Lenten Devotional (16) & CREC and CROSSPOLITIC
Post-Scripts include attacks on the CREC, my interview on CROSSPOLITIC, and some fond recollections of past events.
Luke 15:21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
The response of the older son is like his younger brother’s. The younger brother was blind to sin and disobedience, and the older brother was blind to disrespect and self-righteousness. He was so busy thinking of his own affairs and his rights that he missed what was happening before his very eyes. The older brother is a picture of the Pharisees of the day. Here was Jesus transforming lives, giving sight to the blind, providing hope to the hopeless, and changing everything in their midst, and the Pharisees could only see these people in light of their un-redeemed, unchanged status.
The key to this passage is his rationale: “‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command.” This was precisely the same way the Pharisees acted: they boasted of their accomplishments. But if they believed they lived up to all of God’s commandments, they had failed to live up to one: to rejoice over the finding of one lost sheep. God is the shepherd of Israel, the rescuer of all those who call upon his name.
In this season of Lent, when we see people around us experiencing resurrection moments and in moments of real heavenly delight, the only appropriate response is to feast: “It was fitting to celebrate and be glad…”
Prayer: Our Father, we wish to rejoice with those who rejoice. May we be genuinely pleased with the good news that brings back rebellious sons to their senses and re-unites fathers with their children. May our hearts find delight in the delight of others through Christ our Lord, amen.
Hymn of the Day: I Will Arise and Go to Jesus
Notations
You can listen to my entire interview on CROSSPOLITIC:
The CREC receives a barrage of insults and critiques on-line more than any other smaller Reformed denomination. There are dozens of micro-Presbyterian bodies (RPCNA, RPCUSA, RPCGNA, CPC, URC, etc.) that receive little to no attention from the broader theological community. And the fact that our numbers continue to increase worldwide is an additional sign that this form of engagement will only increase. Despite our small numbers, we have made some impression on the broader Reformed corpus, which means there is something of a gravitas in our mode of operation that cannot be overlooked.
Of course, we should note that the CREC is largely outside the scope of interest of mainline traditions. However, those conversations have begun among some of the remnant conservative voices within the PCUSA, who have expressed interest in some of our distinctives, especially our eschatology.
It is also clear that through the influence of the Theopolis Institute (composed mainly of CREC pastors and theologians), there is certainly a growing interest among Missouri Synod Lutherans and Anglicans of different stripes (Reformed Episcopal, for instance). These traditions wish for a fuller liturgical expression deeply rooted in the biblical textual language.
There is also increasing knowledge among the massive Presbyterian Church in Brazil of the nature of the CREC. Our Brazilian churches have indeed reached their radar, and the works of Douglas Wilson have been translated long enough that there is widespread knowledge of who we are.
There is also an acknowledgment of the CREC and its work among Southern Baptists ranging from the prolific Al Mohler of Southern Seminary to smaller bodies in the Southern part of the U.S. who have come across the Canon+ app and a host of family-oriented works from CREC authors in Moscow, ID. And, of course, we could mention the obvious overlap among more established Presbyterian bodies like the PCA and OPC, where there are definite cases of interactions, either positive and negative.
When you add our commitment to hospitality, children in worship, psalm-singing, strong households, conservatism, vigorous defense of biblical authority, a high view of the Church, and an insatiable hunger to make Christ known through social media platforms, documentaries, books, and theological education, there is no doubt that our growing body of 130+ churches will only cause more interest, for good or ill.
This attention needs to be cultivated with a strong pastoral backbone. There will be those who seek attention from the CREC because of its strong political commitment to Christian ideals in society, others who seek it because of its healthy pursuit of familial and ecclesial principles, and some who will come because of our robust community life and a few who will come because they may find it a safe haven for their obscure views, and lots will come for our theological distinctives. These are all legitimate reasons to come to the CREC, but only a strong pastoral theology that orients passions to their right place can keep these interests in proper perspective. We do not wish to get lost in translation with the broader Reformed world or enter into theological tribal wars. Indeed, we wish to affirm our central commitment to the greater Reformed tradition, absorbing the best from every generation and building strong alliances with faithful bodies within the Reformed world.
We are still a communion growing in wisdom and knowledge, but 25 years into our history has proven that we are not a mere denomination seeking self-preservation from the world but a body of churches pushing the claims of King Jesus in every sphere. For these reasons, interest in our cultural, theological, and liturgical life will likely find greater appeal in our present milieu.
Nuntium (Memory Lane Edition)
There was that one time I hung out with Kirk Cameron after a talk he did on marriage and we worked through most of Matthew 24 together for half an hour.
On my ordination night almost 15 years ago, I was surrounded by friends with whom I still surround myself after all these years.
Lenten Cheers, and may the Lord prepare your heart for the Lord’s Day,
Uriesou Brito
Wondering if you can re-issue with the hymn correct?
Sorry to be a pain, but isn't that a different song now?