Spirit Filled Puritan

American Vision has posted two excellent articles on their blog [Good Trees and Bad Trees] and [As Far as the Curse if Found].  In them, blogger Eric Rauch highlights an important concept explained in Andy Crouch’s book Culture Making, the fact that cultural change is only possible through individual change and that change is only possible through the Gospel.

“Culture—making something of the world, moving the horizons of possibility and impossibility—is what human beings do and are meant to do. Transformed culture is at the heart of God’s mission in the world, and it is the call of God’s redeemed people. But changing the world is the one thing that we cannot do. As it turns out, fully embracing this paradoxical reality is at the very heart of what it means to be a Christian culture maker. ” Crouch p. 189

What Crouch is saying is that God changes culture through the Gospel, not our circumstance, or our efforts in organizing boycotts, protests or political action.  It starts in the heart of the individual.  The Christian’s realization of that fact is key.  For its through a Christian’s humility and response to the Gospel that “lasting” change is ultimately affected.  This is exactly what Paul the Apostle was saying in 1 Corinthians 1:17-21 :

“For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.   For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."  Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.” 

This is why the idea of the multi-generational vision of faithfulness is so important.  God’s command to Christians is to take dominion of the Earth, harnessing it for the glory of God.  That can only happen if we have a right view of ourselves individually and corporately.  Its not about the numbers, it’s about the individual’s heart.  God, through Jesus,  has called each Christian into His service with the command of being faithful to follow Him and to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)  This process starts in the sphere that is closest to us, our family.  A changed family is God’s “force multiplier”.  

Cultural change does not happen by supporting a cause or movement but by responding to the Gospel and living by its grace each day. 

"To suppose that whatever God requireth of us that we have power of ourselves to do, is to make the cross and grace of Jesus Christ of none effect" John Owen, Puritan

All I can say is wow!  Honestly I am speechless.  I never thought this country was at a point where we could elect a young, African-American man as President of the United States.  I offer my humble congratulations to him.  I am proud to be an American.

Regardless of our politics we should be acknowledging the greatness of our country and the process we have that allows each and every adult person to choose their governmental representatives.  We should be celebrating the peaceful transition of power, which is a grace from God, regardless of whether our man won or lost.  Compare the blessings we have to those who are struggling in Zimbabwe where peaceful transition is almost impossible.  Praise God for what we have and pray for the poor who are caught in the middle and who suffer the consequences of the politics of selfish gain.  We have much to be thankful for.

Yet, this morning I am amazed by the response of evangelical Christians in this country.  I am amazed that so many are acknowledging the fact that God is sovereign.  I am elated by that fact but I need to ask this question?  Why all of a sudden this outpouring of acknowledgement?  Why is it that so many feel driven to acknowledge this after Barak Obama’s victory?   I find no evidence of such statements when George Bush won in 2000 and 2004.  All I could find was numerous references to the further defeat of the secular left.  I am pondering why so many people are acknowledging God’s sovereignty today when they didn’t  do so when a Republican won?

Honesty, why would a Christian’s public proclamation of God’s sovereignty depend on who is elected?  If one truly believes God is sovereign, that fact should transcend politics and be acknowledged on July 4th each year as well as when the stock market tanked in September.  Is it just me or does it appear that people’s hearts are not  lining up with their mouths?  

Over the last few weeks I have read helpful things from many people who were asking questions and also sought for a right response to the election from the pages of Scripture.  Among many probing questions, I found the following ones of help to me.

1. Is my hope really in God as the sovereign Lord and Savior, or am I most hoping in a certain outcome of the election?
2. Have I ascribed certain attributes of God to my favorite politician?
3. Would people know more of my political views than of the gospel? 
4. Today am I mourning political defeat more than my own sins?
5. Am I taking more credit than is due in my candidate’s victory?
6. What is motivating my response to proclaim God is sovereign? 
7. Do I acknowledge God’s sovereignty in all aspects and situations in my life? 
8. Am I more aware of the crucified Christ today than yesterday? 
9. Are my words and life clearly drawing attention to His finished work as my Savior?

Today, many are celebrating their new idol.  Sadly, it appears many Christians are mourning the the destruction of their idol and are already erecting new ones.  Actually I’ll be the first to admit, I was carving a new one this morning!  Then, God showed me I was wrong in repeating my past sinful responses.  Before falling back into this trap again, I needed to stop  and reflect on my motivations.  Our sovereign God  faithfully opened up a window again to show me I was wrong in my thinking and in doing so opened a window into his unending fountain of grace.  It was time to confess and repent of my sinful idolatry, pride and unbelief. 

My encouragement to all is to proclaim the sovereignty of God, but don’t stop there, take the next step and examine your motivations for doing so.  If the Holy Spirit reveals fear and anxiety, confess your unbelief.  If He reveals your heart’s propensity to elevate man over God, confess your idolatry.  If he reveals prejudice, vindictiveness and anger, confess your pride.   Turn your hearts to the Lord and receive the grace that comes through repentance and renewed faith.  Then bask in the sovereignty of God over all things with joy and expectancy rather than out of fear and uncertainty.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” -  Romans 13:1

This post is not political.  It is my intention to keep my blog focused on the Gospel, not politics.  However, I posting this note not to brag, gloat or elicit sympathy, but to express my opinion on the “deeper” issues that separated the two main candidates.  I also wanted to celebrate process through which I cast my vote today which stands as an evidence of God’s grace and providence.

Today I voted.  It’s a right we have in this country that men and women have died to protect.  Around the world, its a process denied more people than allowed.  I am also proud to say I voted only once.  This should go without saying but the fact is that many people feel its more important for their man to win than to respect the law, they find ways to cast multiple votes.  Actually, its quite easy to do.  Why we as a nation insist on other countries having stronger voter fraud laws than us, is beyond me.  However, abusing our right violates God’s commandment for honesty and mocks the sacrifice of those who died for the ideal of one man, one vote.   Finally, I voted for John McCain for President of the United States of America.  I did so not because he was more qualified, or because of his party affiliation, or because of his race or out of fear.  I didn’t vote for him because of his self proclaimed “maverick” status, his economic policies, what he promised to give me or even because of his focus on bi-partisanship.   I voted for him based on three principles founded on ideology, ethics and morality.  For me they are three non-negotiables that clearly draw the distinction between him and his main opponent.    I voted my conscience.

First, was the issue of life.  It is my belief that all life is sacred and that morally and ethically, it must be protected.  Political rhetoric doesn’t apply here.  The records of both men speak clearly and distinctly here.  Morally and ethically, drawing a relative distinction between who is person and who is not, sets a dangerous precedent. 

Secondly, was the issue of national defense.  It is my belief that according to the US Constitution, this is the highest priority of the President.    Again, political rhetoric is irrelevant.  While I do not doubt the sincerity of Barak Obama’s belief in national defense, I believe the records of both men speak for themselves.  It’s not a matter of sincerity, but judgment.

Thirdly, was the issue of the role of government.  I believe government must be strong enough to hold the states together yet weak enough not to interfere with individual liberties.   While John McCain is no constitutional libertarian (in the founding father’s sense), his ideals of less government are in sharp contrast to the ideals of big government advocated by Barak Obama.   My father told me 35 years ago that no matter which candidate wins, every year the country moves further away from its founding principles.  “Your role in voting” he said, “is to slow down that slide as much as you can.”  Government will inevitably grow under John McCain, but it will grow slower.

Finally, even after voting, I find my peace not in “my man” but in the fact that I live in the greatest country on earth.  I share in things that I take for granted and that are only dreams of millions around the world.  I find my peace in the realization that God did shed His grace on us, in a way larger than I think Katharine Lee Bates, who wrote America the Beautiful, even imagined.  And while there are times  I forget this and feel my destiny is in the hands of our President, I am always quickly reminded of that grace “shed” on me.   I was reminded of it again through this…

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”  – Romans 13:1.  

Thus when I participated in the electoral process, I voted my conscience, as a civic duty, through the process of government, instituted by God, for His ultimate glory. 

Well, we’re 24 hours from Election Day.  For many people, tomorrow will decide which one of these men can best solve the problems of our country and the world.  When you think about it, that’s actually a very ridiculous statement.  Why?  It presumes that one of these imperfect men will achieve the status of which only one perfect man has ever achieved. 

Both men have been described in prophetic terms.  Barak Obama has been parodied by his opponent as “The One”.  Some have both seriously and comically called him “messiah”.  John McCain has said his campaign has been “resurrected” and that he is the one to bring reform, peace and prosperity to all.  Who do we trust?

Throughout the campaign there have been issues that have come and gone.  Illegal immigration, the war in Iraq, race and gender have all now been eclipsed by the economy.  Both campaigns claim global climate change is the single biggest issue facing the world today.  So, in your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing the world today?

Let me suggest one that is so huge, that nearly everyone misses it.  It’s so large and so significant that is that it affects every person, place and thing on the planet.  It respects no age, sex or national boundary.  Its been around for thousands of years.  It’s one that many great respected world leaders have tried to solve or deal with; all unsuccessfully. It is the single most denied fact facing mankind.  What is it?   The inherent evil that exists in each person, no matter how good they think of themselves.  It’s commonly called sin.  It’s the thing that is the root of every world-wide social ill.  It’s consequences affect every aspect of life.  It’s the thing that makes us personally think of ourselves as better than our fellow man or woman.  Its the thing that drives us to pursue selfish ambition at the expense of friends, family and co-workers.  It’s the thing that motivates us to corruption, anger, greed, prejudice, hatred, war and exploitation.  It’s the thing that arrogantly claims that other people are evil or bad, but not me.   Yet its also the thing that deludes us into thinking that our generation will succeed where others have failed in dealing with its consequences.  It’s the thing that leads us to believe that with a few more government programs, some more money and the right person at the helm, all our problems go away.   Think about it, Is Barak Obama or John McCain going to solve your relationship problems, illness, hatred, selfishness, greed, racism or prejudice.  If you think so, you’re deluding yourself.  All these things stem from the condition of the human heart,  not as a reaction to socio-economic consequences or situations. 

Sin warps our view of everything.  That which is good becomes evil.  That which is evil becomes good.  And to top it off, to make sure we’re all equal, your view is relative your your situation in life, culture, ethnicity or beliefs.  Theoretically, the idea of good and evil no longer exist but in practice, we deny our our theory  and label one another good and others evil.  

Sin is the root cause of all our problems.  Coal plants are not the root cause of global warming, nor are cow burps.  Derivatives are not the root cause of the Wall Street collapse.  Economic injustice is not the cause of poverty and unemployment.  Sin is, in one form or another. 

So what’s this all mean?  Well, I can tell you, this post is not part of a conspiracy to suppress it vote.  It doesn’t mean that your vote tomorrow doesn’t count.  It does and you should vote.  SO DO IT.  Yet, it also means that we need to recognize that neither candidate is  the real candidate of change, hope, prosperity, reform or peace.  There is only one man in all of human history who can claim to be the candidate of all of these ideals and the only one who truly dealt successfully with all these issues.  His name is Jesus.  He was God’s perfect candidate; nominated to deal effectively with sin.  He dealt, once and for all, with the root of all evil and the thing that prevents us from seeing perfect “good”; God Himself.  God’s platform was one of perfect change, hope, reform, peace and prosperity.  Yet in our sin, we selfishly elected Jesus because of what he offered our fleshly desires, then when he became too much of a threat, we voted him out and had him executed.   Yet, He transcended all of our selfish and evil intent and forgave sinners for what they did; past, present and future.  By grace, seeing no special deed or tendency in sinners, He purchased the salvation of countless souls who  put their faith in Him.  He called this the Gospel.  Its the good news that God changes the human heart, not just situations.  It’s the true solution to mankind’s problems and the only true hope.

For me, I struggle to keep this all in perspective.  Especially in an election cycle, I slip often and get caught up in what “might be” or find myself placing my hope of change with some elected official.  Yet, the Gospel calls me to be the ultimate informed voter.   I need to see myself for what I am; a sinner and respond in repentance and faith, trusting only in the Gospel.  For I am still a sinner saved by grace, with nothing of myself to boast.  My hope is not in the man who rose up during this generation, but a man who transcended all generations past and future.  Ultimately the only vote that really matters is the one for Jesus.

Wishing all readers of the blog a Happy Reformation Day. 

Remember what Luther did 491 years ago, nailing the 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg.  Stand up for the Bible and true Biblical Christianity.

Steven Nichols, professor at Lancaster Bible College,  has written a very interesting  book about the musical form commonly called, “The Blues”.

The book provides a selective and interesting history of this uniquely African American musical form.  While it was not the author’s intent to provide a history of the musical genre, it serves as a great introduction for someone who is not familiar with the music.

The Blues is more than just music.  It is a song of the human condition; physically, socially and spiritually from a uniquely African American perspective.  It is a window into the depravity of man and both external and internal oppression.  Through the words and music of Blues music we experience the full range of emotions and reactions to man’s condition, whether it be by the oppressor or the oppressed.  In it we feel the reaction of the soul to sin.  

To the author, parts of the Bible are typical of  “blues” music.  Nichols transcends time as he outlines the “groanings” of David, Nehemiah and  Naomi in Chapters titled “Man of Sorrows” and “Woman of Sorrows”.  In each case he points the reader to how these Biblical characters struggled with earthly despair and sin but how God found and saved them.

The author is clearly a fan of Blues music.  He includes snippets of his own Blues poetry along with the narrative.   His enthusiasm comes through in the writing, sometimes a little too much as he tends to justify the actions and reactions of some of the musicians in their sinful behaviors.  However, he does catch himself, adding some  parenthetical commentary.  Yet in a way, this is the key to understanding the book.  If the reader puts himself in the shoes of the early Blues singers, there is an overwhelming rush of emotion.  Getting caught up in it is natural.  I found myself doing the same. 

I think the heart of the book is Nichol’s statement on the Blue’s connection to Christ”

“The Blues is also Christ-haunted, although not entirely in the same way as the spiritual [speaking of the traditional musical form typically called the “Negro Spiritual”].   In the latter, Jesus while not always mentioned, is known to be there; the buoy in the time of storm.  In the Blues, Jesus could be the buoy in the time of storm, or the one who would take burdens away.  He could be the one who would bring divine expectation into the historical present.  Sometimes that Christ-haunted nature of the Blues lies deep beneath the surface, which is to say, sometimes it’s hard to find.  But at other times,  that which is Christ-haunted becomes rather transparently Christ-present.” 

I take this to mean that life from the perspective of the singer, is reflected in the lyrics  and/or the music.  Likewise the “hope” crying out, either directly or indirectly, is found in listeners heart.  Where the affections of the listener’s heart lie dictates where the hope will be found, whether it be in a bottle, or in a Savior.  As the book pointed out, sadly many of the great early Blues singers found their hope in a bottle. 

Among the many things I learned, the two that stick out are:

1. Dietrich Bonheoffer’s discovery and love of the Blues and Spirituals.
2. BB King’s recollection of the German POW’s working the cotton fields during World War II.  It was eye opening to learn that the enemy POW’s were treated better than the Black sharecroppers!

I think the book succeeds in it’s premise in answering “What Blues Music Teaches Us About Suffering and Salvation”, in an interesting way.  The chapters will take you through a range of emotions.  Read it not as a theology text nor as pure history.  Rather as you read it, be conscious of your responses to the social conditions and injustice and evaluate them in light of the Gospel.  As I read it, there were times when my hope was not in Christ but I found myself saying, “yes, I probably would have responded in that way.”  The value of the book isn’t in its theology or historical portrayal but in asking yourself, if you were faced with the same circumstances, where would your hope lie? 

Read more information about or purchase “Getting the Blues”  here.

What is worldliness?  Well, before reading this book I would have said it was the state of a person whose whole life is dominated by material things.  I would have answered, worldliness is something others struggle with, but certainly not me.  Well, in classic Mahaney fashion, I was humbled…again. 

In “Worldliness, Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World ”, C.J. Mahaney has compiled 6 essays that clearly point out that you don’t have to be totally sold out to the world to be “worldly”.  Worldliness exists in little areas of our lives that we consider as harmless or manageable.  Yet, it is from those little areas that worldliness relentlessly launches its attack with the goal of completely taking over and destroying us.

In fact, worldliness hunts everyone down.  No-one is immune.   If we avoid it, it finds us.  The world bombards our senses with sounds, images and thoughts  that remain in our minds forever.  Because of this fact, today’s victory can become tomorrow’s battle.  As CJ puts it:

“Today the greatest challenge facing American evangelicals is not persecution from the world but seduction by the world. We are not under attack from without, we are decaying from within”

Yet, CJ points out that worldliness is not a uniquely 21st century thing.  We can’t blame it on the convenient Christian scapegoats of TV’s, iPods, movies, DVD’s, video games, fashion or consumerism.  Worldliness has always existed in some form,  relative to the time and culture where Christian’s lived.  He quotes CH Spurgeon from over 150 years ago:

“The one reason why the church of God at the present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church.”

The Apostles even warned of it in their day. 

Traditionally, the Christian response to worldliness has been withdrawal from the culture, monasticism and more commonly today; legalism.  Today, many Christians fall for the list of do’s and don’ts or practicing some rigorous set of rules as a panacea for worldliness.  The list does not even need to be formal.  It can be a set of personal moralistic views about things like Bible versions, holidays, type of church, TV channels, movies or music.   Yet, in doing so, there is a tendency to deceive ourselves into a false sense of security.  The list becomes the measure of our “goodness”.  Pride in accomplishing this list further obscures the realization that no matter what we do, we are still sinful when compared to God.  Legalism, denies the power and grace of God.  That’s why it’s so dangerous.  Our only hope, the grace of God, and our grace-sustained faith, is conveniently replaced by a deceptive creation of man.   While I don’t know this to be true, I would imagine worldliness exists within the Amish community, a group of people who we tend to view as having successfully resisted worldly influence.

In the face of what seems to be an impossible battle, CJ points the reader back to the Bible.  “Only through the cross of Jesus Christ can we successfully resist the seduction of a fallen world” , he says.  As he so simply pointed out in his book “Living The Cross Centered Life”, the cross of Christ empowers us not only through it’s past significance and what Christ accomplished on it but also in its significance in the way we view it relative to our lives, today.  We are no less in need of the cross today than when we lived a life of unbelief. 

The book contains short but thorough discussions on those places where worldliness is most commonly found.  They represent things that are clearly gifts from God and not intrinsically bad, but without discernment, become the catalysts of worldliness.  Things like:

• Media: What we choose to view or listen to
• Music:  What we enjoy listening to.
• Stuff:  The choices we make with our money
• Clothes: What we wear and why we wear it

Each section deals openly with worldliness from a personal perspective and addresses the heart issues that cause Christians to “worship” man’s creation rather than God himself.  

The essay’s section end with a call by Jeff Purswell to “love the world” as Christ would have done; by acknowledging the provision of God in His goodness, engaging the culture and acting in love for the world, with an eye to evangelism. 

The book concludes with the Mahaney family’s “ Modesty Heart Check” and a unique challenge of Considering Modesty on Your Wedding Day.  While aimed mainly at women, they certainly have application for men, especially teens and father’s of daughters. 

The final section lists a set a questions, dealing with issues presented in the book, that can be used as a personal study or in a small group. 

Where did this book affect me?  It was in Craig Cabaness’ section titled “God, My Heart and Media” that I found my greatest challenge.  While I don’t watch much television, by nature, I am a “multi-media sponge” and self-described political junkie.  The media coverage of the current election cycle is a major struggle for me.  Again, not that there is anything inherently wrong with wanting to be an informed voter.  It’s a worthy cause that many more people should pursue.  However, I find it easy and convenient to use the informed voter excuse as a way to justify watching political news, when in-fact I have already made up my mind who to vote for.  It’s also very easy for me to “pile on” when I see my candidate’s negative ads,  regardless of whether I know them to be true or not.  I also find a certain “joy” in watching my candidate hurl “zinger’s” at his opponent.  I also take pleasure in hearing the media “spin” things in favor of “my guy”.  The bottom line is that I am an arrogant and proud supporter of my candidate.  The media has me right where they want me.   I am a full-fledged member of the TV mob, cheering for my candidate and demanding blood from his opponent in the Colosseum of presidential election politics.  Through my actions, I am demonstrating that I am no different that a 1st Century Roman arena spectator.  I am worldly. 

What I learned from this book is that I was not the man I thought I was.  I was big in my own mind but prideful in God’s eyes.  I learned that the sin of pride is a key ingredient in worldliness (I Cor 10:12).  For me, this sin weakened my Spirit-led discernment, one of the weapons I need to fight against being pulled into the world.  This book was a call to guard my heart even more and to crawl back to the Cross even more frequently. 

Read more information about or purchase “Worldliness”  here.

Well with another fall of the Stock Market, I’ve received another flurry of “get ready for the rapture” and Barak Obama is the anti-christ emails.   Here’s an election related one someone sent me with a note to visit this site.

I really feel like doing what Ringo Starr did this week.  If you didn’t see this, check it out.  He actually put out a video telling fans not to send him any more fan mail or objects to autograph.  “This is a serious message…please do not send fan mail to any address you have… nothing will be signed after the 20th of October,” he said.  

I think I will…“This is a serious message, after today, October 17th, please do not send me any more emails about the Rapture, Barak Obama being the anti-christ or the new world order”.

Honestly, do we as American Christians think our wallets are the indicator of the end of the world?  Where in the Bible does it say that the Dow Jones Industrial Average is God’s prophetic clock?   Do we think ourselves more worthy to be saved from our decadent excesses than those who have nothing, yet are being persecuted in India, Africa or the Middle East?   How arrogant can we get!  How about a little perspective on what it means to really “suffer” as a Christian…

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4727215.ece

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/16/christians-persecuted-in-india/

http://www.agi.it/world/news/200810151914-cro-ren0092-art.html

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/05/28/bible.burning/index.html

http://www.persecution.com/recent_saudiFatherKilling.html

Notice, what’s conspicuously absent from all of these reports?  There’s no call by these suffering saints for the rapture.  Why is that? 

Christian history, and most notably, the last 100 years,  is filled with the stories of those who believed they would see the end of the world.  In some cases their motives were sincere; other times they were not.  However, in all cases, their judgment was  wrong.  Ultimately, it was arrogance and pride what led to their failure in judgment.  The end result was that lives were wasted, Christian witness was ruined and many false prophets became rich.  No American generation has been so affected by this expectation than the current one. 

When John Winthrop led the Puritans from England to the Massachusetts Colony in 1629, he wrote to those seeking religious freedom of becoming a “city upon a hill”, a reference to Jesus metaphor in the sermon on the mount.  In it, he didn’t preach a “rapture” but called for the reformation of society through the Gospel and for people to consider the implications their lives would have on the world.   The “city” he envisioned would either shine by their humility and faithfulness or be consumed by their arrogance and pride.  He said…

“For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. So that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken… we shall be made a story and a by-word throughout the world. We shall open the mouths of enemies to speak evil of the ways of God… We shall shame the faces of many of God’s worthy servants, and cause their prayers to be turned into curses upon us til we be consumed out of the good land whither we are a-going.” – John Winthrop

Are we reaping Winthrop’s legacy?  Have we abandoned our “city on the hill”  for the the lights of Hollywood or Wall Street?  Have the villages of Eastern India, the house churches of China, the Christians of the Middle East become Winthop’s  “cities”?  Are we shaming their sacrifices with our arrogance?

Years ago,  my hobby (as I called it) was trying to match current events to Biblical prophesy with the goal of predicting “the end”.     I believed this way for over 10 years, spending all my free time reading books on World War 3, Anti-christ, 666, computers in Belgium, etc.  Yet, it was through this “hobby”, and my God-given appetite for Christian history, that He revealed to me that my motives and beliefs were wrongly focused.  He graciously moved the focus off myself, by exposing the pride of my heart and refocused my heart on Him and the work He wanted me to do.   

God drew my attention to a plaque on the wall of my office, that hung there for nearly 5 years.  I’ll never forget how it took on a new meaning that day in 1993.  It said… 

"On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions, who, at the dawn of victory, sat down to wait, and waiting–died!"  –  George W. Cecil

I was faced with a choice.  Either, 1) continue to speculate on the future, which, eternally speaking, gained me nothing but fame in my own mind or 2) move forward and re-build “the city on a hill.”   Today, by His grace, and only by His grace, I continue to move forward.

“It is a shame that so many Christians can quite readily dialogue about the latest theory as to the Antichrist’s identity, when at the same time they are unable to defend the deity and humanity of Christ from the pages of Holy Scripture” – Kim Riddlebarger

Reading a book written 340+ years ago by a Puritan can be a daunting task, even for the most accomplished reader.  For me its a battle of intellect (mine being miniscule compared to the writer’s), the “Old English” (not just thee’s and thy’s) and my constant battle with ADD.  Yet, there are some Puritans that are extremely readable and their style is almost indistinguishable from today’s more readable Reformed authors.  While Thomas Goodwin has been labeled “The Readable Puritan”, “The Godly Man’s Picture, Drawn With a Scripture Pencil” by Thomas Watson is another excellent example.  While Thomas Watson’s writing very accessible, its readability is not an indication of generality or over simplification.  It’s quite the opposite.  In it he leaves no stone unturned, nor wastes time in the application of the truths from Scripture he points to. 

The premise of “The Godly Man’s Picture” is godliness which Watson defines as…

“the sacred impression and workmanship of God in a man whereby from being carnal, he is made spiritual.  When godliness is wrought in a man, he does not receive a new soul but he has a “new spirit…the faculties are not new, but the qualities are; the strings are the same but the tune is corrected.”

Watson specifically challenges men in not only attempting to pursue godliness but in actually achieving it.  As he puts it, “Godliness puts a man in heaven before his time.”  With pinpoint precision, Watson examines the issue of godliness, taking it off the Christian’s “wanna be” shelf and moving it to their “continue to achieve”  shelf.  He goes on to caution readers that settling for “sanctification in-part” is not godliness.  Godliness, in practice involves  “totality”, “sacrifice” and “duration”.  Throughout the book, he demonstrates how God’s grace achieves what is impossible for man to accomplish on his own. 

I am studying from this book as part of a discipleship course at the church where I attend.  After reading just the first introductory paragraph, I was hooked.  Unlike other books on Scriptural application that develop their themes first and then put application questions at the end of the chapter or at the end of the book, Watson starts applying principles immediately. 

After a short introduction and a short presentation of the Gospel in Chapter 1, Watson starts presenting his argument from Scripture in Proverbs-like bites, that godliness is mandatory .  A few examples are, as he says, “godliness…

• has truth for its foundation.”  (Psalm 119:30)
• is a ray or beam that shines from God.”
• lies chiefly in the heart…[whereas religion is only in the externals]”
• is the holy sap rooted which is rooted in the soul.” (Psalm 51:6)
• is sacred leaven that spreads itself into the whole soul “(I Thess. 5:23)
• is a permanent thing.  A blush of godliness is not enough the distinguish a Christian, but godliness must be the temper and complexion of the soul.

This is all accomplished in the first 20 pages!  Watson then spends the next 168 pages applying godliness  in understandably practical ways.  Any Christian who has a grasp of the basic doctrines of their faith will benefit from it. 

Chapter 4 represents the bulk of the book.  In it, Watson presents how Scripture provides the framework for godliness and its demonstrates its fruits.  His presentation is comprehensive and practical.

One interesting historical note is that Watson speaks to those who would “take Christ as Jesus but refuse him as Lord.”  It’s clear the same “Lordship controversy”, boiling in the church today, was also prominent in 1666, when the book was written.  It’s a vivid reminder of Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 1:9.

Watson effectively slays the notion of the security of the carnal Christian.”  Whereby many of today’s author’s who tackle this subject focus on the behavior of the one labeled a “carnal Christian”, Watson attacks the issue on two fronts; outward and inward.  His discussion of “crucifying Christ anew” by those who profess to be being Christians continue to willfully sin against the saints (church), is frank and somber.  He calls it for what it is; the sin of apostasy.  Yet, unlike modern day authors, who focus on the “carnal believer’s” liberty to choose their “lifestyle” , Watson goes right to the heart and warns readers that all Christians are at risk of becoming carnal and ultimately apostatizing through dismissing the slippery slope of sin. 

“Let us take heed of those things which will make us, by degrees, fall away from our profession…[they are: covetousness (worldliness), unbelief (not trusting God in his grace and mercy in all things of life) and cowardice (the fear of man and its result, inaction to do what is good)].”

In the final 62 pages, Watson exhorts the true believer remaining faithful in their personal pursuit of godliness.  Watson lays out 3 “C’s” as a way for true believers to remain faithful to their grace-filled ambition:

• Caution – against the presumption of God’s grace. 
• Counsel – remaining faithful to God’s Word and His work in your life. 
• Comfort – realizing there will be up’s and down’s  in your faith (with a little help from Richard Sibbes and the “smoking flax” example)

The book ends with the vivid imagery of the Christian’s ultimate glory as Christ, foretells the coming for His humble and chaste bride.  As Watson says, “We see the love of Christ and his church running towards one another in full torrent…What is closer than union?  What is sweeter?… Though we can bring Christ no dowry, he expects us to keep ourselves pure.”

My first reading of this book has already helped me see hypocrisy in my heart.  It’s also reminded me my continued need to pray fervently and frequently.   I commented to my wife the other day that it is certainly one of the best book I’ve read regarding the personal application of Scripture.    I highly recommend it. 

 The Godly Man’s Picture is a great complement to J.C. Ryle’s book “Thoughts for Young Men ”.  Ryle has been called England’s "last Puritan".  This book,  written in the late 19th Century, is more relevant today than when it was written over 100 years ago.  It’s another example of readable Puritan literature.

Who says history is boring or is not relevant for today.  I am 5 weeks into my first class on the Patristic writers and I’m in awe.  I’m in awe not only of the writers but the people who they were writing to; the people living in the Roman empire during times of peace, turmoil, oppression and desperation.  What struck me first was their faith.  They stood strong in what they believed.  Secondly, they struggled and their faith did too.  Thirdly, the church struggled with them,  and not only with doctrine but how best to minister to the church’s growing numbers.  Through the Novatian and Donatist Controversies, you could feel how men were wrestling with the reality of both facts and emotions, along with the definition and application of forgiveness, repentance and grace.   Through the readings I experienced their pride, anger, self-righteousness, humility, grace and the Gospel.  What a roller coaster!

Another interesting thing I’ve noted so far is the absolute truth in Solomon’s statement from Ecclesiastes 1:9  “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun”.  I knew this to be true but never realized how clearly relevant it was to the church today.  In my readings I experienced church growth and decline, revival and mediocrity, heresy and subtle doctrinal error, reformation and theological entropy, piety and hypocrisy, personal sacrifice and personal gain, persecution and state religion, suffering and joy.  Another roller coaster. 

Mark Dever, pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC spoke about his pastoral reading program a few years back.  In it, he recommended in addition to Scripture, the reading and re-reading the Patristic’s on a schedule or some regular basis.  I thought to myself, knowing Mark Dever’s character, doing so probably has great merit.  However in my case, with so much to read and so little time, I relegated the Patristic Fathers to some far-off and future date.  This was partly based on my preconceptions that they would be boring and very uninteresting.  Wow, was I wrong.  Yes, it takes time.  Yes, the language is sometimes clumsy. Yes, it’s not easy but it’s definitely worth it. 

Just as an aside, one of my favorite little reads was something called The Didache or “The Writings of the Apostles”.  Whereas most experts don’t believe it was written by the 12 Apostles but actually by a group of people in the late 1st or early 2nd century, it contains some very interesting notes on church life during that time.  My favorite part is where it talks about the mode of baptism.  Come to find out, the early church was very “ecumenical” when it came to baptism.  OK Baptists, time for a little humbling here.  Yes, while it seems that the first century “Baptists” have the leg-up on the first century Presbyterians in the pecking order, it was clear that all three modes were in operation from AD 75-150.  It seems as if  immersion was preferred but it was not the only way.  Pouring came next and sprinkling, although not mentioned specifically, is alluded to.  By the way, cold water was also preferred over warm.  Maybe, that’s why pouring and sprinkling were added.  There’s nothing more “exciting” than being “immersed” in cold water.  The bottom line is that what the writers of the Didache said, water, in some way,  should be used during the baptism ritual.    Its a good reminder that sometimes by “majoring in the minor’s”, we lose sight of the bigger meaning of baptism.

I now have a greater appreciation of the religious freedoms we have in this country and the greater privilege of having the entire Canon of Scripture available, in so many formats.