Holy Father, you are Just. When we deserved punishment, you gave us rewards. When we deserved death, you gave us life. Lord God of all creation, you have redeemed us as your people to love. And we your people continually forsake your ways. God, you grant us mercy everyday of our lives and you forgive us even when our dearest friends will not.
Today, we thank you for bringing us out of Egypt into the Promise Land where Your Son is King. In this kingdom, you give us wine and bread. You give us brothers and sisters. And you are sure to protect us from those who betray your Covenant.
In this great day which you have made, you have supplied the earth with air so that we may breathe; with water that we may drink; with beauty that we may cherish and religion so we may worship You.
Thank you our Father.
Justification by Faith Alone
This morning at St. Andrew’s Chapel Dr. R.C. Sproul delivered an excellent summary of the Reformed position on Justification by Faith Alone. In his series on the book of Acts, he has reached the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) where James presides as head presbyter. The discussion centers around the issue the Judaizers have brought forth. The Judaizers were highly concerned that allowing Gentiles into the community of saints would infringe upon their perspective on salvation. Of course, to them grace and circumcision composed the proper ingredients to salvation. Dr. Sproul was conspicuously concerned in alerting the church of the dangers the gospel has faced in the last centuries and continues to face even in our day. Quoting Luther he said that “justification by faith is the article of the standing or falling church.”
RC made a brief reference to the New Perspective on Paul controversy. It appears that in last week’s Pastor’s Conference, a majority of the pastors were utterly in awe of the devastation the NPP has caused in some of the Reformed Churches in the US. The New Perspective on Paul does not see justification as a necessary declaration to enter the Christian community, rather it is the means by which they are maintained. In simple terms, it sees justification as ecclesiastical rather than soteriological.
My brief thoughts on this issue has yet to be confirmed by my studies. I have done some work but not extensive work on NPP. However, I concur with Doug Wilson who stated in the end of his book, “Reformed is Not Enough”, that the Christian Church needs to give N.T. Wright and others a fair hearing.
One of my primary concerns with this issue is that the church despise this perspective as another attack on the gospel and not seek to understand it. If this occurs, she will become ignorant of the facts and not be able to engage major theological issues of the day, thereby losing even more credibility. If the Reformation urged us to “always reform” (Semper Reformanda), it would be foolish to not examine this perspective. I am quite aware that the term “new” causes immediate fear in some, but we are well reminded that the Reformation itself was a new work of God in the church. Another fear commonly expressed is that NPP has its origins in the work of E.P. Sanders, a liberal scholar, to say the least. However, once again another reminder of the history of the church is necessary. It was through the efforts of heretics and excommunicated fathers that the church refined its ideas and came to supreme conclusions on doctrinal matters.
I am not quite sure we can say with certainty that “justification” has a narrow meaning or rather, if it can be defined more broadly as some suggest. It is my contention that there still is much work to be done not only on the usage of the term “justification” but also on its broader application to the community.
Overall, this seems to be a healthy debate and not worthy of separation. Whether NPP is a correct method of interpreting Paul or if Luther had it right to begin with, or even if both of these positions are not mutually exclusive, as I tend to believe, the church is still bound and held by the great creeds, not solely on Lutheran or Calvinistic doctrines, but one that encompasses all Orthodox denominations. One final observation deserves our attention, and that is, that the Creeds of the church for the first 1600 years do not include “justification by faith alone.” Now, what does this mean? I am still not sure. For your convenience here is the greatest of all Creeds in my opinion. Read it and meditate on that which is really essential.
THE APOSTLE’S CREED
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell. [see Calvin]
The third day He arose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy *catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
Amen.
*The word “catholic” refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Democrats’ Message
The overall theme of all major stations, radio programs, and news around the country has been on the question of “How can Democrats recover from the recent blow?” I have read Bill Clinton’s answer. He said Democrats need to put out a clear message. I read Rev. (whatever this title means) Al Sharpton’s interview with Bill O’Reilly when he said Democrats need to put out a clear message to the people. It seems that Democrats are agreed on one thing: We need to put out a clear message to the people!
But what kind of message does the people want to hear? I will tell you what they don’t want to hear. They don’t want to hear about the Democrats seeking reconciliation in the country. It won’t happen when you have no moral principles. And further, they don’t want to hear more whining. This I can’t guarantee won’t happen throughout the next four years. However, there is one thing they do want to hear, and that is, Hillary Clinton for 2008. Hey, if you want to go ahead and claim another defeat ahead of time, have at it!
Reflections on the Election and the Future
It has surely been an surprising election. For most of us who believed this would prolong to the next month or so were proven wrong. At least we know that the nation has learned from Florida’s mistakes in 2000. President Bush has earned the respect of a nation and also for a good part of the world today. As I read Brazil’s news I noticed that even the Brazilian president was concerned about establishing better relationships with the US in these next four years. While Arafat is spending his last few days on earth, we will once again see the Israeli and Palestine wars on the top of the news. Further, the Iraqi war will be another concern in these next four years for Bush. As for Bill Clinton’s chance of becoming the head of the UN in 2006, he better forget it about and start focusing on his wife’s campaign for the presidency in 2008. Speaking of which, consider the two candidates of the 2008 election (if all things continues as planned): former mayor Rudy Guliani and Hilary Clinton. One important issue to keep in mind is that Rudy as a Republican is more of a democrat on ethical issues than anything. Besides being pro-abortion, he is also pro-homosexual marriage. This puts the top two candidates in 2008 as largely anti-Christian. Maybe a third party may be an option for 2008… what do you think? As for Bush’s re-election, he has proven once again to be vastly conservative. All you have to do is see the map and be in awe of all the red states. However, since the Republican Party is so diverse, this means that the red states aren’t as red (conservative) as some would like to believe.
A couple of final remarks will help us to think ahead even to our next election. First, in the words of Matt Drudge, “this is a Bush Revolution.” Indeed Bush has received the greatest support in American history surpassing the big 50% margin. This time (unlike 2000) he left no doubt who would be the chief in command. Secondly, with this Revolution comes also the remarkable dominance of the Republican Party in the Senate (55 v. 44). Thirdly, I raise the obvious question, will Bush compromise even more with Democrats in order to bring together this divided nation (Kerry asked this of the president today in his 5 minute phone conversation as he conceded)?
Finally, as for the Constitution Party, we are still concerned that this nation is in danger because of the abortion clinics, consequently because of “Conservatives” funding abortion institutions. Further, we are concerned that the educational system of this nation is in utter ruin. It is a revealing fact when 50 million people vote for a candidate (John Kerry) who is so unethical in his ideas. The government educational system needs to be re-considered by Christian parents before they send their sons and daughters in a godless proselytizing system. You cannot restore a nation to godly rule i parents send their children to ungoldy education.
We will not give up and we will not concede to those who wish to minimize the importance of God, Republic and Family, but we will always fight for a God honoring country that submits to the council and mandates of our Sovereign Lord Jesus Christ to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Liturgy and Its Purposes, Part II
In continuing this short series on liturgy, I am reminded of an article I read several years ago in college that relates to this topic. The article dealt with the growing attraction of traditional churches to the younger population here in America. The essence of the article compared the normal weekly routine of teenagers. The study sought to prove why Christian and non-Christian teenagers are becoming more enamored with Traditional Liturgical Services than the rather common contemporary styles of the day. Its conclusion was that popular culture is so overwhelmed with technology every second of the day that when Sunday comes along, it is almost as if they need a mental break and enter into another world.
This is by no means a critique of contemporary forms of worship. I find them valuable in particular contexts outside of the Lord’s Day Worship. However, it is my conviction that liturgy (that is, in its historical format) is a haven of rest for those who seek peace from the hectic and at times chaotic existence. Further, liturgy transforms the heart from mere individualism to contemplation of heavenly communion. By this I mean the splendor and glorious vision of a heavenly kingdom where God’s people in unison rejoice in the Lordship of our God.
Liturgy also rejoins our modern (or post-modern) minds to the history of the church. This connection with history can be a fulfilling experience. This experience takes us back to the early church where the Psalms were sung. It takes us back to the great sermons of the Reformers. It takes us to the great Catechisms such as the Westminster and Heidelberg Catechisms. It takes us back to the prayer the Lord taught His disciples to pray. Iit takes us to the Creeds that have united Christendom for over a millennium, and it brings our finite expressions to the great declarations of praise to our God. This list in no way encompasses the greatness of the liturgical practices of the Church, but it certainly draws together a multitude of saints which no man can number.
Here is a sample devotional liturgy I follow in my private worship:
A) Praise and Adoration to the Trinity
B) Thanksgiving.
C) Petition.
D) Lord’s Prayer
E) Singing a hymn.
For further discussion on liturgy and spirituality see my article entitled: On Developing a Spiritual Pattern.
Liturgy and its Purpose part 1
In the last five months I have considered the purpose of liturgy. Michael Horton a few years ago wrote an article defending liturgy. In particular, he was defending Reformed liturgy. In our day, it appears people have completely misunderstood the purpose of liturgy. To some it is a left-over from Roman Catholicism which the Reformers did not abandon; to others it is equated with formalism or even dead worship. The truth is that everyone and every church has a liturgy; but liturgies differ in nature.
The very concept of a liturgy may cause fear in some. The purpose of Biblical liturgy is to enhance worship, honor God, prepare the people for Word and Sacrament, and enable the gospel to be presented over and over in a splendid blend of confessions, affirmations, prayers and doxology.
Why Michael Anthony Peroutka; Georger Bush and Inclusivism
We still have three days and about 16 hours for the election and I cannot stress how important it is for us conservatives to think about who we are voting for. I have publicly endorsed Michael Peroutka for President for many reasons. Here are a few of them: 1) Peroutka is the only 100% Pro-Lifer in this campaign, 2) He is the only one who believes in the depravity of men (as I quoted a few weeks ago, Bush has stated that all men are basically good), 3) Peroutka considers the family a priority in his campaign, 4) The Constitution Party is against amnesty for illegal aliens, 5) Peroutka is determined to abandon the UN, 6) Unlike other candidates, he refuses to support the homosexual agenda by funding anti-family organizations.
These are only a few reasons why I endorse Micahel Peroutka as President. It appears that for some these issues are no longer important. It seems that “principles” have been altered for “popularity.” Listen, voting for Bush is not an evil act. I am not condemming anyone for doing so, but what I do condemn is the vague and shallow reasons for choosing a candidate. My point is that for us Christians, issues like ethics and Biblical integrity are fundamental.
Recently President Bush was interviewed by Charlie Gibson and these are the crucial Q&A sections of that interview I wanted you to read. If you desire to read the entirety of the interview, simply e-mail me and I will send it to you. Before you do read, here is a verse to consider… warning: It may sound too familiar, so read it carefully.
John 14:6: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW CHARLES GIBSON, ABC NEWS
CG: Do we all worship the same God, Christian and Muslim?
GWB: I think we do.
CG: Do Christians and non-Christians and Muslims go to heaven in your mind?
GWB: Yes, they do. We have different routes of getting there…
You have three days to make up your mind.
Bush’s interview link
Soccer Tragedy
Defender (sweeper) Serginho, 30, from São Caetano, died on Wednesday evening after suffering a heart attack during a game versus Sao Paulo. The player fell by himself on the field on the 14th minute of the second half of the match. When the game was paralyzed both captains decided that the game should be suspended. The game will resume next Wednesday for another 31 minutes. The stadium will have their doors open for the fans. Serginho will be buried this Friday the 29th.
Name: Paulo Sérgio de Oliveira Silva
Birth: 19th of October 1974
Birthplace: Vitória (ES)
Position: Defender
Clubs he had played for: Social Coronel Fabriciano-MG (95-96 e 97-98), Patrocinense-MG (95), Araçatuba (SP), Democrata-MG (96), Mogi Mirim (96), Araçatuba (99) e São Caetano
Back to Politics – answering a common objection
A few nights ago in a popular chat channel, we began a brief discussion on why we should vote based on principles rather than on the outcome. Many agreed that in essence voting for Bush would be voting for the lesser of two evils. I proposed that voting for the lesser of two evils is unbiblical and unethical in a Christian worldview. Further, I stressed that voting for a man who has clear Christian principles is the right choice for any believer. Of course, someone quickly responded by saying that in that case, we could put a prominent theologian (I won’t name who) as a write-in for this election. The argument is simple: Why not just get any Christian leader and write him in as a candidate for the presidency?
This is a valid argument and I propose a few observations contra this proposition. Hopefully, it will lead to further interactions. First, my primary concern is to find a leader that represents God’s truth when running for president. One thing to keep in mind is that only in America you have this distinct privilege. The truth is, only here is the possibility of that scenario even possible. Secondly, voting for a party that is Christian, in the Orthodox definition, is letting America know that there are other options out there besides the dominant two-party system. Thirdly, in order to be a Christian candidate one must be qualified. If this prominent Christian theologian or leader is qualified for a position of an office, and in turn is politically inclined and understands the issues facing our society today, then my response is a hearty encouragement to his candidacy. Of course, I assume we are all very aware that to become a candidate is quite a difficult task.
My position is favorable to as many Christians as possible running for the office. Can you imagine in 2008 at least two distinctly Christian parties committed to denouncing abortion once and for all? Further, can you imagine two Christian parties holding hands defending the same ethical issues? What kind of message would this send to America?
I am all in favor of having as many Christian parties as possible, but until that happens or until that prominent theologian (who by the way, usually makes horrible politicians, with the exception of Abraham kuyper) is up and running for office of the United States of America, I am voting for the Constitution Party.
From Politics to Soccer
What a tight race for the lead of the Brazilian Soccer Tournament! With only 8 rounds to go, Sunday’s matches put the the top 6 fighting desperately for a chance to win this title. On the other hand, this round has plunged certain teams nearer and nearer to falling down to Division II next year. Guarani (last place) has consistently maintained her poor results and tied 0 x 0 with Ponte Preta, and finds itself almost accepting their eventual demise to the second division. The other shocking news is that Flamengo (one of the most traditional soccer teams in the world) lost to their arch-rival Vasco 1 x 0 and now occupies a dangerous position. Remember that the last four teams will go down to Division II next year. Flamengo is now in the 19th position. With 24 teams competing for the title I can safely say that only the top 6 still have a chance.
The surprise of the round was Sao Paulo’s 5th victory in a row. Yesterday’s victim was Santos (1 x 0). Grafite scored a beatiful header on the 31st minute of the first half giving Sao Paulo their victory goal. Sao Paulo now continues in third place with 65 points. Santos remains in second with 68 and Atletico PR who lost to Palmeiras on Saturday (3 x 1), remains first with 69. This is getting better every round!