Reading Scripture and History

Last night my wife and I went to West Highland Baptist Church to hear a lecture by Gord Heath from McMaster Divinity School on the Crusades. It was fascinating to say the least, and his presentation provides a very helpful context in which to understand some of the current conflicts in our world. Beyond the struggle between Christianity and Islam, I was struck by his comments on the Christianization of Western Europe and the Barbarianization of the Church.

Unfortunately the problems associated with both phenomena are not restricted to the past. Today, as in days gone by, Christianity and the church are both influencers (so to speak) and influenced by the world around them. While it is good when biblical Christianity influences the surrounding culture and when Christianity addresses the culture in a relevant way, it is not good when the culture leads to a selective and idiosyncratic reading of Scripture and a redefinition of the faith. The problem is often compounded by the subtly of the exchange. In other words, it often happens without people realizing it and as a result Christianity gets mixed up with all sorts of things that have little or nothing to do with the gospel to the detriment of the gospel.

One antidote is to read and re-read the Scriptures, all of the Scriptures, until we are thoroughly saturated with their content. Scripture will correct our understanding of Scripture if we are constantly exposed to large portions of it and not just our favorite passages, or the sermons and books of our favorite Christian interpreters, preachers and apologists. Today in some circles too many listen to talk radio hosts more than they read the Bible and it shows in the way they view the world and consistently misread the dominant themes of Scripture.

Another way to avoid or minimize the negative influence of culture on our understanding of the faith is to study history. When we get some idea of the past and how we arrived at where we are today then we are in a better position to assess current trends and ideas. Human beings are human beings and though we live in different times and places we tend to make the same mistakes over and over again. A growing knowledge of both Scripture and history will go a long way to make us wise interpreters of the "mess we are in" and it will help us know how we should proceed in the future.

Rockwood Report

As I mentioned briefly in my last post I enjoyed last week at Rockwood Acres in Marmora, Ontario. Located in a rural setting Rockwood Acres is an special and unique experience. It is not a fancy camp for soft, pampered Christians but the fellowship and ministry are so rich that intrepid campers come back year after year. I know that my own family has benefited from the Rockwood Acres experience and wonderful friendships have been formed that continue to this day. Rockwood Acres is the home of Jim and Cathy Clemens who have been involved in Christian ministry both in Canada and Africa. I went with them to Malawi in 2003 as part of an Emmanuel International ministry team. As they promised that was an eye-opening and life changing experience. Jim and Cathy are assisted by their children and grandchildren in the running of family week at Rockwood today. It is wonderful to see them working together to share what they have with others and to advance the kingdom of God by providing opportunity for biblical instruction and Christian interaction. More recently Madoc Baptist Church under the leadership of Steve West has also helped with Rockwood Acres and I know that their assistance is also greatly appreciated.

This year Pastor Les Clemens from Reformed Baptist Church in Lewisburg, PA, brought 3 excellent messages on the letter of Paul to Titus. I spoke 5 times on the book of Daniel, and Jim Correnti who teaches at Philadelphia Biblical University spoke 3 times on various Christian hymns and the biblical text and theology which under girds them. On the Tuesday evening we gathered at the Pentecostal Church in Marmora and Jim gave us a thrilling one hour concert complete with very helpful explanations of what it was we were listening to. He also stayed and took requests for another 40 minutes before we headed back to camp. It was great to see the Pentecostal Church full of people on a Tuesday evening in July and everyone enjoyed the ministry and went away encouraged. My wife was unable to accompany me this year, but we always enjoy our time at Rockwood Acres. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless the ministry and sustain it for many years to come.

Return from Rockwood

Just back from a wonderful week at Rockwood Acres in Marmora, Ontario. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of the Clemens family. I also enjoyed sharing five messages from the book of Daniel and the ministry of Jim Correnti from Philadelphia and Les Clemens from Lewisburg Pennsylvania. Report to follow.

Toronto Baptist Seminary

Toronto Baptist Seminary is accepting applications for the fall semester. If you are a Christian who is interested in preparing yourself for service in the local church or on the mission field or if you want to upgrading your grasp of the Bible and Christian truth please check out our web page at www.tbs.edu or email us at inquiry@tbs.edu for more details. The renovation of our student residences is just about complete, applications are coming in and we are looking forward to a great fall and winter semester. Please pray that God will bless our efforts and use our graduates for him glory both here in Canada and around the world. There is a tremendous need to train practitioners and not merely academics if the church is going to thrive and prosper. By God's grace that is what we are attempting to do at TBS. We would love to have you join us full-time or part-time as your schedule permits.

Sunshine Insurance

Insurance! In this part of the world we all need it, many people have it, it is big business that generates lots of income for investors and it provides an acceptable level of protection for those who can afford it. Today I saw a story about a French company who is offering "sunshine insurance." That's right, you read it properly, "sunshine insurance." "What's that," you ask? Well, it works like this. If you purchase this insurance from French travel agencies Pierre et Vacances and FranceLoc, and you go on vacation, and it rains at least four days in one week, you would be refunded part of the price of your vacation. Satellite photos from the French weather bureau will be used to determine the amount of the payout in the event that the weather that did not meet your expectations. In practical terms this meant that last year 10% of those who purchased "sunshine insurance" received money back on their vacations.

On one level, I admire the ingenuity of those who find new and creative ways to make a buck! Bravo! Good for them. Why didn't I think of sunshine insurance? There is another opportunity I have missed! But on another level, I found the story interesting because weather is something that human beings wish they could control but in spite of many efforts to do so, they have failed. But fear not, if you cannot beat it, or control it, at least you can insure it. As the business types would say, it's all about managing risk. True enough, but what does this say about people's expectations and sense of entitlement. Maybe nothing, and yet I wonder if it is not another indication of a "you owe me" sort of culture. You owe me sunshine on my vacation and if I don't get it I am going to make an insurance claim! Yes, I know it is just weather and I know they have paid their premiums and I am okay with that. But there are many things about life which we cannot change and must accept from the hand of God. The day of our birth and death. Our gifts and abilities. Our appearance and much more besides. I know we are told that we can be anything we want, but that is a lie. Its a nice thought but everyone knows it is not true no matter how many times it is preached at academic graduation exercises, or implied by personal trainers and financial planners. Of course, there is much we can change and there is such a thing as personal responsibility, but still, there are the great unchangeables that are fixed by the decree of God himself that we need to accept.

But why accept these things? Because they remind us that we are creatures who are dependant upon God. They reinforce the biblical truth that this world is not our home but we are just passing through on our way to a better country. At the end of the day we need more than insurance to solve this world's ills, we need salvation. We need a Saviour who can put us right with God, and deal with our greatest liabilities. Our world is very skilled at making God seem superfluous. Who needs God in a world of sunshine insurance? The fact is that we all need him far more than we know. Insurance may provide some buffer against the disappointments and upsets of life, but it can do nothing to shield us from the wrath to come. There is a remedy and it is the one that God himself provided in his Son. This "insurance" cannot be purchased with money, but is freely available to anyone who receives it by faith. And rightly understood, it gives a whole new meaning to "sunshine insurance!"

The Running of the Bulls

No, I am not talking about the Chicago Bulls, but real bulls with horns that run through the streets of Pamplona, Spain, during the eight days of the annual San Fermin Festival. And as if allowing bulls to run on a course through the city were not ridiculous enough, so-called "thrill-seekers" are allowed to run alongside them. This bit of stupidity has been going on for years now and since records have been kept in the 1920's there have been 15 fatalities. This year four people were gored, and one of them, a 27 year old Spaniard, has died of his injuries.

Now in this age of political correctness I know that commenting on any one's cultural festivals is frowned upon by relativists everywhere. But with all due respect to the people of Spain, I fail to see how running with bulls should be encouraged by anybody, and why, if there are people who are foolish enough to do it, it should be allowed in the 21st century. Isn't this an example of a situation in which the government must protect its some of its perception impaired citizenry from themselves? I think so.

This event demonstrates that culture has not escaped the moral and spiritual fall which has contaminated the human race. This is not to say that all cultural expression is wrong. There are many things about human cultures that are neither right or wrong per se, they morally and spiritually neutral and should be viewed as expressions of the differences that exist between human beings and of the variety that is represented in the human race.

But there are other cultural expressions which are wrong and need to be reformed in light of rational analysis and from a Christian point of view, in light of God's revelation in creation and in his Word. In my opinion the running of the bulls is one activity that needs to be re-configured (at a minimum). But it is by no means the only one. There are many practices around the world that need to be revised or jettisoned no matter how ancient their origin, venerable their memory, or how much they are shrouded in superstition.

Revised Marriage Legislation

There is news this morning that Afghanistan's government has revised the country's controversial marriage legislation. According to a draft proposal the government will stop regulating sexual relations between husbands and wives, and wives will no longer have to ask their husband's permission before they leave the house. While these are moves in the right direction they reveal how much oppression of women remains in the world. These kinds of laws, and many like them elsewhere, (not to mention all kinds of unwritten laws) are evidence that we still have a long way to go when it comes to the love and respect that ought to exist between husbands and wives, and men and women in general.

Biblical Christianity as it comes to full flower in the new covenant presents us with a wonderful picture of how married couples and men and women ought to relate to one another in Christ. Generally speaking there is to be a mutual submission of one to the other in love with Christian wives honoring and respecting their husbands as an expression of their love and loyalty to Christ, and Christian husbands unselfishly loving and serving their wives as Christ does his church. Unfortunately, Christians often fail to live up to these high standards and teaching on the subject is often a mixed bag biblical truth and cultural prejudice. But regardless, the New Testament documents are clear and show us the way to go even if we do not follow them as carefully as we should.

As someone involved in Christian and theological eduction I think it is important for both men and women to receive the very best biblical training. This does not mean that there are no role distinctions between men and women. To state the painfully obvious, men are men and women are women, and they were made by God to complement one another. But this complementary relationship does not mean that either sex should be excluded from the rigorous study of God's word and prepared to serve him in whatever he calls them to do. There is nothing to be gained by keeping anyone who wants to learn from learning simply because of their gender. I never cease to be amazed by those outspoken, but I suspect insecure, individuals who think that theological education should be reserved for men. Marriage relationships, families, the church and the world need both men and women who know God's word and how to apply to life. In the West, if present trends continue, women will soon be more educated then men, in terms of degrees completed. If we are to minister effectively in this kind of world we need trained men and women who can articulate the faith and demonstrate by their lives the glorious freedom of the gospel.

So while the Afghans try to sort out their laws, let's make sure that our thinking and practice is regulated by the gospel and liberty of the new covenant era. There are too many who think they have it all figured out, who need to think again...

"The King of Pop"

The fuss being made over Michael Jackson is remarkable. While he was blessed with many musical gifts, all in all his story is a sad one. Sure he made lots of money and many people benefited from his success. Yes, his music influenced a whole generation and even today his albums are at the top of the charts. But it is difficult to overlook the fact that he was a tormented soul who must now give an account before God.

On the radio this morning I heard that he is going to get the greatest send off any performer has ever had. While I am sure this is the intention of his family, friends, fans and all who have become rich by their association with him, what will be said about him will not begin to tell the real story. As so frequently happens at funerals and memorial services he will be undoubtedly deified and portrayed as performing for the angels in heaven, as if they will be rocking to his "I'm bad!" The Michael Jackson spin that has already begun in the media is enough to boggle the imagination of the wildest political strategist and if all history were told in this way we might as well give up historical inquiry as nothing but sheer fantasy.

Today, no matter who says what about Michael Jackson, no matter how famous they are, how sincere, and how much they are applauded by the adoring crowd, the sober truth remains that God's assessment of Michael Jackson is the only one that matters in the end. The so-called king of pop has been called into the presence of the King of kings. And what is true of Michael Jackson is true of all of us. As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, "...people are destined to die once and after that to face judgment" (9:27). God will do what is right, we may be sure of that. The real issue is whether or not we are ready to meet him.

Keeping Up The Pace

Yesterday I enjoyed ministering in two Sovereign Grace Fellowship churches, Pilgrim Baptist Fellowship in Ancaster and Grimsby Bible Church in Grimsby. Both churches, like the Fellowship of which they are a part, are seeking to remain true to the biblical gospel of Jesus Christ and to proclaim it in the world. This is not always easy to do because there are many temptations to compromise the message.

One of the issues that all Christian churches face as they try to remain faithful is the biblical illiteracy that increasingly characterises our culture. The fact that people are unfamiliar with the basic content of the Bible makes it difficult present the gospel properly. A "Jesus" who is divorced from the biblical story which begins in Genesis and goes through to the book of Revelation, is no Jesus at all. He is just a theoretical receptacle into which people pour their own meaning. If we are interested in objective truth and not merely subjective feelings and impressions we must strive to understand Jesus within the context of the Bible's own storyline.

This is one reason why I think expository preachers try to cover larger chunks of material in their sermons. Very few preachers can plod through the Bible phrase by phrase, verse by verse, paragraph by paragraph and teach people much of anything, except, perhaps, how clever they are! Unfortunately, few preachers believe this. And so they continue to try the patience of their listeners by moving at a snail's pace through the Scriptures.

If it were just a matter of patience, I would hold my peace. But I think there is more to consider. Increasingly I am convinced that this is not the best way of teaching people the Bible and of applying it to their lives. I say that because as one involved in theological education I am aware that one of the greatest areas of need is for Christians in so-called Bible believing churches to be taught the Bible. Even though many of them are hearing weekly sermons, even weekly expository sermons, they are not connecting the theological dots! One reason for this is that what they are hearing is too piecemeal and fails to put the biblical passage under consideration into its larger context.

Furthermore, I cannot help but wonder if moving too slowly through biblical narratives, or poems, or letters does not violate their literary form. While acknowledging that we are dealing with God's word, God has given us his word by means of various literary genres. For example, if we take years to work through one of Paul's letters that was originally intended to be read (and I am sure re-read) to a congregation in one sitting, is it not very likely what we will lose the overall thrust and direction of the letter amid the details. Of course, I am not suggesting that the details are unimportant, I am merely saying that those of us who preach need to incorporate the details more skillfully without falling off the pace required by a particular literary form.

As in the rest of life there are dangers on the right and on the left. It is wrong if we do not preach the whole counsel of God. People need to hear what God has graciously made known. But in our zeal to preach God's word we can become so mired in the details that people are unable to put the pieces of the biblical puzzle together in a way that is profitable and beneficial. Somewhere between these extremes there is a balance. A declaration of God's word that is consistent with the fact that God uses a variety of genres and that he has given us a collection of books that together form one great book -- the Bible.

There is much more that could be said when it comes to addressing the needs of the present generation, but this is one area that we need to consider. People need to hear the truth of the gospel as it comes to us out of the matrix of the entire Bible and the only way that is going to happen is if those who teach the word never lose sight of the bigger picture. The more of the Bible we cover, the better. We will never run out of material. The old, old story of Jesus and his love is ever new when that story is brought home to the heart by the power of the Holy Spirit no matter where one is feasting on the biblical text at the time. Something to think about!

A Psalm

A Psalm to consider this Sunday.

When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!

We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.

And the other nations said, "What amazing things the Lord has done for them."

Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!

Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert.

Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.

They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.

Psalm 126

Beyond National Days

On July 1 Canadians celebrated Canada Day and tomorrow Americans will celebrate Independence Day. Both nations have much in common and have a long history of cooperation in many areas. Both have been blessed with wealth and prosperity and with a degree of freedom rarely seen down through the ages. And yet for all of that both nations have their problems. The economic downturn has reminded us that we are foolish to put our hope in riches and in the human beings who run some of our most influential companies and institutions. Likewise we see that the masses need guidance and direction, they do not intuitively know what to do or the best course of action. And hopefully we can see that the future is uncertain at the best of times and only God knows for sure what will happen next.

But just the mention of "God" reminds me of how little we hear of him these days. Beyond the usual "God bless" there has been little discussion as to what he thinks of our countries and if our present troubles have anything to do with his governance of the world. Depending on one's political and ideological bias there is lots of blame to go around and plenty of people who should be held responsible, but few realize that this world and its nations are under the authority of God and he is actively ruling and judging even now. In Romans 1:18-32 Paul speaks about God showing his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Paul is telling us that God's anger is not just a future problem but a present one if we turn our backs on him and live according to our own rules and regulations.

I think this is significant and ignoring it changes nothing. We need to draw near to God and listen to what he is saying to us. We need to consider our ways and see if they line up with his will for our lives as revealed in the Scriptures. And even if our nations as a whole will not seek the face of God those who know and fear the Lord can do so as a remnant chosen by grace to intercede for those who cannot or will not plead for themselves. I am thankful to live in Canada and whenever I travel I am always happy to be back on Canadian soil. I know many Americans feel the same way about their country. But has thrilled as I am to be a Canadian I am even more thrilled to be part of the kingdom of God as that kingdom is manifested in the saving reign of Jesus Christ. So at this time of year when we remember two great nation neighbors let us also remember the one who has been given supreme authority, even Jesus, who will reign until his rule is completely established.