New Years' Thoughts, (Common Meter) written Dec. 30, 1992
Another year has come and gone;
We nothing can re-do.
Adorn fresh laurels near His throne;
Replace the old with new.
Another year has rolled around;
The Lord has let us live.
Let praises to His name abound,
And honours gladly give.
(1992, by blog author) permission given for free use, with the suggestion of giving proper credit of author and a mention of this site. Thanks.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Friday, December 30, 2005
Shape note music
Because of seeming interest, I've added a 4th post on religious liberty (see below) instead of my intended "Do shaped notes work?" blog.
Singers, musicians, et al., please check back. I will post that one after the New Year's weekend, Lord willing. I am also working on a "Biblical Principles for Church Music" blog.
Singers, musicians, et al., please check back. I will post that one after the New Year's weekend, Lord willing. I am also working on a "Biblical Principles for Church Music" blog.
Baptists and Religious Liberty (4)
The interpretation and application of Romans 13, or Religious Liberty and Obeying the Law
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. - Romans 13:1-7
This text teaches and supports a view of obedience to civil authority.
[1]. The scope is not limited to Christians: Though the letter itself is written to Roman Christians, Paul states, "Let EVERY SOUL be subject unto the higher powers."
[2]. Government is authorized or appointed by God: "Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God." Government is ordained by God -- ordained in the sense "set in order", which is well within the meaning of the word, and accords with Genesis 9:5,6, et al.
[3]. This authority spoken of bears the sword: "he beareth not the sword in vain." Government, not the church, bears the sword.
[4]. This authority spoken of is an avenger or revenger: "...he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." The little child of God is not an avenger, but waits on God to meet out justice: "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19)
[5]. This authority spoken of receives tribute or taxes: "For for this cause pay ye tribute also..." This harmonizes with Jesus' instructions in Matthew 22:17-21. The church and its officers are not a taxing entity.
Other verses that speak to the subject include: Titus 3:1,2 [Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.] and I Peter 2:13-17 [Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.].
Human government is of divine institution; anarchy is a child of the sin nature of man. In Paul's message here, obedience hinges on two main things: the external consequences of disobedience and the internal conscience.
Paul does not say that the civil government is a minister of God IF it does good, but civil government is a creature of God ordained for the general good of people. This text DOES NOT support "unconditional and uncritical subjection to any and every demand of the state." The child of God must draw the line when the choice is either obey God or the government.
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. - Romans 13:1-7
This text teaches and supports a view of obedience to civil authority.
[1]. The scope is not limited to Christians: Though the letter itself is written to Roman Christians, Paul states, "Let EVERY SOUL be subject unto the higher powers."
[2]. Government is authorized or appointed by God: "Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God." Government is ordained by God -- ordained in the sense "set in order", which is well within the meaning of the word, and accords with Genesis 9:5,6, et al.
[3]. This authority spoken of bears the sword: "he beareth not the sword in vain." Government, not the church, bears the sword.
[4]. This authority spoken of is an avenger or revenger: "...he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." The little child of God is not an avenger, but waits on God to meet out justice: "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19)
[5]. This authority spoken of receives tribute or taxes: "For for this cause pay ye tribute also..." This harmonizes with Jesus' instructions in Matthew 22:17-21. The church and its officers are not a taxing entity.
Other verses that speak to the subject include: Titus 3:1,2 [Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.] and I Peter 2:13-17 [Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.].
Human government is of divine institution; anarchy is a child of the sin nature of man. In Paul's message here, obedience hinges on two main things: the external consequences of disobedience and the internal conscience.
Paul does not say that the civil government is a minister of God IF it does good, but civil government is a creature of God ordained for the general good of people. This text DOES NOT support "unconditional and uncritical subjection to any and every demand of the state." The child of God must draw the line when the choice is either obey God or the government.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Baptists and Religious Liberty (3)
The concepts of religious liberty and separation of church & state are frequently on the minds of Americans. Events, judicial decisions, and anti-Christian activism may sometimes unnerve us. Will we always have our freedom? Could telling the truth become hate speech? What does the future hold?
The circumstances of this country could change, and our constitutional religious liberties could someday be stripped from us. BUT the lack of government support -- even government interference, nay even government opposition -- will not do in God's way of faith. The faith has outlasted friend and foe, been baptized in blood, drowned in water, endured the flame of fire and dank darkness of dungeon, and has marched on from day to day and from age to age, and by God's grace and the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ, the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. WITHOUT DOUBT, I prefer to freely stand and preach without fear of persecution, aggression, or bodily harm, but by that same grace that has made freedom my lot thus far, may I -- may we -- be pleased to stand firm and endure afflictions as a good soldier of Jesus Christ -- if and when it may come to that.
Faith of our fathers, living still;
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword:
O how our hearts beat high with joy,
Whene'er we hear the glorious word!
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We would be true to thee till death.
Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free;
How sweet would be their children's fate,
If they, like them, could die for thee!
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We would be true to thee till death. - Frederick W. Faber
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free...If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." - John 8:32, 36
The circumstances of this country could change, and our constitutional religious liberties could someday be stripped from us. BUT the lack of government support -- even government interference, nay even government opposition -- will not do in God's way of faith. The faith has outlasted friend and foe, been baptized in blood, drowned in water, endured the flame of fire and dank darkness of dungeon, and has marched on from day to day and from age to age, and by God's grace and the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ, the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. WITHOUT DOUBT, I prefer to freely stand and preach without fear of persecution, aggression, or bodily harm, but by that same grace that has made freedom my lot thus far, may I -- may we -- be pleased to stand firm and endure afflictions as a good soldier of Jesus Christ -- if and when it may come to that.
Faith of our fathers, living still;
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword:
O how our hearts beat high with joy,
Whene'er we hear the glorious word!
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We would be true to thee till death.
Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free;
How sweet would be their children's fate,
If they, like them, could die for thee!
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We would be true to thee till death. - Frederick W. Faber
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free...If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." - John 8:32, 36
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
On this day, December 28, 1945, Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance. According to infoplease, the original pledge was published in September 1892 in The Youth's Companion (Boston, MA). The phrase "under God" was added on June 14, 1954.
After posting on religious liberty issues, I ran across the fact that Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance on Dec. 28th -- this very day. It is, especially related to separation of church & state and the phrase "under God", a hot topic. The Court's rejection of standing in the Newdow case, rather than rendering a decision, means it is likely to be back before the U.S. Supreme Court soon.
Should "under God" be in the pledge? Is it a violation of the liberties provided by the 1st Amendment to the Constitution? Former Supreme Court decisions and statements seem to favor its neutrality as a patriotic and historical expression of faith rather than a religious one. For example, Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan wrote, "This general principle might also serve to insulate the various patriotic exercises and activities used in the public schools and elsewhere which, whatever may have been their origins, no longer have a religious purpose or meaning. The reference to divinity in the revised pledge of allegiance, for example, may merely recognize the historical fact that our Nation was believed to have been founded 'under God'. Thus reciting the pledge may be no more of a religious exercise than the reading aloud of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, which contains an allusion to the same historical fact." (Abington v. Schempp, 1963)
The pledge of allegiance is a tough one in a way. I'm not really sure how much pledging of allegiance a child of God ought to be giving to a temporal kingdom of this world. Allegiance is the duty a citizen owes to the state or to the sovereign of the state to which he or she belongs. The citizenship of the little child of God is in heaven. We are pilgrims and strangers in this foreign land, looking for a city whose Builder and Maker is God. Certainly we are taught and ought to obey the laws of our country. Paul instructs us thusly in Romans 13:1ff: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." Yes, live circumspectly and obey the laws. Live peaceably. Have a good reputation toward "them which are without". But can we truly pledge our allegiance to an earthly power when we are not our own, but are bought with a price? "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
I think I'll leave this one for those of Caesar to sort out. Christians don't have to have "under God" in a pledge of allegiance in order to render due respect to their Maker and Redeemer.
On this day, December 28, 1945, Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance. According to infoplease, the original pledge was published in September 1892 in The Youth's Companion (Boston, MA). The phrase "under God" was added on June 14, 1954.
After posting on religious liberty issues, I ran across the fact that Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance on Dec. 28th -- this very day. It is, especially related to separation of church & state and the phrase "under God", a hot topic. The Court's rejection of standing in the Newdow case, rather than rendering a decision, means it is likely to be back before the U.S. Supreme Court soon.
Should "under God" be in the pledge? Is it a violation of the liberties provided by the 1st Amendment to the Constitution? Former Supreme Court decisions and statements seem to favor its neutrality as a patriotic and historical expression of faith rather than a religious one. For example, Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan wrote, "This general principle might also serve to insulate the various patriotic exercises and activities used in the public schools and elsewhere which, whatever may have been their origins, no longer have a religious purpose or meaning. The reference to divinity in the revised pledge of allegiance, for example, may merely recognize the historical fact that our Nation was believed to have been founded 'under God'. Thus reciting the pledge may be no more of a religious exercise than the reading aloud of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, which contains an allusion to the same historical fact." (Abington v. Schempp, 1963)
The pledge of allegiance is a tough one in a way. I'm not really sure how much pledging of allegiance a child of God ought to be giving to a temporal kingdom of this world. Allegiance is the duty a citizen owes to the state or to the sovereign of the state to which he or she belongs. The citizenship of the little child of God is in heaven. We are pilgrims and strangers in this foreign land, looking for a city whose Builder and Maker is God. Certainly we are taught and ought to obey the laws of our country. Paul instructs us thusly in Romans 13:1ff: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." Yes, live circumspectly and obey the laws. Live peaceably. Have a good reputation toward "them which are without". But can we truly pledge our allegiance to an earthly power when we are not our own, but are bought with a price? "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
I think I'll leave this one for those of Caesar to sort out. Christians don't have to have "under God" in a pledge of allegiance in order to render due respect to their Maker and Redeemer.
Baptists and Religious Liberty (2)
The concepts of religious liberty and separation of church & state are frequently on the minds of Americans. I often find myself confused, trying to juggle all the religious, political and social implications of religious liberty. At great risk of being found wrong, and against my better judgment (if I have any), I am postponing my intended religious liberty blog for today in order to insert this one that addresses three specific issues. This is what I believe today. Beliefs are subject to change without notice.
For the American Christian, there are two considerations -- the legal/constitutional and the Biblical. These do not always agree. For the Christian, the Biblical must always eventually trump the legal/constitutional. Consider these issues:
[1] A constitutional amendment for school prayer -- This may not be quite as much in the forefront here as it once was. As a citizen, I am opposed to a school prayer amendment. It violates the spirit of the 1st Amendment of the U. S. Constitution and gets the government into the business of religion. The 1st Amendment, properly understood, already guarantees any person's right to pray anywhere under any circumstances. As a Christian, I believe Christians "ought always to pray, and not to faint". That is everywhere, including schools, homes and pastures -- even churches! We need no law to authorize us to do so, because it is authorized by God. Should some one ban us from doing so, we must obey God rather than men.
[2] A legislative body employing a chaplain to lead religious exercises -- As a citizen, I am not opposed to prayer before a legislative body meets, a chaplain speaking to a legislative body, etc., but to employ such a person with American taxpayer funding would be a violation. Also for the body to limit the prayers, speeches, etc. to members of a particular religious persuasion would be a violation. How would you as a Christian like it if your legislative body were opened with a prayer and offering of incense by a Hindu priest (or whatever name they call them)? If you're in favor of some religious rite or exercise in a publicly sponsored arena, ask yourself how you would feel if it were Islam, Buddhism, or Shintoism. If that would change your opinion, you probably aren't thinking consistently.
[3] A student-initiated prayer at public school (e.g., before its football games) -- I've never really understood praying for football games. In fact, I have some issues with mandatory public education. But I'll try to be fair. Students are not agents of the government just because they attend public school, and they don't surrender their 1st Amendment rights when they enter the schoolhouse. IF the prayers are TRULY student-initiated and student-led, and IF there is liberty for ALL who might want to pray, AND no coercion of those who don't, then I don't suppose there is a violation. When the prayers have a definitely set aside place in the program, one might wonder if they are truly student-initiated. Do you favor prayer at public school events? Would you object if a student of another religion (such as Islam) led the prayer? If that would change your opinion, you probably aren't thinking consistently. If a prayer were led by a Satanist student, I expect someone in authority would see that there were no more student-initiated and student-led prayers before ballgames or at graduations!
At one end of the spectrum, some would enforce Christianity by legal and coercive means, and, if allowed, would make being Christian and American one and the same. At the other end, there are a number of radicals using the cloak of "separation of church & state" to try to drive Christianity into the caves and closets, and out of the public arena in our nation. May we by God's grace avoid both extremes.
And then there is the downright silliness - like the fellows who are so emotionally distraught because a city named Las Cruces (Spanish for THE CROSSES) would have three crosses in their city logo; or the flap over calling a "Christmas tree" a "Christmas" tree (hey, regardless of our beliefs we all know what holiday it's associated with, and it's not Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan or Happy New Year) . Give me a break. Some people are like the red wasps that live behind my window sills. In August they're so hot and bothered they're just looking for someone to sting!
http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/32902.html
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051216/NEWS06/512160429
Stay tuned. More tomorrow.
For the American Christian, there are two considerations -- the legal/constitutional and the Biblical. These do not always agree. For the Christian, the Biblical must always eventually trump the legal/constitutional. Consider these issues:
[1] A constitutional amendment for school prayer -- This may not be quite as much in the forefront here as it once was. As a citizen, I am opposed to a school prayer amendment. It violates the spirit of the 1st Amendment of the U. S. Constitution and gets the government into the business of religion. The 1st Amendment, properly understood, already guarantees any person's right to pray anywhere under any circumstances. As a Christian, I believe Christians "ought always to pray, and not to faint". That is everywhere, including schools, homes and pastures -- even churches! We need no law to authorize us to do so, because it is authorized by God. Should some one ban us from doing so, we must obey God rather than men.
[2] A legislative body employing a chaplain to lead religious exercises -- As a citizen, I am not opposed to prayer before a legislative body meets, a chaplain speaking to a legislative body, etc., but to employ such a person with American taxpayer funding would be a violation. Also for the body to limit the prayers, speeches, etc. to members of a particular religious persuasion would be a violation. How would you as a Christian like it if your legislative body were opened with a prayer and offering of incense by a Hindu priest (or whatever name they call them)? If you're in favor of some religious rite or exercise in a publicly sponsored arena, ask yourself how you would feel if it were Islam, Buddhism, or Shintoism. If that would change your opinion, you probably aren't thinking consistently.
[3] A student-initiated prayer at public school (e.g., before its football games) -- I've never really understood praying for football games. In fact, I have some issues with mandatory public education. But I'll try to be fair. Students are not agents of the government just because they attend public school, and they don't surrender their 1st Amendment rights when they enter the schoolhouse. IF the prayers are TRULY student-initiated and student-led, and IF there is liberty for ALL who might want to pray, AND no coercion of those who don't, then I don't suppose there is a violation. When the prayers have a definitely set aside place in the program, one might wonder if they are truly student-initiated. Do you favor prayer at public school events? Would you object if a student of another religion (such as Islam) led the prayer? If that would change your opinion, you probably aren't thinking consistently. If a prayer were led by a Satanist student, I expect someone in authority would see that there were no more student-initiated and student-led prayers before ballgames or at graduations!
At one end of the spectrum, some would enforce Christianity by legal and coercive means, and, if allowed, would make being Christian and American one and the same. At the other end, there are a number of radicals using the cloak of "separation of church & state" to try to drive Christianity into the caves and closets, and out of the public arena in our nation. May we by God's grace avoid both extremes.
And then there is the downright silliness - like the fellows who are so emotionally distraught because a city named Las Cruces (Spanish for THE CROSSES) would have three crosses in their city logo; or the flap over calling a "Christmas tree" a "Christmas" tree (hey, regardless of our beliefs we all know what holiday it's associated with, and it's not Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan or Happy New Year) . Give me a break. Some people are like the red wasps that live behind my window sills. In August they're so hot and bothered they're just looking for someone to sting!
http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/32902.html
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051216/NEWS06/512160429
Stay tuned. More tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Baptists and Religious Liberty (1)
The concepts of religious liberty and separation of church & state are frequently on the minds of Americans and Baptists. Here are some Bible principles that may help guide our thoughts.
[1] "My kingdom is not of this world" - John 18:36. The kingdom of Jesus Christ is separate from the kingdoms of this world, and the kingdoms of this world have no authority over His kingdom. Religion is a matter between God and the soul, and the only mediator is Jesus Christ. Human authority should not meddle in these affairs.
[2] "We ought to obey God rather than men" - Acts 5:29. We are enjoined to obey governmental authorities in their sphere of service (Rom. 13:1ff.), but allegiance to God supercedes any and all human authority.
[3] "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock" - I Cor. 8:9. (cf. I Cor. 6:7 - "Why do ye not rather take wrong?"). We do not deny the authority of God in His commands. But in areas in which we have liberties, there are times when we should take wrong in consideration of the overall good.
[4 ] "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed," John 8:36. There is no true religious freedom apart from that dispensed by Jesus Christ. Any other is ephemeral -- an illusion.
One aspect of the Baptist stand for religious liberty is found in the desire for uncoerced religion, between man and his God without human intermediaries. Following this principle, Baptists could not demand allegiance to their principles from those who did not hold them. This aspect we extend to others.
Another aspect of the Baptist stand for religious liberty is found in the desire to obey God at all costs, which at times can lead to "civil" disobedience. Following this principle, no matter the laws in Britain, the American colonies, etc., Baptists would not surrender their duty to preach what they believed to be the truth. This aspect we ask for ourselves.
A third aspect of the Baptist stand for religious liberty is found in the desire to not press every liberty that we have to the extent of becoming stumblingblocks. If a city council makes a law concerning zoning, for example, it might restrict a church's ability to meet or build a structure in a certain area. While this might violate the Constitution (if it discriminates only against churches), it does not keep them from obeying God, for they can meet and preach in some other location and structure. This might be a good occasion to "take wrong" and go on, rather than pressing for rights. This aspect we hold out in peace and reconciliation between us and others.
A fourth aspect of the Baptist stand for religious liberty is found in the desire for true religion only between God and His subjects. Only the subject He has made free shall be free indeed. This freedom cannot be bound by physical chains, locks, or bars. This aspect we accept by faith with hope, for God knoweth them that are His.
"Government is the formation of an association of individuals, by mutual agreement, for mutual defence and advantage; to be governed by specific rules. And, when rightly formed, it embraces Pagans, Jews, Mahometans and Christians, within its fostering arms--prescribes no creed of faith for either of them--proscribes none of them for being heretics, promotes the man of talents and integrity, without inquiring after his religion--impartially protects all of them--punishes the man who works ill to his neighbor, let his faith and motives be what they may. Who, but tyrants, knaves and devils, can object to such government?" – John Leland, from The Writings of Elder John Leland, p. 476
[1] "My kingdom is not of this world" - John 18:36. The kingdom of Jesus Christ is separate from the kingdoms of this world, and the kingdoms of this world have no authority over His kingdom. Religion is a matter between God and the soul, and the only mediator is Jesus Christ. Human authority should not meddle in these affairs.
[2] "We ought to obey God rather than men" - Acts 5:29. We are enjoined to obey governmental authorities in their sphere of service (Rom. 13:1ff.), but allegiance to God supercedes any and all human authority.
[3] "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock" - I Cor. 8:9. (cf. I Cor. 6:7 - "Why do ye not rather take wrong?"). We do not deny the authority of God in His commands. But in areas in which we have liberties, there are times when we should take wrong in consideration of the overall good.
[4 ] "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed," John 8:36. There is no true religious freedom apart from that dispensed by Jesus Christ. Any other is ephemeral -- an illusion.
One aspect of the Baptist stand for religious liberty is found in the desire for uncoerced religion, between man and his God without human intermediaries. Following this principle, Baptists could not demand allegiance to their principles from those who did not hold them. This aspect we extend to others.
Another aspect of the Baptist stand for religious liberty is found in the desire to obey God at all costs, which at times can lead to "civil" disobedience. Following this principle, no matter the laws in Britain, the American colonies, etc., Baptists would not surrender their duty to preach what they believed to be the truth. This aspect we ask for ourselves.
A third aspect of the Baptist stand for religious liberty is found in the desire to not press every liberty that we have to the extent of becoming stumblingblocks. If a city council makes a law concerning zoning, for example, it might restrict a church's ability to meet or build a structure in a certain area. While this might violate the Constitution (if it discriminates only against churches), it does not keep them from obeying God, for they can meet and preach in some other location and structure. This might be a good occasion to "take wrong" and go on, rather than pressing for rights. This aspect we hold out in peace and reconciliation between us and others.
A fourth aspect of the Baptist stand for religious liberty is found in the desire for true religion only between God and His subjects. Only the subject He has made free shall be free indeed. This freedom cannot be bound by physical chains, locks, or bars. This aspect we accept by faith with hope, for God knoweth them that are His.
"Government is the formation of an association of individuals, by mutual agreement, for mutual defence and advantage; to be governed by specific rules. And, when rightly formed, it embraces Pagans, Jews, Mahometans and Christians, within its fostering arms--prescribes no creed of faith for either of them--proscribes none of them for being heretics, promotes the man of talents and integrity, without inquiring after his religion--impartially protects all of them--punishes the man who works ill to his neighbor, let his faith and motives be what they may. Who, but tyrants, knaves and devils, can object to such government?" – John Leland, from The Writings of Elder John Leland, p. 476
Monday, December 26, 2005
Behold your King
Jesus, demonstrated as King Over Creation, Disease, Demons, and Death (Common Meter)
A mighty God His creatures formed
And did whate’er He pleased.
His voice divine dispels the storm;
His hand heals the diseased.
The sick, the blind, the dumb, the lame
Are in His special care;
If He but speaks their lowly name
They to His feet repair.
The demons flee at His command;
The angels praise His worth.
The dead are raised when He demands
Their bodies to come forth.
(1992, by blog author) permission given for free use with the suggestion of giving proper credit of author and a mention of this site. Thanks.
A mighty God His creatures formed
And did whate’er He pleased.
His voice divine dispels the storm;
His hand heals the diseased.
The sick, the blind, the dumb, the lame
Are in His special care;
If He but speaks their lowly name
They to His feet repair.
The demons flee at His command;
The angels praise His worth.
The dead are raised when He demands
Their bodies to come forth.
(1992, by blog author) permission given for free use with the suggestion of giving proper credit of author and a mention of this site. Thanks.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Why Mary?
Why did God choose Mary to be the mother of Jesus? Many look for something in Mary or for something she did. She was a young Jewish virgin. She was holy. She was receptive. And on it goes. Out of all the women who have ever lived, was she the only receptive holy young virgin? Out of all the young unmarried Jewish women in her day, was she the only receptive holy young virgin? Why did God choose Mary? The Bible does not say. The wrong answer has made Mary the object of worship and special adoration.
The birth of Jesus Christ happened as much according to the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God as His crucifixion. He came in the fullness of time -- God’s time -- to the right people in the right place. He fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of His first advent.
Why did God choose Mary? The Bible does not say. But this we know. The angel announced to Mary, "thou hast found favour with God." The Greek word for favour is "charis", which is translated "grace" well over 100 times in the Bible. Mary became the mother of Jesus by GOD'S unmerited favour, His eternal choice, and His unlimited power. It was nothing that Mary did. It was nothing that she was. God extended grace. Oh, how the natural man recoils from this being an unconditional choice on God's part. But God did not ask Mary if she, a young unmarried Jewish virgin girl who had never known a man, wanted to be the mother of the Saviour. He chose her. He called her. The Holy Ghost came upon her, she conceived and brought forth a Son and called His name Jesus -- "for he shall save his people from their sins."
How like God's choice of Mary is His choice to save poor undeserving sinners. It is nothing they do. It is nothing they are. God extended grace. Thank God for His grace.
The birth of Jesus Christ happened as much according to the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God as His crucifixion. He came in the fullness of time -- God’s time -- to the right people in the right place. He fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies of His first advent.
Why did God choose Mary? The Bible does not say. But this we know. The angel announced to Mary, "thou hast found favour with God." The Greek word for favour is "charis", which is translated "grace" well over 100 times in the Bible. Mary became the mother of Jesus by GOD'S unmerited favour, His eternal choice, and His unlimited power. It was nothing that Mary did. It was nothing that she was. God extended grace. Oh, how the natural man recoils from this being an unconditional choice on God's part. But God did not ask Mary if she, a young unmarried Jewish virgin girl who had never known a man, wanted to be the mother of the Saviour. He chose her. He called her. The Holy Ghost came upon her, she conceived and brought forth a Son and called His name Jesus -- "for he shall save his people from their sins."
How like God's choice of Mary is His choice to save poor undeserving sinners. It is nothing they do. It is nothing they are. God extended grace. Thank God for His grace.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to one and all.
Christmas here in the good old U.S. of A. is a strange combination of Christianity, paganism, and good old-fashioned capitalism. Christians try to put Christ back into a Christmas He never instituted while retailers hustle to make as much money as possible from a holiday they are not sure they even want their employees to mention to their customers. Perhaps such ideas were in the thoughts of Ken Wimer (pastor of Grace Church, Shreveport, LA) when he wrote that Christmas "truly becomes a Christ MESS'."
Don't let your holiday become a mess. Celebrate Christ the living Saviour according to His Word, spend quality time with your family, and enjoy the few days off of work.
Merry Christmas and God bless you.
Christmas here in the good old U.S. of A. is a strange combination of Christianity, paganism, and good old-fashioned capitalism. Christians try to put Christ back into a Christmas He never instituted while retailers hustle to make as much money as possible from a holiday they are not sure they even want their employees to mention to their customers. Perhaps such ideas were in the thoughts of Ken Wimer (pastor of Grace Church, Shreveport, LA) when he wrote that Christmas "truly becomes a Christ MESS'."
Don't let your holiday become a mess. Celebrate Christ the living Saviour according to His Word, spend quality time with your family, and enjoy the few days off of work.
Merry Christmas and God bless you.
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