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

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

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

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

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

What did you score?

What do you think?

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

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

One thing the word is – cool!

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

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

Define “missional” in 140 characters or less.

The answers?

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

@aaronsauer A popular buzz word among hip Christians.

@AlaskaBiff salt & light (missional)

@aaronstrongarm Being all things to all people to save some

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An interesting conversation (per twitter) follows.

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

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

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

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

The consensus?

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

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

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

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

Such ministries might be defended in various ways such as:

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

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

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

As Christians, we worship a victimized Lord.

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

I disagree.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I agree with DeYoung when he said the following.

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

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

Christians need not play the victim.

Christianity – A Faith Worth Defending
Dr. James White

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you there!

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

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

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

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

I. Unity of the Spirit.

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

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

II. Keeping this unity.

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

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

III. A bond of peace.

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

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

Spurgeon’s charge for the coming year.

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

I’ve often wondered if Christians in the USA have freedom to their detriment. There are so many churches that they can leave one for another for whatever reason they like. Many start campaigns and stand against national department stores for not saying Merry Christmas. It is easy to complain about the world not holding to a Christian standard found in this phrase during this national holiday.

For some reason Christians do not start national campaigns to hold Christians to biblical standards. Standards like standing firm in their faith and actively sharing the Gospel in daily life. While sharing the Gospel can be scary in some sense there is much freedom to share it in the USA.

Sharing the Gospel won’t kill you!

It might kill your nerves which just turns you back to rely on Christ. However, in Pakistan, being a Christian just might get you killed. That is, if you are a Christian and your childhood friends are Muslim.

Friends? Really?

Patras Masih was killed by his childhood Muslim friends for being a Christian, reports The Voice of the Martyrs.

The three told him that they would spare his life only if he converted to Islam. When Patras refused to do so, he was shot multiple times in the chest. According to Patras’s father, Gulzar, his Muslim friends had tried to pressure him to convert several other times, but Patras always refused. Gulzar stated, “My son bravely refused to recant Christianity and clung to Christ. He bravely embraced martyrdom.” The local police have registered a murder case against the three, but they remained at large at last report.

That is an incredibly sad story. In one sense, it is unbelievable. That is, if things like this did not happen as frequently as they do, especially, from Islam, the religion of peace. However, not only can American Christians freely share the Gospel, they can do it without the fear of being killed for it. Just as important is the fact that sharing the Gospel with someone is not a convert or I will kill you proposition.

The Gospel is Jesus’ work to save sinners. It is a Christian’s privilege to share the Gospel. The American Christian persecution for sharing the Gospel is a joke. Especially, compared to other parts of the world as seen in the above example.

Pray for the Masih family and for the Holy Spirit to awaken the souls of American Christians to boldly proclaim the Gospel.

I’m reminded of Ephesians 6:19 and [pray] also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.

And boy do I need to be reminded daily!

‘I am Tiger Woods’ is a popular slogan repeated by several kids in a Nike commercial. Given Woods’ recent transgressions that phrase is even more true today. Except the adults are missing.

GASP?!

It’s true, as I mentioned in Tiger Woods and the cross, he is just like the rest of us. I am not talking about the money or the golf. I am talking about the transgressions. The sin.

Woods’ sin might look different in manifestation than yours, but your sin is still sin. Even the slogan ‘I am Tiger Woods’ can push people to idolatry and covetousness.

How many still idolize and covet Woods’ golfing ability? Business success? Money? How many, married or not, would gladly add Woods’ recent transgressions as a notch in their belts?

What he did to his family was terrible. His sins before God are worse as are all of ours. Paul tells us in Galatians what these sins look like.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. [Galatians 5:19-21, ESV]

Woods’ sins are fodder for the world. They sell and may never go away in his life time or after. Your sins are fodder on a different scale, but no less. You are Tiger Woods. Repent and turn to Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.

I am Tiger Woods.

Fellow Southern Baptist and blogger Trevin Wax tweeted something today that really stuck.

The world estimates your importance by how many people are serving YOU. God estimates your importance by how many people YOU are serving.

First, the world does measure one’s importance by their popularity in one vein or another. Tiger Woods is a recent example of this. (I pray Tiger Woods would turn to Christ.) If Woods was just some local golf club pro no one would really care. That is, except his family and those closest to him which actually speaks on the second part of the quote.

Even the rich and famous have loved ones in their lives they are responsible for serving in some manner. Self can still get in the way. So while the world is paying the price of admission the loved ones are paying what money can’t.

The world really does not care.

The second half of the quote really hit home. Do not concentrate on the statement of the quantity of people being served. Forget that potential quibble. As Christians we are hear to serve. We serve God by serving others as His servants.

Think of the convicting question – “Are you serving others?”

How many people are YOU serving? Who are YOU serving? Are YOU serving intentionally? Right on! Right, but…then I think about ME.

The YOU in the quote is actually ME! It is a wonderfully reflection of serving others that really stings sometimes. I think about how I am serving my family, my church, at work, this blog, etc. These questions always turn me to Christ in repentance seeking how I can be more like Him.

Scripture so beautifully brings it home.

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. [Galatians 5:13,ESV]

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. [1 Peter 4:8-11,ESV]

How do you serve others? Please feel free to share.

Can asking for prayer ever be a burden?

That might sound like a strange question. It just might be right now, but hear me out. I am not talking about prayer requests that turn into gossip. Those requests that ask for prayer for uncle Bill’s and aunt Martha’s marriage only to go on to give intimate details of the problems. No. Not those kind.

The potential burden comes from people asking others who have ongoing prayer requests about those requests. Let me explain further.

I did not know this to be a real issue at first until speaking with several people from different churches. Constant asking for updates on a prayer request can lead to probing questions on said request.

For example, a person could have an ongoing injury or illness. Then, every time that person is with the church gathered they are overwhelmed with questions like – How is your injury/illness? While that is understandable the people asking do not often realize they may be the 10th person asking in a very short period of time. The person might even be grieving about a particular issue.

A good illustration of this is found in the movie The Wedding Singer. Right after the wedding singer (who is the main character) is stood up at the marriage altar by his fiancee he meets with some friends. One guy in the group probes him about being stood up. The wedding singer replied..

“No, It felt really good. Thanks for bringing it up man. You know my parents died when I was ten, would you like to talk about that?”

That should help the perspective a little, but there is a little more to the story.

I have been told that other questions often get asked like:

• Did you try XYZ for your injury/illness, etc.?
• Have you thought about XYZ treatment, etc.?

To put this in perspective, think of asking a cancer patient or someone who just had a leg amputated questions like:

• With so many people diagnosed with cancer did you ever think about changing your diet prior to being diagnosed?
• Are you really doing all you can in your treatments?
• Does it bother you that your hair is falling out so soon from treatments?
• Did you really do everything you could to save your leg?
• I see how you’re limping, have you tried walking like this?
• Couldn’t the doctors have done more?
• It has only been a week, but do you miss your leg yet?

Constant inquiry on how one is doing combined with questioning how one is treating their injury/illness just weigh on the person. They act as constant reminders of their struggles. The questioning comes across as second guessing the person that they are not doing all they can to take care of their problems.

The people with the injury/illness might live daily struggling and praying to get well. I have been told that the questioning makes it that much harder to deal with. It can even make fellowship hard because of what seem like thoughtless questions. The injured/ill have most likely sought out several options and gone over them with their doctor(s). Yes, they have probably even been on WebMD.

Fairness to the concerned is due, however.

The people asking those injured/ill mean no harm. Even when they suggest “solutions” and appear to second guess they are trying to be helpful. They really do care. That is why they are asking. The intent is to help the person get well as they continue praying. The intentions are noble, but can come across as inconsiderate in a given situation.

This is where the injured/ill need to have some grace. They need to understand that people are only trying to care for them. They should be thankful for the concern and prayers.

So how do Christians better communicate in these situations? As mentioned above, these are not isolated occurrences. These experiences come from different people in different churches.

Seeking advice for future edification.

• Have any of you had any experiences like the above? Care to share how you dealt with the situation?

• What is the best way to explain to people who care and question like above?

• Thoughts in general on the whole situation?

Remember, be gracious in your reply.

Je­ho­vah Tsid­ke­nu is a name for God which means “The Lord Our Right­eous­ness.” This is easily forgotten today with the emphasis on doing good deeds for God.

Preaching the Gospel to yourself is a great reminder that deeds do not save. It is the Gospel of grace through faith alone that saves. Jesus Christ is our righteousness not our good works.

The poem below by Robert Murray M’Cheyne is a great reminder of the Lord Our Righteousness.

Je­ho­vah Tsid­ke­nu

I once was a stranger to grace and to God,
I knew not my danger, and felt not my load;
Though friends spoke in rapture of Christ on the tree,
Jehovah Tsidkenu was nothing to me.

I oft read with pleasure, to sooth or engage,
Isaiah’s wild measure and John’s simple page;
But e’en when they pictured the blood-sprinkled tree
Jehovah Tsidkenu seem’d nothing to me.

Like tears from the daughters of Zion that roll,
I wept when the waters went over His soul;
Yet thought not that my sins had nail’d to the tree
Jehovah Tsidkenu – ’twas nothing to me.

When free grace awoke me, by light from on high,
Then legal fears shook me, I trembled to die;
No refuge, no safety in self could I see, -
Jehovah Tsidkenu my Saviour must be.

My terrors all vanished before the sweet name;
My guilty fears banished, with boldness I came
To drink at the fountain, life-giving and free, -
Jehovah Tsidkenu is all things to me.

Jehovah Tsidkenu! my treasure and boast,
Jehovah Tsidkenu! I ne’er can be lost;
In thee I shall conquer by flood and by field,
My cable, my anchor, my breast-plate and shield!

Even treading the valley, the shadow of death,
This “watchword” shall rally my faltering breath;
For while from life’s fever my God sets me free,
Jehovah Tsidkenu, my death song shall be.

~Robert Murray M’Cheyne, November 18, 1884.

The internet can be used for good, bad, stupid, indifferent, etc. like many things in life. The more sinful people get involved with these things the more we mess them up. Please, don’t look around the internet. Take my word for it.

Funny, we still cannot stand in God’s way.

God sovereignly works through the internet where Christians have various levels of interaction from fellowship to prayer to sharing the Gospel. What is interesting about the internet is that, unlike early Christianity where New Testament letters took time to reach their intended audience, most internet communication is instant. This is usually a good thing.

Recently, there have been a lot of prayers and applied theology shared online. I’ve added a few prayer requests to my prayer page, but it has really been on blogs, facebook and twitter where people have shared and prayed for each other.

I just want to point out a few recent places of encouragement where prayers have been have been shared and theology applied for some very tough areas in life. These are wonderful testimonies of trusting God.

• Comfort in God’s Sovereignty and Goodness – A six year old boy was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

• My Heart is full…I am Thankful – Matt Chandler reflections prior to surgery today where he has a good portion of his right frontal lobe removed. He has a heart that is filled with gratitude and hope.

• The Lord, our fire in the hearth–His promises, our coat – Lauren Chandler (Matt’s wife) shares a devotional she read this morning. Acknowledging the sweetness of the Lord to not leave Matt, their family and her alone.

• Reflecting on Matt Chandler and My Wife – Steve McCoy really expresses some God-centered thoughts on life and theology. He shares from his own life and his wife’s brain surgery.

These are wonderful testimonies of trusting God. Please feel free to add more below. I’m sure there are many out there. These in particular though have weighed on me.

Grace to you.

Church is boring. Right?

No matter what setting one is in the same basic activities are done each worship service. Sing, pray, Scripture reading, announcements, some sort of preaching, fellowship. Did I mention singing? However a worship service is set-up it is most likely going to be similar week after week.

Even if worship time is more varied people will still think it boring at times.

Whether it is boredom or some other attitude of doom it all points back to the lens in which worship time is viewed. The lens of sin. Of course, everything you do is tainted by sin as God is sanctifying you. This does not mean that every thought is not taken captive and focused on Christ as Scripture commands in 2 Corinthians 10:5-6.

God gives everything from jobs to homes to families. Some even complain about these things! Many people hate their jobs yet put up with them daily because they feel they have to. Yet, the same people come freely to worship God and complain about being bored.

God is not here to entertain you.

God does not need worship as if it completes Him in some way. Sinners on the other hand… Sinners, you, need to worship God. You experience God’s grace in forgiveness, mercy, love, fellowship, etc. in worship. And, you get to go home thankful afterward.

You get all of this in spite of yourself. God accepts your worship in spite of that last sinful thought prior to singing or saying that last “Amen.”

God accepts your worship and feeds you spiritually during worship all because of what Jesus has done on your behalf in the Gospel. You do not even deserve to worship the way you do! Nor to complain about it.

If you think that your boredom problem is a need to be met, you do not understand your true needs in Christ.

What do you tell people who complain about being bored? Or who complain about any aspect of the worship service? What do you tell yourself?

The heart’s fierce effort to protect itself from every slight, to shield its touchy honor from the bad opinion of friend and enemy, will never let the mind have rest. Continue this fight through the years and the burden will become intolerable. Yet the sons of earth are carrying this burden continually, challenging every word spoken against them, cringing under every criticism, smarting under each fancied slight, tossing sleepless if another is preferred before them. Such a burden as this is not necessary to bear. Jesus calls us to His rest, and meekness is His method. The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort. He develops toward himself a kindly sense of humor and learns to say, `Oh, so you have been overlooked? They have placed someone else before you? They have whispered that you are pretty small stuff after all? And now you feel hurt because the world is saying about you the very things you have been saying about yourself? Only yesterday you were telling God that you were nothing, a mere worm of the dust. Where is your consistency? Come on, humble yourself, and cease to care what men think.’  – Tozer, A.W. The Pursuit of God. Wilder Pubns Ltd, 2008. 72-73. Print.

The heart of the world is breaking under this load of pride and pretense. There is no release from our burden apart from the meekness of Christ. Good keen reasoning may help slightly, but so strong is this vice that if we push it down one place it will come up somewhere else. To men and women everywhere Jesus says, `Come unto me, and I will give you rest.’ The rest He offers is the rest of meekness, the blessed relief which comes when we accept ourselves for what we are and cease to pretend. It will take some courage at first, but the needed grace will come as we learn that we are sharing this new and easy yoke with the strong Son of God Himself. He calls it `my yoke,’ and He walks at one end while we walk at the other.

Lord, make me childlike. Deliver me from the urge to compete with another for place or prestige or position. I would be simple and artless as a little child. Deliver me from pose and pretense. Forgive me for thinking of myself. Help me to forget myself and find my true peace in beholding Thee. That Thou mayest answer this prayer I humble myself before Thee. Lay upon me Thy easy yoke of self-forgetfulness that through it I may find rest. Amen. – Ibid. 75.

Just have faith. Keep the faith. Faith is important. Everyone needs faith in something. These types of statements about faith can be found just about anywhere.

What does having faith actually do?

Faith gives hope. It is something to rely on in times of need. It gives comfort. But why? It is something outside of one’s self when self is not enough. However, if there is no object for faith to rely on then it points back to self. Or if the object is wrong faith ends up being useless.

Christians can fall into this wrong way of thinking about faith too. There are sects of Christianity that end up with a teaching of having faith in faith. They look to their faith rather than through it.

Faith is an instrument for which to rely on Christ Jesus. Jesus is where the Christians reliance upon and hope in lies through faith. Jesus work on the cross is an objective work of God that saves. The Christian’s faith waivers and is imperfect. It is not the ground on which salvation is secure. It is through faith in Christ upon which one is secure.

When one calls 911 in the case of an emergency, it is not the telephone call that offers help. The telephone is the instrument through which to reach help. The caller is not relying on the telephone, not matter how imperfect the connection or communication, but upon the responders. Michael Horton offers a good illustration below.

The more we hear and understand concerning the gospel, the more our faith grows and strengthens. Nevertheless, the weakest faith clings to a sufficient Savior. Faith itself does not save us from judgment any more than the quality of one’s confidence in the lifeguard is responsible for being rescued from drowning. It is the rescuer not the one rescued, who saves. In fact, it is in the very act of rescuing that a victim finds himself or herself clinging to the rescuer in confidence. I have yet to see a headline like, “Drowning Victim Rescued by Superior Clinging.” It is always the lifeguard who is credited with the rescue. It is on account of Christ that we are justified, through faith, and not on account of our faith itself. – Horton, Michael. The Gospel-Driven Life. 1st. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2009. 124. Print.

Remember, ground your salvation and hope for all of life through faith in Christ not in the faith itself.

Life is hard. Worshiping God can be harder. At times life seems to get in the way of God. Actually, it is our sinfulness that is in the way. The problem only gets bigger because without God there is no way for us. Thankfully, Jesus Christ has done for us in the Gospel what we cannot do for ourselves. How ever hard life seems there is always rest and forgiveness through faith in Jesus. Life’s trials should not cause us to abandon worshiping God. We should seek Him more fervently in hard times!

When we are in pain and difficulty, we are tempted to skip personal devotions and corporate worship. We allow ourselves to miss small group meetings and to ignore ministry opportunities. In subtle and not so subtle ways, joyful worship is replaced by doubt, anger, fear, discouragement, envy, bitterness, and cynicism. But when you peek into the cave of Psalm 4, you don’t find David wallowing in a pool of complaints. You find him worshiping God!  – Lane, Timothy S., and Paul David Tripp. How People Change. 2nd. Greensboro: New Growth Press, 2008. 186.

Be encouraged from God’s word.

Psalm 4 [ESV]

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?
Selah

But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.

Be angry, and do not sin;
ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.
Selah

Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the LORD.

There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!”
You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Dr. William Lane Craig has an article called A Middle Knowledge Perspective on Biblical Inspiration. In this article he offers Molinism as the answer of how God can work with man to write inspired Scripture. This preserves man’s freedom while still giving God a level of control of the outcome. If this position is satisfactory for the inspiration of written Scripture, why is it not satisfactory for other areas in which God works in peoples’ lives?

Taking Craig’s conclusion built upon Molinism of how the Bible was inspired and applying it salvation seems to offer no valid reason why all are not saved. The first paragraph below are Craig’s actual words. The second is my re-written paragraph using Craig’s position, but applying it to salvation.

In conclusion, it seems to me that the traditional doctrine of the plenary, verbal, confluent inspiration of Scripture is a coherent doctrine, given divine middle knowledge. Because God knew the relevant counterfactuals of creaturely freedom, He was able to decree a world containing just those circumstances and persons such that the authors of Scripture would freely compose their respective writings, which God intended to be His gracious Word to us. In the providence of God, the Bible is thus both the Word of God and the word of man.

My version re-written and applied to salvation.

In conclusion, it seems to me that the traditional doctrine of hell and damnation due to free will choices of men outside of inspiration is incoherent, given divine middle knowledge. Because God knew the relevant counterfactuals of creaturely freedom, He was able to decree a world containing just those circumstances and persons such that the “would be” condemned would freely compose their respective free choices, which God intended to be His gracious gift to us. In the providence of God, the choice to believe the gospel is thus both of God and of man.

See also: Is God merely trying to save everyone?

My good friends John and Shannon Jordan are going through one of those unexpected trials of life. On October 31 their six year old son Gideon was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

They started a Facebook group (link at the end) for prayers and updates on Gideon. In less than a month, over 1,800 members joined the group. This group allowed people to pray, keep up with Gideon’s progress and even gave a way for people to donate to the Jordan’s to help them financially.

The bad news is that the Jordan’s are still recovering in some ways including financially. The good news is that Gideon went through the surgery just fine and is home improving daily. The best news is that God has been glorified during this whole turn of events as the Jordan’s have sought Him to sustain them. They have been able to share God’s faithfulness to strangers of whom many are not Christians.

Below is John Jordan’s last message on the Facebook group. It is very encouraging for anyone to read from someone going through a this situation. John shares about trusting in God during this time. He would be the first to tell you that theology matters which includes a biblically high view of God, His goodness and sovereignty.

A Personal Message of Trusting God

It’s now been more than two weeks since this trial began. God has been so good to us. Probably 90% of you who have joined this group, I’ve never met. Thank you so much for this great outpouring of love.

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve done a lot of thinking about what God might be teaching us through this. We’ve received many comments from people who have admired our faith through this trial.

I’ve always been a little uncomfortable with those comments. As I’ve thought about why that makes uncomfortable, I’ve come up with two reasons.

First of all, I’m unsure about what kind of faith is being talked about. I’ve never been sure that it is God’s will that our Gideon be brought back to full health.

Now, when I say that, I’m not saying that I don’t think God could do that nor do I want you do think that I don’t desire that. I just don’t think that is the way God always works. However, I do know that God does work all things out for Him to get the maximum glory.

Now, many of you may ask “how can God get glory unless he heals Gideon?” My response would be that he definitely gets glory by healing Gideon, but He gets even more glory when we have our full satisfaction in Him and Him alone!

God isn’t all satisfying and worthy of my praise because he makes us healthy and wealthy. He isn’t worthy because He heals my little boy. He is all satisfying because He is God and He always does what is right! He is all satisfying because he rescued me from my biggest problem.

Our greatest problem isn’t poverty, lack of self-esteem, or brain tumors. Our biggest problem is we have sinned against a holy righteous God. He has saved me from my sin, and for that reason alone he is all satisfying. He is enough.

Yes, we have faith in our God, but our faith is that He will do what’s right and what is best…even if that meant taking Gideon from us.

Psalm 73:25-28 says it best: [NIV]

Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.

The other reason I’m uncomfortable for praise of our faith is because this faith isn’t something of our own doing. This isn’t something that we “tried” and found it to work so we went with it. This faith we have is a gift from God. We cannot take any credit for our trust and faith in God during this trial.

The great news is that there is nothing that disqualifies any of you reading this from having this same faith. No amount of sin disqualifies you. I can say this because I know that I’m probably a greater sinner than any of you and God has been so kind to give me this faith.

Many of you reading this I know are in one of two places. Some of you think that you are a believer, but you aren’t. Some of you know that you aren’t a Christian.

To each of you, I would like to ask you the question-How do you feel right now about your sin? Do you hate it? Are there things that you are treasuring more than Christ?

Maybe you’re treasuring wealth. Maybe it’s sex. Maybe it’s your home. Maybe it’s your children. If you couldn’t do without any of these things, then you have every reason to doubt you are a Christian.

Jesus is the only way to heaven. No one can be good enough to get there. God demands perfection and we just can’t come close to attaining that. That’s why we need Jesus. He lived a sinless life and then became the substitute for His children’s sins.

If you are now seeing your sin in a different light…if you are now seeing how bad your sin is, perhaps you are one of His and He is now calling you into His family.

Plead with Him to save you and He will. He is so satisfying, friends! I’ve never known it as strongly as I have in the last couple weeks. He really is ALL that we need.

I would be happy to talk to any of you who have questions. Feel free to send me a message. (Note: John mentioned this for those on the Facebook Group.)

–John

Covenant and Communion: The Biblical Theology of Pope Benedict XVI by Scott Hahn has a few Protestant endorsements. The biggest stir was caused by Michael Horton’s endorsement. People are asking – Why endorse such a book? Would the Apostle Paul have endorsed a book on metaphysics by Aristotle?

Dr. Horton has responded in his post Horton on Hahn. He explained that he is still committed to his Reformed convictions. Horton is not endorsing Hahn’s nor the Pope’s theology, but endorsing Hahn’s understanding of the Pope’s theology.

The question really boils down to what the advantage is for a popular, public Protestant like Horton to endorse a book by the well known “former Protestant,” evangelist and apologist for Rome. There just might be an advantage no one is talking about yet. First, a few quotes from the Protestant endorsements of Hahn’s book.

“Scott Hahn here renders an important service in so clearly setting forth the hermeneutical principles, biblical framework, and doctrinal positions of Pope Benedict XVI, arguably the world’s most important contemporary theologian. The parallels between the biblical theology of the pope and of evangelicals, together with their respective attempts to interpret Scripture theologically in an age marked by modern biblical criticism, are particularly fascinating.”–Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Blanchard Professor of Theology, Wheaton College and Graduate School

“As a Protestant biblical scholar, I found Scott Hahn’s exposition of Pope Benedict’s biblical theology both informative and inspiring. In spite of differences, Protestants need to read this book to understand how deeply we can agree on the primacy of Christ and the Word. Through Hahn, I have a new appreciation for the mind and heart of Pope Benedict.”–Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College

“Even when one disagrees with some of his conclusions, Benedict’s insights, as well as his engagement with critical scholarship, offer a wealth of reflection. In this remarkable book, Scott Hahn has drawn out the central themes of Benedict’s teaching in a highly readable summary that includes not only the pope’s published works but also his less-accessible homilies and addresses. This is an eminently useful guide for introducing the thought of an important theologian of our time.”–Michael S. Horton, J. G. Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California

Advantage Validity?

When critiquing Roman Catholic theology Protestants are given a number of reason why they have no right to interpret said theology. The reasons may be given from different angles, but usually point to the authority of the Catholic church. The Magisterium of the Catholic church is the only legitimate authority appointed by God to interpret the Bible and give official teaching on faith.

As I understand it, Scott Hahn has not been vested with the official authority to speak for the Roman Catholic church. Though he is promoted by many to speak in such a capacity on a practical level. Hahn’s interpretation and promotion of the current pope’s teaching will be used to defend and proclaim Rome. Shouldn’t the above Protestant book endorsers have the same position from which to speak when they need to biblically correct the current pope’s teaching?

If the above Protestants understand the pope’s theology so well that they can endorse a book interpreting said theology, they seem to have been given a level of practical authority. These endorsements should allow Protestants to say something along the lines of:

Since our own Protestant scholars understand the pope’s theology well enough to endorse a book explaining it we can know offer biblical correction to Rome from these scholars. The critiques offered by Protestant scholars to the pope’s theology are no less explanatory than Catholic apologist Scott Hahn.

Lead balloons. Hear them now? Thud! Objections can already be heard. However, turning to Scott Hahn for help in his debate on authority against Robert Knudson we read from the transcript the following against using Sola Scriptura.

Respect for authority? Yes, but it’s a pick and choose kind of respect. “I will respect authority only when it agrees with my interpretation”.

Let’s see how it goes.

Confession and Petition

Holy Lord, I have sinned times without number, and been guilty of pride and unbelief, of failure to find Thy mind in Thy Word, of neglect to seek Thee in my daily life. My transgressions and short-comings present me with a list of accusations, but I bless Thee that they will not stand against me, for all have been laid on Christ. Go on to subdue my corruptions, and grant me grace to live above them. Let not the passions of the flesh nor lustings of the mind bring my spirit into subjection, but do Thou rule over me in liberty and power.

I thank Thee that many of my prayers have been refused. I have asked amiss and do not have, I have prayed from lusts and been rejected, I have longed for Egypt and been given a wilderness. Go on with Thy patient work, answering ‘no’ to my wrongful prayers, and fitting me to accept it. Purge me from every false desire, every base aspiration, everything contrary to Thy rule. I thank Thee for Thy wisdom and Thy love, for all the acts of discipline to which I am subject, for sometimes putting me into the furnace to refine my gold and remove my dross.

No trial is so hard to bear as a sense of sin. If Thou shouldst give me choice to live in pleasure and keep my sins, or to have them burnt away with trial, give me sanctified affliction. Deliver me from every evil habit, every accretion of former sins, everything that dims the brightness of Thy grace in me, everything that prevents me taking delight in Thee. Then I shall bless Thee, God of jeshurun, for helping me to be upright.

~ A Puritan prayer, author unknown

Many Christians around the world are preparing to worship. Nothing as powerful as God’s word to reflect on worship.

When we understand just how sinful we are it is easier to truly appreciate God’s grace in saving us. It is a blessing to gather together as a community of Christians petitioning God directly. An undeserved blessing made possible only through Christ’s life, death and resurrection.

Just how undeserving are we? How much do we realize this? People will talk about how they do not deserves things in life such as spouses, certain friends, family, etc. To the degree to which that is true, how much more do we all not deserve to be adopted children of God looking to inherit eternal life?

Think and reflect on your thoughts and thought life in general. How unholy are your thoughts? Honestly? Think about what you, what we all deserve. Seriously. Honestly. Think.

Now slowly read the passages below and reflect on what Christ has given that you do not deserve. Worship humbly, thankfully and in brotherly love.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:1-11 [ESV]

Doubt sees the obstacles,
Faith sees the way!

Doubt sees the darkest night,
Faith sees the day!

Doubt dreads to take a step,
Faith soars on high!

Doubt questions, “Who believes?”
Faith answers, “I!”

~author unknown

On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther kicked off the Protestant Reformation. His purpose was to reform the church. That did not work, however, and the Catholic church instead responded with the Council of Trent. Today the protest continues as Trent stands in opposition to the biblical and Protestant understanding of the Gospel.

Many of us are thankful what the Lord did through Martin Luther and the other Reformers. Today is a day of celebration for many. For others it is hard to tell if the Reformation really mattered or not. For example, Protestant Timothy George praises the day in his post Reformation Day, but claims that Martin Luther “belongs to the whole church.”

This includes Roman Catholics who anathematized Luther and to whom Luther would not repent of his theological positions.  Or just look through the lack of consensus among “Evangelicals” at the new Evangel blog section at First Things (who many consider to be a Roman Catholic site.)

Who else is scratching their head? Rome’s theological positions have not changed and neither have the Protestant confessions. It is hard to tell what drives people to compromise what both sides once agreed once saw as disagreements over the very thing that defines Christianity: the gospel.  R.C. Sproul gives some insight on theological compromise in his chapter in The Coming Evangelical Crisis: Current Challenges to Authority of Scripture and the Gospel.

All of this being said, it is an immense tragedy when in our day people are making a mad rush to bring peace, seemingly at any price, when there is no real peace. I have frequently felt the burden of pressure to cooperate in this move away from the sufficiency of the gospel now going on in evangelicalism. I feel this burden for the sake of relationships for the sake of peace among evangelicals, and for the sake of simply getting along and not being perceived as a troublesome person. But the gospel and its sole sufficiency demands much more of me than simply “getting along” with everyone. [Armstrong, John H., General Editor. The Coming Evangelical Crisis: Current Challenges to Authority of Scripture and the Gospel. Chicago: Moody Press, 1996. 114.]

I’m sure we have all seen this and felt the pressure. However, trying to erase, ignore, re-write or re-interpret history does not make it go away. It does not make the written infallible dogmas of Rome some how agree with the Protestant confessions in defining the gospel. Whether it is from the pressure of political agendas, friendship or peace there is another side to this. That is those who do agree that Rome and the Protestants have a different gospel, yet are unwilling to say as much. Sproul gives more insight here too.

A friend of mine, another theologian, said to me recently, “R.C., there’s a strange thing going on today.What we have is people who are willing o be evangelicals and to say, ‘Yes, I believe in the gospel of the free grace of Christ,and that justification is by Christ and Christ alone, by faith and by faith alone, by grace and by grace alone.’ These theologians and leaders are willing to say this in their discussions of theology. What they are not willing to do is to speak out against an opposite view.” To put it another way, they are willing to affirm, but they are not as willing to deny. They’re wiling to be positive, but they’re not willing to say anything negative. I have appreciated the way in which theologians involved in the lordship debate of the last ten years or so have frankly admitted that one side or the other is preaching another gospel. At least we are admitting ths this issue is as important and it really is.

I appreciate when people on both sides have been willing to admit, “One of us is not preaching the gospel of the New Testament.” [ibid. 115-116.]

Sproul wrote those words 13 years ago and they are still insightful today. Maybe more so. If the gospel is really at stake, more people like Luther are needed to stand up for this issue which is of eternal significance. I pray for the boldness Luther had in such disagreements. A boldness that is found in Holy of  which the Apostle Paul reminds us.

and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.[Ephesians 6:19-20, ESV]

For the Kingdom.

P.s. Calvin College has put together what looks to be a great online resource: Post-Reformation Digital Library.

P.p.s. Previous Reformation Day posts: 2008, 2007 and 2006.

In An Idol Called Evangelism Dr. Roy Hargrave states that evangelism rather than the glory of God is driving many churches today.

That might be too strong a position for some to fathom. Maybe unbiblical for others. It is not often that evangelism is spoken of in terms of idolatry. It is an uncomfortable question. Evangelism is very important, but people are good at making just about anything into an idol. So – Could there be a valid concern in this area?

Dr. Hargrave understands that evangelism is the “highest and loftiest” in importance for fulfilling the church’s mission. The issue he is tackling is slightly different as expressed on page 8 of An Idol Called Evangelism.

The problem, however, arises when evangelism is considered an end in itself. It is of utmost importance that the church recognizes evangelism as a means to an end-no an end in itself. The end of all things, including evangelism, is God and His manifested glory.

When evangelism is seen in this ligh, the motive becomes worship instead of mere duty, and it is properly centered upon God and not the creature.

I mentioned this page 16 booklet back in 2007 and recently took another look at it. Can evangelism become an idol? Is it? What are your thoughts? What does it look like when evangelism is an idol?

Christians are good at replacing the gospel with religious duties. There is a performance aspect to the Christian life that says-I got saved and now I’m going to do all this stuff to give back to God. It is a tendency to become either practical or actual legalists.

Consider this definition of legalism in light of your own life and religious duties. Truly consider your motivations.

Legalism is seeking to achieve forgiveness from God and acceptance by God through obedience to God.

In other words, a legalist is anyone who behaves as if they can earn God’s approval and forgiveness through personal performance. [Mahaney, C.J.. The Cross Centered Life. Sisters: Multnomah, 2002. 25.]

This is an uncomfortable thought that many Christians would probably deny. However, when one realizes that the only religious duty performed is what no Christian could do-Jesus death and resurrection-he is quickly humbled. Think about it. Be honest.

The legalist allows his performance of spiritual duties to become his preoccupation and a source of self-righteous pride. In doing so, he unwittingly walks away from the main thing-the gospel. [Ibid.34-35]

The effects of piety on the Christian life can become a list of joyless duties of obedience. Legalism. Rest in Christ can become a sleepless night when the Christian loses focus. It is a must to return to Christ for strength and trust in the very gospel that sustains.

“Lord, I ask for Your grace and strength as I seek to serve You today,” I pray. “I thank you that all Your blessings flow to me from Your Son’s work on my behalf. I am justified by Your grace alone. None of my efforts to obey You and grow in sanctification add to Your finished work at the cross.”

What a joy the gospel gives me. I can approach the throne of God with confidence. Not because I have done a good job at my spiritual duties, but because I am clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.[Ibid. 35]

Think of the implications of the gospel as you prepare your heart and mind to worship; as well as the implications for the whole Christian life.

Reformation Day UPDATE!

• In celebration of Reformation Day The Listener’s Bible is offering a FREE down load of Martin Luther’s – Here I Stand read by Max McLean.

• David Powlison helps with how to break porn addiction – Part 1 and Part 2.

• Jonathan says to Beware Your Seminary Professors, they are not your church elders. (Excellent!)

• The Reformed Forum discusses church membership with Guy Waters.

• Maverick Philosopher on global warming – definitions examined and then some questions. (I could have used these sooner.)

• Tullian Tchividjian uses the five solas to show how to identify a reliable preacher.

• Catholic site First Things has a new group of Evangelical bloggers for more information overload.

• Aaron notes D.A. Carson on The Intolerance of Tolerance, if you can handle it.

• Trevin interviews editor-in-chief of World Magazine on his conversion to Christ, conservatism, writing and more – Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 & Part 4.

• Tony is giving away the Top 22 Books for Devotional Christians.

• If you have ever wanted your own ATM machine – here is your chance!

The sixth session of the Council of Trent,the Canons Concerning Justification, anathematizes me how many times?

Else where in the meta Dan Phillips mentioned to me that we should have a contest.

“How many Romish anathemas can you rack up?”

I decided to count the number of anathemas that I am under from the 33 canons on justification. My count is 23 anathemas as I understand the canons. I tried to consider any nuances. Keep in mind that this is only 1 of 25 sessions of Trent.

It is a wonder if the doctrines of faith alone and imputed righteousness matter anymore. Trent has not changed so the wondering is of the Protestant side. It would not be difficult to find evidence that the doctrines are minimized today. One example is the upcoming National Conference on Christian Apologetics to be held at a baptist church which includes three (as best I can tell) Roman Catholics presenters. (As James White mentions the speakers may not have known who they were to share the stage with.) Another example comes from one of the observations from a recent evangelical conference on evangelism at the 9Marks blog.

Jonathan Leeman in Beware Your Seminary Professors writes the following.

Most of the speakers seemed only too happy to treat Roman Catholics and Greek Orthodox as “brothers and sisters in the faith,” as easily as a Baptist might refer to a Presbyterian. Now, I trust that some RC and GOs are Christians, but such unqualified, unnuanced passing remarks effectively dismiss the Reformation and jeopardize souls. Don’t you realize the effect your passing comments have on sheep?

There are two recent examples from the evangelical side of things that seem to gloss over the differences between Protestants and Roman Catholics. To compromise the theological differences in an apologetics and an evangelism conference makes no sense. In both of these areas the Gospel is central. These mixes are like oil and water.

The canons in question are listed below. Also, here are two resources explaining sola fide: 1 – An mp3 from the Issues, Etc. radio show: The Reformation and Its Theology: Faith Alone. 2 – Justification by Faith Alone: The Relation of Faith to Justification by Dr. Joel Beeke.

Oh Anathema, My Anathema

Canon 4.
If anyone says that man’s free will moved and aroused by God, by assenting to God’s call and action, in no way cooperates toward disposing and preparing itself to obtain the grace of justification, that it cannot refuse its assent if it wishes, but that, as something inanimate, it does nothing whatever and is merely passive, let him be anathema.

Canon 6.
If anyone says that it is not in man’s power to make his ways evil, but that the works that are evil as well as those that are good God produces, not permissively only but also propria et per se, so that the treason of Judas is no less His own proper work than the vocation of St. Paul, let him be anathema.

Canon 7.
If anyone says that all works done before justification, in whatever manner they may be done, are truly sins, or merit the hatred of God; that the more earnestly one strives to dispose himself for grace, the more grievously he sins, let him be anathema.

Canon 9.
If anyone says that the sinner is justified by faith alone, meaning that nothing else is required to cooperate in order to obtain the grace of justification, and that it is not in any way necessary that he be prepared and disposed by the action of his own will, let him be anathema.

Canon 11.
If anyone says that men are justified either by the sole imputation of the justice of Christ or by the sole remission of sins, to the exclusion of the grace and the charity which is poured forth in their hearts by the Holy Ghost, and remains in them, or also that the grace by which we are justified is only the good will of God, let him be anathema.

Canon 12.
If anyone says that justifying faith is nothing else than confidence in divine mercy, which remits sins for Christ’s sake, or that it is this confidence alone that justifies us, let him be anathema.

Canon 13.
If anyone says that in order to obtain the remission of sins it is necessary for every man to believe with certainty and without any hesitation arising from his own weakness and indisposition that his sins are forgiven him, let him be anathema.

Canon 14.
If anyone says that man is absolved from his sins and justified because he firmly believes that he is absolved and justified, or that no one is truly justified except him who believes himself justified, and that by this faith alone absolution and justification are effected, let him be anathema.

Canon 15.
If anyone says that a man who is born again and justified is bound ex fide to believe that he is certainly in the number of the predestined, let him be anathema.

Canon 17.
If anyone says that the grace of justification is shared by those only who are predestined to life, but that all others who are called are called indeed but receive not grace, as if they are by divine power predestined to evil, let him be anathema.

Canon 18.
If anyone says that the commandments of God are, even for one that is justified and constituted in grace, impossible to observe, let him be anathema.

Canon 19.
If anyone says that nothing besides faith is commanded in the Gospel, that other things are indifferent, neither commanded nor forbidden, but free; or that the ten commandments in no way pertain to Christians, let him be anathema.

Canon 20.
If anyone says that a man who is justified and however perfect is not bound to observe the commandments of God and the Church, but only to believe, as if the Gospel were a bare and absolute promise of eternal life without the condition of observing the commandments, let him be anathema.

Canon 23.
If anyone says that a man once justified can sin no more, nor lose grace, and that therefore he that falls and sins was never truly justified; or on the contrary, that he can during his whole life avoid all sins, even those that are venial, except by a special privilege from God, as the Church holds in regard to the Blessed Virgin, let him be anathema.

Canon 24.
If anyone says that the justice received is not preserved and also not increased before God through good works, but that those works are merely the fruits and signs of justification obtained, but not the cause of its increase, let him be anathema.

Canon 25.
If anyone says that in every good work the just man sins at least venially, or, what is more intolerable, mortally, and hence merits eternal punishment, and that he is not damned for this reason only, because God does not impute these works into damnation, let him be anathema.

Canon 26.
If anyone says that the just ought not for the good works done in God to expect and hope for an eternal reward from God through His mercy and the merit of Jesus Christ, if by doing well and by keeping the divine commandments they persevere to the end, let him be anathema.

Canon 27.
If anyone says that there is no mortal sin except that of unbelief, or that grace once received is not lost through any other sin however grievous and enormous except by that of unbelief, let him be anathema.

Canon 29.
If anyone says that he who has fallen after baptism cannot by the grace of God rise again, or that he can indeed recover again the lost justice but by faith alone without the sacrament of penance, contrary to what the holy Roman and Universal Church, instructed by Christ the Lord and His Apostles, has hitherto professed, observed and taught, let him be anathema.

Canon 30.
If anyone says that after the reception of the grace of justification the guilt is so remitted and the debt of eternal punishment so blotted out to every repentant sinner, that no debt of temporal punishment remains to be discharged either in this world or in purgatory before the gates of heaven can be opened,[132] let him be anathema.

Canon 31.
If anyone says that the one justified sins when he performs good works with a view to an eternal reward, let him be anathema.

Canon 32.
If anyone says that the good works of the one justified are in such manner the gifts of God that they are not also the good merits of him justified; or that the one justified by the good works that he performs by the grace of God and the merit of Jesus Christ, whose living member he is, does not truly merit an increase of grace, eternal life, and in case he dies in grace, the attainment of eternal life itself and also an increase of glory, let him be anathema.

Canon 33.
If anyone says that the Catholic doctrine of justification as set forth by the holy council in the present decree, derogates in some respect from the glory of God or the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, and does not rather illustrate the truth of our faith and no less the glory of God and of Christ Jesus, let him be anathema.

What did I miss? What did I let slip through?

Thoughts?

Joy and Peace in Believing
By John Newton

1. Sometimes a light surprises
The Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord who rises
With healing in his wings:
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
To cheer it after rain.

2. In holy contemplation,
We sweetly then pursue
The theme of God’s salvation,
And find it ever new:
Set free from present sorrow,
We cheerfully can say,
E’en let th’ unknown to-morrow
Bring with it what it may.

3. It can bring with it nothing
But he will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing,
Will clothe his people too:
Beneath the spreading heavens,
No creature but is fed;
And he who feeds the ravens,
Will give his children bread.

4. Though vine nor fig-tree neither
Their wonted fruit shall bear,
Though all the field should wither,
Nor flocks nor herds be there:
Yet God the same abiding,
His praise shall tune my voice;
For while in him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.

Today is Blog Action Day 2009. The topic this year is climate change. The most talked about in this area may be global warming. Global warming is here to stay. The question becomes – What are we going to do about it?

Global warming is here, but not necessarily in a literal sense. It exists as an assertion both politically and socially. Recently, Al Gore was asked some inconvenient questions at the Society of Environmental Journalists conference. The British High Court found many errors in Gore’s film and the journalist began asking about those errors until his microphone was turned off.

One of the solutions is an open and honest dialogue without the actions that took place at this conference. The main stream does not even consider sites like Global Warming Hoax or GlobalWarming.org. Instead, Al Gore gets a Nobel Peace prize and the press coverage to push his agenda. It is awfully hard to not call it an agenda when a politician gets his say, turns off microphones to his questioners and recent studies cited from the journal of Geophysical Research Letters get little to no coverage.

A 30-year minimum Antarctic snowmelt record occurred during austral summer 2008–2009 according to spaceborne microwave observations for 1980–2009.

As a Christian, I believe the earth will continue to deteriorate until Christ comes again and brings in the new heaven and new earth. However, this does not diminish responsibility for the world which God has given man dominion over. The disagreement lies with out this is worked out.

The Cornwall Alliance is an organization that offers a more balanced and biblical approach to climate change. Like many issues both sides (the other side) need a better hearing. The proposed solution of government as the solution to alleged global warming may be the easy answer, but not necessarily the right one. It is not clear why so many find comfort in trying to decrease the carbon footprint while increasing Uncle Sam’s. It is a wonder if Al Gore’s carbon footprint has decreased to the point that he calls others’ to since his attempt to fight global warming started.

Thankfully, there are other movements to promote the other side of the debate. One such movement is in the upcoming movie of this trailer promo for the Not Evil Just Wrong: The True Cost of Global Warming Hysteria. Also, more information is available in the press kit.

Praise for the Incarnation
by John Newton

Sweeter sounds than music knows
Charm me in Immanuel’s name;
All her hopes my spirit owes
To his birth, and cross, and shame.

When he came, the angels sung,
“Glory be to God on high;”
Lord, unloose my stamm’ring tongue,
Who should louder sing than I?

Did the Lord a man become,
That he might the law fulfil,
Bleed and suffer in my room,
And canst thou, my tongue, be still?

No, I must my praises bring,
Though they worthless are and weak;
For should I refuse to sing,
Sure the very stones would speak.

O my Saviour, Shield, and Sun,
Shepherd, Brother, Husband, Friend,
Ev’ry precious name in one,
I will love thee without end.