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

As we come into chapter 5 of the Gospel of Luke, we come to meet a man named Simon Peter. Headstrong, confident, capable – and also impetuous. He is a man who knows Jesus, who has seen Jesus help others. But he doesn’t see his need for the Savior, that is, until Jesus shows him the incredible power of God. When that happens, everything changes for Peter. He sees Jesus, he sees himself, and he experiences the mercy of the Lord, and he is empowered to fulfill his mission!

This account challenges us to remember that each of us have a mission for the Kingdom. Every action we take has eternal consequence. And, we see the pattern of true discipleship, which starts with hearing the Word, repenting of our sin, and investing ourselves in the mission that Jesus has given us. Christianity is to be believed, and to be lived.

Christianity: Believe and Be Lived
Luke 5:1-11
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald

What a contrast a week makes! Last week, we noted the reaction of the Nazarenes to the preaching of Jesus. Theirs was hostility and anger. This week, we see how Jesus goes to Capernaum and preaches. The response of the citizens on this seaside town is completely different. They are amazed! They are astounded! And they are excited about the ministry of Jesus! And what we learn is that the ministry of Jesus is still amazing, still astounding, still exciting. As He exercised power and authority in His preaching, in His victory over the enemy, and even His sovereignty over even the created world, He still does today. Are we ready for the exciting and amazing power and authority of Jesus? Consider what we learn from Luke 4:31-44.

Power and Authority
Luke 4:31-44
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.

Jesus Preaching in Nazareth - from a 14th Century fresco

This week, Jesus comes home. After successfully defeating Satan in the wilderness temptation, Jesus entered into his Galilean ministry, going from town to town, teaching, preaching, healing the sick, and bringing deliverance to the oppressed. And news of what God was doing through Him had come back to the small village of Nazareth. It is likely they were proud of their civic son, the one from the troubled background who suddenly was putting Nazareth on the map!

And then, word came that He was coming home! And that He would be preaching! What would He say? Certainly, it would be an uplifint message, it would be one thanking the citizens of Nazareth for making Him who He was. Right? Wrong. Jesus came home, and preached the Gospel! He came home sharing that they needed the grace of God! Them! The citizens of Nazareth. How would they respond?

As you consider that, think about how you respond when someone confronts you, challenges your presuppositions, calls you to remember that you need God. The Gospel challenges, the Gospel confronts, the Gospel saves – and the Gospel calls for a response!

The Confrontational Gospel
Luke 4:14-30
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald

In what may seem an amazing turn of events, Jesus goes from the waters of baptism directly into mortal combat with Satan himself and is tempted for 40 long days. Satan’s goal is to get Jesus to fall. If he could do this, the whole mission of redemption would be foiled. But Jesus defeats the enemy of our souls, not based on being God, but rather He defeats Satan as a man. In doing so, we are reminded who Satan is, what his motives are, what his limits are. We come to see his designs, and we learn from Jesus how we can defeat his attempts to lure us away from the Lord.

Come to understand your propensity to sin, Satan’s desire to exploit your lust, and yet, Jesus’ example of victory. What a joy it is that we do have victory in Jesus!

Defeating the Deceiver
Luke 4:1-13
Series: Luke – A Prescription for Doubtful Souls
Pastor James McDonald

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 3:15-22, we come to the end of the ministry of John the Baptizer, and the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. In this account, we learn of the greatness of John, and yet the humility of John. Likewise, we see the Jesus greatness of Jesus! And Jesus was greater than John in every way! He ministered a greater baptism, He had a greater position, and He superintends a greater judgment. But, we also see the great humility of Jesus, who humbled Himself to be a man. He submitted to John’s baptism. And He suffered to the point of death – for us! And, as His baptism God the Father proclaimed His love and acceptance for His Son, in Jesus we likewise stand beloved and approved.

Beloved and Approved
Luke 3:15-22
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