that different Protestant positions were not the topic at this time.

Of course, Roman Catholics need saving. We all need saving. I would hope any Christians interacting with one another would exhort each other in the Gospel. That they would be aware and discerning in faith and love.

When it comes to ecumenical Protestants it seems that many have no problem with Rome’s Gospel, therefore, it is hard to see if they have the goal of evangelism. This can be seen in Frank Beckwith’s reversion and the number of Protestants that were happy for him. So it is hard to see an evangelistic goal when it is unspoken of and Gospel agreement is implicit in ecumenical forums.

It could still exist though.

Poor sinner, something to consider as you undeservedly get to worship the Savior with other poor sinners.

Christ’s Love to Poor Sinners

Let us stand still, and admire and wonder at the love of Jesus Christ to poor sinners; that Christ should rather die for us, than for the angels. They were creatures of a more noble extract, and in all probability might have brought greater revenues of glory to God: yet that Christ should pass by those golden vessels, and make us vessels of glory,-oh, what amazing and astonishing love is this!

~Thomas Brooks sermon excerpt.

Taking the position of the victim is a popular offensive today. It is a way to turn the tables and draw sympathy from others. Kevin DeYoung posted a great article on this very subject – Why Are We So Offended All the Time? (cross-post). In his post he made the following statement.

As Christians, we worship a victimized Lord.

His post was very good in pointing out how the victim card is often played in today’s culture. DeYoung encouraged Christians not to be so easily offended and play the victim. Very encouraging words, but when it comes to Jesus being victimized?

I disagree.

To be fair, brother DeYoung was not addressing nor expounding on the above quote. It was merely in the greater context.

Scripture records Jesus as being in control. He came to be a sacrifice according to God’s sovereign plan. One might argue that Jesus was a victim of sinful men who acted against the law persecuting an innocent man. Even at this level God was in control.

this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.  Acts 2:23 (ESV)

This is contrary to a victim taken by some religious group to make a human sacrifice. Or someone who is assaulted against their will.

After having Jesus flogged and declaring Him innocent Pilate was told he had no authority over Jesus.

He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above…” John 19:9-11 (ESV)

This simple interaction shows that Jesus was not a victim. His answer to Pilate’s veiled offer of potential release was to put Pilate in his place. Jesus in essence took away what authority Pilate thought he had. Pilate had no bargaining chips to offer Jesus who did not look for a way out of the false imprisonment as a victim would.

Jesus most explicit statement of authority showing He is not a victim comes from the Gospel of John.

For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down a of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” John 10:17-18 (ESV)

I agree with DeYoung when he said the following.

So buck up brothers and sisters. Most often in this country, we are not victims because of our faith.

Not only are Christians not often victims, we are ultimately not victims. This is because Jesus was not a victim but had all authority on heaven and earth. Jesus has won the battle over sin and death for us. He willing took God’s wrath for all who believe.

Christians need not play the victim.

Christianity – A Faith Worth Defending
Dr. James White

James White will be giving a FREE Christian apologetics conference in the Metro Atlanta area. The details are below. I plan on attending. Don’t let that scare you off!

WHERE: Rockdale Community Church, Conyers, GA (DIRECTIONS)
WHEN: Feb. 5th-7th, 2010 (Friday 7pm – 9:30pm & Saturday 9am – 5pm)
WHY: Because we are all commanded to be prepared to give a defense
HOW: Register free online

SESSIONS
(A short Q&A time will follow each session.)

FRIDAY, February 5th
7:00 p.m. Session #1 – Apologetics: Every Christian’s Duty
8:30 p.m. Session #2 – The Doctrines of Grace

SATURDAY, February 6th
9:00 a.m. Session #3 – The Post-Modern Church
10:30 a.m. Session #4 – Witnessing to Cults (JW’s, etc.)
2:00 p.m. Session #5 – Is the Roman Catholic My Brother?
3:30 p.m. Session #6 – Rightly Dividing the Word
4:30-4:45 p.m. Conference Close – Butch Rumble

SUNDAY, February 7th
(Not actually part of the conference.)
9:00 a.m. Breakfast Fellowship
9:30 a.m. Joint Sunday School in Sanctuary – Led by Dr. James White
10:30 a.m. Worship – Sermon by Dr. James White

See the full conference schedule for details on food, books, etc.

See you there!

This week many have been in an uproar for Brit Hume simply telling Tiger Woods that he needs to turn to Christ for forgiveness and redemption. This is true as it is what Jesus taught.

Through all of lives trials Jesus is the only consistent thing in the Christians life. It seemed appropriate to post the hymn below as a reminder that trusting Jesus is the most important aspect of life. What a wonderful thing to meditate on in preparing for corporate worship.

Trusting Jesus

Simply trusting ev’ry day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly doth his Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While he leads I cannot fall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Singing if my way is clear;
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting him while life shall last,
Trusting him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

~Edgar Page Stites, 1876

It is the first Lord’s Day of the new year. The first day many will gather together to worship corporately.We will gather together to worship God because of Jesus’ story – the gospel.

Many times this year we will come together because of this story, but will we tell it? Will we tell it daily to ourselves? Will we tell it to others?

Lord willing, this new year brings us another year of opportunities to tell Jesus’ story to others. Katherine Hankey’s poem I Love to Tell the Story (1866) seems appropriate to reflect on this week.

This poem/hymn is not a systematic theology on soteriology or a type of theological dissertation. It is a simple, heartfelt reminder of how sweet the gospel is to a Christian’s soul. How we should love to tell Jesus’ story.

I pray we do love to tell Jesus story both to ourselves and others this year.

I Love to Tell the Story

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true;
It satisfies my longings as nothing else could do.

I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.

I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.
I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;
And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

I love to tell the story; ’tis pleasant to repeat
What seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.

I love to tell the story; for those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it, like the rest,
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
‘Twill be the old, old story, that I have loved so long.

On January 1, 1865, Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon entitled True Unity Promoted. Given the recent disagreements over signing The Manhattan Declaration this is a very interesting sermon on unity.

In the first paragraph Spurgeon states, “It is an old saying that England never prospers so well as when the Pope curses her. I hope to see a year of great prosperity this year!”

As Christians look forward to the coming year these are good words to consider from Spurgeon on the larger and smaller scales. I’ve taken his main points and put them together with some highlights. I encourage you to read the whole sermon. Ephesians 4:3 (ESV) is the sermon text:

“eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.“

I. Unity of the Spirit.

This unity of the Spirit is manifested in love. A husband and wife may be, through Providence, cast hundreds of miles from one another—but there is a unity of spirit in them because their hearts are one. We, Brethren, are divided many thousands of miles from the saints in Australia, America and the South Seas—but loving as Brethren—we feel the unity of the Spirit. I was never a member of a Church meeting in the backwoods of America. I never worshipped God with the Samoans, or with my Brethren in New Zealand—but notwithstanding all this, I feel the unity of the Spirit in my soul with them and everything which concerns their spiritual welfare is interesting to me.

The unity of the Spirit is preserved, then, by the Holy Spirit infusing daily life-floods into the one mystical body. And in proportion as the life-floods become more strong, that union becomes more manifest. Let a spirit of prayer be poured out on all our churches and conventionalities will be dashed down—divisions will be forgotten and locked in each others arms—the people of God will show to the world that they are one in Christ Jesus!

II. Keeping this unity.

We must watch—the best of us must watch—lest we fight the Lord’s battles with Satan’s weapons and so even from love to God and His Truth violate the unity of the Spirit. The unity of the Spirit ought to be kept, dear Friends, because Satan is so busy to mar it. He knows that the greatest Glory of Christ will spring from the unity of His Church. “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I in You. That they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that You have sent Me.”

We must be more diligent in this matter! We must seek to purge out from ourselves everything which would divide and to have in our hearts every holy thought which would tend to unite us with our Brethren. I am not, when I join a Christian Church, to say, “I am quite certain I shall never break its unity.” I am to suspect myself of a liability to that evil and I am to watch with all diligence that I keep the unity of the Spirit.

III. A bond of peace.

Beloved, there should be much peace, perfect peace, unbounded peace between the people of God. We are not aliens. We are “fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God.” Realize your fellow citizenship! Treat not Christian people as foreigners and this bond of fellow citizenship will be one bond of peace. You are not enemies. Men may be fellow citizens and yet hate one another, but you are friends, you are all friends to Christ and in Him you are all friends to one another. Let that be another bond.

But you go farther—you are not mere friends, you are Brethren born of the same parent—filled with the same life. And shall not this be a bond? See that you fall not out by the way. Strive not one with another, for you are Brethren. This is not all. You are closer than this—you are members of the same body. Shall this mysterious union fail to be a bond of peace to you? Will you, being the foot, contend with the eye? Or will you, being the eye, contend with the hand and say, “I have no need of you”?

Spurgeon’s charge for the coming year.

May God give us this and from now on let us endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. I commend the text to all Believers to be practiced through the coming year. And to those who are not Believers, what can I say but that I trust their unity and their peace may be broken forever and that they may be led to Christ Jesus to find peace in His death! May faith be given and then love and every Divine Grace will follow, so that they may be one with us in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.