Luther on Children at the Table

Martin Luther said many fine and provocative things with which we should disagree. But with the following word about children at the Table of the Lord paedobaptists ought not to disagree:

When in 1 Corinthains Paul said that a man should examine himself, he spoke only of adults because he was speaking about those who were quarreling among themselves. However, he doesn't here forbid that the sacrament of the altar be given even to children (Vol. 54, Luther's Works, p. 58).

Luther seems consistent biblically and theologically with his paedobaptist stance. So why do so many paedobaptists today act like credobaptists when it comes to the Supper?

Two Covenants in Deuteronomy?

Two texts in Deuteronomy have given me pause over the years, even puzzled me. They are Deut. 5:2-3 and 29:1. And the pause and puzzlement surround this question: Are two covenants to be understood, or one? Often it is stated that what we see here is covenant renewal. So the covenant "besides the covenant . . . made with [Israel] at Horeb" (29:1) is not a different covenant, but the same, only refreshed, as it were. This may be true, but I'm not sure yet. I'm not convinced. The language sounds stronger than that of renewal. And, look closely, the text does not call the covenant made with the present generation a renewed covenant. It almost sounds like old versus new covenant language.

So what's going on here? I'm not sure yet, but I raise this question. And wait for light from above. It seems that there are already—here in Deuteronomy—intimations of the inadequacy and impermanence of the old covenant and the expectation of a new. This should not surprise anyone either. For, after all, the law-covenant does not nullify the covenant promise to Abraham. Paul points this up in Galations 3 as immensely important. But, as I said, I wait for more light. And I acknowledge that the standard view may well be right.

The Sovereign Spirit Blows Where He Wills

In recent weeks, both in sermons and in my reading, I have bumped up against John 3. Or, more aptly, John 3 has met me like a mighty rushing wind. And one truth in particular is on me, not least because I'm aware personally and culturally of how little we get this, we who try to manage and domesticate the absolutely sovereign and free God in countless ways. Without success, of course. He is God. He is the Lord. He does as he pleases. And none forces his hand.

Here's a word about a word from Jesus in John 3 from Thomas Brooks: "The Spirit is free in the works of conversion, and, as the wind, he blows when, where, and how he pleases" (Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, p. 225).

The Mutual Funds of Missions Funding

Here's a cut-to-the-chase, no-nonsense post on missions with all sorts of sound thinking (even if offensive). I've thought similar things almost all by my lonesome for years (though I couldn't articulate it all half so well as it is articulated here). Have a look. Do we need to rethink missions, oh evangelical? I'd answer: "Yes! Yes! and Yes!" (While jumping up and down on my head, blue in the face, trying to get someone's attention.) I'd love to see our missionaries looking less haggard on furlough. And I'd love to see our missionaries more equipped, qualified, and backed to do the work to which they've been called. Wouldn't you?

Faith Overcomes the World

How does one overcome the power of sin, the seduction of Satan, the worldliness of the world, and the onslaught of hell? Thomas Brooks answers:

It is only faith in Christ that makes a man triumph over sin, Satan, hell, and the world (1 John 5:4). It is only faith in Christ that binds the strong man's hand and foot, that stops the issue of blood, that makes a man strong in resisting, and happy in conquering. Sin always dies most where faith lives most. The most believing soul is the most mortified soul. Ah! sinner, remember this, there is no way on earth effectually to be rid of the guilt, filth, and power of sin, but by believing in a Saviour. It is not in resolving, it is not complaining, it is not mourning, but believing, that will make thee divinely victorious over that body of sin that to this day is too strong for thee, and that will certainly be thy ruin, if it be not ruined by a hand of faith (Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, p. 220).

Resolutions are good, but they often fail. Our resolve often proves powerless, but faith overcomes the world.

Resolved

Here's my last post on Edwards' Resolutions (for now). I love this man's intensity. Oh Lord, give me some of that man's spirit!

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it—that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc.

62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully "as unto the Lord, and not to man; knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord."

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

—Works of Jonathan Edwards, vol. 16, pp. 753-759.

Evangelical: A Cultural, not a Theological, Term

Usage governs meaning. The semanticists and lexicographers agree. Given that this is so, and given that evangelical no longer means what it once did, it is high time to live with the fact that it is merely, by and large, a cultural, not a theological, term. It's merely descriptive of a vague and amorphous culture that is not theologically defined. For my part, I can no longer consider myself an evangelical. It doesn't mean anything. I'm happy with reformed evangelical, however, as that delimits what is meant by evangelical. Of course I'm showing my hand here. And I think we all should. Open statement of the truth is apostolic (2 Cor. 4:2).

It seems to me that the orthodox, if they want to hang on to the term (and there is good reason for doing so), would do well to add a delimiting descriptor before evangelical, such as reformed evangelical. And I also think that all would do well to become reformed evangelicals and self-consciously confessionally stand in the line of that rich heritage, embracing confessionally the riches and blessings of the Reformation. (Yes, I'm grinning.)

Sensuality and Covetousness: Like Hand in Glove

Rob Bell is a false teacher. He has clearly perverted the Gospel of the grace of God. And this did not start, by the way, with his teaching about the absence of a populated hell.

Now given that he is a false teacher, although he is garbed in light, the deeds of darkness are doubtless manifest there (or soon will be). In particular, there is undoubtedly sensuality and covetousness in Rob Bell, which fit false teachers like hand in glove. See 2 Peter and Jude. If such perversion and ungodliness have not yet been uncovered, wait a while. Without repentance those filthy deeds of the flesh will be unmasked, and those who see him as an angel of light will see him that way no more (hopefully).

But the prayer of the Church ought to be that God would grant Bell repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, delivering him from the snare of the devil (2 Tim. 2:24-26). However, let it be said with Paul, if anyone does not love the Lord Jesus, let him be anathema (1 Cor. 16:22).

Resolved

Yet another round of resolutions from Edwards:

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness, and benignity.

59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill-nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times.

60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination.

—Works of Jonathan Edwards, vol. 16, pp. 753-759.

Resolved

Here are two more from Edwards' Resolutions, which devastate me, especially as I consider the way I dishonored my parents as a child and young man. And so I pray: "O God, remember not the sins of my youth, and instruct this sinner in the everlasting way, according to your steadfast love and for the sake of your goodness."

46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.

47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so (Works of Jonathan Edwards, vol. 16, pp. 753-759).

"Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD! Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way!" (Ps. 25:7-8).

Republocrat

I just finished Carl Trueman's book Republocrat. It's a good book for those who look to Fox News or MSNBC (or the like) for their politcal nourishment. Otherwise, it's not all that helpful or insightful. Where it is helpful is in giving an outsider's perspective on American politics (Trueman is a British Christian). But any Christian who reads his Bible, and believes what is says, will not find himself Trueman's target.

The Beginning and End of Marriage

Doug O'Donnell's exposition of Mt. 19:1-12 last Lord's Day offers exemplary careful and balanced instuction on an emotionally and existentially charged topic. The teaching points in the direction of holy and wise love regarding marriage matters and, above all, points toward seeking the things of the kingdom. Doug expounds with sensitivity and care Jesus' teaching on the perpetually relevant and difficult issue of divorce. In my judgment, Doug's view about the weightier matters of the law in relation to divorce exhibits sound biblical balance and maturity. And this relation probably needs to be thought about and taught more, lest we find ourselves among the loveless and merciless legalists.

Gospel-Centered Preaching and Pastoring

Pastor Jay Thomas has begun a series on Colossians at his new post, Chapel Hill Bible Church. The sermons flowing from this ministry will doubtless prove to be a great resource beyond the local church in which they are first preached.

Congratulations Jay on your new assignment! And may the Lord multiply and increase his Word in your midst and beyond through many years of fruitful ministry—filling the earth with the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

The church's website provides biographical bits about Jay and Rebecca. You may also want to see the twelve priorities that shape Jay's life and ministry.