I have just finished reading Elizabeth Eliot's book, Shadow of the Almighty. Ms. Eliot compiles the journals of her husband and chronicles his life and death serving the Lord in South America in the midst of the Auca Indians. Jim Eliot's life was short but rich. He had more maturity at 18 than most men do at death. I was riveted by his seriousness about his faith and joy. My friend Eugene Low has just posted on one of Jim Eliot's colleagues, Nate Saint. His son wrote an article on him in Christianity Today. An excerpt is below...
"My father and his four friends were not given the privilege of watching their children and grandchildren grow up. I've often wished I could have known my dad as an adult, for Mom and Aunt Rachel have often said our thought process and mannerisms are much alike. I have trouble distinguishing what I actually "remember" of him and what I have been told. But I do know that he left me a legacy, and the challenge now is for me to pass it on to my children. Dad strove to find out what life really is. He found identity, purpose, and fulfillment in being obedient to God's call. He tried it, tested it, and committed himself to it. I know that the risk he took, which resulted in his death and consequently his separation from his family, he took not to satisfy his own need for adventure or fame, but in obedience to what he believed was God's directive to him. I suppose he is best known because he died for his faith, but the legacy he left his children was his willingness first to live for his faith.
God took five common young men of uncommon commitment and used them for his own glory. They never had the privilege they so enthusiastically pursued to tell the Huaorani of the God they loved and served. But for every Waorani who today follows God's trail through the efforts of others, there are a thousand cowodi (outsiders, foreigners to the tribe) who follow God's trail more resolutely because of their example. This success, withheld from them in life, God multiplied and continues to multiply as a memorial to their obedience and his faithfulness."
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Friday, December 07, 2007
The Romney Speech
I have watched the reaction to the Romney speech on his Mormonism with great interest. Will one’s “private beliefs” affect their “public decisions?” Again, I am astonished not only at the answers people give to this question, but also at the stupidity of the question itself. Of course, one’s private beliefs will affect their public decisions. Otherwise they are not beliefs. Let me say from the outset that the major concern I have about Romney becoming President is the legitimacy it will give to the Mormon faith. (I can hear the gasp of shock as I just said one of the most hateful things one can say in American culture.). His beliefs are such that they won't affect the core issues we are together on as Americans such as freedom, religous liberty, economic freedom, etc. Thus, it is important to understand again that it is important for any group (whether a nation or a local church) to understand well what they are together on.
And Once again it becomes clear that the church functions in a different way, for a different purpose than the Kingdom of this world. I was talking with 2 people over the last few days about Mormonism. One said he did not think it was that different, and he knew mormons. They were “nice people who cared for their families.” First, if one thinks that Christianity sets out to create a society merely "of nice people who care for their families," they are compeltely missing the seriousness of the situation with which Christianity sets out to deal. It seems clear that the rich young ruler was a nice man who cared for his family, and, yet, he did not enter the Kingdom of God. Regardless of what one thinks about Romney’s candidacy, he is certainly giving greater credibility to Mormonism in this increasingly pluralistic society. My concern is for weak or nominal Christians who are going to be easily led astray and deceived. They may very well buy into the increasing assault on theology, adherence to sound doctrine, etc.
For the world, a commitment to faith in general will do. For the Kingdom of God, that faith must be specific, and man’s heart is incredible deceitful. The object of one’s faith reveals how one fundamentally understands himself. Christ recognized this and understood He was creating a totally different kind of Kingdom. This kingdom would be entered into and advanced in a wholly different way. Entrance comes from outside on another’s merit. The problem comes from within because of the individual’s own inability. So, it is important for people to understand that what unites us as a nation does not necessarily unite us as believers. What we are together for as a nation does not run parallel to what we are together for as a church.
It seems clear to me that many people who call themselves Christians in this country do NOT have a very good understanding of the distinction between the 2 kingdoms. Supporting the leadership of a person in one kingdom does not always translate to supporting the leadership of the same person in the other. Further, because we agree on issues on the periphery such as the dignity of man, religious liberty, or even an approach to taxes does not mean we agree on issues in the center. And the center is where humanity is found, and life is lived. The center is where worldviews ultimately take shape. The center is what will have driven the life each man has been given. Because at the center, one’s fundamental bent or essence is found. It gives the insight not about the “what” but about the “why.” It does not answer “what did he do?”. It answers, “why did he do it?” A person can do great things for “humanity” or “the good of the world.” A person can pursue a profession that is reputable in the eyes of the world. These are “what’s.” At the same time a person does these things, he could be pursuing it to make a name for himself, enhance his reputation or even pursue his love of money. These are the “why’s.” The why’s are often far more important than the what’s because the why’s reveal truths about us that an entire electorate that votes for us may not ever see.
Guard your heart and your doctrine. Guarding one leads to the guarding of the other.
And Once again it becomes clear that the church functions in a different way, for a different purpose than the Kingdom of this world. I was talking with 2 people over the last few days about Mormonism. One said he did not think it was that different, and he knew mormons. They were “nice people who cared for their families.” First, if one thinks that Christianity sets out to create a society merely "of nice people who care for their families," they are compeltely missing the seriousness of the situation with which Christianity sets out to deal. It seems clear that the rich young ruler was a nice man who cared for his family, and, yet, he did not enter the Kingdom of God. Regardless of what one thinks about Romney’s candidacy, he is certainly giving greater credibility to Mormonism in this increasingly pluralistic society. My concern is for weak or nominal Christians who are going to be easily led astray and deceived. They may very well buy into the increasing assault on theology, adherence to sound doctrine, etc.
For the world, a commitment to faith in general will do. For the Kingdom of God, that faith must be specific, and man’s heart is incredible deceitful. The object of one’s faith reveals how one fundamentally understands himself. Christ recognized this and understood He was creating a totally different kind of Kingdom. This kingdom would be entered into and advanced in a wholly different way. Entrance comes from outside on another’s merit. The problem comes from within because of the individual’s own inability. So, it is important for people to understand that what unites us as a nation does not necessarily unite us as believers. What we are together for as a nation does not run parallel to what we are together for as a church.
It seems clear to me that many people who call themselves Christians in this country do NOT have a very good understanding of the distinction between the 2 kingdoms. Supporting the leadership of a person in one kingdom does not always translate to supporting the leadership of the same person in the other. Further, because we agree on issues on the periphery such as the dignity of man, religious liberty, or even an approach to taxes does not mean we agree on issues in the center. And the center is where humanity is found, and life is lived. The center is where worldviews ultimately take shape. The center is what will have driven the life each man has been given. Because at the center, one’s fundamental bent or essence is found. It gives the insight not about the “what” but about the “why.” It does not answer “what did he do?”. It answers, “why did he do it?” A person can do great things for “humanity” or “the good of the world.” A person can pursue a profession that is reputable in the eyes of the world. These are “what’s.” At the same time a person does these things, he could be pursuing it to make a name for himself, enhance his reputation or even pursue his love of money. These are the “why’s.” The why’s are often far more important than the what’s because the why’s reveal truths about us that an entire electorate that votes for us may not ever see.
Guard your heart and your doctrine. Guarding one leads to the guarding of the other.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
It's the gospel, stupid.
In 1992, Carville came up with the now infamous theme of the Clinton campaign, "It's the economy, stupid." The statement kept the campaign on message and eventually led to Clinton's amazing victory over a sitting President who had just been successful in war. As it is in politics, so it is in Scripture. Message is everything. Does the Bible stay "on message?" Does it stick to right theme?
If you are unfamiliar with the general flow and feel of Scripture, the answer is overwhelmingly, yes! But, rather than sticking with a message that will surely be subjected to the ups and downs of a market economy, the Scriptures reveal the timeless gospel. The one sure hope for all humanity. The only message that will one day bring a lasting peace.
As you read the Bible, whether you are reading the gospels or what you consider to be obscure minor prophets, remember the Bible is going somewhere. It is revealing something, the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible never leaves room for us to think we outgrow the gospel, that somehow we enter the Kingdom by the gospel and then move on to other things. The gospel is not something we ever "get past." The gospel is something we grow in and through. The most sanctified saint is still growing in his understanding of the gospel. He is still not only trying to master it, but also to let it master him. The gospel is everything. It is not only revealing who God is, but it is also revealing who you are. Because of this revelation, reconciliation is possible. In the gospel, God not only reconciles us to Himself, but He also gives us grounds by which we can be reconciled to each other. The wealthy businessman comes to the feast on the same grounds as the poor beggar. The king comes on the same grounds as the peasant. The gospel creates a different community, a community that is not built upon the criteria the fallen world chooses to build itself upon. This community is not separated by wealth, race, class, or any other barrier that divides the fallen world. This community is centered on weakness, poverty, humility, and other qualities that so many of us unfortunately outgrow. And, yet much to our surprise, there is not a more joyful, hopeful, and enduring community than the one resulting from the gospel.
Look at the construct of the communities set up naturally around the world. Ask yourself what they are based upon. Then, look at the construct of the community described in John's vision in Revelation. What is it that distinquishes these different communities? It's the message of Scripture, the story of history. It's the gospel, stupid!!
If you are unfamiliar with the general flow and feel of Scripture, the answer is overwhelmingly, yes! But, rather than sticking with a message that will surely be subjected to the ups and downs of a market economy, the Scriptures reveal the timeless gospel. The one sure hope for all humanity. The only message that will one day bring a lasting peace.
As you read the Bible, whether you are reading the gospels or what you consider to be obscure minor prophets, remember the Bible is going somewhere. It is revealing something, the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible never leaves room for us to think we outgrow the gospel, that somehow we enter the Kingdom by the gospel and then move on to other things. The gospel is not something we ever "get past." The gospel is something we grow in and through. The most sanctified saint is still growing in his understanding of the gospel. He is still not only trying to master it, but also to let it master him. The gospel is everything. It is not only revealing who God is, but it is also revealing who you are. Because of this revelation, reconciliation is possible. In the gospel, God not only reconciles us to Himself, but He also gives us grounds by which we can be reconciled to each other. The wealthy businessman comes to the feast on the same grounds as the poor beggar. The king comes on the same grounds as the peasant. The gospel creates a different community, a community that is not built upon the criteria the fallen world chooses to build itself upon. This community is not separated by wealth, race, class, or any other barrier that divides the fallen world. This community is centered on weakness, poverty, humility, and other qualities that so many of us unfortunately outgrow. And, yet much to our surprise, there is not a more joyful, hopeful, and enduring community than the one resulting from the gospel.
Look at the construct of the communities set up naturally around the world. Ask yourself what they are based upon. Then, look at the construct of the community described in John's vision in Revelation. What is it that distinquishes these different communities? It's the message of Scripture, the story of history. It's the gospel, stupid!!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Ecclesiastes and Hevel
Yesterday, Brad Wheeler fed our congregation well by expositing the first three chapters of Ecclesiastes. Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, the word Hevel recurs again and again. The Hebrew word means that which is meaningless and fleeting. Ecclesiastes is a jewel in the grand narrative of Scripture as it takes a deep, hard look at reality and reveals the utter despair that life brings apart from the God who gives life.
Solomon is the writer of Ecclesiastes, and he has concerned himself with several themes. First, the repeating cycles of life are evident as he addresses the futility of wisdom, pleasure, wealth and mortality again and again. Secondly, he notes that life is constrained by time and that time is the great enemy of us all. Finally, he repeatedly uses the phrase, "under the sun." Solomon was rare in the ancient world as he truly had everything under the son at his fingertips, and, yet, he looks back in despair as its illusion is revealed at the end of his life. Yet, "under the son" is deeper than simple material things. "Under the son" is the way life must be lived as a result of the curse. In the garden, we cast our lot there when we rejected the rightful and good rule of God over our lives. Living "under the sun" is a hard life. It's a struggle. It offers some temporary relief for some but never permanent rest. Ecclesiastes leaves us in a dilemma. How will we find relief from this life "under the son?" Can we regain life as it was once? Is there a way to live life "above the son?" Ecclesiastes graciously leaves us in despair as we look to ourselves. It forces us to look elsewhere. It forces us to look to Christ.
Christ reigned with the Father from the beginning "above the sun." Yet, our redemption and hope hinged on Him being willing to cast His lot with us "under the sun." Even as he humbled Himself and incarnated in real time and space, he would have to overcome the temptations "under the sun" that Adam and Eve were unable to resist in the garden (he did not consider equality with God something to be grasped). Just as Solomon had everything "under the sun," Christ was offered everything "under the sun" in His temptations in the wilderness. In Adam, humanity wrongfully grabbed for everything "under the sun" in the garden and was banished to the wilderness. Yet, the one who rescued His people rejected the offer of everything under the sun in the wilderness so that we might be able to return to the garden.
Life is more than Hevel. It is more than a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury signifying nothing. All around us a kingdom advances and will soon give life forever to all those who have clung to the one who brings people out of the wilderness. He came to give more than purpose. We need much more than that. He came to give Himself. And, only in Himself, we have life.
Solomon is the writer of Ecclesiastes, and he has concerned himself with several themes. First, the repeating cycles of life are evident as he addresses the futility of wisdom, pleasure, wealth and mortality again and again. Secondly, he notes that life is constrained by time and that time is the great enemy of us all. Finally, he repeatedly uses the phrase, "under the sun." Solomon was rare in the ancient world as he truly had everything under the son at his fingertips, and, yet, he looks back in despair as its illusion is revealed at the end of his life. Yet, "under the son" is deeper than simple material things. "Under the son" is the way life must be lived as a result of the curse. In the garden, we cast our lot there when we rejected the rightful and good rule of God over our lives. Living "under the sun" is a hard life. It's a struggle. It offers some temporary relief for some but never permanent rest. Ecclesiastes leaves us in a dilemma. How will we find relief from this life "under the son?" Can we regain life as it was once? Is there a way to live life "above the son?" Ecclesiastes graciously leaves us in despair as we look to ourselves. It forces us to look elsewhere. It forces us to look to Christ.
Christ reigned with the Father from the beginning "above the sun." Yet, our redemption and hope hinged on Him being willing to cast His lot with us "under the sun." Even as he humbled Himself and incarnated in real time and space, he would have to overcome the temptations "under the sun" that Adam and Eve were unable to resist in the garden (he did not consider equality with God something to be grasped). Just as Solomon had everything "under the sun," Christ was offered everything "under the sun" in His temptations in the wilderness. In Adam, humanity wrongfully grabbed for everything "under the sun" in the garden and was banished to the wilderness. Yet, the one who rescued His people rejected the offer of everything under the sun in the wilderness so that we might be able to return to the garden.
Life is more than Hevel. It is more than a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury signifying nothing. All around us a kingdom advances and will soon give life forever to all those who have clung to the one who brings people out of the wilderness. He came to give more than purpose. We need much more than that. He came to give Himself. And, only in Himself, we have life.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Baptists!
There is literally no-telling what comes to your mind when you see that word. For my brothers, it might be the annual "teen week" when we were youth and their sincere curiosity about how many invitations I would respond to. For my wife, it might be her time traveling the country with the NOBC youth choir growing up. (It never ceases to amaze me when she tells me about the various places they traveled. It seems they were in high demand in some of the most amazing cities in the nation....every year.) If you have any sense of cultural awareness at all, you must be aware of my people...the Baptists. My catholic friend Charley recently attended a Baptist service and was so perplexed by the invitation system that he almost walked forward himself just to get the full experience. Anyway, I digress.
Baptist life in America truly is a cultural phenomenon in many ways. From baseball leagues at megachurches with full-service restaurants to small churches in rural towns, have you ever wondered how Baptists are so diverse theologically and organizationally? I have certainly been fascinated by this issue and recently read an excellent essay on the history of Baptist polity and practice in this country. Surely, our brethren who have gone before us have much to teach us. We have weakened theologically and become lax in our polity. Set aside 20 minutes and read this essay.
Baptist life in America truly is a cultural phenomenon in many ways. From baseball leagues at megachurches with full-service restaurants to small churches in rural towns, have you ever wondered how Baptists are so diverse theologically and organizationally? I have certainly been fascinated by this issue and recently read an excellent essay on the history of Baptist polity and practice in this country. Surely, our brethren who have gone before us have much to teach us. We have weakened theologically and become lax in our polity. Set aside 20 minutes and read this essay.
Bible Ban
In what should become a public relations nightmare, the Chinese government has prohibited athletes from bringing their Bibles to the 2008 Olympic games. The New York Sun has reported this dirty scheme. Let the games begin.
The Future of Justification
The doctrine of justification has come under assault. John Piper has written a excellent historical and biblical defense of this doctrine. It is available for a really cheap price at WTS Books!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Lord's Day Prayer
Gracious and Merciful Father,
I praise you for your day. I praise you for the rest that you give your people in Christ. Thank you that He is our sabbath, our Jubilee. As your people gather all over the world this day, I pray you would send your Word forth in power. Give your people hearts to worship you in spirit and in truth. For you are spirit, and your people must worship you in spirit and in truth. Give me ears to hear and eyes to see. Make me a captive, Lord. Father, would you attend to the preaching of your perfect and infallible Word by your Spirit? I pray your Kingdom might be built up by the preaching of your Word on Capitol Hill this day. Would you teach me of your mercy. I am grateful that your mercies are new every morning. Help me to increasingly understand myself as one who is in need of mercy. Would you give those who still wander hopelessly in the dominion of darkness ears to hear this very day? Father, I pray you would make dead hearts come alive. For the glory of your name, I pray you would hear and act. For Christ's sake and His Kingdom.
I praise you for your day. I praise you for the rest that you give your people in Christ. Thank you that He is our sabbath, our Jubilee. As your people gather all over the world this day, I pray you would send your Word forth in power. Give your people hearts to worship you in spirit and in truth. For you are spirit, and your people must worship you in spirit and in truth. Give me ears to hear and eyes to see. Make me a captive, Lord. Father, would you attend to the preaching of your perfect and infallible Word by your Spirit? I pray your Kingdom might be built up by the preaching of your Word on Capitol Hill this day. Would you teach me of your mercy. I am grateful that your mercies are new every morning. Help me to increasingly understand myself as one who is in need of mercy. Would you give those who still wander hopelessly in the dominion of darkness ears to hear this very day? Father, I pray you would make dead hearts come alive. For the glory of your name, I pray you would hear and act. For Christ's sake and His Kingdom.
Come Ye Sinners
The church has been blessed with a vast amount of rich hymns that articulate the gospel clearly and are good for the soul. Surely, Christians should be marked as those who have a song in their hearts! "Come Ye Sinners" was written in 1759 by Joseph Hart just two years after his conversion. Hart actually opposed Christianity openly before becoming a Christian. In response to John Wesley's sermon on Romans 8:32, Hart wrote, The Unreasonableness of Religion, Being Remarks and Animadversions on the Rev. John Wesley’s Sermon on Romans 8:32. Hart lived a relatively short life dying at the age of 56. Praise God that Hart's eyes were opened and he was given the only fitness that is required for salvation, to feel your need for Him.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
A Mighty Fortress
Martin Luther, former Augustinian monk, did very much to lead the church away from Rome. Luther's understanding of Romans 1:17, "The just shall live by faith," led him to great feats for the kingdom. He believed correctly that Scripture must be taught and heard in order for the saints to be built up in the faith. Luther also believed that singing the faith (i.e. the Word of God) was crucial to the building up of the believer. Interestingly, music played a very significant role in the spread of the reformation. A Mighty Fortress is our God became the battle hymn of the reformation. Luther actually encouraged his friend Philip Melanchthon (author of The Augsburg Confession) to sing this hymn when all seemed lost. The hymn is a summary of Psalm 46.
As you are able sing this hymn with gusto today and thank God for the work He did for His church and His glory through the lives of men like Martin Luther.
As you are able sing this hymn with gusto today and thank God for the work He did for His church and His glory through the lives of men like Martin Luther.
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