In my lifetime I do not recall a more awaited decision by the U.S. Supreme Court than the one delivered today on “Obamacare.” Leaders across the political spectrum were gathered with baited breath and spin-machines idling on standby, ready to use whatever decision was made to their own political advantage.
From my perspective, as one who respects the U.S. Constitution and believes it should be faithfully interpreted according to the intent of the Founders, today’s court action was a gross miscarriage of justice. The national government has now been given the green light to force the American population to do anything it chooses, under the guise of abusive taxation.
The long-term implications of this landmark decision remain to be seen. It would appear that the liberties Americans have enjoyed for the past 236 years are going the way of the dodo bird and passenger pigeon. The rapidity with which our society is degenerating is breath taking, incorporating developments unthinkable a few short years ago.
What is the Christian response to this latest example of judicial tyranny? The author of the beloved hymn, Amazing Grace, John Newton, provides some pertinent insight. In one of his letters he describes what he terms “some blemishes in Christian character.” One of those blemishes is the excessive attention to political matters, to the detriment of the “much more essential service [of] pleading for [the country] in prayer.” Individuals that are overwhelmingly caught up in political affairs, Newton writes, “look no farther than to second causes, and forget that the Lord REIGNS (emphasis his).”
In other words, however much we may disagree with this latest Supreme Court edict, those nine justices are but secondary causes that the Lord is using in His sovereign reign over the affairs of these United States of America. The root of our nation’s ills is spiritual. We have abandoned God and His Law and are reaping the devastating consequences of loss of freedom. The book of Judges repeatedly describes a similar fate for the ancient Jews who refused to follow the Lord with integrity and devotion.
If our land is to be restored from its headlong plunge to oblivion, the cure will not be found at the ballot box but in the prayer closet. Yes, we must exercise our civic duty to cast informed votes, to voice our concerns to our representatives, to encourage state and local governments to resist the tyranny being foisted upon us by the Washington elite by utilizing the Tenth Amendment and other legal means. But if our nation is to be saved from utter destruction, the key will be found in humility and repentance before the Sovereign God. He indeed reigns. Let the faithful repent and seek His face.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
A Mother's Highest Calling
Last month Democratic operative Hilary Rosen created a firestorm when she said on CNN that Ann Romney had "actually never worked a day in her life," making her a poor adviser on women's economic issues. There has been widespread bipartisan condemnation of Rosen’s assessment of Mrs. Romney. While the comments were certainly ill advised, they have served to highlight the role of mothers who serve primarily in the home.
In a book entitled Spiritual Parenting, the great 19th century Baptist preacher, C.H. Spurgeon wrote the following:
“It is well to note the admirable selection of instructors. We are not at a loss to tell who instructed youthful Timothy. In this epistle Paul says, ‘When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.’ (2 Timothy 1:5). No doubt grandmother Lois and mother Eunice united in teaching the little one. Who should teach the children but the parents? Timothy’s father was a Greek, and probably a heathen, but this child was happy in having a venerable grandmother, so often the dearest of all relatives to a little child. He was blessed also with a gracious mother, once a devout Jewess, and afterwards also a firmly believing Christian, who made it her daily pleasure to teach her own dear child the Word of the Lord.
O dear mothers, please understand that you have a very sacred trust reposed in you by God! He has in effect said unto you, ‘Take this child away, and nurse it for Me, and I will give thee thy wages’ (Exodus 2:9). You are called to equip the future man of God, that he may be ‘thoroughly furnished unto all good works’ (2 Timothy 3:17). If God spares you, you may live to hear that pretty boy speak to thousands, and you will have the sweet reflection in your heart that the quiet teachings of the nursery led the adult man to love his God and serve Him.
Those who think that a woman detained at home by her little family is doing nothing, think the reverse of what is true. Scarcely can the godly mother quit her home for a place of worship. However, dream not that she is lost to the work of the church. Far from it, she is doing the best possible service for her Lord.
Mothers, the godly training of your offspring is your first and most pressing duty. Christian women, by teaching children the Holy Scriptures, are as much fulfilling their part for the Lord as Moses did in judging Israel, of Solomon in building the temple.”
Mothers and grandmothers, be encouraged that there is no opportunity in life to make a greater contribution of eternal concern than by fulfilling your God-given maternal responsibilities. Choosing to subsist at a lesser economic level or intentionally not pursuing other self-interests because of your devotion to home and family will reap rewards you will never live to regret.
In a book entitled Spiritual Parenting, the great 19th century Baptist preacher, C.H. Spurgeon wrote the following:
“It is well to note the admirable selection of instructors. We are not at a loss to tell who instructed youthful Timothy. In this epistle Paul says, ‘When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.’ (2 Timothy 1:5). No doubt grandmother Lois and mother Eunice united in teaching the little one. Who should teach the children but the parents? Timothy’s father was a Greek, and probably a heathen, but this child was happy in having a venerable grandmother, so often the dearest of all relatives to a little child. He was blessed also with a gracious mother, once a devout Jewess, and afterwards also a firmly believing Christian, who made it her daily pleasure to teach her own dear child the Word of the Lord.
O dear mothers, please understand that you have a very sacred trust reposed in you by God! He has in effect said unto you, ‘Take this child away, and nurse it for Me, and I will give thee thy wages’ (Exodus 2:9). You are called to equip the future man of God, that he may be ‘thoroughly furnished unto all good works’ (2 Timothy 3:17). If God spares you, you may live to hear that pretty boy speak to thousands, and you will have the sweet reflection in your heart that the quiet teachings of the nursery led the adult man to love his God and serve Him.
Those who think that a woman detained at home by her little family is doing nothing, think the reverse of what is true. Scarcely can the godly mother quit her home for a place of worship. However, dream not that she is lost to the work of the church. Far from it, she is doing the best possible service for her Lord.
Mothers, the godly training of your offspring is your first and most pressing duty. Christian women, by teaching children the Holy Scriptures, are as much fulfilling their part for the Lord as Moses did in judging Israel, of Solomon in building the temple.”
Mothers and grandmothers, be encouraged that there is no opportunity in life to make a greater contribution of eternal concern than by fulfilling your God-given maternal responsibilities. Choosing to subsist at a lesser economic level or intentionally not pursuing other self-interests because of your devotion to home and family will reap rewards you will never live to regret.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Wisdom in Chuck Colson's Final Speech
Christian statesman Chuck Colson was called to his heavenly home April 21st. He became seriously ill during a March 30th speech that would prove to be his last.
Several points that he made are well worth noting in this election season, one that has been labeled by many commentators as the most critical in American history. Every Christian should exercise his right to vote; failure to do so is to aid the forces of evil bent on destroying this country. There is no justifiable rationale for Christian indifference when it comes to casting an informed vote to uphold righteous standards in civil matters.
But Colson presented a balanced view that recognizes that changing our country requires more than merely electing different politicians:
“I happen to be one of those who believes that societies are changed by movements at the grassroots. So how do we get that material out to people that they can use it for their neighbors? I think cultures are changed over the backyard fence and the barbecue grill; I don’t believe they’re changed from the top down. And I’ll talk to you tonight a little bit about why I think that is so critical right now. …”
“Everybody looks to the elections and thinks, well the elections are going to settle this problem or settle that problem. Elections are important. Whoever serves in office, it makes a difference what kind of person that is and what that person believes. But elections can’t solve the problem we’ve got. The problem we’ve got is that our culture has been decaying from inside for 30 or 40 years. And politics is nothing but an expression of culture.”
So, to improve the social and moral climate in this country, we have to change the culture. Culture is simply a reflection of what people believe. And politics is a reflection of the nation’s culture. We get the kind of politicians that the majority want and vote for; elected officials reflect the values that the electorate believes in and lives by.
In reality, then, we have ourselves to blame for the state of affairs that is destroying this country from within. The church has historically been a constructive force for truth and righteousness, in influencing a society to seek the Lord and His righteousness. When we fail in that mission, the blame for the dismal state of affairs must be laid at the feet of the people of God.
Colson summarized it this way: “So it comes right back to us. Look in the mirror, that’s where the problem is. And if we can, through the church, renew the church to really bring a healthy cultural influence, then there’s some hope that we can be changed.”
May God grant to us wisdom, boldness, and discernment to stand for the unchanging principles of His truth, and to influence those around us to do likewise. Therein lies the only hope for this nation.
Several points that he made are well worth noting in this election season, one that has been labeled by many commentators as the most critical in American history. Every Christian should exercise his right to vote; failure to do so is to aid the forces of evil bent on destroying this country. There is no justifiable rationale for Christian indifference when it comes to casting an informed vote to uphold righteous standards in civil matters.
But Colson presented a balanced view that recognizes that changing our country requires more than merely electing different politicians:
“I happen to be one of those who believes that societies are changed by movements at the grassroots. So how do we get that material out to people that they can use it for their neighbors? I think cultures are changed over the backyard fence and the barbecue grill; I don’t believe they’re changed from the top down. And I’ll talk to you tonight a little bit about why I think that is so critical right now. …”
“Everybody looks to the elections and thinks, well the elections are going to settle this problem or settle that problem. Elections are important. Whoever serves in office, it makes a difference what kind of person that is and what that person believes. But elections can’t solve the problem we’ve got. The problem we’ve got is that our culture has been decaying from inside for 30 or 40 years. And politics is nothing but an expression of culture.”
So, to improve the social and moral climate in this country, we have to change the culture. Culture is simply a reflection of what people believe. And politics is a reflection of the nation’s culture. We get the kind of politicians that the majority want and vote for; elected officials reflect the values that the electorate believes in and lives by.
In reality, then, we have ourselves to blame for the state of affairs that is destroying this country from within. The church has historically been a constructive force for truth and righteousness, in influencing a society to seek the Lord and His righteousness. When we fail in that mission, the blame for the dismal state of affairs must be laid at the feet of the people of God.
Colson summarized it this way: “So it comes right back to us. Look in the mirror, that’s where the problem is. And if we can, through the church, renew the church to really bring a healthy cultural influence, then there’s some hope that we can be changed.”
May God grant to us wisdom, boldness, and discernment to stand for the unchanging principles of His truth, and to influence those around us to do likewise. Therein lies the only hope for this nation.
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Year of the Bible in Pennsylvania
2012 has been unanimously designated the Year of the Bible in Pennsylvania by vote of the PA House of Representatives. In an increasingly partisan and divided nation, it is refreshing to see strong bi-partisan support for this resolution in the Pennsylvania House.
The text of the resolution notes that “many of our great national leaders, among them President Washington, President, Jackson, President Lincoln, President Wilson, and President Reagan, paid tribute to the influence of the Bible in our country’s development, as exemplified by the words of President Jackson that the Bible is ‘the rock on which our Republic rests.’”
Reaction has been swift and fierce in opposition to H.R. 535. It comes as no surprise that the secular media and liberal religious leaders are decrying the resolution as inappropriate and calling for its repeal. Thank God for the courageous action of these representatives who understand the critical role that the Bible has had in the history of this nation and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
As the Resolution further notes, “This nation now faces great challenges that will test it as it has never been tested before . . . Renewing our knowledge of faith in God through holy scripture can strengthen us as a nation and a people …”
The fact is, H.R. 535 is a return to Pennsylvania’s roots. An act of the 1705-06 Pennsylvania legislature specified that to serve as a civil magistrate one had to “profess to believe in Jesus Christ, the saviour of the world.” The Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 declares that the legislature shall consist of persons who subscribe to the following: “I do believe in one God, the Creator and Governor of the universe, the Rewarder of the good and the Punisher of the wicked; and I acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be given by Divine inspiration."
May the substance of H.R. 535 sweep our land in a powerful return to the convictions of our founding fathers.
The text of the resolution notes that “many of our great national leaders, among them President Washington, President, Jackson, President Lincoln, President Wilson, and President Reagan, paid tribute to the influence of the Bible in our country’s development, as exemplified by the words of President Jackson that the Bible is ‘the rock on which our Republic rests.’”
Reaction has been swift and fierce in opposition to H.R. 535. It comes as no surprise that the secular media and liberal religious leaders are decrying the resolution as inappropriate and calling for its repeal. Thank God for the courageous action of these representatives who understand the critical role that the Bible has had in the history of this nation and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
As the Resolution further notes, “This nation now faces great challenges that will test it as it has never been tested before . . . Renewing our knowledge of faith in God through holy scripture can strengthen us as a nation and a people …”
The fact is, H.R. 535 is a return to Pennsylvania’s roots. An act of the 1705-06 Pennsylvania legislature specified that to serve as a civil magistrate one had to “profess to believe in Jesus Christ, the saviour of the world.” The Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 declares that the legislature shall consist of persons who subscribe to the following: “I do believe in one God, the Creator and Governor of the universe, the Rewarder of the good and the Punisher of the wicked; and I acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be given by Divine inspiration."
May the substance of H.R. 535 sweep our land in a powerful return to the convictions of our founding fathers.
Monday, November 7, 2011
The Nature of the Fallen Human Heart on Display
As a native of central Pennsylvania, I grew up an avid fan of Penn State football. In my office I have two Coke bottles, each depicting national championship teams in 1982 and 1986. On my bookshelves are two volumes on Coach Joe Paterno and a Wheaties box that features him on the front.
When we moved to Canada as missionaries in 1982, our location placed us in a situation where getting network TV programming was impossible. So Sharon and I rented a motel room in the nearest town just so we could watch Penn State play for the national title (and defeat Georgia in the process). I still recall the Nittany Lion marching band victoriously playing The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia. That was the only time we ever rented a room but did not bother to stay for the night!
I remain an avid follower of Penn State to this day. So it was with great pain that we, along with the rest of the “Nittany Nation,” received the news that retired, long-time defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky has been indicted on multiple counts of sexual abuse of minors. While one is innocent until proven guilty, the mountain of alleged evidence is greatly troubling at this time, to say the least.
Penn State has prided itself on running a “clean” athletic program, epitomized by the philanthropic work of Coach Paterno and his wife, Sue. Paterno has always been about much more than athletic accomplishments, setting him apart from many of his peers.
So the shock of these recent revelations about Sandusky is intensely difficult to bear. Before he retired from Penn State, Jerry was widely considered a likely candidate to eventually replace Coach Paterno. He had built a strong reputation for defensive excellence, earning Penn State the nickname “Linebacker U” and producing such defensive standouts as All-Pro Shane Conlon and Hall-of-Famer, Jack Ham.
How could a man with such accomplishments and long-term record of excellence fall into the gross sins of which he is accused? The answer is found in the inherent nature of the sinful human heart. Jeremiah wrote these words, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who an know it?” We each are born with a heart capable of the alleged crimes of Jerry Sandusky, and worse. That is why we need a savior.
The proper response to the devastating news out of State College this weekend is to grieve over these alleged violations of the law of God and to remind ourselves of our own need of repentance and cleansing by the blood of Jesus Christ. Rather than taking a “holier than thou” approach to such crimes, we must acknowledge that “there but for the grace of God go I.”
Let us give thanks once again for the gospel of Christ that proclaims that the power of God will change our wicked, hard hearts and make us willing and able to follow Him in faithfulness and truth. And let us pray for Jerry Sandusky and all those caught up in this horrible scandal. May the truth prevail and justice be done. And justice will be done on that final Day of Judgment that awaits every man.
When we moved to Canada as missionaries in 1982, our location placed us in a situation where getting network TV programming was impossible. So Sharon and I rented a motel room in the nearest town just so we could watch Penn State play for the national title (and defeat Georgia in the process). I still recall the Nittany Lion marching band victoriously playing The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia. That was the only time we ever rented a room but did not bother to stay for the night!
I remain an avid follower of Penn State to this day. So it was with great pain that we, along with the rest of the “Nittany Nation,” received the news that retired, long-time defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky has been indicted on multiple counts of sexual abuse of minors. While one is innocent until proven guilty, the mountain of alleged evidence is greatly troubling at this time, to say the least.
Penn State has prided itself on running a “clean” athletic program, epitomized by the philanthropic work of Coach Paterno and his wife, Sue. Paterno has always been about much more than athletic accomplishments, setting him apart from many of his peers.
So the shock of these recent revelations about Sandusky is intensely difficult to bear. Before he retired from Penn State, Jerry was widely considered a likely candidate to eventually replace Coach Paterno. He had built a strong reputation for defensive excellence, earning Penn State the nickname “Linebacker U” and producing such defensive standouts as All-Pro Shane Conlon and Hall-of-Famer, Jack Ham.
How could a man with such accomplishments and long-term record of excellence fall into the gross sins of which he is accused? The answer is found in the inherent nature of the sinful human heart. Jeremiah wrote these words, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who an know it?” We each are born with a heart capable of the alleged crimes of Jerry Sandusky, and worse. That is why we need a savior.
The proper response to the devastating news out of State College this weekend is to grieve over these alleged violations of the law of God and to remind ourselves of our own need of repentance and cleansing by the blood of Jesus Christ. Rather than taking a “holier than thou” approach to such crimes, we must acknowledge that “there but for the grace of God go I.”
Let us give thanks once again for the gospel of Christ that proclaims that the power of God will change our wicked, hard hearts and make us willing and able to follow Him in faithfulness and truth. And let us pray for Jerry Sandusky and all those caught up in this horrible scandal. May the truth prevail and justice be done. And justice will be done on that final Day of Judgment that awaits every man.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Top Flag
On my travels in and around Pigeon Cove I occasionally drive by a church with a flagpole proudly displaying the American and Christian flags. According to proper protocol, when flown together, the American flag must be displayed on top, with the Christian, or any other flag, below it on the same or different poles. When displayed inside, the American flag must be on the speaker’s right, if presented on a raised platform. When on the congregation’s level, it must be placed on the right side of the audience. Regardless of the situation, the U.S. flag must be in the place of highest honor.
Now, in most contexts, this protocol is perfectly acceptable. The flag of the various states, civic organizations, or other countries should indeed be flown in a position inferior to the Stars and Stripes. But when the Christian flag is involved, the situation changes dramatically.
For the follower of Jesus Christ, no allegiance, not even American citizenship, can be permitted to take precedence over his devotion to the Lord. To do otherwise is to violate the 1st Commandment by relegating God to an inferior position.
How then should the church handle the display of the American and Christian flags? The only answer, without violating either U.S. or biblical guidelines, is to simply not display either flag. We removed both flags from our church for this very reason.
As Christians and Americans, we are required to render appropriate honor to whom honor is due. But in the matter of displaying flags, it is an impossible situation, the practice of many churches notwithstanding.
Every time I drive by the church mentioned above I cringe inside. If I were to interview members of that congregation, doubtless all would claim to follow the Bible. In this case, perhaps ignorantly, they are guilty of idolizing the American flag. Honoring the name of God demands that He always be given the preeminence.
Now, in most contexts, this protocol is perfectly acceptable. The flag of the various states, civic organizations, or other countries should indeed be flown in a position inferior to the Stars and Stripes. But when the Christian flag is involved, the situation changes dramatically.
For the follower of Jesus Christ, no allegiance, not even American citizenship, can be permitted to take precedence over his devotion to the Lord. To do otherwise is to violate the 1st Commandment by relegating God to an inferior position.
How then should the church handle the display of the American and Christian flags? The only answer, without violating either U.S. or biblical guidelines, is to simply not display either flag. We removed both flags from our church for this very reason.
As Christians and Americans, we are required to render appropriate honor to whom honor is due. But in the matter of displaying flags, it is an impossible situation, the practice of many churches notwithstanding.
Every time I drive by the church mentioned above I cringe inside. If I were to interview members of that congregation, doubtless all would claim to follow the Bible. In this case, perhaps ignorantly, they are guilty of idolizing the American flag. Honoring the name of God demands that He always be given the preeminence.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Theological Termites
The current issue of Time magazine, published during the most holy week of the Christian calendar, features a startling cover that asks the piercing question: “What if there’s no hell?” The cover story outlines the controversy over the new book by mega-pastor Rob Bell, Love Wins.
Bell suggests that Christ’s redemptive work will eventually see the salvation of all men, hence the implication of the title that the love of God will overcome His wrath against sin. This is a humanly appealing thesis that appears every so often throughout history. Bell has written a new book, but in reality he has simply repackaged the age-old heresy of universalism for 21st century readers.
I write this brief essay on Good Friday afternoon, the annual commemoration of Jesus’ suffering on the cross. Among the difficulties with Bell’s thesis is that his words undermine the reliability and consistency of the Christian faith. Like so many spiritual termites, his ideas destroy the integrity of an orthodox understanding of Scripture so that it eventually crashes under its own weight into a heap of insignificance.
How can there be any eternal merit in the death of one that proclaimed blatant falsehoods—even if they were uttered for an admirable purpose? For Jesus Himself repeatedly spoke of a place for the unrepentant “where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:42-48).
It was Jesus who spoke of the Final Judgment when all men will be divided into two groups, those who will enjoy the blessings of eternal life and those who will “go away into everlasting punishment” (Matthew 25:46).
No, one cannot properly call himself a Christian when he denies these plain words of Christ Himself. It is intensely difficult to contemplate the reality of a sentence of unending torment and suffering. But Scripture unambiguously proclaims this frightening reality. No amount of wishful thinking can change the plain sense of the inspired text.
To subscribe to the reality postulated by Pastor Bell is to confess that there is no such thing as Scriptural authority. Instead, our faith – and our God – become whatever we choose to make them. Bell is thus guilty of proclaiming a gospel, not the gospel of Christ but the gospel of post-modern relativism. Whatever seems right to each person becomes the truth for him.
May God enable us to defend the deposit of truth that has been entrusted to us by the Apostles (2 Timothy 1:13). The proliferation of repackaged heresies requires a renewed effort at exterminating the termites of theological compromise.
Bell suggests that Christ’s redemptive work will eventually see the salvation of all men, hence the implication of the title that the love of God will overcome His wrath against sin. This is a humanly appealing thesis that appears every so often throughout history. Bell has written a new book, but in reality he has simply repackaged the age-old heresy of universalism for 21st century readers.
I write this brief essay on Good Friday afternoon, the annual commemoration of Jesus’ suffering on the cross. Among the difficulties with Bell’s thesis is that his words undermine the reliability and consistency of the Christian faith. Like so many spiritual termites, his ideas destroy the integrity of an orthodox understanding of Scripture so that it eventually crashes under its own weight into a heap of insignificance.
How can there be any eternal merit in the death of one that proclaimed blatant falsehoods—even if they were uttered for an admirable purpose? For Jesus Himself repeatedly spoke of a place for the unrepentant “where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:42-48).
It was Jesus who spoke of the Final Judgment when all men will be divided into two groups, those who will enjoy the blessings of eternal life and those who will “go away into everlasting punishment” (Matthew 25:46).
No, one cannot properly call himself a Christian when he denies these plain words of Christ Himself. It is intensely difficult to contemplate the reality of a sentence of unending torment and suffering. But Scripture unambiguously proclaims this frightening reality. No amount of wishful thinking can change the plain sense of the inspired text.
To subscribe to the reality postulated by Pastor Bell is to confess that there is no such thing as Scriptural authority. Instead, our faith – and our God – become whatever we choose to make them. Bell is thus guilty of proclaiming a gospel, not the gospel of Christ but the gospel of post-modern relativism. Whatever seems right to each person becomes the truth for him.
May God enable us to defend the deposit of truth that has been entrusted to us by the Apostles (2 Timothy 1:13). The proliferation of repackaged heresies requires a renewed effort at exterminating the termites of theological compromise.
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