Joy in Christendom

Food Laws that are still Valid

So file this under "interesting".  No matter what you believe about the validity of the Law, and regular readers know my take on the subject, there are some Laws that are still enforced today - governing our Sanctification. 

"Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”
(Acts 15:19-21 ESV)

Strangled and Blood - two things I generally avoid anyway.  However, what I find most interesting is that we cannot throw out, categorically speaking, the Food Laws as having been completely outmoded (or "fulfilled") in the New Testament.  I will now make it a point to abstain from these things.

The Idolatry of Diversity

What should the Christian think of "diversity"?  The word is all the  buzz these days and caries a lot of baggage.  I write this article to help define it, along biblical lines, provide direction for my own family on the topic and hopefully will provide some guidance to other families as they attempt to think God's thoughts after Him.

We begin, therefore with the understanding that God has ordained genetic diversity and prescribed its continuance. Race, ethnicity, and people groups are a reality, and they matter.  They matter to God, they are a delight to Him and so therefore it follows that they should matter to His people (Genesis 6:9, Genesis 24:2 -4; Gen. 26:34-35, Num 36:8-12; Ed 10:10-11, Acts 17:26-27, Romans 1:16, Romans 2:9-10).  Any systematic attack on these God-given differences ought to be fully resisted. I believe most Christian would agree with this, and that's good.  But, what the modern Church seems to do is to up hold this truth in word on the one hand, and then destroy these things in deed, on the other hand, while wrapping the whole mess in an egalitarian marxist idealism.  When we look to these other worldviews for understandings on this topic, we partake in idolitry  in the worst of forms.  Diversity of the modern socialist is actually a system for the desctruction of Godly diversity as they seek to make everyone equal in every way, without distinction.

With that said, logical deductions from this biblical reality should provide us a framework. First, we must celebrate diversity as it is pleasing to the Lord.  Secondly, by honoring our parents we are to also honor our ancestors by celebrating the culture and race we've been given (Ex 13:19, 1 Samuel 15:2-11, 2 Cor 10:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:18).  Thirdly, the Lord generously gave to every nation a place to live on earth and therefore, each race has the right to preserve it exclusively to his posterity, (Proverbs 22:28, Num 36:7, 1 Kings 21:2 -3), and finally the feelings of brotherhood, kindness, sympathy and respect, and charity should exceed ethnic boundaries, especially in the Church, however, the Bible also permits and encourages self-segregation along racial and ethnic lines beginning with our homes (Luke 10:25-37, Romans 9:1-3, Romans 15:26-27, 1 Corinthians 16:1-3, 1 Peter 2:17, 2 Peter 1:7, 1 Timothy 5:8).

The Scriptures lift homogeneity (without it, how could we have diversity) as a blessing, and proclaims it as the basis of love, friendship, social peace and national harmony.  As Christians, we should seek to do the same.

 

Hieland: A Book Review - Theocracies in Action

I just finished a gem of a book: Heiland by Franklin Sanders.  It's clarity on a few key subjects more than outweigh the author's occasional awkward dialog, detailed "scientific" explanations and dated material.   The book has a tenor and rhythm that seems ideal for the high-school student and would generate many helpful conversations appropriate for that age group. 

It appears that the main goal of the book is to compare and contrast 2 competing theocracies: one that is Christian and one that is thoroughly anti-Christian.  The author does a great job at contextualizing, sometimes down to excruciating and horrific detail, these competing systems.  If you are wondering if such a thing as "Christian" government can even exist or what it would look like, then this novelette is a great introduction to the topic.

The Christian parent will find that this book to be a good tool to teach their children about Christian government, law and history communicated in an interesting plot.

A Note to my Senator

Senator,

There are all ready plenty of avenues for such abuse to be reported.  There is no need and no legal right for the Federal government to needlessly intrude on upstanding families.  Your tired rhetoric is getting old.   Please stop using "the children" as an accuse to keep the Senate's own pockets full.  Who will protect us from governmental abuse?

Thank you for your time,

David.

> Dear Mr. Ehnis:
>
>         Thank you for contacting me regarding child abuse awareness.  I
> appreciate hearing your concerns on this very important problem.
>
>         According to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, there
> were approximately three million reports of child abuse in 2009.  The
> abuse of children, in any form, is unconscionable, and I will
> continue to do all I can to ensure the perpetrators of such crimes
> are brought to justice.
>
>         It also is important to have a national hotline available for
> children that fall victim to abuse and for their loved ones. 
> According to its website, the Childhelp U.S.A. National Child Abuse
> Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD or 1-800-422-4453) is dedicated to the
> prevention of child abuse and is available 24 hours a day for
> victims, parents, or anyone else affected by this issue.
>
>         Child abuse is a problem that cannot and should not be ignored.  The
> victims of abuse deserve the right to know that their perpetrators
> will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately.  Victims also should
> have a place to turn for help.
>
>         Thank you again for contacting me.
>
> Sincerely,
> Carl Levin

A Call to Forebearance

A ran across this gem of a quote today.  It's a good reminder on how to help bring unity to the Body of Christ.

ON THE DIFFERENT APPEARANCES OF GRACE IN DIFFERENT PERSONS

"There are diversities of operations, but it is the same God, who worketh all in all." Some believers are remarkable for the strength of their faith in trials even unto death; others for their liveliness and activity in duty; others for their wisdom, conduct, and prudence both in temporals and spirituals; others for their zeal in defense of the truth; others for their knowledge in the mysteries of the truth; others for their patience meekness, and gentleness; others for their submission to the will of God; others for outward usefulness in the church; and others for an inward and spiritual life of communion with God. But all these are the various gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit "dividing to every man severally as He will," and not the talents or abilities of fallen nature. They are also given to every man, who hath them, to profit withal, according to his place in the church, or in the world. He, who hath one of these graces, should not undervalue or despise him who hath another; for the Giver is the same, though His gifts may be granted for different ends.

Very often particular graces are bestowed, to counteract and oppose particular corruptions, of which the Lord Himself can be the only true judge. Some situations of Christians require gifts of grace, which might be less necessary, or less manifestation of the Divine glory in others, than they are in them. But they are all of them His workmanship, and could not in grace, more than in nature, either create or fashion themselves.

This should teach thee, my fellow-christian, a lesson of forbearance to thy brother. It is not right for thee to judge another by thine own pattern. He may have graces, not less pleasing to God, nor less useful in their purpose, than those which are given to thee. Art thou a warn and active Christian? Condemn not him, whose endowments may be more placid and contemplative than thine. He who now creeps as a snail, in humble silence, may, by one lift of Divine power, get into heaven before thee, and perhaps be raised higher there than thee. God judgeth not like man, according to the outward show, but according to the secret riches of His love. Art thou a quiet and retired believer? Do not censure him, who is called forth to more stirring duty than thou art. Though his work may seem less spiritual to thee, it may be to introduce designs of providence and grace, which only God can foreknow, and which may be the means of carrying out His saving power far and wide. Some of the first reformers were less remarkable for a quiet and gentle spirit, than some who have followed them; but these last do not seem so fit instruments for grappling with papal outrage and tyranny, as they were. When rough work is to be done, men use the axe and the saw; but, for gentler operations, the plane, the razor, or the knife. These last would not cut down a forest; nor would the first serve to polish or smooth.

Honor, then, the work and blessing of God upon His people, in what form soever it may be found. Every member hath his appointed office from Him. It is self-love and conceit, which disparage others; and these we will not call gifts from above, but rather worms from beneath, which seek to gnaw the root of the vine. Covet, indeed, and earnestly, the best gifts; but the love of God and man is, after all, the more excellent way. ~ Part 2-Number V by Ambrose Serle (1742-1812).

Sacraments

The word "Sacrament" is derived from the Latin word sacramentum and was used in ancient times to swear a solemn oath.  The early Church adopted the word to mean any sacred rite or mysterious doctrine.  Later, the word came to mean, among professing Christians, the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper as Christ himself instituted these ordinances:

Matthew 28:18-20 - And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
   
Luke 22:17 - And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves.

Furthermore, sacraments are to be concluded in the corporate worship service, along with the preaching of the Word.  Where as the preaching of the Word is open and applicable to all, the Sacraments are open to God's family alone (Rom 6:3-7, Acts 2:38).

Romans 6:3-7 - Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.    For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.

Acts 2:38 - And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Sacraments are a sign and a seal.  As a sign, they are physical and a pointer to a broader reality.  God, in his infinite wisdom knew that we were creatures of weakness and  required physical reminders by these visible symbols.  In the Lord's Supper for example, we see and taste the bread and wine.  This is God's Grace to us, helping our ignorance and slowness.  They are very effective in stimulating our souls and confirming our faith.

Genesis 9:12-13 - And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations:  I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

Genesis 17:11- You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.

Also as a sign, it points to greater realities like the atonement and death of Christ.  With the Supper, we also see our union with Christ and that all nourishment comes from Him.  With Baptism, it signifies the regeneration and washing away of sins.

As a seal, the sacraments are a certification and confirmation of God's promises in the covenant of grace to Christ's Church (see Luke 22:19 and 1 Cor. 11:24).  The Seal is a certification of His love for us.  The Supper certifies our participation in the Covenant and our union with Christ.  For Baptism, it is a seal of the righteousness which is imparted to us, as God's free gift:

Romans 4:11 - He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,

Finally, it is important to mention that the Sacraments are in no way mysteriousness or superstitious.  The Sacraments are didactic in nature, that is, they require the Holy Spirit's work to save or sanctify - there is nothing magical or powerful in and of themselves.  The sacraments present truths in a visible, tangible, sensible form but only when they are accompanied by the work of the Holy Spirit, are they effective in any way.

Matthew 3:11 - I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Galatians 6:15 - For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

1 Peter 3:21 - Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

The existence of the Sacraments are yet another testimony to our Father's deep love for His children, in all the Grace, Help and Care He provides.  We serve a great God indeed.

Imago Dei

Imago Dei, or the Image of God, is a theological concept that is concerned with anthropology or the study of man and his origins.  We learn about man from God and His Word.  Man is Created by God and is the very image of God, both Male and Female.  The Unity and Diversity of the Trinity is therefore reflected in man.  While there is equality of being, there are different roles and functions within the diversity of genders, kinds and races of men.  This Christo-centric understanding of Man can be explained in three general concerns.   First, the Word says that the origins of man were spontaneous and creative and in His likeness:

Gen 2:7 - then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

Gen 5:1 - This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.

Man was also created separately and specially:

Gen 1:25-26 -    And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Secondly, Being a creature, Man has responsibility.  As we see here, man's most important act is to worship God and enjoy him forever.

1 Cor 10:31 - "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Man is also to work, create, procreate and build:

Gen 1:28 - "And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply 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.”

and then again, reaffirmed in the Great Commission:

Matthew 28:18-20 - "And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Finally, we learn how Man is to live with God and other Men.  Man is to live in community with others, worshiping God and serving man.

Titus 3:3-8 - "For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people."

Imago Dei has vast implications and is foundational to understanding our existence and causes our Worship to our Great God.  Our inherent worth does not generate from self or others but from God himself.  Ultimately it is life that is wholeheartedly committed to obedience and service to the Creator.  As Creatures, we are to commit all we are, all that we do, and all that we have to serve the LORD God, Creator with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength.

 

 

A Letter to My 13-year-old Son

Thirteen years ago today, the Lord blessed us with a son, and He has been teaching us what that means ever since then.  Brogan has been such a huge help to us - he is always there to help, teach his siblings, and humor us all.  Hopefully, this letter expresses my deep love, devotion, admiration for my son.

"Brogan,

You are entering the next chapter in your life.  During the next 10 years or so, you will own the Faith, you will decide on a life calling, you will begin to think of the businesses you want to own and will begin to have a very good idea as to the qualities of a godly help-meet.  These are tall and exciting demands on the young Christian man.  The good news is that the Scriptures give us a framework for help in these areas.

Pray often: A godly man, is a man of prayer.  Men don't naturally want to pray - they want to do it all themselves.  The Lord has other ideas for us.  As we read, "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak." Colossians 4:2-4

Before they call I will answer;
        while they are yet speaking I will hear.
(Isaiah 65:24)

Secondly, we are to Read often: Read and benefit from the wisdom of other people.  A man of God is a humble man and seeks the wisdom of others.  There are many good authors available that will provide much comfort and godly knowledge for your use in every area of life.  Above this, read scripture - continually.  Reading the very words of God is to be in the presence of God.  "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16) (Psalm 111:10) (Duet 6:7)

Finally, Work often:  There isn't anything tricky or fancy about this.  It's rather simple:  Just Work Hard. A Man is called to work hard and honestly.  A man is also called to work hard - and it's a good thing.  You will never be happy with mediocrity in this area.  Consider the following,  "and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

"From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him." Proverbs 12:14

But above all of these things, remember that "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will (Eph 1:7)".

You have already exhibited all of these traits and your mom and I are profoundly grateful to you and your God for all that you've become and will be.

Love you,

Dad."

A Model Prayer

I love to be encouraged and shown how to pray.  The really good prayers speak God's thoughts after Him.  They praise God for his Character, state reality plainly, and Worship Him.  With this example, we notice that God-centered prayers request the Lord's expressed, written Will.  God-centered praying does not make man the center or "self" the target of affection, but Good praying is truly a sweet aroma. Notice how the words are respectful and tender, without the "boyfriend" psychology language that is so typical in our modern praying.

Consider the following prayer a good example of God-centered, Christ-exhalting, Spirit-filled poetry:

"Almighty God of Hosts, we gather this morning as the people, who in thy wisdom, have been made lesser brothers to our Lord Christ. As your people, we desire for thy name to be filled with the glory of which it is always overflowing. With that in mind we beseech thee to pursue thyself as the ultimate benevolence. Teach us Father to understand that the highest request we can ask of thee is that that thou would be jealous for thy name.

Help us also though, to see your abnegating selflessness as we find each person of the Trinity pursuing the glory of the other. Vouchsafe to us the ability to see the glorious self-centeredness of Jehovah God – the one who can pursue nothing higher than Himself – and the ability to see the glorious selflessness of Triune Jehovah God who delights in the emptying of Himself for each person of the Trinity.

As we come before you this morning we beg of thee again to, “in wrath, remember mercy.” Our sins testify against us and we acknowledge that were we absent of Christ we would deserve nothing but thy just and necessary wrath. We acknowledge that even our most noble actions are disreputable before thy Holy face and can only be found acceptable before you as they are imputed with the righteousness of our Elder Brother – The Lord Christ.

Yet, Father, you have adopted us for the sake of Christ and in the boldness that comes with being counted a Family member we come unto thee begging for Reformation and awakening. We acknowledge that we do not deserve thy tender mercies that would awaken us to thy opposition that we might be given the beauty of repentance, yet still we do ask for ourselves and all thy Elect that you might be pleased to grant us thy favor to think thy thoughts after thee.

Deliver thy Church, we beg of thee, from the haze that has settled upon it. Restore again, unto the Lecterns of thy Seminaries as well as the Holy Desks of thy Churches men who have walked with thee through the pages of Holy Writ. Grant us the boon of having men speak thy word to us who have stood in thy presence long enough to absorb the magnificence of thy being and the splendor of thy Holiness. With all that we have we ask that thou would remember thy promise to thy Lord Christ to give Him a people whose number would be as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore. Leave thy Church not in the disrepair in which we currently find ourselves. Thy judgments against us are all together just and yet for thy great name’s sake we implore you to send winds of refreshing. Let them blow through thy Church first.

And then, if we may be so bold to pursue our desires in you, we beg of thee that you would restore the family in our Nation. Do a work, by thy Spirit, where the hearts of the Father’s are turned back to the Children. Give Christian Husbands and Wives wisdom in your truths and then grant them the ability to pass on that wisdom to their children. Deliver from the madness of our current cultural teaching models and raise up again, we ask of thee, a generation of Fathers and Mothers who know, as a result of walking in your ways, what it means to keep their covenant seed.

We are shipwrecked without thy returning favor O Magnificent God. We are so dissolute and undone that we have little idea of how desolate and undone we have become. There is so much to ask and so we simply ask For thy glory’s sake, grant us Reformation." - Rev. Bret McAtee.

20 Books Every Young Person Should Read Before Leaving Home

A good friend of mine posed the following question to me:  "Large piles of books and good intentions are a waste of time.  What are the 10 to 20 books, upon reading and rereading would continue to nourish the reader for a lifetime, assuming the Scriptures make the top of the list?"  Furthermore, being good and Godly parents to our children, what legacy could we give them that would help them honor Christ and take dominion in His name. 

I thought it was a good question.  It is good for a couple of reasons.  First, modern [American] man over-complicates nearly everything because modern man is essentially pagan.  The Christian life is a simple life.  We complicate things immensely when our culture moves away from Biblical underpinnings. This includes education. When we first think "education" we immediately bring to mind institutions, degrees, tests, processes, and memorization (all with a hefty price tag).  However, the Bible says that Fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom - and this puts us at odds with this modern understanding of education.  The moment we begin to answer the question of "why educate" with "to get a job", we move away from the Biblical reason for education.  Second, it gives fathers (the chief principal of the home) fuel, vision and a handy check list on how to raise Godly children.  Although, just reading these books with your children will not automatically create the desired Biblical worldview, it certainly provides the medium for which said worldview can grow.

Without further delay, here is the list of essential reading material for our children:

1. "Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan
2. "Holiness of God" by R.C. Sproul
3. "Pushing the Antithesis" by Greg Bahnsen
4. "Tithing and Dominion" by RJ Rushdoony
5. "Westminster Confession of Faith" and "Three Forms of Unity"
6. "Fox's Book of Martyrs" by John Foxe
7. "The Politics of Guilty and Pity" by RJ Rushdoony
8. "Introduction to Logic" by Irving M. Copi
9. "A Christian view of men and things" by Gordon Clark
10. "Essays," The Works of G. K. Chesterton
11. "A Defense of Virginia and the South" by R. L. Dabney
12. "Structures of Scientific Revolutions" by Thomas Kuhn
13. "The Institute"s by John Calvin
14. "Les Miserable" by Victor Hugu
15. "The Scottish Chiefs" by Jane Porter
16. "The Philosophy of Science and Belief in God" by Gordon Clark
17. "Prevailing Worldviews" by Glenn R. Martin
18. "The One and The Many" by RJ Rushdoony
19. "Idols for Destruction" By Schlossberg
20. Various Poetry by Chesterton, Gerald Manley Hopkin, Ethelwyn Wetherald
21. "Amusing ourselves to Death" by Neil Postman
22. "The Outline of Sanity" by G. K. Chesterton
23. "The Law" by Frederic Bastiat
24. "Economics in one Lesson" by Henry Hazlitt
25. "I Pencil" (essay on line)
26. "Basic Economics" by Thomas Sowell
27. "The Road to Serfdom" by Fredrich Hyek
28. "What Has Government Done to Our Money?" by Murray Rothbard
29. "The Case Against the Fed" by Murray Rothbard
30. "A Humane Economy: The Social Framework of the Free Market" by Wilhelm Ropke
31. "The Creature From Jekyll Island" by Em Griffin
32. "The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression" by Amity Shlaes
33. "New Deal or Raw Deal?: How FDR's Economic Legacy Has Damaged America" W. Folsom Jr.
34. "de Magistro" by Augustine
35. "Mathematics: Is God Silent?" by James Nickel

OK, so that's a little more than 20 books.  This list is certainly not exhaustive.   It is my belief that anyone of my children that complete this list will be well-educated.  Praise be to God for these good gifts.

Thanks to my good friends for helping produce this list: Bret McAtee, Mark Chambers, Misty Richards, Robert Fort and L.E. Sam Koon.