Christian Life

The Fourth of July and the Church

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Fourth July

A subject that I had not giving a lot of thought to is the appropriateness of celebrating America’s Independence in a worship service of the local church. Perhaps it is so common I had never had occasion to consider it, but a thoughtful article by Thomas Kidd on The Gospel Coalition (article here) gave me pause to consider it.

He carefully traced the history of the churches of Early America having a celebration on the Fourth of July unless it fell on Sunday, but not in the regular worship services until later years. Kidd felt it blurred some important lines and made suggestions on how to handle the situation. You can read the article yourself to form your own opinions.

After some thought, I believe the issue is what it actually means to you. Do you love America right or wrong? By love I mean that she retains superiority no matter what? Is God indebted to our nation? Do you love your God far more than your nation? When conflict arises, who is to blame–the Lord or the good old USA?

When I spoke of America to our congregation and when sang the patriotic hymns, I specifically meant:

1. I love the country the Lord allowed me to be born in.

I suspect people from other countries would feel the same way about their homeland. I’m not claiming superiority, just that the land of your nativity naturally will always be a warm spot in your heart– a spot that a Christian will be thankful for.

2. I love the Christian heritage of my country.

I love it so much that I praise my God for it and the blessings that we still derive from it to this day. We were once a truly Christian nation and the precious possession of freedom sprang directly from it. As we lose these freedoms and run from our Godly heritage, I, of course, lament the losses, but I praise the Lord even more. I feel like the hearts of our congregation was united on that point. I have to believe the Lord would be pleased that our thanksgiving on that matter would be directed back to Him.

On the other hand, our love of country and patriotism does not blind our eyes to its sins. To balance our perspective, we further believe:

1. I hate the sin that is destroying my country.

Without hesitation, we proclaim where our country is fighting God and heading to judgment. When an issue comes up, we never cover it for our nation. The Lord is right and our nation is wrong. Period.

2. I feel compelled to pray for my country.

God is just and our country has no free pass on its wickedness. That means we prayed for our country–Lord forgive our sins, Lord turn our nation back, Lord send revival. As I prayed, I believe the people had the appropriate attitude of heart. At other points of the service, I noticed men leading in prayer returning to that same theme.

We are blessed too that our patriotic hymns turn us back to the Lord acknowledging His help and mercy in our lives. I see no conflict in singing those songs to the glory of my God.

We had a patriotic element in our service, but the last song we sang was wholly about worshiping the Lord. Our sermon was totally about yielding to God in our personal lives because He and His Word are the ultimate authority.

All in all, I am in favor of an appropriate patriotic element in our July 4th services as long as everything is in its place–our Lord is supreme and our nation is not. God bless America!

 

 

 

 

 

Knowing God by Packer–A Timeless Classic

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book knowing god

Using the idea of knowing God, Packer has struck the perfect balance between theology and Christian living. That has worked well because doctrine in its purest form intersects best at the point of real life. Add to that timely material a simple yet profound writing style, and you have the substance of a masterpiece. It can be cliché to throw around words like “classic”, but if you read this book, you will discover that it is true.

Here IVP gives us the classic in a deluxe edition worthy of its value and a new study guide. Both will serve to extend the value of a book that has lost nothing in the passage of time. It’s found on almost every list of greatest Christian books that I have ever seen. I read it slowly and found it impacting.

Of course you may find a sentence or a paragraph that you disagree with, as I did, but you will be challenged and feel you “know” God a little better as you read. I first thought that I would tell about my favorite chapter(s) in this review, but I underlined too much in every chapter to narrow them to favorites.

I would recommend that every Christian interact at some point with this extraordinary volume.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A Matter of Life and Death by Bill Goldsborough

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daeth life

Written primarily for Fundamental Baptists, this volume seeks to address a glaring misunderstanding among many. The subtitle “thoughts for thinking fundamentalists” makes me think that Bill Goldsborough would like to move more fundamentalists over to the “thinking” category.

In chapter one we are told that “identity is determined by birth, not by behavior,” and from that basis he seeks to get us thinking. That basis for identity should give peace and an entirely different approach to the Christian life than the one so many are living. Many Christians have something far short of peace and strive for what could never be earned, though it is freely given. It’s a tragedy he hopes to Scripturally help us get past.

He focuses much on old man verses new man and what he believes the Bible teaches on that subject. He also explains carefully what it means to “reckon” Christ in your life. That can be quite revolutionary for a believer.

He marshals an incredible amount of Scripture to make his case, and unlike some works I’ve seen, those references actually discuss his subject. It also kind of had the feel of old Keswick writings as you go through this book.

He writes with an encouraging and helpful spirit. You might disagree on the interpretation of a particular passage he references, but you will appreciate the warmth of this book. If we see our relationship with Christ more along the lines he describes, we will definitely be blessed.

 

 

 

 

Impossible People by Os Guinness

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book

This book is the one precisely needed today. It speaks to what thinking Christians are dwelling on. His title won’t make any sense until you read his reference to Peter Damian, but the book will strike the right cord on many levels. The problems are as bad as we imagined, yet the answer is not despair, but courage.

He will explain how Western culture is in its death throws. He really doesn’t explain a way to save it as we are too far down the line for that, but Western culture or not, Christians have an obligation just as they did in the hedonistic days of the Roman Empire.

He writes about how Christians are failing dramatically these days. He compares the very thing some of us have been telling others–how did German Christians get duped into accepting Nazism. Sounds so familiar, doesn’t it?

Os Guinness never fails to challenge me and this title is no exception. This book,  particularly, is needed whether that sounds trite or not. There is so much more here that I don’t even know what to say other than I underlined line after line as I read. This is a winner and I give it the highest recommendation.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Eternal Salvation–A Christian Movie Review

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eternal

Eternal Salvation is an excellent Christian movie. The wooden acting that has plagued some Christian films is no where to be found in this movie. The plot will grab your attention throughout. My wife and children watched this film with me and we give it a family thumbs up. You will love this Dove-approved Eternal Salvation DVD.

The story is of an unsaved family man who is a high-profile investment banker. He survives a brain aneurysm, but faces struggles in recovery and with his job and protege. Through that difficult time and the help of a Christian friend he finds Christ. There are more issues after his salvation that help him deepen his faith. His wife and daughter find the Lord as well. There is fine drama in telling this story that makes for a fine viewing experience.

I might quibble over the portrayal of his daughter’s conversion. It was not made clear that she had to have  a personal faith herself. Plus my children all noticed that she was an older girl than the part she was playing. Still, this is a film I recommend for your family.

You can check out a variety of similar Christian DVDs here. Fishflix is allowing me to offer you a $5 coupon to their site if you join their email list. You can join by visiting www.fishflix.com/5gift or texting 5-GIFT to 44222. I get no kickback on this coupon, but am happy for other families to have this resource.

I received this DVD free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Blessing of Humility by Jerry Bridges

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bridges

I hadn’t read a Jerry Bridges title in several years, though I have no idea why. Years ago I was incredibly blessed by his book on holiness. Reading this re-released title makes me regret not having read more by this beloved, recently deceased writer. Navpress is re-releasing his titles in far more attractive paperbacks that those we saw years ago.

This title had that same heart-piercing quality I remembered from years back. The ten chapters are based the Beatitudes. In them he sees the theme of humility. I had never really thought of that, but after reading him  I am thoroughly convinced he is right. I was hooked by the time I finished the first Beatitude of “poor in spirit.”

Every chapter was superb, but I was most moved by the ones on mourning, pure in heart, and peacemaker. That will probably vary among readers based on where they are, but I would be shocked if some of these chapters didn’t move you.

The main value in this volume is its devotional or Christian growth element, but I plan to keep it on hand when I am studying the Beatitudes too. It holds up quite well as a Bible study resource as well.

I highly recommend this volume and have decided I need more Jerry Bridges reading for myself.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Emperor Has Spoken

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emperor

The edict has just come down from the Imperial Palace, formally known as the White House, directing all public schools in our nation to allow so-called “transgender” students to use the bathroom they self-identify with. I guess in a country where a President can self-identify as a king and can get away with it, even to the degree that other members of our republican government join the facade and put on the costumes of court subjects with most fighting over the one of the court jester, it was inevitable a high school boy could “self-identify” (wink, wink) and get into the girl’s bathroom or gym showers.

We were already forced a few weeks ago to think through this issue (as I did here for myself), and many of us decided that this wasn’t going to work for our families. Now in a move shocking both in its suddenness and brashness, we have a nationwide proclamation that hits in a place that should definitely be protected from such shenanigans: our schools.

I’m heartbroken for our country. I’m heartbroken for the family that has no other option besides public schools. I’m heartbroken for the good public school teachers who will now be put in a hopeless situation. I’m sorry for the accredited Christian schools or colleges who will have trouble avoiding this ruling. Most of all, I am sorrowful for the helpless children who will suffer.

The children of our country deserve better. Many children who abuse another child are ones who have been abused themselves. The adults need to protect them all. A safe bathroom is a minimum requirement, wouldn’t you say?

I do want to thank God that homeschooling is still a legal option.  I applaud all homeschooling mothers, who even though you may want to pull your hair out at times, you are one of the true heroes of our generation. I want to thank those involved in providing Christian schools too. With what is going on in public schools, homeschoolers and Christian school families need not split hairs.

There’s another thing that needs admitting at this time. Perhaps the drama of the 2016 presidential election with Trump and Hillary and the others made us forget for a moment. Obama is the most perversely effective president in our nation’s history. He has gotten through so much of his grotesque agenda, an agenda far beyond what we thought in 2008. He has used methods not mentioned in our Constitution, methods never heard of before, and they have worked with apparent ease. Every few months now we are getting the shock of our lives. And that’s exactly what this nationwide “transgender” bathroom edict really is. May God help us.

Two New Titles From Hendrickson

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cross giving

Hendrickson has picked up two fine titles from the Lausanne Library.

The Grace of Giving by John Stott and Chris Wright

This short volume is actually two books in one: The Grace of Giving by John Stott written in 2004 and The Gift of Accountability by Chris Wright written in 2013. An easy, but provocative read, these two titles combine well.

Stott deduces ten principles for Christian giving from an exposition of II Corinthians 8 & 9–the kind of exposition where he always found his writing material. The beauty of it is how flawlessly his conclusions sprang from the text. It’s hard to believe that something so condensed could be so powerful, yet that is clearly the case here. Preachers might find it a seed plot for preaching on giving too.

Wright, a colleague and something of a keeper of the flame for the late Stott, did not duplicate Stott but looked at the same passage and found clear principles for accountability. It was a helpful addition to Stott and was particularly potent for our reckless generation.

Small enough for a wider distribution, this volume is a winner.

The Glory Of The Cross by James Philip

Subtitled ” Exploring the Meaning of the Death of Christ”, this volume in a manageable 60 pages well overviews its subject. Its size might make it a particular blessing for those who panic in the presence of larger theological tomes.

Still, don’t label it lightweight as it works to make a theological impact, and succeeds without surrendering accessibility. Tracing Christ from the Last Supper, to the Garden of Gethsemane, and on to the Cross, this book stays in His final 24 hours. No wonder Philip ends with Hallelujah! What a Saviour! before he gives a reminder of Jesus’ Return and the need to share the story of the death of Christ.

Small enough for a wider distribution, this book that could be read quickly might best be read slowly. I recommend it.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I Will by Thom Rainer

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iwill

Here’s a needed book for pastors and church members alike. Pastors need to know what church members are really thinking these days. At the same time, church members would do well to recognize how the culture has affected us all and turned us into church consumers who only view church in terms of what benefits it can give. Lost in the shuffle is service, which clearly is a bedrock of Christianity.

Rainer is the perfect author for this subject. He’s been studying churches and pastors for years. He challenges us to break out of the straitjacket of an inward focus. It is, as he writes here, a matter of the will.

As we have shifted to a preference-driven mentality, he diagnoses our real problem: the focus of our worship is not on God. He encourages us to say “I will” to corporate worship. He also encourages us to grow together with others rather than in isolation. His chapters on serving and going would likely revitalize any church whose members put it in practice. He wonderfully discussed the oft avoided subject of giving too.

The final three chapters on determining not to be a church dropout, avoiding the traps of churchianity, and deciding to make a difference are a challenge to every individual Christian. As a pastor, I wish  church members everywhere would read it.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .

More Books On Revival

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photoSince I have had revival on my mind for a year,  I have been reading newly discovered titles and looking anew at books read long ago. Here are some more books on the subject if you too have been thinking about it.

1. Jonathan Edwards On Revival

This volume published by Banner of Truth combines three of Edward’s smaller works–A Narrative of Surprising Conversions, The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God. Two are historical accounts, the other a theological evaluation of the revivals Edwards personally witnessed. This book carries weight because  Edwards is such a respected scholar and theologian. He lives up to that respect by hiding nothing negative or excessive he saw in the revivals. Despite those anonomlies, he concludes God was mightily involved in the revivals he saw. It, then, is an encouragement to believe the Lord sends revival.

2. An Endless Line of Splendor by Earle E. Cairns

This book is simply historical, yet it gives a great overview of revivals from the Great Awakening to the 1980s. The thing that jumps off the page is that the Lord has sent revival as often as He has. While you might not agree with some things he includes, the book is excellent for what it is.

3. The Welsh Revival of 1904 by Eifion Evans

This volume is a mature look at revival in the context of the famous Welsh Revival in 1904. He faces the failings head on and yet a true picture of revival emerges. This book must be included in any in-depth look at revival.

4. We Can Have Revival Now! by John R. Rice

This is not as well known as other titles by this prolific Baptist author, but it is one of his best. While he can confuse revival with mass crusades or even soul winning, he still gives us a passionate plea for revival. He could perhaps go to far, and like Finney, make revival sound automatic if certain procedures are followed. Still, I leave that book reminded we are not past the days of possible revival. On that level, the book is a home run.

5. How To Have a Revival, compiled by John R. Rice and Robert Wells

This long out-of-print title is probably hard to find. The contributors are all successful evangelists from the 1920s-1940s.  Some of the chapters are out of date and unhelpful, so I only read the ones that I felt still applied. Those chapters were highly challenging and helpful. You will enjoy it, if you can find it.

 

For other titles previously recommended and some thoughts I had on revival, click here.