Cream of blog 11.03.21
March 21, 2011
Here are some niceties:
- Photos and brief introductions to the ten oldest surviving church buildings in the world.
- Great biographical introduction to Patrick, written by Mark Driscoll. I didn’t know Patrick was never canonized by the Church of Rome.
- “A Prayer about God’s Sovereignty and Our Sanity” by Scotty Smith. Does watching FoxNews or MSNBC make you nervous or angry? If so, meditate on this.
Erskine on law and gospel
March 1, 2011
Here’s an old and helpful hymn on the law and the gospel from a true Scots worthy, Ralph Erskine (1685-1752):
The law supposing I have all,
Does ever for perfection call;
The gospel suits my total want,
And all the law can seek does grant.
The law could promise life to me,
If my obedience perfect be;
But grace does promise life upon
My Lord’s obedience alone.
The law says, Do, and life you’ll win;
But grace says, Live, for all is done;
The former cannot ease my grief,
The latter yields me full relief.
The law will not abate a mite,
The gospel all the sum will quit;
There God in thret’nings is array’d
But here in promises display’d.
The law excludes not boasting vain,
But rather feeds it to my bane;
But gospel grace allows no boasts,
Save in the King, the Lord of Hosts.
Lo! in the law Jehovah dwells,
But Jesus is conceal’d;
Whereas the gospel’s nothing else
But Jesus Christ reveal’d.
Happy 400th, King James Version!
January 17, 2011
On this day in 1604, King James appointed 54 scholars to produce a new English translation of the Bible. The result 7 years later: the KJV. The more accurate and official name is the “Authorized Version.” I prefer to call it the AV simply because I had giving such a wicked fool of a monarch as James I such good press!
The AV gets a lot of bad press. The archaic “thee” and “ye” pronoun forms are…well, archaic. The English language has changed over the last 400 years, and thus some of the expressions are odd. But no one should deny the sheer beauty of the language. I still contend that it is easier to memorize than many of the contemporary translations. Although I use the ESV in daily reading and in my preaching and teaching ministry, the AV is an old, dear friend, not an enemy. It was the version of my earliest Bible memorization. As long as I retain the faculties of memory, Ephesians 4:32 will come up in my mind as “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” The newer versions just don’t stick like that. A friend and I are currently memorizing the entirety of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, and I keep running across the same phenomenon in efforts to memorize chapter one.
Allen Yeh has written a short tribute to the AV at Scriptorium Daily. It’s worth reading.
B.B. Warfield (1851-1921), the great Princeton theologian of the late 19th and early 20th Century, wrote and published a small pamphlet titled, “A Brief and Untechnical Statement of the Reformed Faith,” (Adapted from Selected Shorter Writings of Benjamin B. Warfield, edited by John E. Meeter. Nutley, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed, 1970, 407-410) in which he reduced the central truths of Reformed Theology to 13 points. As you read, you can see that Warfield relies heavily on the language of Scripture and the doctrinal formulations of the Westminster Standards in the articulation of these points:
1. I believe that my one aim in life and death should be to glorify God and enjoy Him forever; and that God teaches me how to glorify and enjoy Him in His holy Word, that is, the Bible, which He has given by the infallible inspiration of His Holy Spirit in order that I may certainly know what I am to believe concerning Him and what duty He requires of me.
2. I believe that God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal and incomparable in all that He is; one God, but three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, my Creator, my Redeemer, and my Sanctifier; in whose power and wisdom, righteousness, goodness and truth I may safely put my trust.
3. I believe that the heavens and the earth, and all that in them is, are the work of God’s hands; and that all that He has made He directs and governs in all their actions; so that they fulfill the end for which they were created, and I who trust in Him shall not be put to shame, but may rest securely in the protection of His almighty love.
4. I believe that God created man after His own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, and entered into a covenant of life with him upon the sole condition of the obedience that was his due: so that it was by willfully sinning against God that man fell into the sin and misery in which I have been born.
5. I believe, that, being fallen in Adam, my first father, I am by nature a child of wrath, under the condemnation of God and corrupted in body and soul, prone to evil and liable to eternal death; from which dreadful state I cannot be delivered save through the unmerited grace of God my Savior.
6. I believe that God has not left the world to perish in its sin, but out of the great love wherewith He has loved it, has from all eternity graciously chosen unto Himself a multitude which no man can number, to deliver them out of their sin and misery, and, of them, to build up again in the world His kingdom of righteousness; in which kingdom I may be assured I have my part, if I hold fast to Christ the Lord.
7. I believe that God has redeemed His people unto Himself through Jesus Christ our Lord; who, though He was, and ever continues to be the eternal Son of God, yet was born of a woman, born under the law, that he might redeem those who are under the law: I believe that He bore the penalty due to my sins in His own body on the tree, and fulfilled in His own Person the obedience that I owe to the righteousness of God, and now presents me to His Father as His purchased possession, to the praise of the glory of His grace forever: wherefore renouncing all merit of my own, I put all my trust only in the blood and righteousness of Christ my Redeemer.
8. I believe that Jesus Christ my Redeemer, who died for my offenses was raised again for my justification, and ascended into the heavens, where He sits at the right hand of the Father Almighty, continually making intercession for His people, and governing the whole world as head over all things for His Church: so that I need fear no evil and may surely know that nothing can snatch me out of His hands and nothing can separate me from His love.
9. I believe that the redemption wrought by the Lord Jesus Christ is effectually applied to all His people by the Holy Spirit, who works faith in me and thereby unites me to Christ, renews me in the whole man after the image of God, and enables me more and more to die to sin and to live unto righteousness; until, this gracious work, having been completed in me, I shall be received into glory: in which great hope abiding, I must ever strive to perfect holiness in the fear of God.
10. I believe that God requires of me, under the Gospel, first of all, that, out of a true sense of my sin and misery and apprehension of his mercy in Christ, I should turn with grief and hatred away from sin and receive and rest upon Jesus Christ alone for salvation; that, so being united to Him, I may receive pardon for my sins and be accepted as righteous in God’s sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to me and received by faith alone: and thus, and thus only, do I believe I may be received into the number and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God.
11. I believe that, having been pardoned and accepted for Christ’s sake, it is further required of me that I walk in the Spirit whom He has purchased for me, and by whom, love is shed abroad in my heart; fulfilling the obedience I owe to Christ my King; faithfully performing all the duties laid upon me by the holy law of God my heavenly Father; and ever reflecting in my life and conduct, the perfect example that has been set me by Christ Jesus my Leader, who has died for me and granted to me His Holy Spirit, just that I may do the good works which God has afore prepared that I should walk in them.
12. I believe that God has established His church in the world and endowed it with the ministry of the Word and the holy ordinances of Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and prayer; in order that, through these as means, the riches of His grace in the Gospel may be made known to the world, and, by the blessing of Christ and the working of His Spirit in them that by faith receive them, the benefits of redemption may be communicated to His people: wherefore also it is required of me that I attend on these means of grace with diligence, preparation and prayer, so that through them I may be instructed and strengthened in faith, and in holiness of life and in love; and that I use my best endeavors to carry this Gospel and convey these means of grace to the whole world.
13. I believe that Jesus Christ has once come in grace, so also is He to come a second time in Glory, to judge the world in righeousness and assign to each His eternal award: and I believe that if I die in Christ, my soul shall be at death made perfect in holiness and go home to the Lord; and when he shall return in his majesty I shall be raised in glory and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoyment of God to all eternity: encouraged by which blessed hope it is required of me willingly to take my part in suffering hardship here as a good soldier of Christ Jesus, being assured that if I die with Him I shall also live with Him, if I endure, I shall also reign with Him.
And to Him, my Redeemer,
with the Father,
and the Holy Spirit,
Three Persons, one God,
by glory forever, world without end,
Amen, and Amen.
Preview of Crossway ESV Bible Atlas
June 17, 2010
You can take a virtual look at the new Crossway ESV Bible Atlas, by John D. Currid and David P. Barrett. It is due for release on June 30. If you are a map geek (I’m one) and want to know more about biblical history and the geography of the Ancient Near East, this looks like a must purchase. It would also be good for a church library purchase.
Capitalizing on recent advances in satellite imaging and geographic information systems, the Crossway ESV Bible Atlas offers Bible readers a comprehensive, up-to-date resource that blends technical sophistication with readability, visual appeal, and historical and biblical accuracy.
All the key methods of presenting Bible geography and history are here, including more than 175 full-color maps, 70 photographs, 3-D re-creations of biblical objects and sites, indexes, timelines, and 65,000 words of narrative description. The atlas uniquely features regional maps detailing biblically significant areas such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Italy, and Greece. It also includes a CD with searchable indexes and digital maps, and a removable, 16.5 x 22-inch map of Palestine.
Happy birthday, Heidelberg Catechism
January 19, 2010
The Heidelberg Catechism has something of a birthday today. It was composed in Heidelberg, Germany at the request of Elector Frederick III, who ruled the Palatinate, an influential German province, from 1559 to 1576. An old tradition credits Zacharius Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus as co-authors. Both were certainly involved in its composition, although one of them may have had primary responsibility. All we know for sure is reported by the Elector in his preface of January 19, 1563. It was, he writes, “with the advice and cooperation of our entire theological faculty in this place, and of all superintendents and distinguished servants of the church” that he secured the preparation of the Heidelberg Catechism. The catechism was approved by a synod in Heidelberg in January 1563. A second and third German edition, each with small additions, as well as a Latin translation were published the same year in Heidelberg. Soon the catechism was divided into fifty-two sections so that one Lord’s Day could be explained in preaching each Sunday of the year.
A long-standing tradition at FPC Kosciusko has been for the minister to read the first question and answer from the Heidelberg Catechism at the graveside service of a church member. A local funeral home director told me that he has heard it so many times through the years he has memorized it, even though he is a Methodist and never heard it in church. In case you don’t know it yet, here it is…
1. What is thy only comfort in life and in death?
That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, who with His precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me, that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must work together for my salvation. Wherefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready henceforth to live unto Him.
Also, the questions and answers explaining the phrases of the Apostles’ Creed are very helpful aids for public, gathered worship. I recommend using them occasionally after your congregation recites the Apostles’ Creed. You can find the entire Heidelberg Catechism online from Ligonier Ministries.
Biblical history at a glance
January 5, 2010
Justin Taylor has posted two entries worth clicking: one is a chart outline of biblical history and the other is a brief summary of the main divisions of biblical history. Both are taken from Dr. Graeme Goldsworthy’s excellent book According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible. (Joe and I taught a class on that book in 2008-09.) Printing these two entries and sticking them inside the Bible you are reading would be a good idea.
Sweet counsel 10.29.09
October 29, 2009
RETREAT
Preaching way off in Tennessee: This weekend I have privilege of being the speaker at a family retreat for Riveroaks Reformed Presbyterian Church in Germantown, Tennessee. The retreat will be held at Camp NaCoMe, which is somewhere in the hinterlands of rural middle Tennessee. Their associate pastor, Rev. Ford Williams, was the pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Starkville for part of the time that Judy and I were students at Mississippi State. Ford and I serve currently serve together on the Mississippi Joint Committee for Campus Work. Please remember to pray for the Palmertrees as we travel and as I preach in the worship times from the gospel of Luke. We will be driving back Sunday afternoon–not sure that we’ll be back in time for Evening Worship at FPC.
REMIND
Faith Promise deadline: Sunday, November 1 is the preferred deadline for Faith Promise cards. Of course, we will accept them after that date, but your Mission Committee needs to know the totals to make plans for support. As of Sunday, October 25, the totals were discouraging: pledges were 51% lower than 2009 pledges. The number of cards is roughly the same (39), but about a dozen of those are children participating in the Two Cans for the World Faith Promise drive, so their pledges are probably quite low. This seems to be an area where the economic downturn is hitting us hard. Maybe for some of us, Faith Promise has never been much about faith in previous years; after all, we had the extra money to give anyway. This year might be the first time that trusting God to provide will be an essential element. Please consider what God might have to commit under his gracious provision. In Faith Promise giving, you take a step of faith in seeking for God to provide what you pledge to give toward missions. When Faith Promise drops, then your Mission Committee must make decisions to end support for missionaries and/or reduce support for all our missionaries. Your participation in this “missions mutual fund” is an important investment.
Third Mill: Many of you have commented on how enthusiastic you are about Third Millennium Ministries, the ministry founded by Dr. Richard Pratt which is working to make seminary education available to all the world for free. Their website contains an amazing collection of resources. You should check it out at www.thirdmill.org.
REMEMBER
Happy birthday, John Calvin: This year marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin, the Genevan reformer, preacher and theologian. Do you find yourself wondering why we mention his name often, yet you’re not sure you want to pick up his Institutes of the Christian Religion and actually read them? Wasn’t he mean and autocratic? Wasn’t he just a one-note theologian who kept harping on predestination? FPC has the great opportunity to hear one of our favorite theologians and preachers talk about one of our favorite theologians and preachers. On Wednesday, November 18, we will have as our special guest Dr. Derek Thomas, who will speak on Why John Calvin Matters. Dr. Thomas has been speaking all over the world this year at various conferences being held in observance of the 500th anniversary. Dr. Thomas’ address will take the place of our ordinary Wednesday Night Connection electives for adults and youth that night.
There is certainly more to Calvin than predestination. He gives us invaluable insight into the nature of biblical revelation, the Trinity, and Christ in his offices of Prophet, Priest and King. His teaching on salvation through union with Christ and the gift of ‘double grace’ in him is especially helpful. What he has to say on living the Christian life is full of practical wisdom. In the words of Dr. Thomas, Calvin’s “disciplined style, his determination never to speculate, his utter submission to Bible words as God’s words, his concern to be as practical as possible: godly living was his aim and not theology for the sake of it; these are some of the factors that make him a giant in the gallery of faithful expositors of Scripture.”
First Wednesday in November: November’s first Wednesday will be the last women’s study in The Prodigal God in the Jackson Room. As always, Men’s Forum will meet in the Mary Thornton Room.
RECONNECT
During November we will have a First Things seminar. First Things is a basics of healthy Christian living and prospective new members’ class. There will be a lot of give-and-take and discussion. Going through the class does not obligate you to join FPC. The format this time is as follows:
- Sunday, November 8 during Sunday School (9:45-10:30 am) in room C-405 (the PDS 5th grade classroom…take a left at the glass gym doors).
- Sunday, November 15 during Sunday School (9:45-10:30 am) in room C-405.
- Saturday, November 21 (TBA–will include food!).
Anyone can join in (even long-time members who would like refresher course).
REACH
ROH: The last Reaching Out at Home meeting in September was well-attended and full of ideas about reaching people we can reach close by. The next meeting will be held Sunday, November 15, right after Evening Worship.
Peru trip: A few slots remain for next summer’s Peru mission trip, July 2-10. If you are interested in going, you need to talk with Grant Carroll right away.
Lowthers almost there: Our friend Roger Lowther, who is raising support to go to Japan with MTW, writes, “Our prayers are being answered! We only need 11 more people willing to support us at $100 per month! Many have already responded with pledges totaling $800 per month. We are so very grateful for you and for God’s provision in spite of our lack of faith. Let me restate why we are raising this money. Without your help we will not be able to live in downtown Tokyo with the new church plant with which we will be involved. Excitement for this church plant is building. This month’s ‘Japan Harvest,’ the English publication for all pastors and missionaries in Japan printed a feature article about it, including the front cover picture. Thought you might like to read it: http://www.believinginjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/JH-article.pdf Please continue to pray with us THIS WEEK that God would provide.
Chronicles of conservative Presbyterians
June 1, 2009
Some good sites on the history of conservative Presbyterians in America have come to my attention lately. Here are three worth surveying:
- The treasures of the collection of the PCA Historical Center are accessible online through the PCA Historical Center site.
- Wayne Sparkman, archivist at the PCA Historical Center, has begun his own blog: The Continuing Story.
- Westminster Theological Seminary has made its audio archive available via free sign-up. You can hear sermons and addresses from the mid-20th century stalwarts such as John Murray, Cornelius Van Til, and E.J. Young, along with many recent recordings from current faculty and guests.
Cream of blog: 20 May 2009
May 20, 2009
- Ross Douthat in The New York Times on why the popularity of Dan Brown (author of The DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons) provides insight into prevailing attitudes toward religion in America.
- David Brooks in the aforementioned periodical on why “organized, dogged, anal-retentive and slightly boring people are more likely to thrive” as CEO’s.
- Tullian Tchividjian has summarized some contrasts Tim Keller has drawn between “Religion” and “the Gospel.”
- Ray Ortlund has shared some penetrating insights into the sin of gossip.
- Today marks the 1,684th anniversary of the opening of the Council of Nicaea (and yes, I still doggedly hold to the “ae”. I also favor ‘aesthetic,’ ‘anaesthesia,’ ‘aeon,’ and ‘mediaeval.’ And, if I’m feeling especially peevish, I’ll use ‘aeroplane.’)
