Freedom Day

President Donald J. Trump Proclaims January 16, 2018, as Religious Freedom Day -- "Our forefathers, seeking refuge from religious persecution, believed in the eternal truth that freedom is not a gift from the government, but a sacred right from Almighty God."

Religious Freedom Day -- "Each year, the President declares January 16th to be Religious Freedom Day, and calls upon Americans to 'observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship.' The day is the anniversary of the passage, in 1786, of the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom."

Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom -- "...to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical..."

Getting Off the Niceness Treadmill, and other reviews

The posting of book or film reviews does not constitute endorsement of the books or book reviews that are linked.

• Anne Bradley Reflects on New Zondervan Edition of ‘For the Least of These’ -- "We don’t get to choose the “how” in how we care for the poor. We have to do it the right way, because lives hang in the balance."
• Book Review: Getting Off the Niceness Treadmill by Carol Noren Johnson -- "True Godliness is not always “nice”, and there are many things that Christians should not be nice about."
• Book Review of Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense by Paul David Tripp -- "Suffering is Paul David Tripp at his best—a gorgeous hope-filled product of the hardest trials of his life."
• Book Review: Mere Apologetics by Alister E. McGrath -- "The purpose for writing Mere Apologetics is to introduce readers to the defense of the Christian faith and does a great job of detailing some of the more well-known apologetic arguments, like the fine-tuning of the universe and objective morality."
• Book Review: Samuel Waldron, Baptist Roots in America -- "Waldron...wrote this booklet to provide a historical context for the rise of Reformed Baptist Churches in America in the last thirty to forty years."
• Book review: The Baptist Way -- "The Baptist Way provides “an introduction to the principles that distinguish Baptists from other Christians and offers ecclesiological distinctions of healthy Baptist churches”."
• Constitutionally Religious: What the Constitutions of 180 Countries Say About Religion and Belief by Eron Henry -- "Eron Henry, a Jamaican-born American and former communications executive with the Baptist World Alliance"
• Emotions: Mirrors of the Heart by Catherine Haddow -- "I found the book useful for my own spiritual life. But it also has value for pastors and indeed all believers who are trying to offer guidance and support to people with emotional problems."
• Martin Luther: Renegade and Prophet by Lyndal Roper -- "Luther can sometimes be intemperate and potty mouthed when engaging with theological opponents. ‘Speaking the truth in love’? Not always."
• Mountain Born -- "...I happen to like bang-bang, shoot-em-up adventures too, but I also enjoy nice, leisurely stories about a simpler time and way of life."
• Somme – Into the Breach- Hugh Sebag-Montefiore – Lessons from a Sombre and Great Book -- "This is a detailed and harrowing book which took me some time to get into. At times it was unrelenting. But it was worth it."
• Still in the Game, Author: Devon Still -- "In an era of cynicism and divisiveness, the tale of this young angel who refused to give up hope combined with the simple act of a young father doing what he ought to do..."
• The Crooked Cave Caper! And Other Exciting Stories -- "Some people might feel that the author is overly “preachy” in his writing.  I for one didn’t mind this emphasis and enjoyed reading the stories, but it is certainly true that there is no effort to hide or even tone down the religious underpinnings of the plot."
• The Great Mystery by Alister McGrath -- "McGrath points out a conundrum facing secular humanists but which is ignored by most of them, including the ‘New Atheists’."
• The Landmark Edition of the New Testament (KJV Study Bible) -- "A wonderful edition of the English New Testament. It has introductions and outlines on all the New Testament books with footnote commentary on special verses by several contemporary Landmark Baptist preachers."

Christian cake artist Jack Phillips, and other links

The posting of links does not constitute an endorsement of the sites linked, and not necessarily even agreement with the specific posts linked.

• Court allows Christian baker Jack Phillips to sue Colorado for anti-religious hostility -- "In his order, Judge Daniel did grant the Civil Rights Division Director Aubrey Elenis’ motion to dismiss Phillips’ claims against them for compensatory, punitive and nominal damages..."
• Court limits Jack Phillips' religious bias lawsuit -- "Christian cake artist Jack Phillips can proceed with his latest lawsuit alleging Colorado harassed him based on his religious beliefs, but he may no longer seek damages from nine of the 10 defendants targeted."
• A Yeti Style Cup Almost Killed My Patient -- "A patient came into my office with recurrent bacterial infections and no one could figure out why."
• Confirmation Bias -- "Jesus...exhorted those who would follow to remove the log in their own eye before attending to the splinter in another's eye."
• CR Top 25 Conservatives -- "Select link to view Top 25 RINOs"
• Distant Starlight and Creation Time Coordinates -- "The CTC solution is fascinating, refreshing, and best of all, is completely consistent with special relativity and leaves the door wide open for others to offer additional elements of a more complete young age cosmology."
• Lard is the New Coconut Oil -- "Pasture-raised lard is heat stable, heart healthy and high in Vitamin D."
• Limited Atonement: Provision and Application -- "In truth, the terminology of actual and hypothetical is probably misleading. When the Passover Lamb was killed, a provision had been made. Until the blood was applied to the door, however, no one in the home was safe."
• Local Texas GOP rejects ousting vice chair over his faith -- "While tonight’s vote brings an end to this unfortunate episode, it also demonstrates we are a party that respects the right of those who disagree on an issue to have a seat at the table and their voices heard."
• North Texas Rail Yard -- "Cleburne’s mural and museums hark back to the town’s transportation and Native American past."
• Parents may want to limit children’s tech use – and definitely their own -- "...could it be that when it comes to technology, adults are merely casting the first stone?"
• ‘Pastor’ Who Said He Hoped God Would ‘Finish the Job’ of Orlando Shooter Steps Down Over Prostitutes, Gambling, Drugs -- "Donnie Romero, who led Stedfast Baptist Church in Fort Worth, announced his resignation before his congregation last week. The video of his tearful statement was posted publicly to the Stedfast Baptist YouTube page on Jan. 2."
• “Social Justice” Inflates to Include Animals -- "Speciesism in favor of humans subordinates all life to human whims."
• The Prophets Were Preachers -- "The great preachers of the Old Testament times were the Prophets."
• Thirst for Knowledge -- "Ancient watering hole-turned-Aquarena Springs resurfaces as research center at Texas State University."
• Why We Don’t Evolve Software: A Computer Scientist Considers Darwinian Theory -- "...if Darwinian evolution is a correct scientific theory, we should be able to simulate it, and get results that look like what we see in biology today."
• Why Limited Government Is Integral to Biblical Flourishing -- "Paul clearly delineates the limits and scope of the state."
• 15 of the Greatest Pro-Life Quotes of All Time -- "“A person is a person no matter how small.” – Dr. Seuss"

The greatest things have not changed

...the greatest things have not changed at all. God is still holy, merciful, and sovereign. Man is still spiritually dead apart from Christ, cut off from God, and perishing. Christ is still a reigning, all-sufficient, and global Savior. The Holy Spirit is still active, omnipotent, and faith-creating. The Bible is still completely true and ever relevant. And the gospel is still the power of God unto salvation. It is thrilling to be anchored in stupendous realities that never change.

-- John Piper

Waiting and Watching for Me

I ran across the following when researching the hymn “How Can  I Keep From Singing,” which was (as was this one), attributed in some cases to F. J. Hartley.

Waiting and Watching For Me

The tune is from 1876 by Philip P. Bliss. The words are by Marianne Hearn. According to HymnTime-CyberHymnal, it was written in 1862 and “first published in the fall of 1864 in the London Church World.”

1. When my final farewell to the world I have said,
And gladly lie down to my rest;
When softly the watchers shall say, “He is dead,”
And fold my pale hands o’er my breast;
And when, with my glorified vision, at last
The walls of that “City” I see,
Will any one then, at the beautiful gate,
Be waiting and watching for me?
Will any one then, at the beautiful gate,
Be waiting and watching for me?

2. There are little ones glancing about my path,
In want of a friend and a guide;
There are dear little eyes looking up into mine,
Whose tears might be easily dried.
But Jesus may beckon the children away,
In the midst of their grief and their glee,
Will any one then, at the beautiful gate,
Be waiting and watching for me?
Will any one then, at the beautiful gate,
Be waiting and watching for me?

3. There are old and forsaken who linger awhile,
In homes which their dearest have left;
And a few gentle words or an action of love,
May cheer their sad spirits bereft.
But the Reaper is near to the long-standing corn,
The weary will soon be set free,
Will any one then, at the beautiful gate,
Be waiting and watching for me?
Will any one then, at the beautiful gate,
Be waiting and watching for me?

4. Oh! should I be brought there by beautiful grace
Of Him who delights to forgive;
Though I bless not the weary about in my path,
Pray only for self while I live.
Methinks I should mourne o’er my sinful neglect
If sorrow in heaven can be,
Should no one I love at the beautiful gate,
Be waiting and watching for me!
Should no one I love at the beautiful gate,
Be waiting and watching for me!

Church and State: Government, Established and Limited

It is intriguing that some of those who are first to say the United States of America is not a Christian nation are also some of the first to expect it to act like one! There are wide disagreements, even among Christians, on what people should expect their governments to do. Numerous individuals appeal to the Bible in certain situations to “command” their government to act in a Christian manner. For example, in the case of immigration law appeal may be made to verses about welcoming the stranger for supporting open borders, or in the case of abortion law appeal may be made to verses about not committing murder in opposing killing babies.

Government is established. It does not derive its authority to exist from philosophy or human reasoning, but from God. Ruling authority, or government, exists as a principle established by God, and in actual existence as ordained by God (Romans 13:1-2).[i] Government is limited. Human government is temporal, not eternal. It is restraining, but not redemptive. God is sovereign over kings, rulers, governments. He installs and deposes (Psalm 75:7; Daniel 2:21). Human government, therefore, has authority derived from God, and limited by God (John 19:10-11).

The New Testament does not provide an exhaustive treatment of the subject of government. It lays down principles.[ii] However, the principles laid down all too often are not the primary points of discussion for the addressing the concept or specifics of governing. God established government; God limited government. Working from the broad principles, we may further examine the Bible for details on its expected and intended operation. Let us consider the following New Testament passages.

1. Church and state are unique, separate, and operate in different spheres (though the different spheres will bring them in contact, concord, and conflict with one another).

Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Cæsar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. (See also Mark 12:17 and Luke 20:25.)

Answering the Pharisees’ treacherous question, Jesus laid down the principle of government operating within its sphere of authority, under God. Those operating in “Cæsar’s” realm owe certain allegiance to “Cæsar.” This “image and superscription” on Cæsar’s coin was a visual way of demonstrating the practical reality of Cæsar’s rule. “But the words that followed raised the discussion into a higher region, and asserted implicitly that that admission did not interfere with the true spiritual freedom of the people, or with their religious duties.”[iii] Followers of God should act as law-abiding citizens of the Roman Empire. Pay your tax to Caesar; the image and superscription demonstrate it is his and within his realm of authority. Give God your life, your allegiance, your love. These do not belong to government.

2. The sphere of the state protects rights and punishes wrongs.

Romans 13:3-5 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.

1 Peter 2:13-14 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.

Human government is ordained to protect the rights of the governed and punish those who violate the rights of the governed. In civics these are often described as “negative rights” – that is, “The negative role of government involves protecting a citizen in his or her own pursuit of something legitimate.”[iv] These biblical texts establish a “negative role” as government’s primary sphere. The focus is on punishing or executing wrath upon the evildoers, while providing an atmosphere for and praising of good behavior.[v] Those who are evil may be encouraged to respect the rights of others because they fear the “sword” or “wrath” of the governing authority. Government should be a neutral judge and guardian of its governed, providing equal access to all to these “negative” benefits. The rulers should be God’s ministers – that is, servants – of justice for all.

3. The function of the state provides order and stability.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Government should serve the common good – not just the good of the governors, but also the good of the governed. The governed pray and intercede for the governors. Good government provides law, order, and stability in place of anarchy.[vi] Christians pray for leaders to succeed in providing these. When the government is functioning properly, the governed are able to live “a quiet and peaceable life” without fear and looking over their shoulders. In the order and peace provided, there is a place where judgment is accorded[vii] and good is encouraged and rewarded. At its best good government appreciates human dignity (that man is created in God’s image, Genesis 1:27) and acknowledges human depravity (that all men are sinners, Romans 3:23).

4. The response of the church/Christian is submitting to good citizenship.

Romans 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake:

“Submit” and “be subject” are acts of volition. The Christian, in obedience to God, submits to his established authority, human government. The Christian “seeks the peace of the city” where he dwells (cf. Jeremiah 29:7) and the good of his neighbor (Romans 15:2). The submission to authority is “for conscience sake.” The submission is voluntary but not absolute. It is submission to the governing authorities in their sphere and function. Absolute submission belongs only to God. The use of “submit” and “be subject” in these verses implies that the governed may have reason to disobey the government.[viii] See Acts 5:29, where Peter admonished the Jewish authorities whose command circumvented God’s command – “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” Paul wrote, “but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Romans 2:29). Government should deal with matters of conduct, not matters of the heart. We must render to God the things that are God’s. Government cannot command the allegiance of the heart.

---

[i] Cf. also Genesis 9:5-6.

[ii] On the other hand, the Old Testament is clear about the establishment of one particular theocracy – Israel – in which God is the giver of law and head of government. This establishment, however, is only for the covenant people of Israel and not applicable to principles to government for all times and places. Nevertheless, there are principles and lessons to glean from the Old Testament concerning government. For example, the prophet Amos condemns the transgressions of the nations of Damascus, Gaza, Tyrus, Edom, Ammon, and Moab before turning his sights on Judah and Israel (Amos chapters 1 and 2). These nations and their rulers – though pagan – were responsible before God for not fulfilling as well as abusing their ruling authority.

[iii] Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

[iv] Art Lindsley

[v] In contrast, the idea of the “positive role” of government focuses on providing goods and services to the governed – such as healthcare or welfare.

[vi] The opposite of governance is anarchy – confusion and disorder; a state of society without government or law; political and social disorder due to the absence of governmental control.

[vii] settled; reconciled.

[viii] Sometimes the Christians supports his government; sometimes he endures it. Unfortunately, at times he must disobey it. At all times the Christian should pray for his government.

A Hidden Man’s Gem, and other links

The posting of links does not constitute an endorsement of the sites linked, and not necessarily even agreement with the specific posts linked.

• A Hidden Man’s Gem -- "We managed to arrange a grant to Harris County, which paid the taxes, provided Mr. Kleb with the means to live out the rest of his life out of poverty and establish a wonderful park in his name."
• Abortion Was the Leading Cause of Death Worldwide in 2018, Killing 42 Million People -- "A heartbreaking reminder about the prevalence of abortion, statistics compiled by Worldometers indicate that there were nearly 42 million abortions world-wide in 2018."
• Big Win for Churches as Judge Rules Wisconsin Ordinance Violates Religious Freedom -- "A Wisconsin judge has ruled that a De Pere city non-discrimination ordinance cannot be applied to churches and other faith-based groups."
• Caught in the middle: Is there still a place for Centrist Baptists like me? -- "I’m not writing off anybody, mind you. But connecting with Baptists beyond our church is getting harder and harder. It feels like my tribe, and my options, could be shrinking."
• Congress’s ‘Other’ Christians: The Fastest-Growing Faith on the Hill -- "Following the midterms, the unspecified/other Protestant category saw the biggest bump of any faith tradition, adding 16 seats in this session..."
• Europe Continues to Shrink Religious Liberty -- "...increasingly, jurisdictions are enacting laws in furtherance of legitimate social considerations that, concomitantly, shrivel the freedom of religious believers to live according to their personal faith precepts."
• Jerry Falwell Jr. can’t imagine Trump ‘doing anything that’s not good for the country’ -- "Is there anything President Trump could do that would endanger that support from you or other evangelical leaders? “No.”"
• Mothers, Make Time for Yourselves…Read a Book -- "Mothers, make time to cultivate growth in your own soul."
• Rashida Tlaib’s Expletive-Laden Cry to Impeach Trump Upends Democrats’ Talking Points -- "Her outburst ran counter to all Democratic talking points. Ms. Pelosi and her deputies have repeatedly made the case that it is too early to consider impeachment."
• Romanticizing a Suicide “for the Earth” -- "We are told how Buckel romanticized Buddhist monks who burn themselves to death in protest of oppression."
• “RBG”, US top court justice, misses new session -- "A linchpin of the court's liberal wing, Ginsburg is said to have never missed a hearing since her appointment to the high court 25 years ago."
• Second man found dead at Democratic donor Ed Buck's house, prompting renewed investigation -- "The death of a man at the home of a prominent Democratic political donor is raising questions and scrutiny about an earlier death at his home."
• Sweeping Changes -- "How electric co-ops and Electrolux brought the modern age to the plains of Texas."
• The Best Burger I've Had in Texas is from a Classic Family Diner -- "John Junk, son of founder Dan, told Eater Austin in 2013 that the Junk family secret is ‘consistency and quality’."
• The Birth of Jesus as seen through Middle Eastern Eyes -- "A considerate husband and a wise woman would start the 4–5 day journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem several weeks before her due date."
• The Clarity of Scripture and the Analogy of Faith -- "It is interesting; the apostles “did not feel it an irksome thing, or consider it out of keeping with their dignity, to profess themselves students of Scripture”."
• This is Trump’s Most Ruthless Insult Yet, and It Just Flew Over Everyone’s Head -- "Perhaps Trump’s understanding of Islam is deeper than what we might at first give credit."
• U.S. court rules for Trump on transgender military limits -- "...a federal appeals court on Friday threw out a lower court ruling that blocked a policy barring certain transgender people from serving in the U.S. armed forces, which the government said is important for military readiness."
• Whoopi Goldberg Tells Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez To 'Sit Still' And 'Learn The Job' -- "Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez of New York’s 14th District hasn’t even been in Congress for a week, and she’s already attracted more criticism on the national stage than most other politicians will probably receive all year."

Never put a question mark, and other quotes

The posting of quotes by human authors does not constitute agreement with either the quotes or their sources. (I try to confirm the sources that I give, but may miss on occasion; please verify when possible.)

"Never put a question mark where God has put a period." -- John R. Rice

"Want to practice safe sex? Get married!" -- Adrian Rogers

"Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary." -- NOT Francis of Assisi

"Americans make a sport of religion and a religion of sports." -- Andrew Daugherty

"We are poor listeners. If you cannot state the beliefs of your “opponent” in a way that your opponent recognizes, then theological debate will devolve into mudslinging and divisiveness." -- Dave Miller

"If everybody loves you it may be because they misunderstand you. If everybody hates you it may be because they misunderstand you." -- Steve Brown

"The trouble with a theocracy is everyone wants to be Theo!" -- James Dunn

"Emotions make terrible generals, but great foot soldiers." -- Heard

"Relationships are complicated. They would be easier without people involved!" -- Unknown

"The New Testament furnishes no record of any true religious society except the church of God." -- Mark Bennett

"America is coasting downhill on a godly ancestry, and God pity America when we hit the bottom of the hill." -- J. Gresham Machen

"Were Jesus to mount the pulpit in your church this Sunday, it is doubtful anyone would leave feeling warm and fuzzy and self-righteous." -- Mark Wingfield

"It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it." -- Upton Sinclair

"Socialist governments traditionally do make a financial mess. They always run out of other people’s money." --  Margaret Thatcher

Practical suggestions

From The Importance of a Single Word: 3 Tips for Doing Word Studies

Here are a few practical suggestions:

• Pay attention to repetition. When God uses a word repeatedly (or sparingly) this is a word that needs careful examination. It is a word God is emphasizing.

• Pay attention to definition. You don’t have to be a Greek or Hebrew scholar to study the root meaning behind a word. While a dictionary is helpful, a Strong’s Concordance would be much better. We must not impose current meaning on God’s words. What was God’s intent?

• Pay attention to progression. Remember that Scripture was given as a progressive revelation. Take note of the order in which truths are given in a passage. Compare the use of that word in one passage to its use in another place.

So choose a word! Begin a personal Bible word study today. One word can make a world of difference in your life and in the lives of those around you.

The farmer and the post turtle

An old farmer caught his hand in a squeeze gate while working his cattle. He went to the doctor to stitch the cut on the hand. While stitching his hand, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old farmer, and eventually the topic turned to politics and politicians.

The old farmer said, “As I see it, most politicians are like ‘post turtles’.” The doctor was not familiar with the term, and asked the farmer, “What is a ‘post turtle’?”

The old farmer said, “Well, it’s like this. When you’re driving down a country road and you come across a fence post and see a turtle balanced on top of it, that’s a post turtle.” The old farmer saw the puzzled look on the doctor’s face, so he continued to explain. “You know he didn’t get up there by himself. He doesn’t belong up there. He doesn’t know what to do while he’s up there. He’s elevated beyond his ability to function, and you just wonder what kind of fool put him up there to begin with.”

An Introduction to the Baptists, and other reviews

The posting of book or film reviews does not constitute endorsement of the books or book reviews that are linked.

• An Introduction to the Baptists by Erroll Hulse -- "The book provides a useful Introduction to the Baptists...But a similar work for the 21st Century is badly needed, one that brings things right-up-to date in terms of historical developments..."
• Best Books for Pastors in 2018 -- "We asked pastors from around the world a simple question: what books did you read in 2018 that helped you be a better pastor?"
• Book Review: Seven Practices for the Church on Mission, by David Fitch -- "Fitch’s emphasis on the presence of God as part of our conception of the nature of the church and a philosophy of ministry does have some benefit. But his development of these ideas lacks Scriptural substance."
• Book Review | The Hebrew Bible: A Translation with Commentary, 3 vols. by Robert Alter -- "What had been thought to be impossible—a complete modern Bible translation with expert commentary, not by committee, but by a single individual—is indeed possible."
• John Owen and English Puritanism by Crawford Gribben -- "Owen is a difficult man to read. While the details of his public career are known, his inner thoughts are hard to fathom."
• Kirkus Review - Merchants of Truth: The Business of News and the Fight for Facts -- "A highly readable combination of significant topic, deep reporting, endlessly fascinating anecdotes, and vivid writing."
• Life Application Study Bible Review -- "As I became familiar with what the LASB actually says instead of staying locked into first impressions, I discovered a spiritual depth rarely found in study editions of the Bible."
• Review: Ember Rising by S. D. Smith -- "Loved it. So did the kids. (And the illustrations, by my respected friend Zach Franzen, were also excellent.)"
• ‘Scandalous’ preview: World hears videotaped depositions -- "‘Scandalous’ is a historical documentary-style series that chronicles the sequence of events that enveloped Washington and ultimately led to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton during the 1990’s."

Sacred Harp in the news (years ago)

Miscellaneous news of The Sacred Harp from Alabama in days gone by.

“They used the Sacred Harp…The audience were frequently lifted to the highest pitch of enthusiastic delight at the melodious swelling strains of soul searching emotioned music wafted out upon the soft balmy air of that lovely Sabbath day. The deepest and surest foundations are laid by such music for christian character and piety. A profound impression was made by this singing upon all who heard it.” From “Singing Convention at Georgiana,” Greenville Advocate, Greenville, Alabama, Thursday, May 24, 1877, page 2

“There may be note books better adapted to the theater or the ball but none is better for the church that the Sacred Harp. We oughn’t to try to keep up with the present times unless it can be made to appear that new times are better than old times.” Letter from “Hez. J. Skot” in The Guntersville Democrat, Guntersville, Alabama, Thursday, August 30, 1883, page 2

“So the Convention will stick to its old landmarks. A homely but forcible illustration in this discussion was used by Mr. Robinson, of Barbour. He said he ‘did not see the use of plowing corn with seven furrows when you could make just as good corn with four furrows;’ and the Convention does make really good sacred music with four notes.” From “The Macedonia Singing Convention,” Herald and Times, Union Springs, Alabama, Wednesday, July 2, 1885, page 3

“Clay County, Alabama, is now principally engaged in singing. According to the papers up that way, the business day and night at every X roads and from every school cabin the ‘Sacred Harp; is being recited in nasal strains and overwhelming vigor.” From “Brevities,” Russell Register, Seale, Alabama, Saturday, August 4, 1888, page 3

“After the ceremony we retired to the dining room where we enjoyed a good and wholesome dinner, after which we engaged in singing a lesson from the good old Sacred Harp.” Report on the marriage of Thomas F. Brooks and Mrs. M. J. Skipper, The Clarke County Democrat, Grove Hill, Alabama, Thursday, June 5, 1890, page 4

“The body adopted the constitution of the Southern Musical Convention, The body adopted ‘Enterprise District Musical Convention’ as the name of this convention.” From The Ozark Tribune, Ozark, Alabama, Tuesday, August 30, 1904, page 4

“We are thankful for such people as have not closed their doors to Sacred Harp music–the old blue-back Sacred Harp that come up from the pinny wood and the log cabin, but is fast making its way into the cities. Oh how sweet this music on the sacred spot where God’s people worship and commune together. May this be a starting point for better times, and when an old soldier lays down his arms his children will step in and take them up.” From a resolution on thanks at the Choctawhatchee Musical Convention, held on the second Sunday in May at Pine Level Church, The Times and News, Eufaula, Alabama, Thursday, May 24, 1906, page 2

“The committee on arrangements knew their business well and did it better.” From The Clayton Record, Clayton, Alabama, Friday, August 4, 1911, page 1

“The old songs of Zion that are contained in the Revised Sacred Harp is the kind of music that opens the very gates of Heaven, and fills the soul to overflowing with gladness.” by Old Blue (A. J. Galloway), from Southern Star, Newton, Alabama, Wednesday, April 5, 1916, page 2

Facebook apologizes, and other links

The posting of links does not constitute an endorsement of the sites linked, and not necessarily even agreement with the specific posts linked.

• Before There was George Lucas or JRR Tolkien—There was John Bunyan -- "One of the few things they did have to alleviate a modicum of their drudgery was reading, and the attendant escapism that personal imagination could bring."
• Bre Payton, Beloved Staff Writer At The Federalist, Has Passed Away -- "Bre brightened the lives of everyone around her. She was joyful, hard-working, and compassionate, and she leaves behind friends and colleagues for whom she brought nothing but sweetness and light."
• Deacons: Shock-Absorbers and Servants -- "Elders lead ministry, deacons facilitate ministry, the congregation does ministry. That, I believe, is the New Testament model..."
• Facebook apologizes for banning evangelist Franklin Graham for 24 hours -- "Facebook is apologizing to evangelist Franklin Graham for banning him from posting on the site for 24 hours last week, a Facebook spokesperson told The Charlotte Observer on Saturday. It was a mistake to ban Graham over a 2016 post he made on the site, and a mistake to have taken down the post, the spokesperson said."
• Former NYT Editor warns marquee newspapers of Anti-Trump bias, eroding credibility -- "The former executive editor of the New York Times takes aim at her former paper and the Washington Post for news coverage she labels as, ‘unmistakably anti-Trump’."
• Is the Deep State trying to tank the China trade deal, stock market, and economy before 2020? -- "Goldman sees two general possibilities: that Trump knew about and approved the arrest (despite the probably negative effects on the trade deal he seeks) or that he was not witting."
• Is There Such a Thing as Church Authority? -- "Here are seven points regarding the keys of the kingdom, and how local churches exercise authority through their use"
• John Owen on excommunication and the gospel -- "The excommunicated person is to lose all the privileges of church membership. They are “handed over to Satan”..."
• Rand Paul rips Romney for criticizing Trump -- "This is bad for the Republican Party and really bad for an ability to work together in the Senate to get things done, when you take the time to attack someone’s character."
• Steve Chalke, Peter Tatchell, Julie Bindel and the Creeping Normalisation of Paedophilia -- "My own view is that polygamy is well on its way, incest is not too far behind, and what society once regarded as the absolute sin, paedophilia will eventually arrive."
• The Healing Power of Horses -- "Offering health and mobility gains with the aid of horses is the mission of Larry Barnett, a retired U.S. Air Force pilot who became a therapeutic riding instructor in 2004."
• The Ongoing Decline of the American Male -- "We make men without chests and expect of them virtue and enterprise."
• The Tragedy of Feminism -- "...the irony of it all is that the feminist movement, while purporting to be all about freeing women from “bondage” to men, has in fact brought women into bondage to the feminist movement..."
• Transmania -- "An astonishing 17 pupils at a single British school are in the process of changing gender...Most of them are autistic, according to a teacher there, who said vulnerable children with mental health problems were being ‘tricked’ into believing they are the wrong sex."
• What is influencing fundamentalist worship today? -- "In my estimation, three sources have influenced modern fundamentalist worship most..."
• You Can’t Preach Christ Without Preaching Depravity -- "If we aim to preach Christ in our churches, then we must preach about what he endured and overcame on the cross."
• YouTube changed search results to appease liberal writer angry over pro-life videos -- "...Glaser worries that the search results could lead viewers to videos like the one from Ben Shapiro that highlights the experience of a woman who regretted aborting her child."

Carrying out spiritual disobedience

I firmly believe that in carrying out spiritual disobedience, the Bible demands me to rely on the grace and resurrection power of Christ, that I must respect and not overstep two boundaries.

The first boundary is that of the heart. Love toward the soul, and not hatred toward the body, is the motivation of spiritual disobedience. Transformation of the soul, and not the changing of circumstances, is the aim of spiritual disobedience. At any time, if external oppression and violence rob me of inner peace and endurance, so that my heart begins to breed hatred and bitterness toward those who persecute the church and abuse Christians, then spiritual disobedience fails at that point.

The second boundary is that of behavior. The gospel demands that disobedience of faith must be non-violent. The mystery of the gospel lies in actively suffering, even being willing to endure unrighteous punishment, as a substitute for physical resistance. Peaceful disobedience is the result of love and forgiveness. The cross means being willing to suffer when one does not have to suffer. For Christ had limitless ability to fight back, yet he endured all of the humility and hurt. The way that Christ resisted the world that resisted him was by extending an olive branch of peace on the cross to the world that crucified him.

 -- Pastor Wang Yi, Chengdu, China, October 4, 2018

Jesus, Master, whose I am

Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879) wrote this hymn in December, 1865, for her nephew, J. H. Shaw. It was first printed in J. & R. Parlane’s leaflets, then later published in two of her books, The Ministry of Song (1869, pp. 42-43) and Life Mosaic (1879, pp. 24-25). It is written in 7s. meter, with 6 lines per stanza. The hymn appears often with the tunes Graceham and Wells.

1. Jesus, Master, whose I am,

Purchased Thine alone to be,

By Thy blood, O spotless Lamb,

Shed so willingly for me;

Let my heart be all Thine own,

Let me live for Thee alone.

2. Other lords have long held sway;

Now, Thy name alone to bear;

Thy dear voice alone obey,

Is my daily, hourly prayer.

Whom have I in heaven but Thee?

Nothing else my joy can be.

3. Jesus, Master, I am Thine!

Keep me faithful, keep me near;

Let Thy presence in me shine

All my homeward way to cheer,

Jesus! at Thy feet I fall,

Oh, be Thou my All-in-all.

4. Jesus, Master, whom I serve,

Though so feebly and so ill,

Strengthen hand and heart and nerve,

All Thy bidding to fulfill;

Open Thou mine eyes to see

All the work Thou hast for me.

5. Lord, Thou needest not, I know,

Service such as I can bring,

Yet I long to prove and show

Full allegiance to my king.

Thou an honour[i] art to me;

Let me be a praise to Thee.

6. Jesus, Master, wilt Thou use

One who owes Thee more than all?

As Thou wilt! I would not choose,

Only let me hear Thy call.

Jesus! let me always be

In Thy service glad and free.

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[i] In stanza 5, line 5 (in Life Mosaic), the word “honour” carries this note – “See marginal reading of 1 Peter ii. 7.” Also the first 3 stanzas are on page 24 under the heading “Whose I Am,” while the last three stanzas are on page 25 under the heading “Whom I Serve.” The hymn is labeled in the same manner on pages 42 and 43 of The Ministry of Song.