When Will We Ever Learn?

One of the arguments that is sometimes brought forward in defending the inspiration of the Bible is it’s brutal honesty regarding some of it’s leading figures.  We learn about Noah’s drunkenness, we learn about Abraham’s lies, the disobedience of Moses, the failures of Joshua, the adultery of David and so forth.  As we move into the New Testament we find that the apostles are not always cast in the best light.  They are doubtful, fearful, and ignorant.  But nowhere do they come across worse than in the depiction of their pride in arguing repeatedly over the identity of the greatest among them.   We have since answered that question. Paul is the greatest of the apostles, right?  Or is it Peter?  Perhaps the greatest is really John!   Perhaps we have not answered that question, but we do seek to answer this one…who is the greatest preacher that you have ever heard (I saw this ‘contest’ on line recently among Reformed Baptists-and by the way, I lost!)?   Who is the greatest writer of our generation?  What is the list of the most influential churches in our land?  Who has the most converts, the most impact, the most downloads, the most sales?   Who is the greatest in the kingdom?   We do not need to argue the point.  Jesus has already told us…it is the person who is lowest in their own eyes, it is the person who serves the most, who gives of themselves without recognition.  I remember years ago one of my professors from Bible College illustrating this truth by presenting a picture of the last day.  The Lord Jesus is about to hand out a grand reward.  The eyes of all are upon Him as we wonder, who will receive it?  Augustine?  Luther?  Calvin?  Edwards?  Spurgeon?  Llyod-Jones?  Piper?    The Lord Jesus pauses before the aged lady in a small church, who gave her widow’s mite, who washed the feet of the saints, and who poured out her life in ardent prayer.  Unseen by men, unheralded by church historians, she was nonetheless seen and rewarded by her Savior.  Do you want to be great in the kingdom?  Nothing wrong with that…but hurry up and get to the back of the line!

James Savastio

Making Progress in a Day of Decline

In my last post, I mentioned my encouragement at the general state of the many churches I visited and pastors I spoke with in 2008. Overall, the state of our churches seems to be healthy. But I cannot say the same about the state of Evangelical Christianity in general. When I look there, I have deep concerns.

Doctrinal error continues to invade churches and schools almost unchecked. Working in higher education, I see young people sent off to historically Christian colleges only to be exposed to unbelieving professors. I wonder if parents and pastors know what their children are being taught at these schools?

When I read some important theological journals, I am amazed at two things. First, there seems to be a willingness to question every doctrine historically identified with evangelical orthodoxy. Second, much scholarship has fallen into a morass of minutiae. The two concerns are not unrelated. In almost every case, a scholar (often young and perhaps seeking to make a name for him/herself) will suggest a new and creative way to exegete a text, and draw conclusions from it contradictory to received doctrine or practice. And what is printed in Journals often becomes canon for other scholarship, and even for practice in the church.

The most obvious example of this is the stunning reappraisal of the role of women in the church. Much of evangelicalism has given in to mounting pressure on this issue. But this is not the only issue. Most of us are familiar with the recent proposals and debates about Justification. Along with this the very nature of Scripture has been questioned as has the traditional doctrine of God. Molinism is becoming an acceptable alternative to Reformed predestinarianism. A simple amendment to strengthen (at a basic level) the doctrinal basis of an Evangelical scholarly society was defeated by its members. We live in a day of doctrinal confusion, reappraisal and even defection. What is the remedy?

While some will roll their eyes and accuse me of being simplistic, I am convinced that honest and rigorous confessionalism is the answer to the problem. Confessionalism does several very positive things. First, it causes us to embrace doctrinal humility. I notice that the reappraisals and defections come as a result of individual inquiry. When I set myself up as the doctrinal authority (or rely on some other individual to do the same), I set myself up as the standard and criteria for judgment. How often have I heard someone say “I have studied this matter and here is my conclusion . . . .”, a conclusion often novel or out of harmony with received doctrine. When I submit myself to the wisdom of the church, gathered over the ages, I am kept from assuming a place of authority. In reality, I am in a position of submission. At this point, someone will protest, but what about Scripture? Isn’t it an authority over the Confession? Well, of course, and it always must be so. But the problem is that I never read Scripture apart from my own gloss on Scripture. It is too easy for me to think that my reading of the Bible is necessarily the correct one.

Secondly, confessionalism ties us to the church past and present. A good Confession of faith will express doctrines always believed by Christians. This was one of the great issues of the Reformation. The Reformers viewed themselves, not as innovators, but as recoverers of the tradition (read this as doctrine and practice as in 2 Thess 2:13-15) of the apostles and their successors. I think it was Anthony Lane who wrote that the Reformation was, in one sense, a dispute over the proper interpretation of the Fathers. This is a brilliant observation, pointing up a very important aspect of Reformation thinking: the truth is not new, it is old. When we adopt a Confession, we are identifying with every group of Christians which has confessed the same doctrine, all the way back to the apostles. Confessions keep us from theological and practical novelty.

In my studies of the 16th and 17th centuries, this fact was driven home time after time. Our forefathers were extremely careful about innovation and deviation from tradition (properly understood). Do you remember how RC Sproul presents Luther at the Diet of Worms? Not as a bold and self-confident pioneer, but rather as a cautious and self-doubting student. I think RC gets it exactly right, and this should be our demeanor as well. Submission to a Confession teaches us this kind of inter-generational humility.

Our day is full of innovation. We have lost the fear of novelty; in fact it seems like a virtue. Our culture, which exalts the cutting edge, has invaded the church, so that historical realities have been overturned. While our fathers were extremely cautious in their adoption of change, we criticize those who call for conservation!

The remedy for us must be conservation. God is immutable; His truth is Immutable; His purpose is the same whatever century His people may live in. Rigorous and strict confessionalism is the best answer for the way ahead. May God help us.

James M. Renihan, Dean

The Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies

http://www.reformedbaptistinstitute.org

“And so all Israel shall be saved.”

“And so all Israel shall be saved.” - Romans 11:26

Then Moses sang at the Red Sea, it was his joy to know that all Israel were safe. Not a drop of spray fell from that solid wall until the last of God’s Israel had safely planted his foot on the other side the flood. That done, immediately the floods dissolved into their proper place again, but not till then. Part of that song was, “Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed.” In the last time, when the elect shall sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and of the Lamb, it shall be the boast of Jesus, “Of all whom thou hast given me, I have lost none.” In heaven there shall not be a vacant throne.

“For all the chosen race

Shall meet around the throne,

Shall bless the conduct of his grace,

And make his glories known.”

As many as God hath chosen, as many as Christ hath redeemed, as many as the Spirit hath called, as many as believe in Jesus, shall safely cross the dividing sea. We are not all safely landed yet:

“Part of the host have crossed the flood,

And part are crossing now.”

The vanguard of the army has already reached the shore. We are marching through the depths; we are at this day following hard after our Leader into the heart of the sea. Let us be of good cheer: the rear-guard shall soon be where the vanguard already is; the last of the chosen ones shall soon have crossed the sea, and then shall be heard the song of triumph, when all are secure. But oh! if one were absent-oh! if one of his chosen family should be cast away-it would make an everlasting discord in the song of the redeemed, and cut the strings of the harps of paradise, so that music could never be extorted from them.

Charles H. Spurgeon, Morning and evening

Reworking Our Resumes

Over the past few months, hundreds of thousands of American citizens have lost their jobs.   In anticipation of future layoffs, many are reworking their resumes, crafting them in such a way as to highlight best selling points.  All of us have a resume, whether written or verbal, by which we present ourselves to the world. On social networking sites such as facebook or myspace, you will find people writing extensively about themselves.  On certain church websites you can see church leaders putting out something of their resumes in biographical blurbs.   In these resumes you can find out a person’s favorite foods, their favorite books, movies, television programs, sports teams, who they are married to, how many children they have, their favorite quotations, etc.   I confess that I have often been a bit depressed to see how much many believers can say about themselves before they come to the most important event in their lives, or perhaps, I should say, the most important person in their lives.

Can you imagine the following conversation taking place two thousand years ago?

“Hello, I’m Jim, what’s your name?”

“I’m Lazarus.”

“Nice to meet you, Lazarus.  Tell me a little about yourself?”

“Well, I’m forty-five years old.  I live in Bethany.  I have two sisters.   Both are awesome, but one worries a bit too much.  Hmm, let’s see, I like matzo crackers and wine.   I am really fond of shepherd’s pie.   I enjoy a good game of wickets.   My friend’s tell me I’m shy.  Hmmm, anything else, let me see…Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I was dead once for four days!”

My question, my Christian friend is this, how much can you say about yourself before Jesus comes up?   It may be time to rearrange your resume!

James Savastio

The State of our Churches

Last year was a busy year. I traveled more than 100,000 miles on airplanes along with several local trips by automobile. I flew across the Atlantic twice and the Pacific once. I visited churches all over the US as well as in several foreign countries. I taught classes in several different places, and spoke with very many pastors from churches in all kinds of different places. What did I find?

In general, I found great encouragement. Many of our churches are growing: buildings filled to capacity, or significant growth known over the last year. Of course every church faces difficulties; this is true of all of the churches in the Scriptures, and we should not expect anything different. But counting this reality, I think that Reformed Baptist churches are making some progress.

Some examples: One church in the Northwestern US has regular attendance that fills the sanctuary to capacity; a church in the Northeast celebrated many baptisms, a church in the Southwest noticeably increases in attendance on every visit I make. In one country I visited, all of the pastors present at a meeting expressed encouragement for the events of the previous year; in another country attendance at meetings exceeded expectations. As I look back on 2008, I do so with some measure of thanksgiving and hope. Thanksgiving for the Lord’s presence with so many of our churches; hope that He will increase His blessings on these churches-and more.

Of course I have concerns too. Many of our pastors are now like me-over 50 and seeing that there are probably fewer years left for us to serve. Our churches are not producing men to take the reins in the next generation, and we have not sent out men to serve in other countries in the proportion we should. I am encouraged for the present and concerned for the future. Now is the time to act. Let us take the blessings we are knowing now and ask the Lord to multiply them for the next generation. How will we do this? More next time.

James M. Renihan, Dean

The Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies

http://www.reformedbaptistinstitute.org

Jim Elliot (October 8, 1927 – January 8, 1956)

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Morning, January 6

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7

It is a happy way of soothing sorrow when we can feel-”HE careth for me.” Christian! do not dishonour religion by always wearing a brow of care; come, cast your burden upon your Lord. You are staggering beneath a weight which your Father would not feel. What seems to you a crushing burden, would be to him but as the small dust of the balance. Nothing is so sweet as to

“Lie passive in God’s hands, And know no will but his.”

O child of suffering, be thou patient; God has not passed thee over in his providence. He who is the feeder of sparrows, will also furnish you with what you need. Sit not down in despair; hope on, hope ever. Take up the arms of faith against a sea of trouble, and your opposition shall yet end your distresses. There is One who careth for you. His eye is fixed on you, his heart beats with pity for your woe, and his hand omnipotent shall yet bring you the needed help. The darkest cloud shall scatter itself in showers of mercy. The blackest gloom shall give place to the morning. He, if thou art one of his family, will bind up thy wounds, and heal thy broken heart. Doubt not his grace because of thy tribulation, but believe that he loveth thee as much in seasons of trouble as in times of happiness. What a serene and quiet life might you lead if you would leave providing to the God of providence! With a little oil in the cruse, and a handful of meal in the barrel, Elijah outlived the famine, and you will do the same. If God cares for you, why need you care too? Can you trust him for your soul, and not for your body? He has never refused to bear your burdens, he has never fainted under their weight. Come, then, soul! have done with fretful care, and leave all thy concerns in the hand of a gracious God.

Spurgeon, C. H.,  Morning and Evening

Sauna Evangelism

“Sir William!” I greeted my 90 year old friend as he sauntered into the sauna at the YMCA. “How’s it going?” I asked.

“Aw, can’t complain. No use anyway, I’d have to take a number and get in line.”

“You’re doing OK though?”

“Yep,” he chirped as he eased himself onto the wooden bench next to me. I’d already worked out and had been in the sauna for a while, but I threw some more water onto the heater and watched Sir William ease into the cloud of humid warmth that enveloped us. I prayed, “Lord, give me an opportunity to speak to him again for You.”

“Whaddiya think of the economic depression?” William asked. “‘Course you probably don’t remember the Great One, do you?”

“No, I wasn’t around for that.” I quickly tried to do the math to figure out how old Sir William was back in the ’30’s. His teens? “What do you think of the government getting into the banking and automotive businesses?” I inquired.

“Well, what else could they do? I’m glad Bush is gone. At least Obama can say three sentences coherently.”

“Bush hasn’t been the best communicator, has he?” I marveled again at how coherent Sir William is. The last time I chatted with him, I mentioned our church’s nursing home ministries to people much younger than he is . I commented that he must’ve come from good stock. “And I exercise,” he said. He swims. He dons flippers, swim gloves with webs between the fingers, and a mask with a snorkel and then sort of wobbles down the lane. The guy does a quarter mile – at 90! (not “miles per hour” – that’s his age, remember?)

I was trying to recall an article in WORLD magazine that I had recently read about FDR. “Well, I’ve heard that FDR’s government interventions prolonged the Great Depression for a good seven years.”

“Naw,” he demurred, “he came in when the Depression was already three years into it and started the Works Program…”

“and the FDIC and the Social Security System.” I chimed in, proud to recall something from that article.

“Yeah, where would we be without Social Security?” pondered William.

“Well, it looks like the Social Security System might not be such a good deal for my generation.” I was about cooked. Had William not been there, I would’ve already left the sauna, but I was grateful for another opportunity to speak with this amazing post-octogenarian.

“Why is that?” he asked.

“Because it’s running out of money and the younger generation won’t be contributing into the system as much because there are fewer of them and they’re not having as many kids. We’re becoming like Europe. The demographics aren’t good for the Social Security System, you know.”

William pulled away from my geopolitics and assessed his own situation. “I have thirteen great grandchildren and they’re all old enough to have kids.”

“Well, you’re set” I said as I saluted Sir William, wondering if I reminded him of World War II by my feigned military tribute. “But they’re not having kids?” I asked.

“Not yet.”

“Are they getting married?”

“Not many of ‘em.”

“See, that’s my point.”

“What?”

“The younger generation aren’t having enough kids for the Social Security System to be viable for much longer.” William nodded vacantly. I returned to his situation. “But at least you’ll be cared for right up till the end, eh?”

“Oh yeah, I’m in good shape” William asserted. He smiled and showed a nice row of false teeth set in a frame of wrinkled cheeks, topped by crystal blue eyes beneath wispy white hair. He’s not fat, but his wrinkled body evidenced the wear of nine decades. But you know, William IS in good shape!  Me?  I was feeling tingling in my fingertips, a deficiency of carbon-dioxide in the blood that precedes fainting. I needed to leave the sauna. But I saw the window opening.

“I’m glad you’ll be cared for till you die. What then?” William looked at me and drew a deep breath. “What then, William? What will happen to you after you die?”

“I don’t know” he responded, trying to be cheerful.

“Well, that’s my business, isn’t it?” I asked. He knows I’m a pastor.

“Yeah, you got a ticket for me?”

“William, I can introduce you to the Man who has gone ahead of us. He is your ticket. Jesus Christ – He has died and has gone before us through death and He’s alive and able to give life to all who trust in Him.” At that point I was starting to swoon. I’d been in 180 degree heat for over twenty minutes and I came in sweating! But William was looking at me responsively.

“I performed a funeral last week for an 86 yr old woman.”

“Aw, she was young.”

“Not in relation to everyone else at the funeral,” I replied. “I told them about our hope as Christians for our bodies.”

“Our what?”

“Our bodies,” I repeated – this time loud enough for even me to hear.

I remembered standing in front of the casket at the funeral home. “I stood next to a corpse and told the people that I’m dying and that they’re dying.” William nodded in agreement. “I told them that God created their bodies but because of sin, death now destroys our bodies. I told them that God the Son became a man with a true human body and lived in the body without sin, and died bearing our sins in His body, and rose again in the same body and ascended in that body and is on the throne of God – bodily – and is returning bodily and will transform the entire creation into the glory of His own resurrected body.” My run-on sentence was necessary because at that point, I needed to run out of that sweltering room!

“William?”

“Yeah?”

“Does this interest you?”

“Yes, yes it does.”

“Can I talk to you about this when we see each other again?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Take care, Sir William.”

“Bye now.”

I stood under the cool water of my shower gaining my equilibrium as William exited the sauna and shuffled toward the pool, clutching his bag with flippers and a snorkel protruding. I reflected on our conversation. It seemed to be a metaphor. There we sat in a room that we both would soon have to leave. We talked - as time ran down. At the end, the gospel was inserted in a cascade of prepositional phrases. I wondered how much, if anything, William grasped of our blessed hope. I was grateful that I was able to bring his thoughts to Christ, but it seemed so insufficient to his need. Had he lived 90 years without clearly hearing the gospel? Could he hear it at the end of his life? Could he hear it at the end of a sauna when we had already spent our front end time talking about other things? Here we are in a sauna: a temporary place that we must leave, a place that weakens us as we remain on. How often we spend our best energies talking to folk about stuff and things – and leave little if any time for the gospel? We’re dying men talking to dying men – with time running out. All so weak. So fleeting. Will I see Sir William again? Will I have the opportunity to speak to him about his eternal state, and about Jesus the Savior of sinners? William is 90. It’ll soon be 2009. I’m about to turn 55. Time is running out. So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom. (Ps 90:12)

Alan Dunn