As we come to the middle of Luke chapter 5, we find a story of great compassion, and of troubling confrontation. Jesus expresses incredible power as He cleanses a leper and heals a paralytic. We see faith expressed by a group of friends who bring one beleaguered to Jesus, and are challenged to consider how often we invite friends to Jesus. And we see the first appearance of the scribes and Pharisees, men who thought they were serving God, but who tried to stand in the way of Jesus. While Jesus fulfills the Law of Moses, He continues to confront the Pharisees, first in touching the leper, then in forgiving an invalid. As we consider this account, we may be tempted to see ourselves in the lives of the leper and the paralytic, but do we see our propensity to be modern-day Pharisees?

So, consider the love and mercy of Jesus in this story, and be confronted yet again with our need for Him.

Compassion and Confrontation
Luke 5:12-26
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald

Over the past few days, much has been written on the subject and problem of “religion.” Some of this activity was initiated after a short video was released that has gone (using internet jargon du jour) “viral.” When I last checked, this video had collected well over 6 million hits!

The video is presented in pseudo-rap style with artsy video editing that seems designed to appeal to the young, relevant church. The premise is that Jesus came to abolish religion; that He hates religion; that religion is harmful; and that it makes us slaves. The rapper delivers a no holds barred virtual pummeling of what he sees as the problems in the church: Religion.

Though this particular video will likely soon fade away, there are others in the big tent of Christendom who make similar claims. The mantras of the “Jesus People” are being resuscitated today with new life. “No Creed but Christ!” “No Law but Love!” “I Don’t Need Religion; I Need Relationship!” This is very telling as we consider why this particular video has been so successful; it is resonating within the hearts of Christians who desire something real, something personal, something that will impact them. Of course, that is the reality of faith in Christ.

You see, there is really is a problem in the church. And the problem is not a new one. It is an ancient error that dates back to the days after Creation itself. The problem is pride; the problem is legalism (rightly defined); the problem is moralism; the problem is self-delusion. But the problem is not religion.

Perhaps it is simply a matter of semantics; but, we have to remember meanings are important. Etymology is important. Definitions are important. Grammatical precision is important. Words matter. And sadly, as catchy as a rap song may be, it is not a sufficient medium to convey deep Scriptural truth or expose insidious error.

And so, let’s consider for a moment a few definitions. What is religion? The Latin root for the word religion is religionem, which means “respect for what is sacred,” “a reverence for God,” “a careful pondering for what is hallowed.”

Certainly, that doesn’t sound like slavery. That doesn’t sound like death. I would imagine that most pastors across the spectrum of Christendom would encourage their congregants to revere God and to rejoice in the things that please Him. On the contrary, legalism refers to our attempts to appease God’s wrath by our good behavior—to obtain favor with God on our merit. The Bible clearly shows that this is impossible. Our attempts to please God by our own efforts are seen as filthy rags before His eyes (Isaiah 64:6). Likewise, moralism refers to our tendency to focus on behavior, the outside of the cup, rather than what is really in the heart. Yet, the Bible likewise condemns this practice. Anything that is not done in faith is sin (Romans 14:23).

The root of legalism and moralism is found in the corrupted soil of pride, fertilized with the most repulsive self-righteous dung Satan can contrive. Some will take pride in the way they look or think. Some will take pride in what they do or don’t do. Still others will take pride in their “freedom”—and in their belief that they are above “all those legalists.” And, like the Pharisees in the days of Jesus, men take pride in their assemblies; even attempting to keep out those they consider lowly. These are the people who are deluded. And likewise, these are the philosophies that need to be confronted.

Briefly, consider just some of the aspects of the religion we find in the Bible. It begins with the truth that religion has been given from God. Again, religion has to do with our faith, our reverence toward God, and for those things He has established. Instead of giving us a subjective faith, one that is relative or individualistic in nature, God has given us an objective faith—one based on the precepts of His Word.

Ephesians 2 tells us that this faith is a corporate faith where we are “no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Eph. 2:19-20). We are a people, not just a person. Yes, we are all called to have a personal relationship with Jesus, but this personal relationship is intertwined and lived out in the midst of the corporate community of faith where we are called a “peculiar people, a holy nation, a chosen generation (1 Peter 2:9).” This is part of true religion; it is rejoicing in the organized Church that Jesus has given us. Jesus indeed established it; and even the gates of Hell will not prevail against it (Matt 16:18).

And in the Church, the Lord has given us the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion. These are again gifts from God that are used to build up our faith. Baptism brings us into covenant community, again, unity with the people of God. Our religion calls us to rejoice in our baptism, to see how God brought us into relationship with Him, and to follow Jesus’ command to “go into all the world,” even baptizing the nations in the name of the Triune God (Matt 28:18-20).

And Communion is also given to us to remind us corporately of the finished work of Jesus on the Cross. When we come together, we are to partake in Communion as a people, a religious people. We fellowship around the Table of the Lord as His Body. He is present there! This is another manifestation of religion.

It is in the Church that the Lord has given officers, deacons and elders. These men are gifts of God (Titus 1:5). The Bible clearly teaches that they are called to these offices by Him. And that they are to assist the church through ministries of helps and teaching. Their offices are exercised in the midst of the church, in the setting of religious activity. Without religion, without the gathering of the saints, there would be no need for these offices. There would be no shepherds to help the sheep. It would be a feeding frenzy for the wolves.

And the religion established by Jesus helps us to know how to love God and how to love other people. Jesus didn’t come to abolish religion, He came to fulfill it! These are His words, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17) The Law of God, the Law that we are repeatedly encouraged to love, is the baseline for how a Christian is to live.

Jesus said that if we love Him, we would keep His commandments (John 14:15); and Jesus said that by loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves, we indeed fulfill all the Law and the Prophets (Matt 22:38-40). You see, loving people as the Law prescribes and loving God in the manner that He has established is not legalism. We do not obey out of fear, pride, or manipulation. We seek to follow the Lord because of what He has done for us. And this, as James 1:27 tells us, is perfect and undefiled religion. Indeed, it is in religion that we are commanded to take care of the poor and the destitute. The Old Testament Law shows that we are to take care of the widow and the orphan—to take care of the stranger—to welcome those who are hurting (i.e, Ex. 22:21–24, 23:6; Deut. 14:28-29, 24:17-22, 26:8-19). The church, which is the people of God, the people who are religious, revering the Lord and the things He calls sacred, reach out with love! This is the commandment of Scripture. True religion is expressed in outreach from the midst of a community head over heels in love with Jesus.

There are so many other points that could be addressed: the canon of Scripture; the history of the church; the beauty of biblical liturgy; faithful service; the joy of hearing those words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Yet, I hope I have helped anyone who stumbles on this little article to see that pure religion, biblical religion, is a wonderful gift from the Lord that builds our faith and helps us learn how to love Him. It is not legalism, it is not moralism, but it is an expression of faith firmly based on grace.

Religion is expressed in the love of the Church, as the Bride to the Bridegroom. And this religion gives all praise and all glory and all honor to God. Legalism and moralism are big issues in the church today. But so are antinomianism, compromise and worldliness. In our attempt to rectify error, we must not minimize or discard that which God has ordained as sacred. Instead of misrepresenting religion, we must embrace true religion, the religion taught and proclaimed in the Bible. With renewed faith, embrace that which was once delivered to the saints, and praise the Lord for the salvation He has given to His church!

And to make it legal, the opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the other elders or members of Providence Church.

God’s Word inevitably conflicts with the plans of man. For instance, the Word directs us to acknowledge the God of the Bible as the One True God—we are to have no other gods but Him. Yet the sinful heart of man is inclined to persistent idolatry, seeking to satisfy our need to worship and find assurance in anything and everything but the God of the Bible.

God’s Word tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Therefore, we’re commanded not to steal, murder, or bear false witness. Yet men are perennial thieves, liars, and gossips who trample one another in an effort to elevate their own image or status. The Scriptures teach that adultery is sin, yet men and women continue to be unfaithful and deal treacherously with one another. God’s Word tells children to honor their father and mother; yet one can simply turn on the television or walk through any shopping mall to see that the world is far from compliant with this command.

All of God’s commands have been continuously broken since the fall of man. Our hearts are full of “evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness” (Mark 7:22-23). Without Jesus, we are in bondage to the sin we claim to hate. Of course, we’re liars, because we really love our sin.

Rebels from the Start

We are born rebels. In the Fifth Commandment, when God calls for children to honor their parents, He is teaching us that He is the ultimate source of all authority, and that He has the right to delegate that authority according to His providence, in the home, in the church, and in the civil realm. It is for our good and His glory.

Still, we make all sorts of excuses for why we shouldn’t have to be under anyone’s authority. We piously claim we are under the authority of God alone; but too often we nullify that claim by refusing any real accountability.

When we are taught as children to honor our parents, we are better able to honor authority in other jurisdictional spheres; and ultimately, we are better able to honor the Lord. The Westminster Larger Catechism demonstrates the extension of this principle:

Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment?

By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, (Prov. 23:22,25, Eph. 6:1–2) but all superiors in age (1 Tim. 5:1–2) and gifts; (Gen. 4:20–22, Gen. 45:8) and especially such as, by God’ s ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, (2 Kings 5:13) church, (2 Kings 2:12, 2 Kings 13:14, Gal. 4:19) or commonwealth. (Isa. 49:23)

Submission in Marriage

The Bible is clear. God has established a polity—a government in the home. By God’s decree, the husband is to be the head of the wife, and by default, the ruling authority in the home (i.e., Genesis 2:18-25, 3:16; 1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:23, 6:1; Colossians 3:20). It is clear that this polity was established during the time of Creation, before any secular culture had been formed. The polity of the home is by God’s appointment—by His decree and for His glory.

Within the home, the Lord instructs wives to submit to their own husbands (Ephesians 5:22-24, Colossians 3:18). It is interesting to note, the Word does not direct a woman to submit to men in general, only to her own husband (who happens to be commanded to sacrificially love her). This is important because within the Christian faith women are rightful heirs with their husbands of the grace of life (1 Peter 3:7). Indeed, before the throne of God, men and women stand as equals, rejoicing side by side in the finished work of the Savior (Galatians 3:28). Individually, men and women are heirs according to the promise.

And yet, within the home, wives are called to submit to their husbands. Nowhere does the Bible call on husbands to force their wives submit to them. The instruction comes from the Lord directly to wives. There is no more a command for men to make their wives submit than there is a command for women to force their husbands to love them!

Submission begins when a Christian wife recognizes Christ’s love for her and responds with a willingness to obey Him in all things. Then, even though it may go against the norms of society and the desires of the flesh, He calls her to submit to her own husband’s leadership in the Lord. And, in submitting to her husband, she submits to the Word of God.

Husbands are also charged in Scripture—they are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25-30), sacrificing, serving, defending, nurturing, leading. Husbands are called to live with their wives in a gentle and understanding way, recognizing their inherent differences (1 Peter 3:7).

Men are called to remember that a wife is a great treasure (Genesis 2:18; Proverbs 18:22, 19:14, 31:10) to be appreciated and cherished. She is given by God; so, together, they might become one flesh (Genesis 2:24), moving forward in unity to fulfill the mission God has given them.

Biblical submission is a beautiful expression in a Christ-honoring marriage. Remember, a Christian wife is a daughter of the King, and a slave to no man. Her service to her husband is a reflection of her willing service to her Lord and King, Jesus.

If a woman forced her husband to love her, we would easily recognize the fact that she was not truly loved at all. Whether or not this husband claimed love with his mouth, we would all know that it was bondage that forced his words. Love can only exist in freedom. He must choose to obey God and sacrificially love his wife, whether or not she is lovable; and in so doing, he makes it easier for her to obey God.

The same is true with biblical submission. If a man forces his wife to submit to him, he has created a slave. But when a wife, by God’s grace, and out of obedience to her Lord and King, willingly submits to a fallible husband, she is a servant—a servant of the Lord and a blessing to her husband. She has yielded her will to the will of her Father for a heavenly purpose. And in so doing, she has made it easier for her husband to love and lead her.

A Christian wife’s submission in marriage is thus not one of mechanical compliance to a husband’s every whim or desire. If a wife is to truly help and complete her husband, she will often need to provide input on important decisions, and even respectfully challenge a husband’s conclusions at times. However, as long as the husband’s requests are not sinful or unreasonable, a wife should respectfully follow her husband’s lead, even when she is unsure whether or not a decision he has ultimately made is the wisest choice.

Sinning Husbands

But how far does submission go? Sometimes “helping” a husband means confronting him. The Lord often uses those closest to us to help us deal with the sin in our hearts. Biblical submission does not mean that a wife cannot seek help from her elders or other God-ordained authorities regarding a husband’s sin. Christian husbands are sinners, even if they are sanctified sinners.

But this begs the question: What if a submissive Christian wife confronts a husband with his sin, and he doesn’t listen? Or even worse, what if a husband asks his wife to sin? Or what if he sins against his wife or children through cruelty or neglect? Does a Christian wife have any recourse in such a situation? Or should see quietly suffer along with her children while her husband increasingly grows out of control?

In an effort to create their own self-serving domestic kingdom, there are men who have used the Holy Scriptures for personal gain—they have used verses on submission (given to wives) to justify their warped version of domestic tyranny. Some erring church leaders and teachers have instructed women to obey their husbands even to the point of sin (the assumption being made that God will intervene at the last minute). Horror stories of forced abortion, adultery, perversion, pornography, and incest have all been cloaked under the excuse of “submission.”

In some cases, true abuse has been shamefully overlooked and excused by those who should be protectors and guardians of the sheep. One desperate wife and mother appealed to her elders, only to be sent home, chastised for dishonoring her husband, and blamed for not being submissive enough.

This is why rightly dividing the Word of Truth is crucial.  Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Jesus would never ask His Bride to sin. Can you even fathom Jesus physically or verbally assaulting His Wife?

Wives are called to submit to their husbands as to the Lord. How do we submit to the Lord? Willingly, selflessly, and cheerfully. Wives are to submit to their husbands in all the same ways she would submit to the Lord. And the Lord would never ask His Bride to sin.

Accountability

There are times when a Christian wife must disobey her husband. She is not called to submit to him in areas where he is walking in unrepentant sin. In times like this, a Christian woman can and should avail herself of the other spheres of jurisdiction that God has established—that of the church, extended family, or, when necessary, the state. God uses these means to restrain evil.

There are indeed biblical precedents for the practice of going to a different jurisdiction when faced with a sinful situation. Abigail, when married to Nabal, went to David and interceded for her foolish husband (1 Samuel 25). In essence, Abigail went beyond her immediate authority to correct a dangerous situation that her husband had brought about. By her actions, she saved her people from death. In Daniel chapter 6, Daniel disobeys the proclamation of King Darius concerning prayer to God. In Acts 5:29, Peter gives that courageous proclamation, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

And so, there are times when a wife not only can, but must seek help from a higher God-given jurisdiction. These jurisdictions—of home, church, and state—do not stand as isolated islands; they are interconnected powers that work together for the glory of God and the expansion of His Kingdom.

But what should we say of the husband who is not under church authority; who perhaps refuses to attend a faithful church; who has isolated his family and set himself up as lone prophet, priest, and king for the family? What should a wife do in such a case? I believe a Christian wife must follow the Lord. If a husband keeps his family from assembling together for an extended time, and shows no sign of committing to a church, a wife may prayerfully and respectfully appeal to her husband, letting him know that she must find a doctrinally sound church where she and their children can be accountable—and protected (Hebrews 13:17). She may also explain to him that by keeping her from the accountability of a church body, he is asking her to sin (Hebrews 10:25); and she must obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29).

When aligned with the principles of God’s Word, the Christian family, comprised of husband, wife, and children, is a beautiful expression of godly order, sacrifice, love, and Gospel expansion. Therefore, we have an obligation to live within the bounds of biblical authority; otherwise we have lawlessness, chaos, and tyranny.

Our call as Christians is to obey the commands of the Lord, even when they are not considered culturally relevant. This includes biblical submission to authority; and, regardless of station, we are all under authority—authority which exists for God’s glory. The Fifth Commandment was given along with a promise, “Honor your father and your mother that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12) As we train our children, we must instill in them an understanding of the consequences and magnitude of this important mandate from God. As Christians, we all desire that our children know the peace of God, and the God of peace. But do we fully understand that this blessing often comes as children see the God of peace manifested in the actions of parents? It is much more than what we say—it is far more in what we do (Phil 4:9).

And to make it legal, the opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the other elders or members of Providence Church.

Jesus' Genealogy from Luke as listed in the historic Book of Kells

This week, we consider a very unusual text for Christmas Day, the text which chronicles Jesus’ genealogy from Luke 3:23-38. Some may wonder what this text has to do with Christmas. But, it actually has everything to do with Christmas. It helps us to understand the goodness of God in giving us family, in giving us a reason for living, and for understanding that even through our days here on this planet are short, they can be filled with purpose! And that is because, in this genealogy, we see the wonder of the promises of God fulfilled in the coming of Jesus! We come to remember the sinfulness fo man, and yet, generation upon generation, God was setting the stage for the one who would set all things right, that one called Jesus.

Son of Adam, Son of God
Luke 3:23-38
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald

In Luke 3:1-14, we enter the next major section of this Gospel, which is the ministry of Jesus. However, Luke first introduces the forerunner of the Lord, John the Baptizer. He comes upon the word’s scene, in a time of great political and societal intrigue, with a very simple message – repent! And, his message is one we need to understand and to promote as well. Like the days of ancient Israel, our days are full of challenge, days of concern, days when the foundations of society seem to be teetering on the edge of destruction. But the Word of God calls us to not cower in fear in these days, nor to be consumed with thoughts of conspiracy, the Bile calls us to stand for truth and be about the work of the Kingdom. We are called to encourage men and women to see their sin, and then to see how Jesus can set them free of the true bondage, the bondage of the enemy of our souls.

Preparing the Way for the Lord
Luke 3:1-14
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald

Each evening, our family gathers together at the dinner table to enjoy the evening meal and some stimulating conversation. This evening was typical. Discussions ranged from shopping adventures, the wild weather we’ve had, and birthday dinners.

Then, one of my daughters brought up a new topic. She asked me if I had seen a particular video that was making the rounds on Facebook. She said it was a musical performance of a young man singing the Christmas carol, “O, Holy Night.” However, the young man did not sing well. It seemed he was either under the impression that he had an amazing voice, and thus put the clip up for the world to hear; or, he was purposely howling and moaning into the microphone as if he were in pain to get a few laughs. My daughter thought the video was hilarious.

But I was not laughing. I told her I had not seen it, but I was troubled she found it amusing. She asked me why, so I offered her my thoughts.

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices…

First, this is a song of high praise written to commemorate the birth of our Savior. Even if the young man was sincere, and felt he was singing praises to the Lord, there would be nothing to laugh about in that.

On the other hand, if this young man was purposely mocking the song, then he was (whether or not he mean to) scorning the Lord of glory. And again, there would be nothing to laugh about. There’s just something sickening about the words “It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth” being sung in mockery while even Christians laugh.

I could tell by my daughter’s countenance she was not receiving what I had to say. She thought it was funny and wanted to keep it that way. Her demeanor revealed that she thought I was overreacting. She was not being teachable. I wondered if she indeed couldn’t see my point, or if she “got it,” but was embarrassed because she had thought it funny. Sometimes pride keeps us from admitting we were wrong.

As I look back over my own life, I can see that in my youth I was often not teachable. I was headstrong and confident, sure of my positions on many issues; and, quick to grab my soapbox to pontificate what I thought were high and noble ideals. I was also less than willing to listen to the thoughts of others. And even if I discovered I was indisputably wrong on an issue, I never admitted it. I just moved on to the next thing I could be “right” about.

Reflecting back, I can see where I was often prideful and hard-hearted. I was less inclined to consider the positions of others, and being right was far more important than learning something from someone else.

We Reformed folk tend to be a little set in our ways. I am a pastor in a Reformed denomination. I have been blessed to speak at many homeschooling conventions around the nation and feel passionate about the topics I teach. I am a biblical conservative who looks forward to the day when, as we pray in the Lord’s prayer, “God’s will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” And I am confident of the positions espoused by each of these attributes. Folks like me can be a bit, shall we say, obstinate?

But here is the Achilles Heel. It seems the more we know ourselves to be right on the big issues, the less likely we are to admit we have a problem on small, seemingly insignificant issues.

The issue is pride—we are a prideful people. I see this at times in my children, and I see this at times in the Church. When a brother or sister points out an area where we are wrong, we are often reluctant to admit our error. We look for a loophole; we grasp excuses, we blame others. We may even search to find a speck in the brother’s eye who has corrected us, thinking that nullifies his correction.

Yet, it was Jesus who said, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5). It was James who advised, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10). And the writer of Proverbs challenges us directly with this, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15) “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)

Now if that last verse doesn’t hurt, I am not sure what will. I remember a time when God drove that one home to me. I was being confronted by a brother for something I viewed as insignificant. And because I knew I was right on the macro scale, I was unable to see how wrong I was in the area my brother pointed out. I focused on all the “wrongness” of the situation. I focused on how my brother had sinned against me in other areas. And my “rightness” was a big neon sign in my own eyes. I was unable to see my own sin because I was so caught up in making sure everyone saw my neon sign. The best way to describe is as we see in Proverbs 12:1 – I was stupid.

But God, in His grace, opened my eyes then and there. I saw that I was letting my pride blind me to a real weakness in my life. It was the Lord who helped me see. It was the Lord who helped me repent. That was a humbling moment. Yet, that was a freeing moment.

Many of the folks who read my articles can be infected by this same sin, this same tendency. We are those who “know better.” We have a handle on orthodoxy and orthopraxy – right doctrine and right practice. Our camp does not need to be taught. We are the “teachers!”

But stop for a moment. Have you considered these words from the Apostle Paul?

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. (Philippians 3:12-16)

The Apostle Paul had not attained perfection! Even this man, who was used of the Lord to pen much of the New Testament, was seeking to be teachable!

And so, I ask you, do you think you have already attained? Are you a paragon of biblical knowledge and virtue? Are you here only to teach and not to learn? If so, you’re stupid. If you have a problem with this statement, argue with the Bible.

Are you still teachable? Are you willing to learn from others—even those who may believe differently than you on certain points? Are you often sarcastic or abrasive in your speech when conflict arises? Are you aware of your own tendency to sinful pride?

Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored. (Proverbs 13:18)

Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Proverbs 9:8-9)

And so, friends, I encourage you to consider your attitude when you are challenged. Don’t allow pride to stiffen your neck. Seek the Lord to see what you can learn from each situation. Remember that the Lord is still working on you. I am thankful He is still working on me. Look to learn something from the fellow believers you meet. And, in addition to speaking the truth in love, seek to be teachable.

And to make it legal, the opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the other elders or members of Providence Church.

A joyous time at home.

This coming Sunday, November 27, marks the first Sunday in the season of Advent, which marks the beginning of the Christian calendar. It is the four week period that precedes the day set aside to acknowledge Jesus’ incarnation (December 25). In these four weeks, many Protestants historically have used this time to ponder the wonder of what we read in John 1:14, that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We recount the need for Jesus’ incarnation: to redeem a people to Himself and to defeat the work of Satan. We remember the prophecies that tell of His birth and how they have all been completely fulfilled. And we look forward in hope to His second coming, praying for the day when the knowledge of the Lord covers the earth as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).

As I type these words, I am aware that there are some who do not appreciate the church calendar. I used to be one of those. There was a time when I considered it only a “Roman” thing. Yet, over the years, I have come to see it as a helpful tool to teach our children about the life of Jesus throughout the year, and the redemption we have in Him. We use the church calendar in our home to augment our family worship. This is not a Roman thing. And the calendar does not bind us in our corporate worship. But in my home, we take time to teach our children about Jesus, His work, and His reign, using the church calendar as an aid. This is especially helpful during the season of Advent.

So, if you would like to use this time to focus your household on the work of Jesus during this season, consider using these readings below. I would like to thank my friends Dr. George Grant and Greg Wilbur of Parish Presbyterian Church for compiling these and making them available to the broader church.

First Sunday in Advent:
Genesis 3:1-15
The Fall of Man and the first promise of the Messiah is revealed.

Monday
Genesis 22:15-18
God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed all nations of the earth shall be blessed.

Tuesday
Isaiah 7:14; 9:2-7
Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by the prophet Isaiah.

Wednesday
Isaiah 11:1-9
A rod shall come forth from the stem of Jesse.

Thursday
Micah 5:2-4
The glory of little Bethlehem is foretold by the prophet Micah.

Friday
Malachi 4:1-3
The Sun of Righteousness, the Daystar, shall arise.

Saturday
Isaiah 40:1-11
Comfort ye my people.

Second Sunday in Advent
Luke 1:5-25
The birth of John the Baptist is foretold to Zacharias.

Monday
Luke 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel’s annunciation to the virgin Mary of the Incarnation.

Tuesday
Matthew 1:18-25
The angel of the Lord comes to Joseph in a dream.

Wednesday
Luke 1:39-56
Mary visits Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.

Thursday
Luke 1:57-66
The birth of John the Baptist

Friday
Isaiah 60:1-4
Arise, shine! For your light has come.

Saturday
Exodus 20:1-17
The Law of God that we in our own strength cannot keep.

Third Sunday in Advent
Luke 2:1-7
Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.

Monday
Micah 4:1-7
All nations shall find peace from the God of Jacob.

Tuesday
Luke 2:8-14
The angels proclaim the birth of Christ to the shepherds.

Wednesday
Psalm 98
The Lord has made known his salvation.

Thursday
Luke 2:15-20
The shepherds go to the manger.

Friday
Philippians 2:5-11
The humility of Christ.

Saturday
Titus 2:11-3:7
The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

Fourth Sunday in Advent
John 1:1-14
John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation—the coming of the Lamb of God.

Monday
John 1:15-37
John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation—the coming of the Lamb of God.

Tuesday
Revelation 5:1-14
John reveals the glory of the completed work of Christ—the exalted Lamb of God.

Wednesday
Luke 2:1-7
Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.

Thursday
Luke 2:15-20
The shepherds go to the manger.

And to make it legal, the opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the other elders or members of Providence Church.

This week, many citizens of these United States will be descending upon temples of American enterprise, malls, to sacrifice expressions of their labors to the god of consumption. We call this day Black Friday, a day where retailers go from being in the red (posting a loss on the books) to being in the black (turning a profit). In recognition of this year’s event, I wanted to share some thoughts I wrote a couple of years ago for my friends at Every Thought Captive. This is based on a true account from my distant past. I pray it blesses you.

Dear Santa,

The first time I remember hearing of you I had just turned four. My parents, my little brother, Joe, and I were living in a small, squalid, one-bedroom motel room. Joe and I slept in the living area. My parents occupied the one and only bedroom. The floors were covered with empty cigarette packages and beer bottles. I recall a black velvet painting of a sailing ship on the wall. I would imagine sailing away on that vessel.

Joe and I are the two on the left.

Ours was not a home filled with grace and peace. Rather, my memories are filled with tears and anger. I witnessed true domestic violence, although I didn’t know what to call it at the time. To me, anger and hurtful words were part of life. I didn’t like it, but I didn’t know why. It seemed wrong, but what was right? I would often cry myself to sleep as the battle raged in the next room. I was in constant fear that either my father or my mother would leave me.

One night, a few weeks before Christmas, my father roughly woke me. He was taking me with him…somewhere. He was angry and shouting at my mother. I don’t remember the words, but I recall the crushing fear. He put me in the car and sped out of the motel parking lot.

I was left in the car shivering while my father went in to a store and purchased a couple of items – and a bottle. When he got back in the car, he opened the bottle and took a long drink. Then something strange happened; he stretched  across the front seat, put his head in my lap, and sobbed heavily. I remember leaning over him, holding his head with my small hands, and joining him in an emotional outpouring.  This was my life.

There weren’t visions of sugarplums dancing in my head—I longed for security, peace, and, most of all, love. I never once recall asking you to bring me toys or candy, but I would have been so grateful for even a spark of hope—hope that there was more to life than what I’d seen so far.

Christmas morning, my parents seemed uncharacteristically happy. There was an odd and contradictory aroma in the air, a combination of Camel cigarettes and roasting turkey. Football was on the television. I remember my father trying to adjust the rabbit ears to get better reception. He liked football.

And then a box was placed in front of me. My parents told me it had come from you. I was informed that you bring gifts once a year to good little boys and girls. Mom sang me a tune that had a line, “You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why. Santa Clause is coming to town.” Again, I was confused. Though I tried, I knew I wasn’t very good. Why would you bring something to me? Maybe there was hope. I tore into the paper with curiosity and expectation.

Inside, I found a train set! A steam engine, some track, two cars, and a caboose. My mother took some time to help me put it together. Joe wanted to play with it too; but, I didn’t want him to break it. My father watched football.

Oh, how happy I was! The train went around and around. The turkey bouquet filled the room, nearly covering the cigarette odor. My father opened another beer. But I discovered that day that happiness doesn’t last. My father’s team wasn’t doing well.

The game ended and my father’s team had lost. The anger in the room grew thick. Fear again gripped my young heart. My father was irritated that dinner was taking so long. He snapped that the room was too warm. Then he opened the door, even though it was snowing outside. My mother went to close the door. Knowing what that meant, Joe and I went to a corner of the room and held one another.

Somewhere in the midst of the battle, my father kicked my new train set into the air. I cried out “No!” The train set was shattered, and so was my momentary happiness. The misty illusion of tranquility was blown away by the stark reality of fury.

So, Santa, you aren’t who they say you are. Your song misrepresents you. If you could indeed “see me when I’m sleeping,“ or if you knew when I had “been bad or good,” not only would you have known that I wasn’t really good, you would also have known that my father was an angry man. You would have been able to foresee that the gift you brought me was destined for almost immediate destruction.

But don’t worry, Santa, I am no longer confused. I now understand that you are neither omnipresent nor omniscient. As a young adult, I was given true hope; I put my faith in Jesus Christ and now I finally have that love I so longed for—that peace that passes all understanding.

So, Santa, I’m writing today to let you know that little boys and girls don’t really need presents. What they need is love, security, nurture, and discipline. They need godly examples in their lives; but, most of all they need to know the only One who gives eternal joy—the one who loves them so much that He died for them.

Santa, as I write these words, I understand that you are not real. I know that you only exist in the good intentions of parents. You didn’t really give me that train set; my parents did. And just think how much better it would have been for me to know that then.

Not all families live the way we did. Some live in great prosperity with manicured lawns and immaculate homes. Some even live with a form of godliness; but, still live with the same emptiness—the same hopelessness that we experienced.

Too many parents think that you and your gifts are what make a childhood rich and complete. But you are an illusion—a manufactured façade of true joy—a counterfeit. What children need more than anything else isn’t going to come from you, as nice as you may be.

What is going to change their lives and give them hope isn’t going to be wrapped in pretty paper, lying under a tree with blinking lights. You see, children don’t need an illusory image of Santa Claus, they need the reality of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. So, thanks for the toys, but I’ll take the real stuff. And that’s what I’ll be giving to my children too.

Now, my parents are dead. But you still live on in the good but often misplaced intentions, of other parents.  So, Santa, consider what you are giving children this year. On the day where the Nativity is remembered, are you giving them Jesus?

I miss you mom and dad. And I love you,

James

And to make it legal, the opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the other elders or members of Providence Church.

Originally published in November/December 2009 issue Every Thought Captive – are you a subscriber?

At Providence Church, we enjoy singing the wonderful words of the Psalms. Centuries ago, the Psalter was the hymnal for the church. Recognizing the different gifts God bestows upon His people, we gather to learn these psalms in four part harmony, blending our voices in praise to the King. Our prayer is that this psalm is a blessing to you.

This is a portion of Psalm 42 helps us to reflect upon the goodness of God, even when challenges confront our way. There are days when everything seems to be wrong, when all the powers of the world are aligned against us, and we find ourselves close to despair. But in those days when we find ourselves in a spiritual desert, the Spirit reminds us of the goodness of God, we recall his tender mercy, we remeber He is faithful, even when we are faithless, and we are renewed as we find our hope and rest in Him.

Psalm 42:1-5

Click the image below to download the sheet music. And check out the midi files below to learn your parts!

As deer for streams, I pant for God;
I pant for You so longingly.
I thirst for God, the living God;
How long until God’s face I see?

In steady streams, tears from my eyes
Have been my food each night and day;
While those around, with mocking cries,
“Where is your God?” to me they say.

My yearning soul turns to the past;
To keep the feast I led the crowd.
Up to God’s house we’d come at last;
With joyful thanks we’d shout aloud.

O why, my soul, do you grow ill?
And why are you cast down in me?
Hope now in God. I’ll praise Him still,
My helper and my God is He.

Audio Files ::

Combined Track

Soprano

Alto

Tenor

Bass

For more of these powerful psalms, we highly recommend Crown and Covenant Publications.

Just after midnight on October 31, 2011, Danica May Camacho was born in the Philippines. This young one was given the title of the earth’s 7,000,000,000^th inhabitant. For the first time ever, the population of the earth is now estimated at seven billion people.

For some, the news of this milestone is not a reason for celebration; instead, they see it as a harbinger of doom. Demographic “experts” warn us of food shortage, damage to the environment, accelerated climate change, energy shortage, increased illiteracy, the mistreatment of women and the “marginal” in society; and even the prospect of yet another global war with apocalyptic consequences.

Some of the more radical activists are calling for policies to reduce the world’s population to no more than 2 billion people. Which may lead us to wonder how they will do that. Forced sterilization? Aggressive euthanasia? Genocide?

Now, it is indeed true that man can and does cause much heartache, pain, and destruction in the world. All one has to do is look down through the annals of history and see the countless stories of how greed and aggression have wrought great destruction to the environment and to society. This has become increasingly evident over the past 250 years. From the robber barons of the 18^th century to the terrorist activities of the 21^st century, man has proven to be a very destructive force, resulting in destruction and mayhem on every continent. And we all know that starvation is real. Drought is real. Famine is real. And, we are fully aware that death is real.

Before we go on, how many people make up seven billion people? Well, seven billion, of course. And that number may indeed seem daunting. That is, until you compare it to the world’s land mass. In fact, if you were to relocate the entire world’s population to one location, all seven billion would be able to live comfortably in Texas with 1065 square feet per person. That would leave the rest of the globe for food, energy, and water production. By the way, I am not advocating a mass relocation to the Lone Star State. Besides, I doubt any St Louis Cardinal fan would make the trek.

There is another question that we should consider: Would fewer people really mean a kinder, safer, more peaceful world? No. While the impact of manmade disasters may be less costly, there would still be trials and challenges. You see, the issue is not in the number of people; the issue is the heart of man. The Bible clearly defines the real problem with these words:

“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. Every one of them has turned aside; they have together become corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one.” (Psalm 53:1–3).

And Jesus nailed the problem on the head when He said that it is “what comes out of a man that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.” (Mark 7:20–22) The issue again is not the number of people; it is the sinful hearts that manifest themselves in sinful actions—actions that typically harm others.

With that, consider that the Bible clearly declares that children are a blessing, not a curse. Children are gifts from God (Psalm 127:3-5) and, they are not accidents of biology. The birth of each child is decreed by God. He is the one who formed him in the womb. (Psalm 139:13-14) God is not surprised by the number of children conceived—the number of people on the planet. He ordained it!

In a way, what we are seeing is a component of the Dominion Mandate, a command God gave when He said, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28)

God wants more than just children; He wants godly seed! (Malachi 2:15) Godly seed are people who will not only proclaim Jesus as their Savior; they will live their lives proclaiming Him as their Lord! They are the ones who will live for others, not for themselves. Godly seed are the ones who will reach out to the hurting, to the lonely, to the forsaken. Godly seed will welcome the call to serve others in positions of leadership in the church, in business, and in government, serving society according to God’s Word.

Godly seed are the chosen ones who will steward the earth, managing the resources God has given us, making sure that fresh water, healthy food, and suitable housing are available for even the most destitute on the planet. Godly seed are those who will seek out the mysteries of Creation itself, leveraging scientific discovery for the betterment of mankind and the growth of the Kingdom of God. Godly seed are those who will invest themselves in the arts, in music, in literature, in architecture, in healing the sick, in literature, in film to point the world to the beauty of the Lord.

When Jesus taught us to pray, He said that we are to implore that His Kingdom come, that God’s will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. This prayer becomes reality as we see godly seed expand across the face of this globe.

So, how do we get there? How do we see this come to pass? It starts when we believe that our God is sovereign, that He is at work, that His plan will not be thwarted, and that even right now, He is shaking down the nations (Haggai 2:7) until the time that the knowledge of the glory of the Lord covers the earth like the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).

As we await His work, we who are Christians realize that the Lord has called us to be His witnesses, to serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness (Luke 1:74-75), sharing with the lost the glory of the Lord until the day when the Great Commission is fulfilled (Matthew 28:18-20).

The news of seven billion people should not bring to the heart of the Christian undue fear; it should instead bring excitement—excitement for the Kingdom, excitement for the Gospel, excitement that we not only get to see the Lord work before our eyes, but that we have the privilege to participate in this great adventure!

As Jesus said, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Luke 10:2) We have been given the task of praying for more laborers to enter this expanding mission field for the glory of the Lord. Let us be about that labor of prayer. And let us be about the work of living for Jesus, that His name might be glorified, even among the heathen.

“’The nations shall know that I am the Lord,’ says the Lord God, ‘when I am hallowed in you before their eyes.’” (Ezekiel 36:23)

And to make it legal, the opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the other elders or members of Providence Church.