The historic reality of racism is a very serious and grave matter. Throughout my years in the ministry, I have had to confront this issue many times when sharing the Gospel with others. The Apostle Paul himself had to address this same abhorrence when preaching the Gospel to the Athenians (Acts 17: 16-34). Genuine racism reveals mankind’s hatred for God via a hatred of men who merely appear to be different by  various means: physical features, various ethnic distinctions, and/or skin color. It is God who has made all the nations of men through one man (Acts 17:26) – and this He did for His manifold glory. Men who hate God’s manifold glory, frequently disdain the manifold beauty of all that He made.

This is a grave issue – it is no laughing matter.

Sadly, within this modern culture of ours, the term “racism” is often thrown around with very little thought about its meaning and history. Thus, it is not uncommon to find public debates degrading into ad hominem contests via the invective: “racist.” Such a term as this incorporates dark images of hooded KKK members, skinheads, and Nazism. Those who champion this form of argumentation (without a solid basis in the charge) reveal a certain bankruptcy and desperation in their position. We see this most often in the heated political debates of the modern day. Whenever such debates reach a certain boiling point, the charges of racism begin to fly like a churlish food-fight among children. Such is the bad inheritance of ad hominem argumentation. When we vilify our opponents with extreme labels, we essentially eliminate the need for debate. After all, who wants to waste their time talking to someone whose views are supposedly so extreme and vile. Such vilification is another way of saying “talk to the hand," as they say. But such a procedure does more than merely shut down dialogue. It renders a kind of personal attack through a vilification of the thoughts, intentions, and attitude of the opponent – because real racism is a very grave issue of the heart. It is quite unfortunate when people use unwholesome expressions for their own gain. Whenever individuals employ such expressions in a superficial and meaningless way, they provide a kind of false cover to real thing. In the end, we degrade word meanings, and even history itself, when we employ terms in a reckless manner.

In conclusion, our political discourse in this nation needs to improve, and we as Christians, amidst this dark world, should be the most guarded in such matters.

The above video is part of the ten video series entitled: Where Do You Stand?: (www.wheredoyoustand.us, & Facebook).

Jeremiah 23:5-6:
5. “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely And do justice and righteousness in the land. 6. “In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell securely; And this is His name by which He will be called, ‘The Lord our righteousness.’

It is important that we invest ourselves in the Scriptures in a manner similar to how a scientist and artist might invest themselves in the examination of the grand canyon.  The scientist examines the geological details of the canyon – its peaks, valleys, and everything in between.  With the size and magnitude of evidence before him, such a scientist would be well supplied with a treasure trove of geological data. The artist, examining the same peaks and valleys, would step back and marvel at the grandeur and beauty of such a view.  The landscape, the expansive backdrop of the sky, and the majestic depth and brilliance of the colors before him would fill the artist with a sense of overwhelming wonder. Our meditation on, and examination of, the Scriptures must entail both senses.  If we do not examine the details and data of the Word, we will fail to comprehend its meaning and message, but our labor does not end in the science of exegesis alone.  Our diligent studies must also send us to our knees as we behold the beauty of it all.  Both in the detail and the broader picture of things, God’s Holy Word is altogether beautiful and reveals the majesty and glory of the One who authored it all. 

I say this in order to point out John Calvin’s commentary on Jeremiah 23:5-6.  In his notes, he reveals himself to be both scientist and artist.  His presentation of the technical details of the text is crucial, but he then proceeds to draw the reader back in order to see the beautiful tapestry of God’s gift of justification through the person and work of Jesus Christ – who is “The Lord our Righteousness”:

Calvin, Commentary on Jeremiah:  But by saying, God our righteousness, the Prophet still more fully shews that righteousness is not in Christ as though it were only his own, but that we have it in common with him, for he has nothing separate from us. God, indeed, must ever be deemed just, though iniquity prevailed through the whole world; and men, were they all wicked, could do nothing to impugn or mar the righteousness of God. But yet God is not our righteousness as he is righteous in himself, or as having his own peculiar righteousness; and as he is our judge, his own righteousness is adverse to us. But Christ’s righteousness is of another kind: it is ours, because Christ is righteous not for himself, but possesses a righteousness which he communicates to us. We hence see that the true character of Christ is here set forth, not that he would come to manifest divine justice, but to bring righteousness, which would avail to the salvation of men, For if we regard God in himself, as I have said, he is indeed righteous, but is not our righteousness. If, then, we desire to have God as our righteousness, we must seek Christ; for this cannot be found except in him. The righteousness of God has been set forth to us in Christ; and all who turn away from him, though they may take many circuitous courses, can yet never find the righteousness of God. Hence Paul says that he has been given or made to us righteousness, — for what end? that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (1 Corinthians 1:30.) Since, then, Christ is made our righteousness, and we are counted the righteousness of God in him, we hence learn how properly and fitly it has been said that he would be Jehovah, not only that the power of his divinity might defend us, but also that we might become righteous in him, for he is not only righteous for himself, but he is our righteousness.¹

We can thank the Lord for this truth – the One who is called, by name, Jesus Christ the righteousness, is also the One who is the “Lord our righteousness.” In Him, our standing is sure; apart from Him, we remain condemned. Without the science of sound biblical exegesis, such a beautiful portrait of our Savior would be horribly mangled and obfuscated. 

All in all, let the student of Holy Writ labor as both scientist and artist.

Note: The consistency of Calvin’s teaching on imputation is observed elsewhere, as in the case of God’s justification of Abraham (Genesis 15):

Calvin, Commentary on Genesis: For God reconciles to himself those who are born only of the flesh, and who are destitute of all good; and since he finds nothing in them except a dreadful mass of evils, he counts them just, by imputation. But those to whom he has imparted the Spirit of holiness and righteousness, he embraces with his gifts. Nevertheless, in order that their good works may please God, it is necessary that these works themselves should be justified by gratuitous imputation; but some evil is always inherent in them. Meanwhile, however, this is a settled point, that men are justified before God by believing not by working; while they obtain grace by faith, because they are unable to deserve a reward by works.²

1. Calvin, J. (1998). Calvin’s Commentaries: Jeremiah (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; Calvin’s Commentaries. Albany, OR: Ages Software.

2. Calvin, J. Calvin’s Commentaries: Genesis (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; Calvin’s Commentaries (Ge 15:6).

On Sunday evening, January 23rd, we were privileged to participate in a baptismal service held at Lewisville Baptist Church.  What can I say about this, but that any baptismal service is a joyous celebration of Christ’s work of redemption.  It is also a great opportunity to share Christ with the Lost.  I wasn’t aware of it at the time, but the brethren at Lewisville videotaped the service, and kindly supplied the raw video for the event.  Provided below is the message and baptism itself:

Soli Deo Gloria

Matthew 28:18-20: 
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  “Go therefore and make disciples
of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son
and the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe
all that I commanded you;
and lo,
I am with you always,
even to the end of the age.”

With the completion of the fifth and last section of the appendix, the book Indeed, has Paul Really Said? has now been released for distribution and is available on amazon.com in paperback, and eBook (Kindle) formats (see below).  As stated in earlier posts, the appendix to this work was not originally planned, however,  N.T. Wright’s rebuttals warranted the addition.  In his e-mail, Wright stated that he managed to influence John Piper in the development of his work – The Future of Justification – before it was published.  After stating this, he went on to describe his influence on others in a similar fashion.  Of course, the details of his statements are known only by the Lord and these men; however, this established the necessity to examine Piper’s work before going to print (The Future of Justification was published two months after Wright’s e-mail).  As expected, Wright’s behind-the-scenes comments provide an important backdrop to the final section of Indeed, has Paul Really Said?  Whether Wright’s claims are true or not, it is a simple historical fact that every generation faces the temptation to be swayed by men of acclaim.  Even the Apostle Paul faced this in his day:

Galatians 1:6-10: 6. I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7. which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the  gospel of Christ. 8. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9. As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! 10. For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

In Paul’s day, and in our own, we find that the temptation of pleasing men remains as a continued threat to the church.  Thus, in the closing section of Indeed, has Paul Really Said? we explore the broader question regarding how much impact and influence men of acclaim can have on the body of Christ, whether intentionally or unintentionally.  Ultimately, it is essential that men of influence clarify the Gospel for the sake of others – both now, and for future generations.   In the end, the encroaching dangers of the New Perspective Theology (NPP), along with such dangerous companions as Federal Vision Theology, make it necessary for the church to deliver a clear and unbending defense of the Gospel, over and above any temptation to seek favor with men. 

In all of this, the battle of the ancient church presses on.

The modern mind may think of several things when remembering Thanksgiving Day, but how many would consider this to be a time of serious contemplation and even…humility?  For those who would dare to examine the beginnings of our Thanksgiving Day holiday, they would find that prayer and humiliation formulated the basis of and necessary prelude to this day of joy and celebration.  Frankly speaking, one cannot find the latter lest they seek the former. 

History reminds us of this truth, especially when we consider the writings of Mr. William Bradford who served as the governor of Plymouth Plantation almost continuously from 1621 to 1656 (except for five of years of this period).  His description of the early pilgrims, their devotion to God, and their endurance through suffering, helps us to comprehend better the significance of what we now refer to as Thanksgiving Day.  Before their own day of thanksgiving came about there was an even greater event which preceded it. In Bradford’s record below we learn of the hardships that visited Plymouth, even after new supplies and passengers arrived on the ship called the Anne:

"These passengers, when they saw their low and poor condition ashore, were much daunted and dismayed, and according to their divers humors were diversely affected. Some wished themselves in England again; others fell a-weeping, fancying their own misery in what they saw now in others; other some pitying the distress they saw their friends had been long in, and still were under. In a word, all were full of sadness. Only some of their old friends rejoiced to see them, and that it was no worse with them, for they could not expect it should be better, and now hoped they should enjoy better days together. And truly it was no marvel they should be thus affected, for they were in a very low condition; many were ragged in apparel and some little better than half naked, though some that were well stored before were well enough in this regard. But for food they were all alike, save some that had got a few peas off the ship that was last here. The best dish they could present their friends with was a lobster or a piece of fish without bread or anything else but a cup of fair spring water. And the long continuance of this diet, and their labours abroad, had something abated the freshness of their former complexion; but God gave them health and strength in a good measure, and showed them by experience the truth of that word, (Deuteronomy 8:3) ‘That man liveth not by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth a man live.’"

"When I think how sadly the Scriptures speaks of the famine in Jacob’s time, when he said to his sons, ‘God buy us food, that we may live and not die,’ (Genesis xlii.2 and xliii.1) that the famine was great or heavy in the land. And yet they had such great herds and store of cattle of sundry kinds, which, besides flesh, must needs produce other food as milk, butter and cheese, etc. And yet it was counted a sore affliction. Theirs here must needs be very great, therefore, who not only wanted the staff of bread but all these things, and had no Egypt to go to. But God fed them out of the sea for the most part, so wonderful is His providence over His in all ages; for His mercy endureth forever."

"I may not here omit how, notwithstand all their great pains and industry, and the great hopes of a large crop, the Lord seemed to blast, and take away the same, and to threaten further and more sore famine unto them. By a great drought which continued from the third week in May, till about the middle of July, without any rain and with great heat for the most part, insomuch as the corn began to wither away though it was set with fish, the moisture whereof helped it much. Yet at length it began to languish sore, and some of the drier grounds were parched like withered hay, part whereof was never recovered. Upon which they set apart a solemn day of humiliation, to seek the Lord by humble and fervent prayer, in this great distress. And He was pleased to give them a gracious and speedy answer, both to their own and the Indians’ admiration that lived amongst them. For all the morning, and greatest part of the day, it was clear weather and very hot, and not a cloud or any sign of rain to be seen; yet toward evening it began to overcast, and shortly after to rain with such sweet and gentle showers as gave them cause of rejoicing and blessing God. It came without either wind or thunder or any violence, and by degrees in that abundance was that the earth was thoroughly we and soaked and therewith. Which did so apparently revive and quicken the decayed corn and other fruits, as was wonderful to see, and made the Indians astonished to behold. And afterwards the Lord sent them such seasonable showers, with interchange of fair warm weather as, through His blessing, caused a fruitful and liberal harvest, to their no small comfort and rejoicing. For which mercy, in time convenient, they also set apart a day of thanksgiving."

[Note: "…A law of 15 Nov. 1636 (Plymouth Colony Records XI 18) allows the Governor and Assistants ‘to command solemn days of humiliation by fasting, etc., and also for thanksgiving as occasion shall be offered.’"]. Excerpt of William Bradford – Of Plymouth Plantation [1620-1647] by William Bradford, edited by Samuel Eliot Morison.

**************************************

What I love about this excerpt is that the institution of their thanksgiving celebration came some time after a day of prayer and humiliation. Here is a great lesson for us all: Genuine thankfulness can only grow and flourish in a heart that has been softened and prepared by humility (Philippians 2:1-14; 1 Cor 4:7). In view of the truth of God’s word, and in view of the historic example of these godly brethren, let us all seek the Lord prayerfully, with humility, and with thanksgiving!

Soli Deo Gloria

(Repost from The Armoury, November 2005, 2009)

I won’t be addressing the larger question her, but one must wonder about the logic behind a belief which says that democracy can be exported to Islamic/theocratic nations:

CNN – Beliefblog:  An Afghan Christian, detained for months for allegedly converting to Christianity from Islam, could face trial as early as next week – and could face a potential death penalty, officials said Sunday.

Said Musa was arrested by Afghan Interior Ministry intelligence authorities near the German Embassy in Kabul because of the allegations, said Qamaruddin Shenwari, director of the Kabul courts’ north zone. The exact date of his arrest is not known.

The case against Musa has not yet been finalized, said Mohammad Najim Hamidi, director of public security at Zone 3 of the Kabul courts. He could face trial next week if the case is prepared by then, Hamidi said. It was earlier thought Musa’s trial would begin on Sunday.

The Afghan Constitution does not mention converting from one religion to another, so the judge will take Islamic law into account, officials said.

"According to Afghanistan’s constitution, if there is no clear verdict as to whether an act is criminal or not in the penal code of the Afghan Constitution, then it would be referred to sharia law where the judge has an open hand in reaching a verdict," Shenwari said.

Under sharia law, converting from Islam to Christianity is punishable by death.

It was not immediately clear where Musa was being held and whether he has access to his attorney or relatives.

The U.S. State Department said last week in its annual International Religious Freedom Report that "respect for religious freedom" decreased in Afghanistan in the last year, "particularly toward Christian groups and individuals."

Christians, Hindus and Sikhs – as well as Muslims whose practices don’t satisfy the government or society – suffer "intolerance in the form of harassment, occasional violence, discrimination and inflammatory public statements," the report said. It estimated the Afghan Christian community ranges from 500 to 8,000 people.

While I am a strong supporter of our military (as a veteran myself), I must question a foreign policy which strengthens the hand of any government supporting Sharia law.

Main Series, Appendix

Within the fourth section of the appendix, I address the question concerning Wright’s relationship with the Emergent Church Movement.  It is important to note that Wright relishes his theological independence, however, he does enjoy various symbiotic relationships with those who show an affinity to his teachings.   This section explores the matter of such relationships.  For more information on the publication and release of Indeed, Has Paul Really Said? go here.

Main Series, Appendix

N.T. Wright is often credited as being a diligent exegete of Scripture.  Even Wright defends himself to the same end.  In this section I address Wright’s views concerning the subjects of exegesis and church history.  In particular, I address his implicit accusation against me, whereby he infers that I merely parrot the theology of 16th century reformers in my book; this he does while defending himself as being a vigilant exegete.  However, his observations do not square well with the fact that my own work is heavy in exegesis, but extremely light in supporting citations from theologians from church history.  This negligible use of early Reformers was intentional, and was designed to avoid the very criticism that Wright rendered anyway.  For more information on the publication and release of Indeed, Has Paul Really Said? go here.

Main Series, Appendix

In part 2 of the Appendix I address Mr. Wright’s expressed concern over my focus on his book What Saint Paul Really Said.  In conjunction with this, he noted other works that he has written since then (two of the three I have perused and incorporated into this appendix). 

In this section I address the question of continuity between Wright’s earlier and later writings, noting that Wright himself still stands by what he wrote in What Saint Paul Really Said.  No matter what, those who choose to release their writings for public consumption have a responsibility to affirm or deny those writings should their views, over time, remain the same or change, respectively.  For more information on the publication and release of Indeed, Has Paul Really Said? go here.

One of the reasons why ancient Israel became engulfed in the judgment of God is because it established a debauched confederacy with wicked nations.  In an attempt to secure better national security, Israel locked arms with Egypt and Assyria, the results of which were catastrophic:

Hosea 7:8: 8 Ephraim mixes himself with the nations; Ephraim has become a cake not turned.

Like a “cake not turned,” Israel (Ephraim) became like an inedible pastry – burnt on one side, uncooked on the other.  By “mixing” themselves with lesser nations, Israel polluted her high standing as the chosen nation of God.  When nations (or churches, by extension) establish compromising relationships such as this, they thereby shackle themselves to the degrading influences of others.  In a sense, the lowest common denominator within any syncretisitc assembly becomes the new norm, thus eliminating any hope for excellence as a sovereign entity.  When applying Hosea 7:8 to the modern era, we can say:

The science is settled – The United Nations is Useless.

Well, useless if you are a nation seeking justice and the liberty of individuals throughout the world.  However, if you are a rogue dictatorship seeking to downgrade the power and democracy of other nations, then the United Nations is just right for you.  Case in point:

[Fox News, 4/30/10] Without fanfare, the United Nations this week elected Iran to its Commission on the Status of Women, handing a four-year seat on the influential human rights body to a theocratic state in which stoning is enshrined in law and lashings are required for women judged "immodest.

Buried 2,000 words deep in a U.N. press release distributed Wednesday on the filling of "vacancies in subsidiary bodies," was the stark announcement: Iran, along with representatives from 10 other nations, was "elected by acclamation," meaning that no open vote was requested or required by any member states — including the United States.

The idea of having Iran sitting on the Commission on the Status of Women would approximate the wisdom of placing a pedophile in charge of a daycare.  One doesn’t have to look very hard to see the inequity of such a choice, especially when one considers the degrading standards that must be endured by women who live under the Iranian regime:

• Rape Victims – Rape victims must have 4 eyewitnesses to prove that they were in fact raped.  This impossible standard is rarely fulfilled, and thus rape victims are often falsely accused of voluntary adultery.  [Note: Surah 2:282 – declares that a woman’s testimony is worth ½ of a man’s, thus her own testimony is automatically degraded without question.]
• Prostitution by Temporary Marriage – As a way of legitimizing prostitution, Iranian men are allowed to marry and divorce women for whatever duration they need for their sexual satisfaction.  Prostitution is itself horrific – this religious version of it is actually worse.
• Polygamy – Is justified in the Q’ran in view of the limited value of women who are seen as chattel (Surah 4:3).
• Divorce – Standards for Divorce are very permissive with respect to the man.  A woman cannot divorce her husband, but if the husband wants to divorce his wife, all that he must do is declare – “I divorce you, I divorce you, I divorce you.”  By this threefold repetition of his, the marriage is considered legitimately dissolved.
• Wife Beating – Wife Beating is instructed in Surah 4:34 – This is considered justified since “…they [women] spend out of their property [i.e., women spend the man’s money].”  As twisted as it all is, men are given the right to treat their wives like property such that they can be beaten like an animal. 

By extension, let me say that because of these Q’ranic standards, no Islamic nation should be within a million miles of a commission on the fair treatment of Women – or any other commission dealing with human rights in any form. 

We can only wonder how this newly formed commission would react to a woman being brutally slain, in public view, for her peaceful participation in a demonstration – as in the case of Neda Soltan.  Shortly after her death, Iranian authorities tried to coerce Neda’s surviving family into confessing that she was actually killed by her fellow protestors, but this charge was later disproved by video revealing the capture of Neda’s murderer: an Iranian militiaman riding a motorcycle.  After her death, she was denied a proper funeral by government officials and, sadly, when the family sought time to grieve and remember Neda, supporters of the Iranian regime desecrated her grave.  While this is a more recent account of Iran’s abuse against its citizens, there are countless other stories of murder and abuse committed against Iranian women as well. 

Once again – to the extent that our nation “mixes” itself with dictatorships like Iran, via the U.N., we too become impotent, directionless – even worthless like a cake not turned.