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When nations sin

In Atonement, Blogroll, Calvin, Calvinism, Christianity, Jesus, Margin Notes, New Covenant Theology, News, redemption, Reformed, Responsive Reid-ing...blogging Christian style, Salvation, soteriology, Uncategorized, Walk in Wisdom, Walking in Wisdom - Gleanings from the Scriptures on May 17, 2012 at 12:14 pm

This is reprinted here from the newest edition of Kairos Journal. I cannot think of anything more timely for America.

National Sins—John Newton (1725 – 1807)

February 21, 1781,1 was declared a day of fasting across England, and John Newton preached this sermon, The Guilt and Danger of Such a Nation as This, from the text of Jeremiah 5:29. (Shall I not punish them for these things? declares the Lord; and shall I not avenge myself on a nation such as this? ESV). Fearing the judgment of God, Newton warned his hearers to repent before it was too late. His definition of national sins is pertinent for any day including the present.

But the form of the question will not permit us to confine the application to Israel or Judah. The words are not, On this nation particularly, but “On such a nation as this.” The Lord, the Governor of the earth, has provided, in the history of one nation, a lesson of instruction and warning to every nation under the sun; and the nearer the state and spirit of any people resemble the state and character of Judah when Jeremiah prophesied among them, the more reason they have to tremble under the apprehension of the same or similar judgments. We likewise are a highly favoured people, and have long enjoyed privileges which excite the admiration and envy of surrounding nations: and we are a sinful, ungrateful people; so that when we compare the blessing and mercies we have received from the Lord, with our conduct towards him, it is to be feared we are no less concerned with the question in my text than Israel was of old.2

Though the occasion will require me to take some notice of our public affairs, I mean not to amuse you with what is usually called a political discourse. The Bible is my system of politics. There I read, that the Lord reigns; that he doth what he pleaseth in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; that no wisdom, understanding, counsel, or power, can prevail without his blessing; that as righteousness exalteth a nation, so sin is the reproach, and will even totally be the ruin of any people . . . I hope we are now met, not to accuse others, but to confess our sins; not to justify ourselves, but to plead for mercy.3

The sin of a nation is properly the aggregate or sum-total of all the sins committed by every individual residing in that nation. But those may be emphatically called national sins which, by their notoriety, frequency, or circumstances, contribute to mark the character or spirit of one nation as distinct from another. It is to be hoped that some species of sins amongst us are not yet become national.4

Communities, as such, in their collective capacity, are visited and judged in the present life. And, in this respect, the Scripture considers nations as individuals; each having an infancy, growth, maturity, and declension. Every succeeding generation accumulates the stock of national sin, and there is a measure of iniquity which determines the period of kingdoms. Till this measure is filled up, the patience of God waits for them, but then patience gives way to vengeance . . . When God is exceedingly displeased with a people, it is not necessary, in order to their punishment, that he should bury them alive by an earthquake, or destroy them by lightning. If he only leave them to themselves, withdraw his blessing from their counsels, and his restraint from their passions, their ruin follows of course, according to the necessary order and connection of causes and effects . . .5

But, O that we may rather, with one consent, search and try our ways, and turn to the Lord from whom we have so greatly revolted. To us, indeed, belong shame and confusion of face; but to the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against him.6

Footnotes:

1
The day of fasting was most likely appointed in response to the American Revolution and the continuing hostilities with the French.

2
John Newton, “The Guilt and Danger of Such a Nation as This,” in The Works of the Rev. John Newton, vol. 5 (Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1988), 139-140.

3
Ibid., 140-141.

4
Ibid., 146.

5
Ibid., 154.

6
Ibid., 165.

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Mother’s Day this year – With Mom gone.

In Uncategorized, Blogroll, Responsive Reid-ing...blogging Christian style, Walking in Wisdom - Gleanings from the Scriptures, Jesus, Reformed, Calvin, redemption, Atonement, Salvation, soteriology, Christianity, New Covenant Theology, News, Walk in Wisdom, Calvinism, Margin Notes on May 12, 2012 at 5:18 pm

Every year I write a Mother’s Day poem. It is one of my few traditions. This year is different, because Mom went to be with Jesus August of last year.

So this was difficult to write. I didn’t know – should it be profoundly different, or the same? And to be honest, creativity has been at an all time low since before the start of my sabbatical.

In any event, while noting the reality of her passing, in the end I kept the approach basically the same as most years.

I hope you like it.

And if your Mom is gone, maybe it will bring a smile to your face – while we wait the grand reunion with all the saints at Christ’s return.

Mother had a merry heart

She loved to laugh, and sing

She never long would give those up

Regardless sorrow’s sting

A joke, a quip, a clever turn

Was quick to bring a smile

A Grandma’s face hid rapier wit

And wisdom’s secret wile

And while she’s now in Heaven’s gate

And can’t herself defend

I’ll share a prime example here

Of how her wit did tend

I’m sure I was but eight or nine

Still tender in my years

When she denied a youthful want

And I regaled with tears

Unbending she remained unmoved

Frustrated I devised

A plan for getting back at her

So clever in my eyes

A scheme of pointed blackmail rose

From pre-pubescent rage

To get my way, and punish her

So slick and sly and sage

“You’ll see!” I yelled, and stamped my foot

In proper Rebel’s form

And launched my plan full force at her

To make her weep and mourn

“I’m going to run away from home”

(I lobbed my first grenade)

“You’ll never see my face again”

(My trap now fully laid)

What more could break a Mother’s heart?

I knew my plan would work

She looked unmoved, and countered with

A cool, unruffled smirk!

I needed more artillery

I’d failed to break full through

The soundness of my plan was clear

What more could I now do?

I doubled down and stamped again

“I mean it!” I imposed

“I’m going now to get my stuff

And pack up all my clothes”

She didn’t try to stop me then

But I had set the hook

No doubt that she was flagging now

Despite her un-pained look

“Where will you go?” She queried me

“I don’t know – just away”

The thought of me so destitute

MUST force her to dismay

And then she sent her crushing blow

I didn’t have a clue

She had a gun as big as this

To use on you know who!

That she would launch this wicked thing

I didn’t have a hunch

She sweetly smiled and asked me should

She pack me up a lunch!

Imagine my distressing state

My world came crashing down

She had no fears I’d really flee

My plan was sunk and drowned

Was all this true? Did she not care

If I should pack and leave?

Would not my threatened flight

Induce her cries to sob and heave?

Alas, twas but the Mother’s grip

On life, that Mother had

Undaunted by my youthful scam

Nonplussed, nor made unglad

She knew that little boys and girls

Were born with sinful hearts

There was no shock when it came out

In streams or fits and starts

And no way in God’s universe

Would she be found a fool

Manipulated by a brat

Who’d just learned not to drool!

So sons learn from my twisted ways

Listen to my lesson

Before you jerk your Mom around

Know with whom you’re messin’

Don’t try the stupid blackmail stuff

You’ll get a knock-out punch

‘Cause if your Mom’s like my Mom was

She just might pack your lunch!

Happy Mother’s Day Mom, I know it is your best one ever right now.

For my Mom – Mother’s Day 2012

Reid

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Doing Battle

In Atonement, Blogroll, Calvin, Calvinism, Christianity, Jesus, Margin Notes, New Covenant Theology, redemption, Reformed, Responsive Reid-ing...blogging Christian style, Salvation, soteriology, Uncategorized, Walk in Wisdom, Walking in Wisdom - Gleanings from the Scriptures on March 28, 2012 at 12:11 pm

Ephesians 6:10–11 (ESV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

One of the key realities of the Christian life is that sinful and troubling thoughts and impulses must be fought against, not merely lamented or relief sought for.

It does us no good to simply complain of the woe, nor to seek an emotional anesthetic.

It is under these circumstances that the Believer must begin to tackle the offensives launched against them. Panic, doubt, fear, gloom, discouragement, despair, lust, greed, sloth, suspicion of God and man, etc. – these are enemies to be fought, not conditions to be treated or corrected.

If we do not appropriate the fitting response, we will remain under the influence of these things – in effect running from them rather than gaining victory over them. But make no mistake, they can attack again at any time. And attacks may be shorter or more sustained, weaker or more violent. Heavenly Father, give us courage, wisdom and insight.

The inhabitants of Canaan have to be challenged, not hidden from, nor plugging our ears to their taunts nor closing our eyes to pretend they are not there. We must gird ourselves like men and fight.

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Separated at Birth #3

In 'Nuff Said, Atonement, Blogroll, Calvin, Calvinism, Christianity, Jesus, Margin Notes, New Covenant Theology, News, redemption, Reformed, Responsive Reid-ing...blogging Christian style, Salvation, soteriology, Uncategorized, Walk in Wisdom, Walking in Wisdom - Gleanings from the Scriptures on February 29, 2012 at 2:44 pm

Academy Award winning actor Jim Broadbent, best known for his portrayal of Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge.

D. A. Carson – noted theologian and author. Research Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

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Separated at Birth #2

Retired Bishop of Durham, N. T. Wright of “the new perspective on Paul” fame.

Richard Schiff – American actor best known for his role as Toby Ziegler on The West Wing.

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Away on Sabbatical – And NOT happy about it!

Its not what I expected. And it is not what I want. But it appears that I have my limits after all.

Bummer.

After months of escalating and debilitating fatigue – after tests upon tests upon tests from my Dr. – the diagnosis is in: Seriously pooped.

No doubt you’ve noticed (or perhaps you haven’t) the drastic drop off in my being able to post. Two of my great loves, preaching and writing, at this juncture are beyond my ability to indulge in without severe consequences afterward – requiring days just to be able to function at a low level again.

Sounds like the problem of a weenie. It’s not me. I don’t like it and I don’t want it. Give me a serious disease, something I can sink my teeth into: Leprosy of the lung or the creeping ephizutti. SOMETHING!

Not “pooped”.

Wimp!

But as I mentioned above, after running all the tests, (heart, blood, lungs, endoscopies, colonoscopies, yada, yada, yada) the results of Celiac, Barrett’s disease and who knows what else with just having the bow bent too far for too long – his expert medical opinion is I’m seriously pooped. Enough that if there is no break, something’s gonna give. Guess I have to turn in my S, the red cape and the blue tights. I never looked good in the tights anyway. NO COMMENTS!

And in an overwhelming show of love and compassion, the congregation at ECF has made it possible. I do not how to be grateful enough for their willingness and that of the Corporate Board and the Elders to arrange it all.

So I’ll be on this break – against my will but wanting to do what it takes to get fully well so I can labor freely once again – until Aug. 15.

And it is making me seriously uncomfortable. Antsy. Thus it appears that while I can formulate a sound theology of “rest’ – I cannot yet abide by it emotionally. As issue of personal sanctification to be worked out in the process.

But as I rest, and study, and nourish my own soul, I’ll be posting along the way. Some. No promises. Missing the joy of it. But indulging as much as I can without jeopardizing getting back on both feet.

Keep tuning in.

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The thing about faith is…

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

There are two parts to this very familiar verse. The first part having more to do with the one having faith – it is internal if you will. The other, has to do with the witness of faith – its external component. Let’s look at the first.

Faith is the “assurance” of things hoped for: This is for the Believer. When I am believing God, trusting in His person and promises, I have true assurance.

The “evidence” of things not seen: This is for the Unbeliever. That Believers DO have faith, is the evidence of the unseen work of God in their hearts, and of the reality of the the things they testify to, and to the reality of God’s being.

Faith is – in the Believer – that ground or assurance we have that the things which God has promised, are true and actual. The word assurance comes from a root which has a picture of something underneath, holding something else up or being its foundation. As those who are in Christ, faith in us gives us an assurance.

But note that our assurance is not a naked or abstract assurance. It isn’t that Christians are just confident people, as

though being born again makes us cocky or self-confident. It is not an attitude as much as it is a persuasion. An inward grip on truths that others do not and cannot use to understand reality. When some scientists began to think in terms of germs, microscopic organisms which were behind the spread of diseases and such – others, who could not conceive of such things, could not function within a paradigm of medical treatment that worked as though these little critters actually existed and had to be dealt with.

This is how the unregenerate feel when we talk about spiritual realities. To us, they have been discovered to our souls. We see them. So the the way we think and the things we do reflect this understanding. To them, our actions, opinions and reactions can be undecipherable. It is as though we are a cluster of seeing people in a world of blind men. Our descriptions of what we see can only be grasped in the most rudimentary way by those still unable to actually see color and shapes. Even though they can trade on the language and catch some of the concepts.

It is this dynamic which is alluded to by the Apostle Paul when he says that: “The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.” (1 Cor. 2.15) Those who have not been born again, simply cannot conceive (in terms of grasping as real fact) precisely who and what we are and how or why it is we think and are the way we are. At the same time, because we can see these things, we can and do make judgments and assessments about things that make perfect sense to us. The sun has risen on our horizon in a way which sheds light on everything.

I say all this by way of reminder in terms of how it is we interact with unbelievers in the communication of the Gospel. Bear in mind the natural limits imposed upon the fallen heart and mind. Once, these things made little sense to you too. Think of the task then of translating for them. Of speaking to them in ways which seeks to bridge the gap not expand it.

Christ Himself is the bridge between us, and His own transcendence. He stoops to us. Condescends to our level. He takes upon Himself the form of sinful flesh. No, He does not become sinful, but comes to us neither like Adam in his pre-fallen glory, nor in His own unveiled and intrinsic glory. He comes looking, talking, and functioning like any other son of Adam’s race. So that He might take the self-revelation of the Father – and bring it to us. (John 17.8) So must we. In patience He explains His words to those who ask. He labors the central truths over and over – awaiting the Spirit’s work of illumination. Teaching, opening, explicating, announcing, warning and repeating.

This is a Biblical paradigm for Gospel evangelism.

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Confessions of an Ingrate / A Thanksgiving Prayer

Colossians 2:6-7 “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

Maybe its only me, but have you ever found yourself just so ungrateful that no matter what God has done for you, some negative speck seems to cloud the entire horizon? It is one of the ongoing effects of sin on the human psyche – still evident even in the Redeemed.

Maybe the following will help put a few small things back into perspective.

Maybe, as we contemplate Thanksgiving Day here in the US, for 2011, we can step back and drink in the goodness of God, unsoiled for just a minute. I need to do this more.

Heavenly Father -

You give me life

But it really is hard

You give me mercy

But you don’t stop me from sinning

You give me grace

But it robs me of my sense of pride and accomplishment

You give me family

But there are others whose friendship I would prefer more

You give me those who love me

But they do not love me enough, or the way I want them to

You give me work

But its not what I’m best suited for

You give me an opportunity to earn a living

But its never quite enough

You give me children

But they are troublesome at times, and embarrass me

You give me parents

But they failed me and sinned against me

You give me laws

But they hamper my freedom

You give me freedom

But then make me responsible for what I do

You give me your Word

But its work to study it

You give me prayer

But its boring and awkward

You give me your People

But they are broken and hurt me

You give me your Church

But it takes up most of one day a week, has bad music and needs to be supported

You give me promises of Heaven

But its so far off

You give me extended life

But I get old, weak and sick

You give me vacations

But they are too short

You give me Christian friends

But they sin and I have to forgive them

You give me grace for trials

But that means I’ll have to endure them

You give me limitless love

But then you give it to others too

You give me the honor of being conformed to Christ’s image

But then I have to die to sin

You give me salvation

But only through the Cross

Now, may I ask you for one more thing?

Please grant me a grateful heart, so that I can freely and rightly rejoice in all you have already given – without these sin-stained glasses of mine.

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Given to Prayer and the Ministry of The Word

Acts 6:1-4 / Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

The ministry of the Word, and prayer. These are the two central responsibilities of those called to the pastoral role. Be they vocational, or bi-vocational, or completely volunteer, there are those in every assembly (usually a mixture of these 3) who take up these two burdens, even as there are those who take up other burdens so that these can keep prayer and the ministry of the Word their main focus. They both do it, and/or see that it is done. It is a simple but profound arrangement. It should go without saying that neither group is comprised of super-saints. Yet those in each group should be known for their striving after Christ-likeness.

Now it isn’t a stretch to imagine what is involved with the ministry of the Word. This (it seems pretty evident) falls into two primary things: a. Preparation and, b. Proclamation. Some give themselves to the study of God’s Word (and its attendant disciplines) so that they can effectively and soundly teach God’s Word – and keep the local Church Biblically based. It is in the preaching of the Word that sinners are called to faith and repentance, and the Saints are instructed, fed, rebuked, exhorted and encouraged.

But when it comes to prayer, just what does that look like? I’d like to give you a look into ONE of the ways I (not to mention how the other Elders) pray for this Church – for us here at ECF. Maybe it will be instructive for you to understand how the Word presses upon my own heart, for myself, my wife and daughter and grand-kids and son-in-law. For all my family and yours. For this Church family. I hope you will take comfort and direction in putting in front of you ONE of the key areas I am in constant prayer for you all – beyond the needs that arise out of individual circumstances. This is my ongoing burden in prayer for us.

You should know, that each and every day, often several times a day – I am seeking God for us, for what Paul prayed for the Ephesian church in Eph. 3:14-19. What I am believing God to manifest among us more and more as the years progress. I am bowing my knees before the King of Heaven and Earth, who created and owns all things – and has made them for His glory, that I, that WE, might be granted supernatural strength – on par with the unfathomable riches of His glory. To the end that by this work of the Spirit within each of us, Christ may have the place of being our supreme treasure, perpetually informing everything we think, feel, say and do. And that by finding our deepest roots in the Divine soil of His infinite and perfect love for us, each of us may grow together to fully realize and experience the height, depth, length and breadth of His humanly unsearchable love of Christ – so that we might be absolutely filled with the fullness of His own infinite fullness. So that we are God saturated in every part of our being – lacking nothing in even the smallest sense.

Beloved, this is what I want for you all – for US all – above anything else. And I plead with Him for it. With Him who is able not only to do this – but to do it in a way that far outstrips our most vivid conceptions of it.

We Elders give ourselves to seek this for ECF. For you. Each and every one of you. And we do it, anticipating the working of His Spirit to move us into more and more of it as we go.

I just thought you’d like to know how you’ve been, and will be prayed for today. Till Christ returns or I am called home.

I love you all.

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