On the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, I say...

“God is not trying to drive us to despair by his demands, in order to take us from the 'Law' to the 'Gospel,' as if they were two different messages.” The God of Promise and the Life of Faith: Understanding the Heart of the Gospel, Scott Hafemann, p.216

 

Truth about Las Vegas Massacre

Dear Reader, after pondering the event of last weekend for a while, I've come to a conclusion.  While many Americans are trying to figure out what an AR-15 is, or what a "bump stock" is, or why someone would commit such atrocities, I offer the only truth that can be had about such an event.  It is similar to the truth I offered in my prayers for mercy after the Sandy Hook Massacre years ago, which I still haven't gotten over.  But I know the "answer" to it, or the "explanation" for it, and indeed the "cause" of such things, even before they might happen.  So here it is:

If this isn't enough for us, then there will never be enough.
Lord, Have Mercy on Me a Sinner!  AMEN

Happy because of Jesus,
Pastor James

O'er the Land of the Free, And the Home of the Brave!

In the eyes of many Americans, those inheriting institutions may not be worthy of it.  Hence the hashtag: #notmysteelers.  My Steelers (of the past) may not have shared my political, religious, or social views, but I wasn't made subject to their airing of opinions, and really wouldn't have been interested. The current team has ceased to be mine, because they have thoughtlessly insulted me and have disparaged things I believe are important.  This may not have been intentional, but the result is the same. As a Steelers fan for most of my life, this past Sunday's display was disappointing and offensive in so many ways.  And the attitude and comments of the head coach and the quarterback afterwards made the situation worse.  I heard several people across Steeler nation calling in to broadcasts in a shaken state, some breaking down into tears at their sense of loss.  Reading social media and seeing videos of burning Steelers items gives a sense of the seriousness of the painful outrage people are feeling.
It has been hard to stomach the protests (if you call them that) in which our NFL stars engage during our national anthem in recent years.  It is hard even when many feel they are provoked by President Trump.  I think this is because the singing of the national anthem during public events has become a kind of national sacred space over the decades, a time made more sweet by its juxtaposition with the simple escapism of immediately following events. Honor then fun, a frivolous celebration made possible (earned) by the seriousness of national shared sacrifice which preceded it.
We have grown up with this tradition, and many take offense that it is being used for default anti-American political purposes, often in an incorrigible spirit arising from misunderstanding, or even worse,  ignorance in fact. This is very sad for the fans, and for the institution of football as it was known to many of us. 
It is a very glaring example of a growing trend in our society.  I firmly believe that many who are inheriting institutions must grow worthy of the inheritance.  This applies to beloved sports franchises, schools, churches, and families. Rather than appreciating and understanding the importance and function of the institutions of which they are a part, many seem to default to immature and selfish behaviors.  Such behaviors do no favors for the public or the institution, and end up decaying and perhaps destroying the social contract and the institution itself.  There is a time, a place, a way of protesting or sharing one's opinion.  Maturity and wisdom helps a person gain a sense of appropriateness, a social sense and commitment that transcends what the individual may demand or want for himself.  Rather than name-calling and anger, it's time to set grown up examples, and to show young people what it means to be an adult in a free society.  Putting ourselves in their shoes, we need to bring people along. Perhaps then, afterwards, they can be transformative in a more meaningful way to the institutions of which they are a part.
One thing is clear, the young people will inherit the institutions, no matter what we think.

Memorial for Dr. Haddon W. Robinson

Gordon-Conwell's page for Dr. Robinson

A few of my notes from October 21, 1993, when Dr. Robinson was talking to us about "Making Dry Bones Live" (chapter 7 of Biblical Preaching): 

"Is your theology abstract?  Is it less than real?  Your theology must be stated in light of revelation and scripture.  And this is revealed in words, linguistic signs.  Objective, propositional revelation is the necessary way to get to the real God.  Not our experiences of Him.  Our experience must be in the word.  Moral laws for example, stop sign laws or fire laws, they are in words.  You don't break God's laws, you break yourself on them" 

And on using illustrations in sermons to make "dry bones live":

"You need more less than more. You're not a storyteller, you're a communicator of truth."

And finally some of the best advice I ever got: "Don't assume they know where Africa is." 

See you later, Dr. Robinson.

Happy because of Jesus,
Pastor James

How Pastors Get Rich

Here's an article and interview posted by Cultwatch.com.  Are you participating in any of this?  Are you OK with this?  Does your Pastor aspire to such things?

How Pastors Get Rich

I believe many Christians are drifting like sheep without a shepherd, even though the Shepherd has come.  Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing, especially those staring back at you from the mirror.

Happy because of Jesus,
Pastor James

For the Religious Social Justice Warriors

This thoughtful response to so-called "social justice warriors" cautions against conflating politics with religious belief and practice.  An act done all too lightly, because we're busy people.

Progressivism is Not Judaism

Of course, one has to translate this into one's own faith, as is encouraged in the article. 

Eric Metaxas :: They’re Not The World, They’re The Bubble People

Yep, my sentiments exactly.  "Dear Willie, when did God turn stone to bread?  And how might this show that we all need to lend a helping hand?"

A blast from the past, for your thoughtful meditation on Matthew 4:3-4. 

Eric Metaxas :: They’re Not The World, They’re The Bubble People

How to Handle Politics And Government

How to Handle Politics and Government

It is apparent that our fair country is nowhere near solving our national problems at either the federal, state or local level. There are so many obvious problems that to attempt to list the top ten would be an exercise in futility. This is deeply disappointing to many people, who hoped that by means of elections last fall problems would begin to be solved and positive productive action would be a reality.

You may recall this famous anecdote: A lady asked Dr. (Benjamin) Franklin after the 1787 Constitutional Convention, “Well, Doctor what have we got a republic or a monarchy?” “A republic,” replied the Doctor, “if you can keep it.”

What does this mean, to “keep” the Republic? Does it mean to adhere to it's founding documents and principles, or does it mean to continually adapt it to meet current “felt needs?” Or is it some of both? Or does it mean we need judges to make our laws from courtrooms?

The problem with politics and government is that it involves people. People tend to be sinners or saints, or by practical estimate somewhere in between the two all the time.

John Adams once told a military audience "We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion . . . Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

So are morals important for politicians, judges, government employees, for citizens and those who vote and have opinions on how our city, county, state or nation is governed?

When we have frustrations with the words, actions, or even opinions of others, we might consider the morality of the source. And most importantly of all, we must always consider our own morality. When we are thinking, speaking, acting, or sharing an opinion or viewpoint--- are we reflecting what we believe to be moral, both within and without our own self?

Apparently many only consider others, while they exempt themselves from careful moral examination. Many of these claim to be the most moral people of all.

So what is the solution to the moral crisis in which we live?

As you might imagine, I strongly suggest repentance and faith in God through the Lord Jesus Christ. This requires a humility, a submission, a willing awareness of ones own need for God. It will lead to the dependence upon God for which we are created, and a reliance on the Spirit for peace, love, joy, hope and faith that no circumstance, or problem of politics or government, can take away. This love will lead us to consider other's needs as more important than our own, and will help us to see more clearly the world around us as God sees it.

While we may still be upset, irritated, or incredulous at the world in which we live, and which our children will inherit, we can still even then rely on the Spirit to lead and guide us as to how we respond.

What is God calling you to do to help “keep” the republic? How can you leave your concern and frustration behind, and help others to join you in making the world a better place?

Psalm 33:12 KJV “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”

God's Word to You: A Summary of the Bible

From inside the cover of Lifeway's The Gospel Project Chronological: 

God's Word to You: A Summary of the Bible

In the beginning, the all-powerful, personal God created the universe. This God created human beings in His image to live joyfully in His presence, in humble submission to His gracious authority. But all of us have rebelled against God and, in consequence, must suffer the punishment of our rebellion: physical death and the wrath of God.

Thankfully, God initiated a rescue plan, which began with His choosing the nation of Israel to display His glory in a fallen world. The Bible describes how God acted mightily on Israel's behalf, rescuing His people from slavery and then giving them His holy law. But God's people - like all of us - failed to rightly reflect the glory of God.

Then, in the fullness of time, in the Person of Jesus Christ, God Himself came to renew the world and restore His people. Jesus perfectly obeyed the law given to Israel. Though innocent, He suffered the consequences of human rebellion by His death on a cross. But three days later, God raised Him from the dead.

Now the church of Jesus Christ has been commissioned by God to take the news of Christ's work to the world. Empowered by God's Spirit, the church calls all people everywhere to repent of sin and to trust in Christ alone for our forgiveness. Repentance and faith restores our relationship with God and results in a life of ongoing transformation.

The Bible promises that Jesus Christ will return to this earth as the conquering King. Only those who live in repentant faith in Christ will escape God's judgment and live joyfully in God's presence for all eternity. God's message is the same to all of us: repent and believe, before it is too late. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved.

Happy b/c of Jesus,

Pastor James

The Immutable Counsel belongs to God!

"Repenting means revising one's judgment and changing one's plan of action.  God never does this; he never needs to, for his plans are made on the basis of a complete knowledge and control which extend to all things past, present and future, so that there can be no sudden emergencies or unexpected developments to take him by surprise....What God does in time, he planned from eternity.  And all that he planned in eternity he carries out in time.  And all that he has in his Word committed himself to do will infallibly be done.  Thus we read of "the immutability of his counsel" to bring believers into full enjoyment of their promised inheritance, and of the immutable oath by which he confirmed this counsel to Abraham, the archetypal believer, both for Abraham's own assurance and for ours too (Heb 6:17-18). So it is with all God's announced intentions.  They do not change.  No part of his eternal plan changes....
Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Heb 13:8), and his touch has still its ancient power.  It still remains true that "he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them: (Heb 7:25). He never changes. This fact is the strong consolation of all God's people."

-J. I. Packer, Knowing God, p. 80