I am not a legalist. The Bible clearly reveals that a saving relationship with God is received only by faith in Christ and not by any works which we may do. We cannot keep the law perfectly and keeping it only occasionally will never earn us anything but wrath!
I am not a legalist. Once God has caused us to be born again by the regenerating power of His Spirit and we have repented of our sins and trusted Christ for salvation, we do not keep that salvation by obeying God’s commands. Again, we continue to fail from time to time even after we are saved. Keeping us in a “saving” relationship with Christ is also the work of God. It is He who preserves us and our salvation to the end.
BUT, the Bible does teach that those who have been born again will keep God’s commandments. In other words, our desire has now changed and we long to be obedient, not because it earns or keeps our salvation but because we have been born again. Our new spiritual nature, received at our new birth, guides us to do good works and to obey the Word of God.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments” said our Lord in John 14:15.
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments” writes the Apostle John in 1 John 5:1-2. Evidence of one’s new birth is his love for God and his obedience to God’s commandments.
Throughout Scripture, God has called His children to set aside a day to remember Him. God wants us to join together with other brothers and sisters on that day and worship Him. According to the New Testament, the principal day for a church (brothers and sisters in Christ) to worship together is the first day of the week, the Lord’s Day, our Sunday.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” the author of Hebrews records in 10:24-25. The Lord desires His children, His church, to meet together and not to neglect such meetings. In other words, He wants us worshiping Him with our church on the Lord’s Day.
But what are we teaching our children about our love of God, our love of our fellow believers, our love of our church, and our love of worship? Are we telling them and showing them that the worship of God with the church on the Lord’s Day is important and necessary?
A very noticeable trend has been developing over the past couple of decades. With their lips many believers are telling their children of the importance of worshiping God on the Lord’s Day with the church. But they are teaching them something entirely different with their lives. Essentially, their lives are saying, “Yes, worshiping God with our church family on Sunday is our #1 priority for the day UNLESS you have to participate in a sporting activity or attend some school activity or go fishing with someone, etc.”
Sports have probably been the most significant culprit in this trend. Parents and their children have elevated the importance of sports above the importance of God. Those individuals who have children presently engaged in sports are likely screaming “No” even as they read this. But face facts, folks. When you pull your child away from the worship of the Lord on Sunday morning to permit them to participate in a voluntary activity such as baseball, football, soccer, or any other sport, you are teaching them the sporting event is more important than the worship of God. If you did not believe so you would not let them participate in the activity.
Look at it from another angle. If you were to tell your child they are going to have to miss worship service in order to participate in a sporting event, almost without exception the child will NOT be disappointed (and you probably aren’t either). But tell that child they must miss the sporting event to participate in the worship of God and see who gets upset! Now tell me which is more important in their life, God or sports? The fact they become upset reveals which “god” they love the most. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).
I can’t fault sports alone. In today’s culture, the school system seems to find new ways to pull families out of church on the Lord’s Day. “We have to be at Busch Stadium by 11:30 in order to prepare to play the National Anthem so we can’t make church today.” Why can’t they play the anthem any other day of the week? “We have such and such event out of town this Sunday so we will miss church.” Why is the event not held on Friday and Saturday only? Even some schools now have their graduation services on the Lord’s Day.
When we parents yield to the demands of athletic teams, school systems, and other organizations and allow our children to “skip” church in lieu of whatever the activity may be, we are teaching them this event is more important than the worship of God. In fact, we are telling them this event is our god.
Again, I am not a legalist. There are some professions which demand individuals work on Sunday mornings. Medical personnel are needed on the Lord’s Day. Businesses sometimes require operating on Sundays. I, myself, have had to work on the Lord’s Day and miss worship services on a few occasions over the years. Why, even families taking a vacation will miss Sunday worship from time to time. Missing the Lord’s Day worship is not necessarily wrong or evil. Sometimes it is unavoidable. This is not what I am talking about.
Parents, you have authority over your children. If you are permitting them to participate in activities which draw them away from their worship of God then you are, like it or not, teaching them that activity, no matter what it is, is more important than God. Period.
Those parents who are, in fact, engaged in such “education” are probably thinking they are stuck. They have a child who, for example, loves football. He plays for a football team in some local organization and some of their games are Sunday mornings. What can you do?
You can do plenty. You can teach your child the importance of being with their church on the Lord’s Day worshiping God by telling them they will not participate in any sporting event (or other activity) which requires them to “skip” the service. “But the team is counting on them.” Well, before the season begins, have a discussion with the coach and tell him your child will not play on Sundays. Tell your child this as well. Set the ground rules up front. We do not miss worshiping the Lord on Sunday mornings for sporting events. Find another league which does not schedule games on Sunday mornings. If enough Christians “stuck to their guns” on the issue of Sunday activities, the organizations would be more likely to eliminate those Sunday activities.
I am not a legalist. As a pastor, I do not keep a record of who is at church and who is away at some sporting event. Skipping worship services for sporting events or other activities does not cost you your salvation. But it is teaching your child a very dangerous lesson. Which “god” do you want your child to serve when they get older?
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Congregational Church Government
Let me immediately say this post has nothing to do with "eldership" and church polity. I realize the concept of "ruling elders" is very prevalent in Baptist circles these days but that discussion is for another day, at least on this forum.
Baptists have practiced a congregational form of church government (congregational polity) for years. They have done so based on their conviction this is the form of polity taught in the Scripture. Both the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message promote congregational polity.
"This church is an autonomous body operating through democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In such a congregation, members are equally responsible." (1963 BF&M)
"Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord." (2000 BF&M)
Congregational polity means each member of a given local church has both responsibility and accountability in the affairs of the church. No one individual or group directs the affairs of the church. Rather, each and every member, operating as a servant of Christ, has a voice in the working of the church.
Baptists, of course, do not receive everyone who comes to a church as a member. Baptists teach that only regenerated (born again) and Scripturally baptized individuals may be members. Therefore, the members of a local church are brothers and sisters in Christ, each a servant of our Lord, and each a possessor of the Holy Spirit.
So, if you are born again, baptized by immersion, and a member of a local church, you have the privilege, responsibility, and accountability to seek the Spirit and voice your say in the affairs of your church's government. You have an equal vote with every other member in the congregation, including the deacons and the pastor.
Well, maybe not...
There are many churches which say they support this view of church government but they do not practice this form of church government. Oh, most members get to vote on every issue that comes before the church; but not all. If God has graciously saved you and you have been Scripturally baptized and have united with a local church BUT are a child or youth, you may be excluded from some votes arising before the church. Why? Because you are "too young" to understand the issue facing the church. "You would simply vote as your parents instruct you to vote and we can't have that."
Now, I confess, there are issues which come before every church in which younger members probably have no clue what the issue is about or how they should vote. But I also have seen adults struggle in understanding some of these same issues. Yet, no one denies them their vote.
I have seen children and youth who have been saved for several years and have more spiritual wisdom than some adults who have been saved for decades. Yet, they cannot vote due to their physical age. I have seen adults, lost for many, many years, saved, baptized, and voting as a church member within a month of their salvation yet youth, saved for over 10 years, denied their privilege, responsibility, and accountability to vote.
No, I say if we truly believe Scripture teaches congregational polity then let us practice congregational polity. Let each MEMBER seek their Lord and the guidance of the indwelling Spirit when confronted with a church matter and then express their conclusion by voting in church business.
Let us trust the Lord to speak to those true converts who do not understand a specific matter and instruct them not to vote on specific issues due to their lack of spiritual wisdom. Let us teach parents to exercise their right and responsibility when it comes to their children, who are members, and to either give their children the information they need to make a wise decision OR to instruct their children not to vote on a specific matter.
If we set church guidelines which prevent members who are children, youth, mentally challenged, or senile senior adults from having a say in the governing of the church then we no longer practice congregationalism. Rather, we are teaching a form of church government that is less than congregational, more than elder led, but, most likely, not Biblical.
Baptists have practiced a congregational form of church government (congregational polity) for years. They have done so based on their conviction this is the form of polity taught in the Scripture. Both the 1963 and 2000 Baptist Faith and Message promote congregational polity.
"This church is an autonomous body operating through democratic processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In such a congregation, members are equally responsible." (1963 BF&M)
"Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord." (2000 BF&M)
Congregational polity means each member of a given local church has both responsibility and accountability in the affairs of the church. No one individual or group directs the affairs of the church. Rather, each and every member, operating as a servant of Christ, has a voice in the working of the church.
Baptists, of course, do not receive everyone who comes to a church as a member. Baptists teach that only regenerated (born again) and Scripturally baptized individuals may be members. Therefore, the members of a local church are brothers and sisters in Christ, each a servant of our Lord, and each a possessor of the Holy Spirit.
So, if you are born again, baptized by immersion, and a member of a local church, you have the privilege, responsibility, and accountability to seek the Spirit and voice your say in the affairs of your church's government. You have an equal vote with every other member in the congregation, including the deacons and the pastor.
Well, maybe not...
There are many churches which say they support this view of church government but they do not practice this form of church government. Oh, most members get to vote on every issue that comes before the church; but not all. If God has graciously saved you and you have been Scripturally baptized and have united with a local church BUT are a child or youth, you may be excluded from some votes arising before the church. Why? Because you are "too young" to understand the issue facing the church. "You would simply vote as your parents instruct you to vote and we can't have that."
Now, I confess, there are issues which come before every church in which younger members probably have no clue what the issue is about or how they should vote. But I also have seen adults struggle in understanding some of these same issues. Yet, no one denies them their vote.
I have seen children and youth who have been saved for several years and have more spiritual wisdom than some adults who have been saved for decades. Yet, they cannot vote due to their physical age. I have seen adults, lost for many, many years, saved, baptized, and voting as a church member within a month of their salvation yet youth, saved for over 10 years, denied their privilege, responsibility, and accountability to vote.
No, I say if we truly believe Scripture teaches congregational polity then let us practice congregational polity. Let each MEMBER seek their Lord and the guidance of the indwelling Spirit when confronted with a church matter and then express their conclusion by voting in church business.
Let us trust the Lord to speak to those true converts who do not understand a specific matter and instruct them not to vote on specific issues due to their lack of spiritual wisdom. Let us teach parents to exercise their right and responsibility when it comes to their children, who are members, and to either give their children the information they need to make a wise decision OR to instruct their children not to vote on a specific matter.
If we set church guidelines which prevent members who are children, youth, mentally challenged, or senile senior adults from having a say in the governing of the church then we no longer practice congregationalism. Rather, we are teaching a form of church government that is less than congregational, more than elder led, but, most likely, not Biblical.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
"The Truth of the Cross": A Book Review
One of the benefits of attending this year’s “Together for the Gospel” meeting in Louisville was receiving many FREE books. Among these “friends” was a small gem (167 pages), “The Truth of the Cross” by R. C. Sproul.
Dr. Sproul beautifully presents the meaning, significance, and purpose of the cross according to the Scripture and he does so in an easy to read, enjoyable way. As is typical in his writings, this work includes great illustrations both from the author’s own life as well as from history. For example, to introduce a discussion on the vicarious atonement, Dr. Sproul recalls his attendance at the deciding game of the NBA Eastern Conference championship between Orlando and Indiana. He brings his illustration to a close in this way:
…if we like the outcome, we have a tendency to say, “We won.” We identify so closely with our favorite teams that when they’re victorious we include ourselves in the victory. …This is what is known as a vicarious experience.But the book is not simply a collection of personal illustrations. It is loaded with Biblical truth and solid application. Early in the book, Dr. Sproul discusses people in general and the subject of the atonement.
…I came to the conclusion that people are not concerned about an atonement. They are basically convinced they have no need for it. They aren’t asking: “How can I be reconciled to God? How can I escape the judgment of God?” If anything has been lost from our culture, it is the idea that human beings are privately, personally, individually, ultimately, inexorably accountable to God for their lives.”Or, here is another classic paragraph from this work on the matter of justification:
The prevailing doctrine of justification today is not justification by faith alone. It’s not even justification by good works or by a combination of faith and works. The prevailing notion of justification in Western culture today is justification by death. It’s assumed that all one has to do to be received into the everlasting arms of God is to die.“The Truth of the Cross” opens with a description of mankind’s condition. It moves to a discussion of the person of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. With a firm Biblical understanding of man and of Christ, Dr. Sproul then uses the Scripture to explain the nature and purpose of the atonement. And he does all this clearly and concisely.
I strongly recommend reading this book. Those who do not know Christ will be presented with the truth of their condition and their need for the atoning work of Jesus. Those who are believers will be encouraged and strengthened in the faith by what they read.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
A General Statement on Comments to this BLOG
Originally I permitted anyone's comments to this blog at any time. But, after some comments using very foul language were posted, I decided I needed to moderate all such requests. So, when you try to comment on any article on this post, I receive the comment first in my e-mail and then decide whether to permit or prohibit it from being posted.
I have no issues posting comments which disagree with anything I am saying. But I will NOT post comments which contain profane language or blasphemes my Lord. You can take your vile words elsewhere.
I also will NOT post comments which I can not read. Repeatedly I have had "anonymous" bloggers attempt to comment in Asian languages. I speak English and all posts to this blog will be in English. If you do not like that, go to some other blog. If I can't read every word of your comment, I will not post it. Actually, I believe many of these posts contain spam or a virus, another reason I will not post.
It's my blog and those are my rules. If you don't like them, start your own blog.
I have no issues posting comments which disagree with anything I am saying. But I will NOT post comments which contain profane language or blasphemes my Lord. You can take your vile words elsewhere.
I also will NOT post comments which I can not read. Repeatedly I have had "anonymous" bloggers attempt to comment in Asian languages. I speak English and all posts to this blog will be in English. If you do not like that, go to some other blog. If I can't read every word of your comment, I will not post it. Actually, I believe many of these posts contain spam or a virus, another reason I will not post.
It's my blog and those are my rules. If you don't like them, start your own blog.
Friday, July 2, 2010
And the Hate Goes On ...
Yesterday I received another e-mail from the author I mentioned in my previous post. They were very upset that I published that e-mail since it was written privately to me. I don't believe I did another wrong by publishing the portions I did since I removed everything which might identify the author. Furthermore, in my blog post I used that e-mail as a means of an example of the hatred we are seeing in our nation. There was nothing in the original e-mail requesting me not to publish any portions of it.
In the latest two e-mails from this individual, there are paragraphs which read like one of those blurbs you hear when you listen to sports broadcasts: "The events and transcriptions...without express written consent." When it comes to e-mails I'm not sure that holds any legal grounds or not. Nevertheless, the author request I not share THEIR words so I won't.
Rather, I will share MY reply to this author. I responded by returning the author's note with my comments following various remarks they had made. Each bullet which follows contains MY reply on a specific section of the original e-mail. Those parts of my reply which may have identified the author have been replaced by "%%%". Also, my final paragraph is short two sentences (noted by "...") to protect the author's identity.
You will see in my response numerous questions, some of which I truly hoped I would receive an answer. Nope. No answer. I did receive another e-mail (again with the paragraph telling me I can't quote any of it) but this e-mail indicated the author didn't bother to read my response and had no intentions of continuing our communication exchanges. The note ended reminding me that this author of hate was put on this earth to bring peace. What a shame it is when someone becomes so bitter they will not even read a note written specifically for them.
I will continue to pray for their soul because it contains a wealth of anger, hatred, and bitterness, especially directed towards those who believe in God and minister in His name. Furthermore, I will pray for the great number of other individuals in our country who have the same hatred in their hearts. May God forgive them and remove their bitterness through the power of His Son.
In the latest two e-mails from this individual, there are paragraphs which read like one of those blurbs you hear when you listen to sports broadcasts: "The events and transcriptions...without express written consent." When it comes to e-mails I'm not sure that holds any legal grounds or not. Nevertheless, the author request I not share THEIR words so I won't.
Rather, I will share MY reply to this author. I responded by returning the author's note with my comments following various remarks they had made. Each bullet which follows contains MY reply on a specific section of the original e-mail. Those parts of my reply which may have identified the author have been replaced by "%%%". Also, my final paragraph is short two sentences (noted by "...") to protect the author's identity.
- Your anonymity is intact. No one knows the author of the e-mail other than me. I'm sure you don't want others to know who wrote it and I will never tell.
- would you delineate what my demons are?
- again, what is my skewed vision? Is it a belief in God? Is it a belief in absolute truth?
- if you read my blog post you know I shared PARTS to protect your identity and I shared the rest to provide an example to my readers of the type of anomisity in this country.
- I am glad you can dump your anger on me rather than someone else. So my God is not your god. Do you have "a god"? What does "he" believe and teach?
- You really don't know me, do you? Read your own words. Talk about an unhappy person.
- Who else are you including, %%%?
- What type of help should I seek? Do you have the answers, %%%?
- %%%, I truly believe you need to read the words you have written in these past e-mails. The anger and hatred is coming from you, not me. I am not mad or angry with you. In fact, I feel very sorry and concerned for you. Your outward smile and demeanor is hiding a TON of bitterness and anger and perhaps a good helping of pride. You really do not know me at all.
- so you are saying I am part of a larger group of "haters of the world". What makes one a part of this group?
- ministers don't understand the human brain and psyche, I guess
- "I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the Life" said Jesus in John 14:6. I know where the truth is. "Psychiatric professional". Are you saying ministers who believe and teach as I do are crazy and have mental problems? Do you believe those who teach in the power of a resurrected Savior are out of their minds? IF so, %%%, I truly, truly pity you. The greatest blessing in my life occurred on the day I met my Lord and Savior.
- I am enjoying life immensely, thanks for asking. I don't hate despite what you say. Sometimes people are pitted against one another when worldviews clash. And would you provide examples of where I have spread filth?
- Are you referring to mental health, physical health, or both? %%%, you need to be concerned for your soul. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
- should I read fat and lazy at this point?
- I am very glad, %%%, you keep yourself in great physical shape. That is a quality worthy of repetition. I admit I have never been in great physical shape. I watch what I eat but do eat items I shouldn't from time to time. I do walk 2-3 miles 3 or 4 times a week but maybe I should do more for my physical being. BUT, %%%, no matter how well you take care of your body, one day IT WILL DIE! Then what? Are you taking as good a care of your soul? Based on what you have written I will say no. I guess it is ok for you to lecture me on my health (physical and mental) but off limits for me to "lecture" you on the condition of your soul. Now I understand the ground rules.
- What advice can I give to you? All I have is the advice of the Bible: Repent of your sins today and trust Christ for salvation.
- I am not ashamed of what I have written. You may forward my responses to anyone you wish. But obviously, you want no one to know the anger and hatred you have in your heart and the lost condition of your soul. As I said above, NO ONE, not even Debbie, knows who wrote the e-mail. I went to great care in my post to remove all traces of its authorship. When Debbie read the e-mails, she read the edited version I ultimately posted, not your original. Actually, by removing those parts of the e-mail which might identify you, I removed some of the hatred and anger you poured out on me in the original post. I will NEVER tell anyone who wrote those e-mails because I would not want to embarrass you by doing so.
- "Horrible family". Wow! So the hatred goes beyond me. Does it include %%%? Probably, since %%% has a faith in God. How about %%%? … %%%, you have always had the great smile and love of life. Now I realize that outward appearance is actually covering a very bitter, angry, and lost soul. I will pray for you for there is nothing else I can do.
You will see in my response numerous questions, some of which I truly hoped I would receive an answer. Nope. No answer. I did receive another e-mail (again with the paragraph telling me I can't quote any of it) but this e-mail indicated the author didn't bother to read my response and had no intentions of continuing our communication exchanges. The note ended reminding me that this author of hate was put on this earth to bring peace. What a shame it is when someone becomes so bitter they will not even read a note written specifically for them.
I will continue to pray for their soul because it contains a wealth of anger, hatred, and bitterness, especially directed towards those who believe in God and minister in His name. Furthermore, I will pray for the great number of other individuals in our country who have the same hatred in their hearts. May God forgive them and remove their bitterness through the power of His Son.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
In Response to Hate Mail
After much prayer and reflection, I have decided to post this entry to my blog. I do so in the hope some sinner will find Christ and some saint will be exhorted and encouraged.
The following e-mail exchange took place last week between me and another. Here is the extent of the correspondence. My comments will follow. The actual e-mails are given in bold font except for the removal of a couple of sentences. These removals are noted by the ellipses (…) and were deleted to preserve the anonymity of the e-mail author.
First, the note I received from the unnamed party:
you know I have to say, I've never met a minister, pastor, priest, "man of God" who spewed some much hate and dissension against others as I have with you. … You have indirectly taught me that religion is nothing more than a means to spread hate, point fingers, belittle others, start wars, call for deaths, and eliminate or otherwise ostracize those people who do not believe what we believe.
What happen to loving, caring, and helping. Big deal that you travel to another state to build a house or clean a yard. What about your neighbors and what would some of those people say/think whom you are "helping" if they knew about these hateful, etc comments you make.
I don't want anything to do with the hate that goes around this country/world. I want only to help others regardless of their political, religious, sexual views. That is why I was put on this earth...to bring people together and help them realize their full potential so they can go out and help others as a method of "paying it forward."
No need to respond. I'm sure whatever you have to say will simply be a means to "prove me wrong" to maintain your self worth.
I'm not buying it...
To this note I responded with a 2 sentence note. Here is the first sentence of my reply. The second sentence has been omitted, again, to protect the identity of the other party.
I am sorry you feel that way towards my faith and me personally. …
The unnamed author replied to my reply with the following note:
… Its unfortunate but I can't be surrounded or involved with people who hate and spread these messages to others. There are many bad things and bad people in this world but there are so many good things going on out there and we should be focusing on those things and spreading those stories.
Why go to your death bed knowing that most of your life was spent tearing people a part and sharing the negative side of life, much of it as the "word of God" nonetheless!
That is absolutely not the obituary, eulogy, or legacy I would want to leave behind. You can say all the bad things you want about the political parties or religious organizations that you don't agree with but I would have to venture an educated guess that people such as our current president has done more good in the world than you will ever pass along. Hmmm, something to think about.
I suspect my following comments on this e-mail will never be read by the original author. He has closed his mind to anything I might have to say. Even worse than that, it appears he has closed his mind and heart to the words of the Lord.
But I don’t want those who read this post to spend their time trying to determine who wrote the 2 e-mails. What I want folks to focus on are the words used and what I believe to be the underlying cause for such an attitude. It is not the first time I have encountered such attitudes and I fear the feelings expressed in these exchanges are ever increasing in our nation.
I will limit myself to only a couple of observations. Before I do, however, I need to make a brief personal statement.
Bruce Walker is a sinner, a man conceived in sin and quite flawed. The Lord Jesus Christ dealt with my sin at Calvary and, almost 40 years ago, changed me completely by giving me a rebirth through His Spirit. But, I still sin and will continue to do so. Perhaps I have sinned and committed an offense against someone which prompted these notes. If the author will point out such a sin, I will repent to our Lord and apologize to those against whom I have sinned. But to simply say I “spew” hatred and cause dissension tells me nothing. Even Jesus brought division as he noted in Matthew 10:34-35:
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
Now on to a few observations.
1. The hate used in these e-mails far surpasses any alleged “hate” I may have used.
The unnamed source makes it very clear he believes things I have said (possibly done) are hateful and cause dissension. What specifically have I said? Since he has not stated his reasons for his conclusion, I must speculate he is unhappy with some of my previous posts on Facebook, blogs, and/or e-mail.
In some I have vigorously defended the Word of God against many of the sins of modern society. I have spoken out against abortion, homosexuality, and other similar sins. I have pointed out what the Bible clearly says about them and the danger facing the individual engaged in them. My intent is to point out the sin and call the sinner to repentance and faith. Apart from turning to Christ, such sinners are doomed to an eternity in Hell. Which is more hateful: not to call out sin and permit the person to continue his march to damnation or to call out the sinner and offer him hope? Many people, such as the e-mail author , believe the world would be better off if folks were left alone and never “offended”. To “offend” them by pointing out their sin is hateful, they believe, and causes dissension.
I have also written against the false view of religious equivalency (i.e., all religions are of equal value and importance). Jesus is very clear that He and He alone is the only way to Heaven. The Muslims are on the wrong path. The Jews are on the wrong path. The Buddhists are on the wrong path. Even the atheists are on the wrong path. Again, which is more hateful: to allow those on the wrong path to continue down that path to their eternal destruction or to point out Jesus’ claim and offer them the true Gospel, namely, the right path to God?
Furthermore, many people believe such religious opinions do nothing but cause dissension. Therefore, to say such things like “Jesus is the only way to salvation” is hateful. Such language should never been used. Better never to discuss religion than to hurt someone’s feelings or to challenge their faith.
Finally, in some posts I have spoken out against the government. I admit the current administration has been a target of many of my posts and they have not been favorable ones. But why do I write in opposition of the government’s actions? Is it because I hate our politicians, especially our President? Absolutely not. This administration, in my opinion, is systematically destroying our nation. They are supporting policies which are contrary to the Word of God (e.g., abortion, homosexuality, and others). Therefore, I will write against any such politician whether they are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or Socialist.
But the folks who have the mindset of this unnamed writer do not believe I should dissent with our leaders. Such dissent causes further divisions and promotes hate. Really? Do my remarks concerning our President promote hatred or another point of view which disagrees with those who pronounce my words as hate speech? I am certainly glad no one in our nation has ever dissented against the government before. If they had, we may have seen a Revolutionary War. Oh, that’s right; we DID have such a revolution because our Founders dissented against Great Britain.
The mindset revealed by our unnamed author is naïve at best. Some think the world will be better if no one ever points out the “faults” (read sins) of others or disagrees with anyone else. “Can’t we all just get along?” they ask. To speak out against them or their opinions is to spew hatred and sow the seeds of dissension. Well, I call the author back to his own words:
Yet our unnamed author believes he was put on the earth to bring people together. He can’t be involved with the hate in the world. I would challenge the author and anyone else who shares his opinions to look at themselves in the mirror and reread the words I received. Where is the real hatred? Nothing I have ever written is as hateful as these e-mails.
2. The hatred expressed has its source in “religion”.
“You have indirectly taught me that religion is nothing more than a means to spread hate, point fingers, belittle others, start wars, call for deaths, and eliminate or otherwise ostracize those people who do not believe what we believe.”
I am not sure when I started wars, called for anyone’s death, or eliminated those who do not share my beliefs. I don’t believe I have spread hate or belittled others. I admit to pointing fingers but I have tried to point those fingers at the sins of men.
Many in our society these days are like my e-mail writer. They hate religion. They believe religion, ultimately, is the root of the evil in the world. Perhaps he believes if we could just stuff a sock in the mouths of those who believe in God, the world will see less hatred, less dissension, less war, less of all kinds of evil. They don’t buy into religion and believe folks who talk about religion, at least in a way which calls sinners to repentance, are spewing hate and dissension.
I truly believe the underlying causes for the venom released by this anonymous author is his hatred of religion, even God. Any “God” who condemns certain actions of others is “bad”, at least if the servants of that “God” point out that condemnation. Individuals who share this belief have a naïve worldview which believes if people would never say nor do anything which would make someone else feel badly then everything in the world would be ok. Of course, true religion and a true understanding of God will NOT yield such a result. Therefore, they do not like anyone who speaks the truth of God.
3. The hatred expressed in these e-mails is indicative of a truly closed mind.
As my friend has written:
“No need to respond. I'm sure whatever you have to say will simply be a means to ‘prove me wrong’ to maintain your self worth.”
I’m told not to write back because anything I try to say would merely be an attempt to prove the author is wrong. By doing so, I somehow “maintain” my self worth. Very clever! The only options left are: (1) say nothing or (2) agree with the author completely.
Well I completely DISAGREE with the author and those who share his philosophy of life. So that rules out option (2). I must confess I did consider option (1). However, the more I reflected on what to do, the more I realized the writer was attacking my faith and, therefore, my Lord. Option (1) must also be dismissed.
Well, my friend, I am not trying to prove you wrong. You are wrong. You are wrong in your statements concerning my character. You are wrong in your assessment of my heart. You are wrong in your approach towards life. You are wrong in the hatred you carry in your heart towards any who minister for Christ and disagree with you. While I am certain you will never listen (or even read) what I have written, my prayer is others who share your misguided approach to life will and come to grips with the sin in their own life: PRIDE.
I will admit I have no “self worth”. I, like all men, including you am a sinner. One of the famous hymns often sung in church refers to a person as a “worm”. That’s how I view myself; a lowly worm worth absolutely nothing.
But I have repented of my sins and put my faith in Jesus Christ for the salvation of my soul. He HAS saved me. He is using me. And, based on his Word, I am worth everything because I am a joint heir with Christ who inherits everything!
I don’t have to maintain my self worth. Christ is handling that.
If you wish to discuss this matter further, I will listen (unlike you). If you would like Scripture to support anything I have written here or elsewhere, I will be delighted to provide them.
Bruce
The following e-mail exchange took place last week between me and another. Here is the extent of the correspondence. My comments will follow. The actual e-mails are given in bold font except for the removal of a couple of sentences. These removals are noted by the ellipses (…) and were deleted to preserve the anonymity of the e-mail author.
First, the note I received from the unnamed party:
you know I have to say, I've never met a minister, pastor, priest, "man of God" who spewed some much hate and dissension against others as I have with you. … You have indirectly taught me that religion is nothing more than a means to spread hate, point fingers, belittle others, start wars, call for deaths, and eliminate or otherwise ostracize those people who do not believe what we believe.
What happen to loving, caring, and helping. Big deal that you travel to another state to build a house or clean a yard. What about your neighbors and what would some of those people say/think whom you are "helping" if they knew about these hateful, etc comments you make.
I don't want anything to do with the hate that goes around this country/world. I want only to help others regardless of their political, religious, sexual views. That is why I was put on this earth...to bring people together and help them realize their full potential so they can go out and help others as a method of "paying it forward."
No need to respond. I'm sure whatever you have to say will simply be a means to "prove me wrong" to maintain your self worth.
I'm not buying it...
To this note I responded with a 2 sentence note. Here is the first sentence of my reply. The second sentence has been omitted, again, to protect the identity of the other party.
I am sorry you feel that way towards my faith and me personally. …
The unnamed author replied to my reply with the following note:
… Its unfortunate but I can't be surrounded or involved with people who hate and spread these messages to others. There are many bad things and bad people in this world but there are so many good things going on out there and we should be focusing on those things and spreading those stories.
Why go to your death bed knowing that most of your life was spent tearing people a part and sharing the negative side of life, much of it as the "word of God" nonetheless!
That is absolutely not the obituary, eulogy, or legacy I would want to leave behind. You can say all the bad things you want about the political parties or religious organizations that you don't agree with but I would have to venture an educated guess that people such as our current president has done more good in the world than you will ever pass along. Hmmm, something to think about.
I suspect my following comments on this e-mail will never be read by the original author. He has closed his mind to anything I might have to say. Even worse than that, it appears he has closed his mind and heart to the words of the Lord.
But I don’t want those who read this post to spend their time trying to determine who wrote the 2 e-mails. What I want folks to focus on are the words used and what I believe to be the underlying cause for such an attitude. It is not the first time I have encountered such attitudes and I fear the feelings expressed in these exchanges are ever increasing in our nation.
I will limit myself to only a couple of observations. Before I do, however, I need to make a brief personal statement.
Bruce Walker is a sinner, a man conceived in sin and quite flawed. The Lord Jesus Christ dealt with my sin at Calvary and, almost 40 years ago, changed me completely by giving me a rebirth through His Spirit. But, I still sin and will continue to do so. Perhaps I have sinned and committed an offense against someone which prompted these notes. If the author will point out such a sin, I will repent to our Lord and apologize to those against whom I have sinned. But to simply say I “spew” hatred and cause dissension tells me nothing. Even Jesus brought division as he noted in Matthew 10:34-35:
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
Now on to a few observations.
1. The hate used in these e-mails far surpasses any alleged “hate” I may have used.
The unnamed source makes it very clear he believes things I have said (possibly done) are hateful and cause dissension. What specifically have I said? Since he has not stated his reasons for his conclusion, I must speculate he is unhappy with some of my previous posts on Facebook, blogs, and/or e-mail.
In some I have vigorously defended the Word of God against many of the sins of modern society. I have spoken out against abortion, homosexuality, and other similar sins. I have pointed out what the Bible clearly says about them and the danger facing the individual engaged in them. My intent is to point out the sin and call the sinner to repentance and faith. Apart from turning to Christ, such sinners are doomed to an eternity in Hell. Which is more hateful: not to call out sin and permit the person to continue his march to damnation or to call out the sinner and offer him hope? Many people, such as the e-mail author , believe the world would be better off if folks were left alone and never “offended”. To “offend” them by pointing out their sin is hateful, they believe, and causes dissension.
I have also written against the false view of religious equivalency (i.e., all religions are of equal value and importance). Jesus is very clear that He and He alone is the only way to Heaven. The Muslims are on the wrong path. The Jews are on the wrong path. The Buddhists are on the wrong path. Even the atheists are on the wrong path. Again, which is more hateful: to allow those on the wrong path to continue down that path to their eternal destruction or to point out Jesus’ claim and offer them the true Gospel, namely, the right path to God?
Furthermore, many people believe such religious opinions do nothing but cause dissension. Therefore, to say such things like “Jesus is the only way to salvation” is hateful. Such language should never been used. Better never to discuss religion than to hurt someone’s feelings or to challenge their faith.
Finally, in some posts I have spoken out against the government. I admit the current administration has been a target of many of my posts and they have not been favorable ones. But why do I write in opposition of the government’s actions? Is it because I hate our politicians, especially our President? Absolutely not. This administration, in my opinion, is systematically destroying our nation. They are supporting policies which are contrary to the Word of God (e.g., abortion, homosexuality, and others). Therefore, I will write against any such politician whether they are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or Socialist.
But the folks who have the mindset of this unnamed writer do not believe I should dissent with our leaders. Such dissent causes further divisions and promotes hate. Really? Do my remarks concerning our President promote hatred or another point of view which disagrees with those who pronounce my words as hate speech? I am certainly glad no one in our nation has ever dissented against the government before. If they had, we may have seen a Revolutionary War. Oh, that’s right; we DID have such a revolution because our Founders dissented against Great Britain.
The mindset revealed by our unnamed author is naïve at best. Some think the world will be better if no one ever points out the “faults” (read sins) of others or disagrees with anyone else. “Can’t we all just get along?” they ask. To speak out against them or their opinions is to spew hatred and sow the seeds of dissension. Well, I call the author back to his own words:
- “I don't want anything to do with the hate that goes around this country/world…”
- “That is why I was put on this earth...to bring people together…”
- “Its unfortunate but I can't be surrounded or involved with people who hate and spread these messages to others…”
Yet our unnamed author believes he was put on the earth to bring people together. He can’t be involved with the hate in the world. I would challenge the author and anyone else who shares his opinions to look at themselves in the mirror and reread the words I received. Where is the real hatred? Nothing I have ever written is as hateful as these e-mails.
2. The hatred expressed has its source in “religion”.
“You have indirectly taught me that religion is nothing more than a means to spread hate, point fingers, belittle others, start wars, call for deaths, and eliminate or otherwise ostracize those people who do not believe what we believe.”
I am not sure when I started wars, called for anyone’s death, or eliminated those who do not share my beliefs. I don’t believe I have spread hate or belittled others. I admit to pointing fingers but I have tried to point those fingers at the sins of men.
Many in our society these days are like my e-mail writer. They hate religion. They believe religion, ultimately, is the root of the evil in the world. Perhaps he believes if we could just stuff a sock in the mouths of those who believe in God, the world will see less hatred, less dissension, less war, less of all kinds of evil. They don’t buy into religion and believe folks who talk about religion, at least in a way which calls sinners to repentance, are spewing hate and dissension.
I truly believe the underlying causes for the venom released by this anonymous author is his hatred of religion, even God. Any “God” who condemns certain actions of others is “bad”, at least if the servants of that “God” point out that condemnation. Individuals who share this belief have a naïve worldview which believes if people would never say nor do anything which would make someone else feel badly then everything in the world would be ok. Of course, true religion and a true understanding of God will NOT yield such a result. Therefore, they do not like anyone who speaks the truth of God.
3. The hatred expressed in these e-mails is indicative of a truly closed mind.
As my friend has written:
“No need to respond. I'm sure whatever you have to say will simply be a means to ‘prove me wrong’ to maintain your self worth.”
I’m told not to write back because anything I try to say would merely be an attempt to prove the author is wrong. By doing so, I somehow “maintain” my self worth. Very clever! The only options left are: (1) say nothing or (2) agree with the author completely.
Well I completely DISAGREE with the author and those who share his philosophy of life. So that rules out option (2). I must confess I did consider option (1). However, the more I reflected on what to do, the more I realized the writer was attacking my faith and, therefore, my Lord. Option (1) must also be dismissed.
Well, my friend, I am not trying to prove you wrong. You are wrong. You are wrong in your statements concerning my character. You are wrong in your assessment of my heart. You are wrong in your approach towards life. You are wrong in the hatred you carry in your heart towards any who minister for Christ and disagree with you. While I am certain you will never listen (or even read) what I have written, my prayer is others who share your misguided approach to life will and come to grips with the sin in their own life: PRIDE.
I will admit I have no “self worth”. I, like all men, including you am a sinner. One of the famous hymns often sung in church refers to a person as a “worm”. That’s how I view myself; a lowly worm worth absolutely nothing.
But I have repented of my sins and put my faith in Jesus Christ for the salvation of my soul. He HAS saved me. He is using me. And, based on his Word, I am worth everything because I am a joint heir with Christ who inherits everything!
I don’t have to maintain my self worth. Christ is handling that.
If you wish to discuss this matter further, I will listen (unlike you). If you would like Scripture to support anything I have written here or elsewhere, I will be delighted to provide them.
Bruce
Monday, April 26, 2010
"What is the Gospel?": A Book Review
I receive
d this short volume (127 pages including appendix) as one of the many books freely distributed at this year's "Together for the Gospel" conference and read it during three brief sessions. The book is a very easy read, however, it is filled with solid, Biblical truth.
d this short volume (127 pages including appendix) as one of the many books freely distributed at this year's "Together for the Gospel" conference and read it during three brief sessions. The book is a very easy read, however, it is filled with solid, Biblical truth. The author of this brief treatise, Greg Gilbert, serves with Mark Dever at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D. C. He opens his work by noting various answers to the title's question given by several Christians, some of them evangelical. Quickly readers realize this is a more difficult question to answer than we initially thought. The simple truth is many professing followers of Christ do not have a clear grasp of the basics of the Gospel message. Gilbert wisely observes, "an emaciated gospel leads to emaciated worship."
With that, Gilbert is off and running in his effort to answer the question, "What is the Gospel?" Utilizing the Scripture, the author moves from chapter to chapter coving such topics as "God the Righteous Creator", "Man the Sinner", "Jesus Christ the Savior", and "Response--Faith and Repentance". Step by step, he addresses the key elements which comprise the Gospel message. This book is both profound and simple.
If I must find something in these pages to which I may object, perhaps it would be a brief sentence on page 82. Gilbert writes,
"When a person genuinely repents and believes in Christ, the Bible says that he is given new spiritual life."
Unless I am reading that sentence incorrectly, he and I disagree in the ordo salutis (order of salvation). The sentence implies Gilbert believes repentance and faith precede regeneration while I believe Scripture teaches the opposite. On the other hand, perhaps the author intends to say the exercising of repentance and faith indicates the person has been given new spiritual life.
Despite this ambiguity (or disagreement), Greg Gilbert has penned an outstanding theological work which doesn't read like the typical theological work. "What is the Gospel?" is a brilliant yet brief work which I recommend to all Christians who truly desire the answer to the question, "What is the Gospel?"
Friday, April 23, 2010
Pastor, What Do You Think: Birth Control
I've been receiving various questions from church members as well as students and have been addressing them either verbally or via e-mail. I thought it might be wise to take some of those questions and my responses and create blog posts from them. In this way, others may receive benefit (I hope!) from my response.
Is birth control Biblical?
Let me begin with a clear Biblical statement concerning children:
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Let arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5)
God is the author of life and I view Him as “pro-child”! Children are not a burden or a curse but a blessing. Those who say “we don’t want kids” because children are “a pain”, “a burden”, “get in the way”, “will ruin our lifestyle”, etc., may wish to practice birth control. But, if they do, they do so for the wrong reasons.
Debbie and I have been blessed with 9 children and I truly mean “blessed”. God has been more than gracious to us in all areas of our lives but especially this one. We love children. If I had to go back and relive our marriage I wouldn’t change a thing when it comes to the number of children we have. Nine was the right number for us. And, yes, we did practice birth control.
The question of birth control and the Bible is frequently raised by believers. This has been the case especially over the past 50 years. Some religious organizations teach only natural birth control if permitted by Scripture while others claim artificial birth control methods are Biblical as well. Some say birth control should never be practiced. Here is my take on this question.
First, the older I get the less I like the terminology used in the question: “birth control”. What is normally meant by the question is not “birth control” but “conception control”. Only those who support the murderous act of abortion practice what could be deemed true “birth control”. So I approach this question from the perspective of regulating the conception of children rather than aborting them once they are conceived.
Certainly the Bible would forbid any form of “birth control” which results in the abortion of the unborn. Therefore, using any birth control technique which kills an unborn child is not supported by Scripture. There are such medications available which do exactly that. They prevent the birth of new children by detaching the fertilized egg from the uterine wall. Such medications and/or practices would be forbidden by Scripture since they result in the death of the unborn.
When it comes to preventing conception, though, the Bible is fairly silent on the matter. The commandment given in Genesis 1:28 is often used as grounds for not practicing birth control.
Be fruitful and multiple and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.
Clearly the Lord wanted man and woman to give birth and raise children. The use of the words “fruitful”, “multiply”, and “fill” certainly imply more than one child. In the very next chapter, God also says:
It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him. … Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (2:18; 24)
This passage, of course, ordains the institution of marriage. A man takes a woman, they unite as one flesh, and children are one result of this new union. It would appear to me, then, if we are going to honor God’s commandment in chapter 1 by not practicing birth control but keep having children then we should honor His words in chapter 2 by requiring all men to take a wife so we can have children. We all need to get married. However, the New Testament makes it clear this is not necessarily the case.
I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain sing as I am. (1 Corinthians 7:7-8)
Paul desires those not married remain unmarried if at all possible which seems to “fly in the face” of what is said in Genesis 1 and 2. Something has changed from Genesis 2 which provides a foundation for what Paul says in Corinthians.
If you ponder the reason why Paul wishes those single would remain that way, the answer becomes clear. Paul realizes individuals can be more devoted to Christ and His redemptive mission if they are unattached in this life. Hence, if you can remain unmarried, that is better.
The “change”, of course, is the fall of man in Genesis 3. Sin invades mankind and God begins His work of redemption. The beautiful life in Eden is now gone. No longer do we frolic, relax, and enjoy life and our God in that scenic place. Rather, we find ourselves in a world of evil, a necessity to labor in order to survive and a need for our own salvation as well as our effort to bring others to Christ. No longer do men take wives, have babies, and enjoy life forever with God with no cares, worries, or needs. Instead sin has placed additional burdens on each of us. There is work to be done, kingdom work, for our God. If Adam and Eve had not sinned then, perhaps, all people would marry, each couple would continue to produce children, and birth control would not even be considered let alone needed. But that is not what happened.
So men may take wives as indicated by God in Genesis chapter 2 or they may remain single as taught by Paul in 1 Corinthians. It appears to me the decision must be made on the basis of what impact a wife will have on their life in the redemptive mission of Christ. For some a wife will become a hindrance and a detractor. For others a wife is an absolute necessity.
If my understanding is correct then I believe I may extend it to children as well. Prior to the Fall, the environment was ideal for having many children. But the Fall has changed everything. Now husbands and wives must consider the impact of children upon their redemptive mission for Christ. That mission is impacted by time constraints, by financial considerations, and probably by a host of other things.
What I am saying is this: given the Fall, I believe the Bible is supportive of husbands and wives using wisdom and planning in all areas of their marriage including the having of their children. Such wisdom and planning would include not only the number of children but also the timing of the children. I see nothing in Scripture which forbids the use of birth control provided such control does not kill an unborn child.
With that premise said, I now turn to the method(s) of birth (conception) control. Does the Bible support artificial means of birth control (e.g., “the pill”) or simply natural means (sometimes referred to as “rhythm”)? Those who support only the natural form of birth control usually speak of artificial means as not Biblical because God is somehow better able to override the natural method of birth control than the artificial means. Such reasoning doesn’t speak very highly of God’s Sovereignty or His omnipotence in my opinion!
Some also believe natural means are the only acceptable means of birth control because, with artificial means, you are separating the act of intercourse from the possibility of conception. But common sense tells me if the possibility of conception must always exist during the act of intercourse then why should couples ever have intercourse after menopause (or even during pregnancy!)? So I don’t see this being a valid argument against artificial means either.
In reality, if the intention of using a birth control method is to better plan and provide for one’s family (i.e., number and timing of children) then what is the difference between using a natural method as compared to an artificial one? Personally, I see nothing in Scripture which forbids the use of artificial methods and no reason to introduce some new “law” and the beginning of a Christian “Talmud”!
Before using any method of birth control in your marriage, I would counsel you to consider these questions.
1. Why do you want to prevent the conception of another child? Are your reasons selfish? Or, have you prayed and believe this is the course God would have you take at this time in your marriage?
2. Are BOTH of you in agreement on this matter? Great harm may come to a marriage when there is disagreement on this subject. Be certain you both are committed on this action. I believe it would be wise to periodically review your decision to make certain you remain in agreement.
3. Have you researched the method of birth control you intend to use and, to the best of your knowledge, are sure it does not result in the abortion of an unborn child? It is best to research before engaging on a particular method than finding this out later.
4. If you are considering a form of birth control which will prevent a pregnancy anytime in your future marriage (e.g., tubal ligation) have you considered the long term ramifications of such a decision? Is such a procedure medically necessary? If not, you should research potential physical/mental harm such a procedure may cause on you in the future. Is there a good reason for pursuing this method instead of using a simpler form of birth control? Furthermore, you should think beyond yourself and even your spouse on this question. What about your siblings? What about your parents?
Is birth control Biblical?
Let me begin with a clear Biblical statement concerning children:
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Let arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5)
God is the author of life and I view Him as “pro-child”! Children are not a burden or a curse but a blessing. Those who say “we don’t want kids” because children are “a pain”, “a burden”, “get in the way”, “will ruin our lifestyle”, etc., may wish to practice birth control. But, if they do, they do so for the wrong reasons.
Debbie and I have been blessed with 9 children and I truly mean “blessed”. God has been more than gracious to us in all areas of our lives but especially this one. We love children. If I had to go back and relive our marriage I wouldn’t change a thing when it comes to the number of children we have. Nine was the right number for us. And, yes, we did practice birth control.
The question of birth control and the Bible is frequently raised by believers. This has been the case especially over the past 50 years. Some religious organizations teach only natural birth control if permitted by Scripture while others claim artificial birth control methods are Biblical as well. Some say birth control should never be practiced. Here is my take on this question.
First, the older I get the less I like the terminology used in the question: “birth control”. What is normally meant by the question is not “birth control” but “conception control”. Only those who support the murderous act of abortion practice what could be deemed true “birth control”. So I approach this question from the perspective of regulating the conception of children rather than aborting them once they are conceived.
Certainly the Bible would forbid any form of “birth control” which results in the abortion of the unborn. Therefore, using any birth control technique which kills an unborn child is not supported by Scripture. There are such medications available which do exactly that. They prevent the birth of new children by detaching the fertilized egg from the uterine wall. Such medications and/or practices would be forbidden by Scripture since they result in the death of the unborn.
When it comes to preventing conception, though, the Bible is fairly silent on the matter. The commandment given in Genesis 1:28 is often used as grounds for not practicing birth control.
Be fruitful and multiple and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.
Clearly the Lord wanted man and woman to give birth and raise children. The use of the words “fruitful”, “multiply”, and “fill” certainly imply more than one child. In the very next chapter, God also says:
It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him. … Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (2:18; 24)
This passage, of course, ordains the institution of marriage. A man takes a woman, they unite as one flesh, and children are one result of this new union. It would appear to me, then, if we are going to honor God’s commandment in chapter 1 by not practicing birth control but keep having children then we should honor His words in chapter 2 by requiring all men to take a wife so we can have children. We all need to get married. However, the New Testament makes it clear this is not necessarily the case.
I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain sing as I am. (1 Corinthians 7:7-8)
Paul desires those not married remain unmarried if at all possible which seems to “fly in the face” of what is said in Genesis 1 and 2. Something has changed from Genesis 2 which provides a foundation for what Paul says in Corinthians.
If you ponder the reason why Paul wishes those single would remain that way, the answer becomes clear. Paul realizes individuals can be more devoted to Christ and His redemptive mission if they are unattached in this life. Hence, if you can remain unmarried, that is better.
The “change”, of course, is the fall of man in Genesis 3. Sin invades mankind and God begins His work of redemption. The beautiful life in Eden is now gone. No longer do we frolic, relax, and enjoy life and our God in that scenic place. Rather, we find ourselves in a world of evil, a necessity to labor in order to survive and a need for our own salvation as well as our effort to bring others to Christ. No longer do men take wives, have babies, and enjoy life forever with God with no cares, worries, or needs. Instead sin has placed additional burdens on each of us. There is work to be done, kingdom work, for our God. If Adam and Eve had not sinned then, perhaps, all people would marry, each couple would continue to produce children, and birth control would not even be considered let alone needed. But that is not what happened.
So men may take wives as indicated by God in Genesis chapter 2 or they may remain single as taught by Paul in 1 Corinthians. It appears to me the decision must be made on the basis of what impact a wife will have on their life in the redemptive mission of Christ. For some a wife will become a hindrance and a detractor. For others a wife is an absolute necessity.
If my understanding is correct then I believe I may extend it to children as well. Prior to the Fall, the environment was ideal for having many children. But the Fall has changed everything. Now husbands and wives must consider the impact of children upon their redemptive mission for Christ. That mission is impacted by time constraints, by financial considerations, and probably by a host of other things.
What I am saying is this: given the Fall, I believe the Bible is supportive of husbands and wives using wisdom and planning in all areas of their marriage including the having of their children. Such wisdom and planning would include not only the number of children but also the timing of the children. I see nothing in Scripture which forbids the use of birth control provided such control does not kill an unborn child.
With that premise said, I now turn to the method(s) of birth (conception) control. Does the Bible support artificial means of birth control (e.g., “the pill”) or simply natural means (sometimes referred to as “rhythm”)? Those who support only the natural form of birth control usually speak of artificial means as not Biblical because God is somehow better able to override the natural method of birth control than the artificial means. Such reasoning doesn’t speak very highly of God’s Sovereignty or His omnipotence in my opinion!
Some also believe natural means are the only acceptable means of birth control because, with artificial means, you are separating the act of intercourse from the possibility of conception. But common sense tells me if the possibility of conception must always exist during the act of intercourse then why should couples ever have intercourse after menopause (or even during pregnancy!)? So I don’t see this being a valid argument against artificial means either.
In reality, if the intention of using a birth control method is to better plan and provide for one’s family (i.e., number and timing of children) then what is the difference between using a natural method as compared to an artificial one? Personally, I see nothing in Scripture which forbids the use of artificial methods and no reason to introduce some new “law” and the beginning of a Christian “Talmud”!
Before using any method of birth control in your marriage, I would counsel you to consider these questions.
1. Why do you want to prevent the conception of another child? Are your reasons selfish? Or, have you prayed and believe this is the course God would have you take at this time in your marriage?
2. Are BOTH of you in agreement on this matter? Great harm may come to a marriage when there is disagreement on this subject. Be certain you both are committed on this action. I believe it would be wise to periodically review your decision to make certain you remain in agreement.
3. Have you researched the method of birth control you intend to use and, to the best of your knowledge, are sure it does not result in the abortion of an unborn child? It is best to research before engaging on a particular method than finding this out later.
4. If you are considering a form of birth control which will prevent a pregnancy anytime in your future marriage (e.g., tubal ligation) have you considered the long term ramifications of such a decision? Is such a procedure medically necessary? If not, you should research potential physical/mental harm such a procedure may cause on you in the future. Is there a good reason for pursuing this method instead of using a simpler form of birth control? Furthermore, you should think beyond yourself and even your spouse on this question. What about your siblings? What about your parents?
Monday, February 15, 2010
"Why have I found favor in your eyes?"
I am preaching through the book of Ruth and yesterday's message included Ruth's question to Boaz, "Why have I found favor in your eyes?". Boaz provides his answer in verses 11 and 12. He notes how Ruth has cared for her mother-in-law, Naomi, and how she left everything in Moab to come to Bethlehem. But, I believe Boaz is noting those two facts as fruits of what really has happened to Ruth: she has come under the wings of the God of Israel to take refuge. In other words, Ruth's actions testify of God's saving grace in her life.
As a new convert and as a new sister in the faith, Boaz has shown her favor. There is a lesson here about how those "elder" saints of God in the church should care for those new saints of God.
But I do believe it is also wise to picture ourselves as Ruth and the Lord as Boaz. We observe all the wonderful blessings the Lord has poured out on us. Such protection and provision should prompt us to ask him, "Why have I found favor in your eyes?".
God's answer to that question has been key to theological understanding for centuries. How do you believe God would answer your question?
For myself, God choosing me, saving me, and blessing me has absolutely NO answer in me. He did not choose me because He knew the potential influence I might have in my life. He did not choose me because He knew I would do good works. He did not choose me because I HAD done good works. He did not choose me because He knew one day I would repent of my sins and trust Christ for salvation. He did not choose me because I DID trust Christ for salvation. No, as I read my Bible, I come to the conclusion there is no reason IN ME for the favor God has poured out on me.
I have found favor in God's eyes simply because HE has loved me with an electing love from all eternity and has specifically, particularly chosen to be gracious and merciful to me, a sinner. Did I repent and trust Christ as my Lord and Savior? Absolutely. But both the repentence and faith were gifts of my gracious Lord without any merit from me. As He said, "You did not choose Me, I chose you".
Thank you, Lord, for your grace and your mercy! Thank you for your favor.
As a new convert and as a new sister in the faith, Boaz has shown her favor. There is a lesson here about how those "elder" saints of God in the church should care for those new saints of God.
But I do believe it is also wise to picture ourselves as Ruth and the Lord as Boaz. We observe all the wonderful blessings the Lord has poured out on us. Such protection and provision should prompt us to ask him, "Why have I found favor in your eyes?".
God's answer to that question has been key to theological understanding for centuries. How do you believe God would answer your question?
For myself, God choosing me, saving me, and blessing me has absolutely NO answer in me. He did not choose me because He knew the potential influence I might have in my life. He did not choose me because He knew I would do good works. He did not choose me because I HAD done good works. He did not choose me because He knew one day I would repent of my sins and trust Christ for salvation. He did not choose me because I DID trust Christ for salvation. No, as I read my Bible, I come to the conclusion there is no reason IN ME for the favor God has poured out on me.
I have found favor in God's eyes simply because HE has loved me with an electing love from all eternity and has specifically, particularly chosen to be gracious and merciful to me, a sinner. Did I repent and trust Christ as my Lord and Savior? Absolutely. But both the repentence and faith were gifts of my gracious Lord without any merit from me. As He said, "You did not choose Me, I chose you".
Thank you, Lord, for your grace and your mercy! Thank you for your favor.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Spurgeon on Christian Compromise
"It may be that some of you professedly Christian people have been living at a distance from God. You have not led the separated life. You have tried to be friendly with the world as well as with Christ--and your children are not growing up as you wish they would. You say that your sons are not turning out well and that your girls are dressy, flighty and worldly. do you wonder that it is so?
"'Oh,' you say, 'I have gone a good way to try to please them, thinking that, perhaps, by doing so, I might win them for Christ!' Ah, you will never win any soul to the right by a compromise with the wrong! It is decision for Christ and His Truth that has the greatest power in the family and the world, too. If a soldier in the barracks is converted and he says, 'I mean to be a Christian, but, at the same time, I will join with the other men as much as I can. I will sometimes step into the tavern with them,' and so forth, he will do no good. But the moment he boldly takes his stand for his new Captain and is known to be a Christian--his comrades may begin to scoff at him, but they will also begin to be impressed--and if he bravely maintains that stand and never gives way in the least degree, but is faithful to his Lord and Master, then he will be likely to see conversions among his fellow sholdiers."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
"'Oh,' you say, 'I have gone a good way to try to please them, thinking that, perhaps, by doing so, I might win them for Christ!' Ah, you will never win any soul to the right by a compromise with the wrong! It is decision for Christ and His Truth that has the greatest power in the family and the world, too. If a soldier in the barracks is converted and he says, 'I mean to be a Christian, but, at the same time, I will join with the other men as much as I can. I will sometimes step into the tavern with them,' and so forth, he will do no good. But the moment he boldly takes his stand for his new Captain and is known to be a Christian--his comrades may begin to scoff at him, but they will also begin to be impressed--and if he bravely maintains that stand and never gives way in the least degree, but is faithful to his Lord and Master, then he will be likely to see conversions among his fellow sholdiers."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Friday, January 15, 2010
Earthquakes and Other Disasters
The tragedy in Haiti this week is absolutely overwhelming. When I first heard of the earthquake there, the magnitude of this event just did not hit home with me. Another earthquake in a foreign country; buildings collapsing and, sadly, people killed. It seems almost like an annual event, a terrible tragedy but nothing new.
Then the pictures began to arrive and the extent of the disaster hit home. This quake did not just damage a few buildings, rather, it hit everything. This quake did not just kill a few people, it killed thousands, possible upwards of a half a million! What a horrific event! To ponder the extent of this natural disaster or to view some of the images returning from the scene brings grief to my heart. So many souls taken into eternity. How many were ready to meet their God? So many souls injured or left without loved ones. How many need to know the God of comfort?
Our church is pondering on how to best help in this situation. Certainly we can and should pray. We need to pray for those who are still alive but trapped that help would come. We need to pray for those who are injured that they might receive the treatment they need. We need to pray for those who remain but have lost family members and friends that their mourning would be comforted. Most of all, we need to pray God will use this tragedy to bring many Haitian souls into the Kingdom of God. May a great spiritual revival in that land be one outcome.
We are also looking at some practical way to help the people of this island nation. Most likely, we will commit some of our funds to provide food and water for those in need. Surely this is the least we can do. How can we be followers of the Good Shepherd and not have compassion on the survivors of that land?
While we do not always understand God's purpose in such events, we can not deny God's hand either. He is the sovereign ruler of the universe and such natural disasters do not occur without his hand bringing them about or his hand permitting them to occur. The loss of life is horrific and, yet, each of us deserve death and not life because of our sin. The fact God does not strike down each of us with an earthquake, tornado, tsuanmi, or some other disaster at this moment is a testament to his grace, mercy, and longsuffering. He IS working "all things according to the counsel of His will" (Ephesians 1:11b).
One lesson we should recall from this tragedy (for we all should have learned it by now) is our life is fragile and our time on this earth is brief. Indeed, this earthquake confirms the words of the Scripture: "What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes" (James 4:14). When our life is over, no matter how our end comes, are we ready to meet our God? Do you know and honor his son, the Lord Jesus? Have you repented of your sins and are you trusting Jesus Christ for the salvation of your soul?
In light of Haiti, each of us needs to reflect upon such questions as we pray and minister to the survivors of this terrible earthquake.
May the Lord have mercy on us and may He be glorified even in the midst of an earthquake in Haiti.
Then the pictures began to arrive and the extent of the disaster hit home. This quake did not just damage a few buildings, rather, it hit everything. This quake did not just kill a few people, it killed thousands, possible upwards of a half a million! What a horrific event! To ponder the extent of this natural disaster or to view some of the images returning from the scene brings grief to my heart. So many souls taken into eternity. How many were ready to meet their God? So many souls injured or left without loved ones. How many need to know the God of comfort?
Our church is pondering on how to best help in this situation. Certainly we can and should pray. We need to pray for those who are still alive but trapped that help would come. We need to pray for those who are injured that they might receive the treatment they need. We need to pray for those who remain but have lost family members and friends that their mourning would be comforted. Most of all, we need to pray God will use this tragedy to bring many Haitian souls into the Kingdom of God. May a great spiritual revival in that land be one outcome.
We are also looking at some practical way to help the people of this island nation. Most likely, we will commit some of our funds to provide food and water for those in need. Surely this is the least we can do. How can we be followers of the Good Shepherd and not have compassion on the survivors of that land?
While we do not always understand God's purpose in such events, we can not deny God's hand either. He is the sovereign ruler of the universe and such natural disasters do not occur without his hand bringing them about or his hand permitting them to occur. The loss of life is horrific and, yet, each of us deserve death and not life because of our sin. The fact God does not strike down each of us with an earthquake, tornado, tsuanmi, or some other disaster at this moment is a testament to his grace, mercy, and longsuffering. He IS working "all things according to the counsel of His will" (Ephesians 1:11b).
One lesson we should recall from this tragedy (for we all should have learned it by now) is our life is fragile and our time on this earth is brief. Indeed, this earthquake confirms the words of the Scripture: "What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes" (James 4:14). When our life is over, no matter how our end comes, are we ready to meet our God? Do you know and honor his son, the Lord Jesus? Have you repented of your sins and are you trusting Jesus Christ for the salvation of your soul?
In light of Haiti, each of us needs to reflect upon such questions as we pray and minister to the survivors of this terrible earthquake.
May the Lord have mercy on us and may He be glorified even in the midst of an earthquake in Haiti.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Vice President Gore, Global Warming, and the Bible
The former Vice President gave an interview to Andrea Mitchell yesterday and continues to spout his only claim to fame: global warming. About two weeks ago, I had a student at Missouri Baptist ask me what I thought about global warming. I answered his question with my typical arrogant response, "Bunk". He then challenged me by asking "Why?"
Well, there are many reasons for discarding this entire subject as rubbish:
(1) Those who prophesy doom and gloom through man-made global warming are the same ones who fly their private jets, use their big gas guzzling autos, and live in mansions using tons of "carbon". Do they really believe man is killing himself and the planet by causing global warming? Then how can they live as they do? In a word, hypocrite!
(2) At best, we have weather data for only a century or so. Yet the earth has been around for at least 6000 years. That doesn't sound like a lot of data from which to discern trends.
(3) The scientific community is very much divided over this issue. Despite what men like Vice President Gore say, scientists do NOT all agree on global warming.
(4) The past decade has been one of the coldest decades we have measured.
(5) And, now, we have "Climategate". Global warming proponents have clearly been forging at least some of the data to fit whatever their agenda might be.
I'm sure there are many other reasons to reject this fairy tale but I don't dwell on the subject that much because I believe any Christian who truly believes the Bible knows man is not going to destroy the planet via man-made global warming. It will not happen.
The Vice President (and many other "green" folks) love to quote 1 Corinthians 10:26 - "For the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof". Why don't they ever quote Peter?
"But the day of the Lord will come LIKE A THIEF, and THEN the heavens will pass away with a roar and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." (2 Peter 3:10)
The earth will not cease to exist until God determines to end its existence. That time will come unexpectedly. That time will be a work of God, NOT the results of man's pollution.
As I told my student, this fact is, to me, a believer in Christ, the nail in the coffin of the global warming argument. If you truly believe the Bible is the Word of God then man made global warming is a bunch of nonsense. We are NOT going to kill ourselves or the planet according to what God has said.
Christians must be good stewards of this planet. But we don't need to be idiots about the environment.
Mr. Vice President, you claim to be a follower of Christ. I challenge you to read your Bible and see what God says about the end of the earth.
Well, there are many reasons for discarding this entire subject as rubbish:
(1) Those who prophesy doom and gloom through man-made global warming are the same ones who fly their private jets, use their big gas guzzling autos, and live in mansions using tons of "carbon". Do they really believe man is killing himself and the planet by causing global warming? Then how can they live as they do? In a word, hypocrite!
(2) At best, we have weather data for only a century or so. Yet the earth has been around for at least 6000 years. That doesn't sound like a lot of data from which to discern trends.
(3) The scientific community is very much divided over this issue. Despite what men like Vice President Gore say, scientists do NOT all agree on global warming.
(4) The past decade has been one of the coldest decades we have measured.
(5) And, now, we have "Climategate". Global warming proponents have clearly been forging at least some of the data to fit whatever their agenda might be.
I'm sure there are many other reasons to reject this fairy tale but I don't dwell on the subject that much because I believe any Christian who truly believes the Bible knows man is not going to destroy the planet via man-made global warming. It will not happen.
The Vice President (and many other "green" folks) love to quote 1 Corinthians 10:26 - "For the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof". Why don't they ever quote Peter?
"But the day of the Lord will come LIKE A THIEF, and THEN the heavens will pass away with a roar and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." (2 Peter 3:10)
The earth will not cease to exist until God determines to end its existence. That time will come unexpectedly. That time will be a work of God, NOT the results of man's pollution.
As I told my student, this fact is, to me, a believer in Christ, the nail in the coffin of the global warming argument. If you truly believe the Bible is the Word of God then man made global warming is a bunch of nonsense. We are NOT going to kill ourselves or the planet according to what God has said.
Christians must be good stewards of this planet. But we don't need to be idiots about the environment.
Mr. Vice President, you claim to be a follower of Christ. I challenge you to read your Bible and see what God says about the end of the earth.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
“What Difference Do It Make?”: A Book Review
Ron Hall and Denver Moore, the authors of “Same Kind of Different as Me”, return (with Lynn Vincent) with the sequel to their New York Times bestseller. I have not read their original work but, after reading this one, plan to do so in the near future.
Even if you have not read their first work, you learn enough of the history of the authors in this book to enable you to understand their message. Denver was a homeless person, befriended by Ron’s wife, Deborah. Deborah’s passion for the homeless and for Denver had a significant impact on her husband and, when she died as a result of cancer, Ron picked up her message and, together with Denver, ran with it. This book is a continuation of Ron and Denver’s story, covering much of what has occurred since the success of “Same Kind of Different as Me”.
The chapters mostly alternate between Ron and Denver’s stories. These stories are testimonies of God working through painful situations and awkward moments, and changing the lives of many individuals from varying backgrounds and life histories. The reader comes away understanding that, with God, one person can make a big difference in the lives of others.
While I enjoyed almost everything I read, I found myself more attracted to the simple wisdom of Denver. For example, listen to his wisdom from pages 45 & 46.
Or, here’s another example from page 61:
Those have to be some of the most profound words I have ever read outside of Scripture on the subject of not judging others!
The book is laced with real stories from others who were touched by “Same Kind of Different as Me”. Also, Ron and Denver relate stories from the lives of some of the people who intersected their life. In particular, the story of Mr. Ballantine in chapter 17 and the “Big Chicken Dinner” man from Seattle described in chapter 24.
This work is a very easy 201 pages to read but, more importantly, an enjoyable and profitable 201 pages to read. I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy and see for yourself.
In the meantime, I need to get my hands on a copy of “Same Kind of Different as Me”!
Even if you have not read their first work, you learn enough of the history of the authors in this book to enable you to understand their message. Denver was a homeless person, befriended by Ron’s wife, Deborah. Deborah’s passion for the homeless and for Denver had a significant impact on her husband and, when she died as a result of cancer, Ron picked up her message and, together with Denver, ran with it. This book is a continuation of Ron and Denver’s story, covering much of what has occurred since the success of “Same Kind of Different as Me”.
The chapters mostly alternate between Ron and Denver’s stories. These stories are testimonies of God working through painful situations and awkward moments, and changing the lives of many individuals from varying backgrounds and life histories. The reader comes away understanding that, with God, one person can make a big difference in the lives of others.
While I enjoyed almost everything I read, I found myself more attracted to the simple wisdom of Denver. For example, listen to his wisdom from pages 45 & 46.
And needy people don’t need no perfect people neither. When Jesus sent His disciples out, He sent Peter right along, knowin Peter had a bad temper and a potty mouth and was gon’ deny Him three times. He sent John and James even though they was full a’ pride and fightin over the best seat at the table. He even sent Judas, knowin Judas was goin’ etray Him. Even though Jesus knowed all a’ their sin and weakness, He sent ‘em anyway.
Listen, if the devil ain’t messin with you, he’s already got you. If you is waitin to clean up your own life before you get out and help somebody else, you may as well take off your shoes and crawl back in the bed ‘cause it ain’t never gon’ happen. Jesus don’t need no help from no perfect saints. If He did, He wouldn’t a’ gone up yonder and left us down here in charge.
Or, here’s another example from page 61:
Now Denver completed his verdict and gave me (Ron) an ultimatum. Keeping me pinned with that eyeball, he said, “You know what you did? You judged a man without knowin his heart. And I’m gon’ tell you something. If you gon’ walk these streets with me, you gon’ have to learn how to serve these people without judging ‘em. Let the judging be up to God.
Those have to be some of the most profound words I have ever read outside of Scripture on the subject of not judging others!
The book is laced with real stories from others who were touched by “Same Kind of Different as Me”. Also, Ron and Denver relate stories from the lives of some of the people who intersected their life. In particular, the story of Mr. Ballantine in chapter 17 and the “Big Chicken Dinner” man from Seattle described in chapter 24.
This work is a very easy 201 pages to read but, more importantly, an enjoyable and profitable 201 pages to read. I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy and see for yourself.
In the meantime, I need to get my hands on a copy of “Same Kind of Different as Me”!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Is My Desk "Captive to the Word of God"?
I actually have two desks facing each other in my work area at home (plus several filing cabinets and bookshelves). On one of these desks I do most of my work: sermon prep, lecture prep, grading papers, secular computer work, paying bills, etc. My other desk was intended to be used as a secondary work area when I had multiple activities going on at once.
Well, I turned around and the state of my second desk finally hit me. What a mess! On its surface are folders containing notes, several books (many of them Bible translations or Scripture related), pictures, pens, pamphlets, church items, and homeschooling software. I can barely see the desktop itself!
This is NOT what I mean by the title of this blog: "Captive to the Word of God". Yet, that is almost how I feel when I look at this desk, namely, a captive! It is time to put some of the folders into my filing cabinets, books back into their shelves, and the "junk" into the trash can.
The title of the blog actually refers to a statement made by Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms in 1521. His remark reflects my desire to be like him in this sense: may every step of my life be so governed by God's Word that I become a captive to that Word.
Appearing before members of the Roman Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, in the German city of Worms, the exchange provoking Luther's statement went something like this:
Archbishop of Trier, Eck (pointing to books on a table): "Are these your writings?"
Luther: "The books are all mine, and I have written more."
Eck: "Do you defend them all, or do you care to reject a part?"
Luther: "Most serene emperor, most illustrious princes, most clement lords, if I have not given some of you your proper titles I beg you to forgive me. I am not a courtier, but a monk. You asked me yesterday whether I would repudiate them. They are all mine, but as for the second question, they are not all of one sort. Some deal with faith and life so simply and evagelically that my very enemies are compelled to regard them as worthy of Christian reading. Even the bull itself does not treat all my books as of one kind. If I should renounce these, I would be the only man on earth to damn the truth confessed alike by friends an foes. A second class of my works inveighs against the desolation of the Christian world by the evil lives and teaching of the papists. Who can deny this when the universal complaints testify that by the laws of the popes the consciences of men are racked?"
Emperor Charles V: "No!"
Luther: "Should I recant at this point, I would open the door to more tyranny and impiety, and it will be all the worse should it appear that I had done so at the instance of the Holy Roman Empire. A third class contains attacks on private individuals. I confess I have been more caustic than comports with my profession, but I am being judged, not on my life, but for the teaching of Christ, and I cannot renounce these works either, without increasing tyranny and impiety. ... I commend myself to Your Majesty. May you not suffer my adversaries to make you ill disposed to me without cause. I have spoken."
Eck: "Martin, you have not sufficiently distinguished your works. The earlier were bad and the latter worse. Your plea to be heard from Scripture is the one always made by heretics. You do nothing but renew the errors of Wyclif and Hus. ... Martin, how can you assume that you are the only one to understand the sense of Scripture? ... I ask you, Martin--answer candidly and without horns--do you or do you not repudiate your books and the errors which they contain?"
Luther: "Since then Your Majesty and your lordships desire a simple reply, I will answer without horns and without teeth. Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason--I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other--my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen."
April 18, 1521 (taken primarily from Bainton's work "Here I Stand", pp. 141-144).
Well, I turned around and the state of my second desk finally hit me. What a mess! On its surface are folders containing notes, several books (many of them Bible translations or Scripture related), pictures, pens, pamphlets, church items, and homeschooling software. I can barely see the desktop itself!
This is NOT what I mean by the title of this blog: "Captive to the Word of God". Yet, that is almost how I feel when I look at this desk, namely, a captive! It is time to put some of the folders into my filing cabinets, books back into their shelves, and the "junk" into the trash can.
The title of the blog actually refers to a statement made by Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms in 1521. His remark reflects my desire to be like him in this sense: may every step of my life be so governed by God's Word that I become a captive to that Word.
Appearing before members of the Roman Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, in the German city of Worms, the exchange provoking Luther's statement went something like this:
Archbishop of Trier, Eck (pointing to books on a table): "Are these your writings?"
Luther: "The books are all mine, and I have written more."
Eck: "Do you defend them all, or do you care to reject a part?"
Luther: "Most serene emperor, most illustrious princes, most clement lords, if I have not given some of you your proper titles I beg you to forgive me. I am not a courtier, but a monk. You asked me yesterday whether I would repudiate them. They are all mine, but as for the second question, they are not all of one sort. Some deal with faith and life so simply and evagelically that my very enemies are compelled to regard them as worthy of Christian reading. Even the bull itself does not treat all my books as of one kind. If I should renounce these, I would be the only man on earth to damn the truth confessed alike by friends an foes. A second class of my works inveighs against the desolation of the Christian world by the evil lives and teaching of the papists. Who can deny this when the universal complaints testify that by the laws of the popes the consciences of men are racked?"
Emperor Charles V: "No!"
Luther: "Should I recant at this point, I would open the door to more tyranny and impiety, and it will be all the worse should it appear that I had done so at the instance of the Holy Roman Empire. A third class contains attacks on private individuals. I confess I have been more caustic than comports with my profession, but I am being judged, not on my life, but for the teaching of Christ, and I cannot renounce these works either, without increasing tyranny and impiety. ... I commend myself to Your Majesty. May you not suffer my adversaries to make you ill disposed to me without cause. I have spoken."
Eck: "Martin, you have not sufficiently distinguished your works. The earlier were bad and the latter worse. Your plea to be heard from Scripture is the one always made by heretics. You do nothing but renew the errors of Wyclif and Hus. ... Martin, how can you assume that you are the only one to understand the sense of Scripture? ... I ask you, Martin--answer candidly and without horns--do you or do you not repudiate your books and the errors which they contain?"
Luther: "Since then Your Majesty and your lordships desire a simple reply, I will answer without horns and without teeth. Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason--I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other--my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen."
April 18, 1521 (taken primarily from Bainton's work "Here I Stand", pp. 141-144).
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Bearing Fruit in Your Old Age
I am 59 years of age and there are days when I physically feel every second of my years! Thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, I am still alive and in fairly good health. Medication helps my blood pressure remain "normal", my heart from going "a-fib", and my blood sugars close to where they should be. I am thankful God has granted wisdom to men and women who have developed such medicine.
Yet this year has yielded some evidence to my physical decline, evidence I have not seen in the past. My right eye was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy essentially meaning diabetes is slowing destroying sight in that eye. Furthermore, two tears were found in that retina. A couple of laser treatments have repaired the tears and also assisted in reversing some of the retinopathy.
Also, while accompanying one of my daughters to her doctor's appointment, a dermitologist took more interest in me than in her. She recommended I set up my own appointment with her which I did. Her examination concluded I had some pre-cancerous skin cells on my right arm as well as on a portion of my face. She treated the right arm in the office but, given the extent of the damage she saw on my face, recommended I use a prescribed cream to treat that area. She told me to use the ointment twice a day for 3 weeks but not to begin until the weather was cooler, around October 1st. She forewarned me that the medicine would make my face "perfect" for Halloween!
Well, the treatments have begun and, after only one week, the bad cells are beginning to show up as dark spots on my face. My face has become sore and aches when I wash it. I discovered yesterday that shaving above my beard is so painful now that I will bypass that act until my skin has recovered from this treatment. Indeed, I am looking more and more like an ogre every day and still have two more weeks of applying this cream!
I say all of this to explain how all of this has made me feel quite old this week (plus my oldest child turned 36!). My reflexes are slow, my eyes ache, my face hurts, my joints experience pain with minimal use: I am a mess. How can the Lord continue to use such a servant?
My daily Scripture reading brought me to Psalm 92 today where I read:
"They (the righteous) still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him" (Psalm 92:14-15, ESV).
Wow, what a great text! "They still bear fruit in old age". Well, I'm old and getting older every day. What a great promise to know that, despite my age and my aches and pains, I can still be fruitful in the work of our Lord. I can still declare the Lord is righteous. The Lord will still use me even with a face that might rival that of the Frankenstein monster!
The phrase "full of sap and green" bothered me a bit because I figured some family member or friend might read this blog entry and make some comment about me being "sappy". So, I checked out the passage in the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) and read this:
"They will stear bear fruit in old age, healthy and green, to declare: 'The Lord is just; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.'"
In the midst of our ever increasing age, our mounting pains, and our reduced physical abilities, REJOICE in the promise that, in God's Kingdom, even the old bear fruit. They declare to everyone that crosses their path, whether by preaching, teaching, sharing, giving, singing, worshiping, or writing, "the Lord is just".
May Jesus be praised for not only redeeming us and providing the righteousness by which we are declared just before God, but for using us as His servants, even in our old age!
Yet this year has yielded some evidence to my physical decline, evidence I have not seen in the past. My right eye was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy essentially meaning diabetes is slowing destroying sight in that eye. Furthermore, two tears were found in that retina. A couple of laser treatments have repaired the tears and also assisted in reversing some of the retinopathy.
Also, while accompanying one of my daughters to her doctor's appointment, a dermitologist took more interest in me than in her. She recommended I set up my own appointment with her which I did. Her examination concluded I had some pre-cancerous skin cells on my right arm as well as on a portion of my face. She treated the right arm in the office but, given the extent of the damage she saw on my face, recommended I use a prescribed cream to treat that area. She told me to use the ointment twice a day for 3 weeks but not to begin until the weather was cooler, around October 1st. She forewarned me that the medicine would make my face "perfect" for Halloween!
Well, the treatments have begun and, after only one week, the bad cells are beginning to show up as dark spots on my face. My face has become sore and aches when I wash it. I discovered yesterday that shaving above my beard is so painful now that I will bypass that act until my skin has recovered from this treatment. Indeed, I am looking more and more like an ogre every day and still have two more weeks of applying this cream!
I say all of this to explain how all of this has made me feel quite old this week (plus my oldest child turned 36!). My reflexes are slow, my eyes ache, my face hurts, my joints experience pain with minimal use: I am a mess. How can the Lord continue to use such a servant?
My daily Scripture reading brought me to Psalm 92 today where I read:
"They (the righteous) still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him" (Psalm 92:14-15, ESV).
Wow, what a great text! "They still bear fruit in old age". Well, I'm old and getting older every day. What a great promise to know that, despite my age and my aches and pains, I can still be fruitful in the work of our Lord. I can still declare the Lord is righteous. The Lord will still use me even with a face that might rival that of the Frankenstein monster!
The phrase "full of sap and green" bothered me a bit because I figured some family member or friend might read this blog entry and make some comment about me being "sappy". So, I checked out the passage in the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) and read this:
"They will stear bear fruit in old age, healthy and green, to declare: 'The Lord is just; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.'"
In the midst of our ever increasing age, our mounting pains, and our reduced physical abilities, REJOICE in the promise that, in God's Kingdom, even the old bear fruit. They declare to everyone that crosses their path, whether by preaching, teaching, sharing, giving, singing, worshiping, or writing, "the Lord is just".
May Jesus be praised for not only redeeming us and providing the righteousness by which we are declared just before God, but for using us as His servants, even in our old age!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)