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Judah and Tamar

/ sweetpeacardco

Recently in our chronological Bible reading we came across one of the most difficult and seemingly incomprehensible passages in Scripture. Sadly, I preached on Genesis 37 and not 38 (where this story is found) and so we missed the opportunity to explore its riches. A friend of mine, however, from Walsh Baptist Church, Ontario, Canada, recently wrote an article on the chapter and I felt it was such a good exposition that I asked for permission to share it with folks here in Cromhall:

Judah And Tamar – Unravelling One Of The Strangest Chapters In All Of Holy Scripture

What is this story doing in my Bible?!  That’s probably the reaction you first had when you came across the story of Judah and Tamar.  It won’t be the last story that makes you ask that question.  As we read the Bible we need to remember that Old Testament narrative is not ‘prescriptive’, but ‘descriptive’.  We aren’t hearing a story that is telling us how we should act, rather we are hearing a story telling us about what really happened, and revealing how God acted towards the characters in the story.  Sometimes we get a close account of God’s justice or mercy; sometimes we get the long view that requires entire chapters to go by before the picture emerges.  Keep in mind, however, that God is the hero of the story of the Bible.  It is the story of how God is redeeming for himself a people; delivering them from their sin and sanctifying them for himself.  The amazing thing is that God often redeems some very wretched people.

Judah is one of those wretches.  The story of Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38 might be one of the strangest stories in all of Holy Scripture.  At first glance it is equal parts offensive and inscrutable but on closer inspection it yields many useful insights into the character of God, the nature of sin and the hope of our redemption.  The story unfolds in distinct scenes or stages:

Scene 1 – Judah’s Character on Display

In scene 1 we become acquainted with the main character, humanly speaking, in this unusual narrative.  Judah is the fourth born son of Leah, the unloved wife of Jacob.  What did he learn as a child, before his father Jacob had been converted at the Jabbok?  He had seen his father play favourites between his wives; he had seen his mother and her sister manipulate his father with sexual seduction.  Judah grows up in a very dysfunctional family.

Over the past 17 years he had seen his half-brother Joseph favoured over all his siblings.  So great is his disdain for his brother that he conspires with his brothers to kill him when they see him coming to meet them in the fields.  It is only the voice of his older brother Reuben that stays their hand and they throw him down a dry well.  Judah is a wicked man.

Then we hear Judah’s voice.  “Let’s sell him.”  Looking out over the fields he saw a group of slave traders headed for Egypt, and so he pulls him out of the pit and sells him for 20 shekels of silver.  Clearly, Judah is a wicked man.

Then, to cover their guilt, the brothers kill a goat and dip Joseph’s robe into the blood and present it to their father with the question: Please identify the owner of this robe?  (Don’t forget that line – it makes another appearance in the story before us.)  With that lie, a blood dipped coat of many colours, Judah and his brothers break their father’s heart with a lie.  I don’t need to say it again, but I will, Judah is a wicked man.

It is not accident that this story about Judah interrupts the story about Joseph, the two are tied together.  After selling his brother into slavery Jacob separates himself for a time from his brothers, he makes a poor friend – Hirah, the Addullamite – a Canaanite and moves into another part of Canaan.  Abraham wouldn’t have a Canaanite wife for Isaac; Isaac wouldn’t take a Canaanite wife for Jacob and mourned that Esau had married a Canaanite.  But Judah thinks nothing of taking a Canaanite woman for his wife.  We never learn her name – just that she was the daughter of Shua.

She bears him 3 sons: Er, Onan and Shelah.

And they fall not far from the tree.  They have a ruthless, wicked, brother-selling; father-deceiving dad – and the Bible simply tells us that they were wicked.  So wicked that God doesn’t allow the first two to live, but puts them to death.

Scene 2 – Tamar Deprived of Justice

Into our story enters a young Canaanite woman.  Her name is Tamar and Tamar means ‘Palm Tree’.  It is Judah who arranges the marriage on behalf of his son Er.  I expect her father gave a dowry to the newly married couple and they began life together.  Tamar and Er – a wicked man, the son of a wicked man.  We know nothing of their relationship, in what way was Er wicked?  Did he take out his wickedness on his new wife?  Did he beat her?  Did he insult and belittle her?  Did Tamar suffer?  She suffered in at least one way.  Her husband died and left her a widow without children.

This was one of the worst situations a woman could find herself in in the Ancient world of Canaan.  No social security, no welfare, no safety-net, no poor homes or nursing homes for the aged.  A woman was dependent upon her children to support her and care for her in her old age.

No one wanted to be saddled with a widow to support.

So the law codes of the ancient world stated that the next brother in line was to take her as his own wife and ensure that she had children so that his BROTHER’S line would continue.

So Onan is called upon to PERFORM THE DUTY OF A BROTHER-IN-LAW TO HER, AND RAISE UP OFFSPRING FOR YOUR BROTHER.

But the calculations in Onan’s mind show him that if Tamar ever has a child, it will reduce his fortunes.  You see, with Er out of the way, Onan stands to inherit the share of the first born – half of all that his Father owns – not the ¼ share that would come to him if Er had lived.  But if Tamar has a son, that son will be considered the son of Er, not Onan and so the first born child of Tamar would stand in line before his father to inherit the larger share.

So we have this terrible verse in the Bible.  But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his.  So whenever he went in to his brother’s wife he would waste the semen on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother. (Gen 38:9)

Onan is willing to treat Tamar like an object of pleasure – but not as a person to whom justice is due.

This is oppression.  He is oppressing his sister in law.  She is legally bound to him and his family.  She has no recourse to go elsewhere – but instead of giving her a hope and a future, he simply uses and abuses her and leaves her childless.

God sees it.  God deals with it.  God kills Onan because he is wicked.

And now one son remains to Judah – and he has no heirs from Tamar.  His sons are dead because of their own wickedness – but Judah begins to look at Tamar like she might be the cause.

So he sends her home to her father to wait until his youngest son was old enough to marry.  And so Tamar is asked to put her life on hold.  She is still bound to Judah’s family – she is now considered the BETROTHED wife of Shelah – but she must wait, living in widows weeds in her father’s home.

And time goes by.

Weeks, months, years?

Judah does not send for her.  Shelah does not inquire.  She has been forgotten – cast aside.  Bound to a man who will never give her children.

Then word reaches her that Judah’s wife has died; he has completed his time of mourning and is planning to go up to Timnah for sheep-shearing.

Scene 3 – Tamar and Judah’s Shame

In Scene 3 a plot hatches in the mind of Tamar.

In Canaan sheep shearing was a famous time for debauchery.  It would not be helpful for your personal sanctification to know the details of the Canaanite rituals, for I cannot erase what I know and wish I didn’t.  But suffice to say that Canaanites worshipped their idols through ‘cult prostitutes’.

So Tamar lays aside her widow’s clothing; and puts on the veil of a prostitute and sat by the side of the road waiting for her father-in-law.

There is intent here.  She is not simply playing prostitute for any man – she is lying in wait for Judah.  (What does it tell you about that man’s character, that this woman set out IN THIS WAY to entrap him?)

It works, Judah sees a young prostitute and makes her a proposition.  (Remember, this is a wicked man we’re dealing with – at every turn he confirms it.)  He will pay her a goat for her services – and in pledge until the goat arrives, he surrenders his SEAL and STAFF – not unlike handing over his credit card and driver’s license.  These are unique items that identify a specific owner.

The deed is done.  Tamar is pregnant by her father-in-law and Judah is stumped as to where his seal and staff have gone.

He sends back the promised goat with his wicked friend Hiram only to find that the village-folk don’t know of any cult prostitute that plies her trade in that area.

‘She’s gone… I don’t know where she went.  Do you want me to put up a wanted poster?’  I imagine that’s the sort of ribald jesting Judah heard from his wicked friend.

“No, of course not,” Judah isn’t ashamed of his sin, he’s ashamed he was taken advantage of and let some harlot escape with such important items.  But he’s not going to open himself to open ridicule by making the fact known to the whole community.

“Let her have them… at least my respectability is intact.”  That’s the sentiment we get from the passage.

Scene 4 – Judah’s Hypocrisy and Tamar’s Fate

Three months pass.  And word reaches Judah that Tamar has played the harlot and is pregnant.

Now – get this straight – the fury of Judah is not against Tamar as the widow of his first two sons.  His claim against her – the accusation that is being leveled, is that she has committed adultery against Shelah – his youngest son, to whom she is now betrothed IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT JUDAH KNOWS THAT THERE WILL NEVER BE A WEDDING FOR THOSE TWO.

His wrath is that the name of his family has been brought into disrespect and dishonor.  People are going to be talking behind his back.  He’ll be a laughing stock.

So he sets out to settle the score.  (I wonder if he is secretly delighted at the thought of getting rid of this woman ‘legally’.)

“Bring her out and let her be burned.”

The crowd has gathered, the wood is being stacked up.  The rumour mill is churning.  But before the Tamar emerges for her last walk to the pyre she sends out a bundle and asks Judah the question he had once asked his father:

“Please identify whose these are.  By this man I am pregnant.”

It’s not hard to figure out who they belong to.

Scene 5 – Repentance and Conversion

And in that moment something shifts.  Judah IS guilty.  But he finally sees it, his eyes are open and he recognizes at last his own guilt.

He is guilty of depriving Tamar of justice by keeping his son from her.

He is guilty of impregnating his daughter-in-law.

He is guilty of gross hypocrisy – for he was ready to put her to death for the very sins that he was guilty of.

And this is not just a sense of public embarrassment.  This is genuine repentance that goes right to the heart.  She is going to be the mother of twin boys – both counted as the children and heirs of Judah – but he will never again lay a hand upon Tamar.

Judah not only repents, his repentance is real, his heart is converted.  Jump forward 15 years.  The ruthless, merciless Judah is nowhere to be found.  Knowing that the only way that food can be purchased for the extended family is to bring his youngest brother to Egypt he offers his own life as surety.

And Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice.”  (Genesis 43:8-10 ESV)

Of course – the man at the other end is Joseph, the brother Judah once sold to slave traders.  Judah doesn’t know who he is – but when Joseph threatens to arrest Benjamin we see a very changed Judah – he now pleads for his brothers life and offers his own life in pledge for his brothers.  From whence came this enormous change in heart – it would seem that the story of Judah and Tamar was the point of conversion in the heart of Judah.

 “Now therefore, as soon as I come to your servant my father, and the boy is not with us, then, as his life is bound up in the boy’s life, as soon as he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die, and your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol. For your servant became a pledge of safety for the boy to my father, saying, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, then I shall bear the blame before my father all my life.’ Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I fear to see the evil that would find my father.”  (Genesis 44:30-34 ESV)

We see in the story of Judah and Tamar the scandal of grace.  Their child, Perez, will be part of the genetic chain the results in the birth of Christ.  It isn’t until we come to Christ and his atoning sacrifice that we can fully understand the scope of God’s grace.  So deep, so complete will be the sacrifice of the Saviour that no sin stands outside of his ability to forgive.

There are sins that the world is never willing to forgive.  The world sets an eternal condemnation against actions such as Tamar and Judah – but if you could only know how dark and twisted are the lives of the people you meet everyday, you would understand why God records this story for posterity.

A Saviour who can only redeem people from petty theft, lying on their taxes and thinking impure thoughts isn’t going nearly deep enough to redeem lost humanity.

The entry of God’s Son into the world is good news for those living under the guilt of grievous sin.  His grace is sufficient to atone for every sin.  Even an incestuous relationship between Tamar and Judah.

The result of embracing his gracious forgiveness is NOT license – but conversion.  The natural consequences in this life may remain.  The one who has always been tempted by certain sins will do well to set a great deal of distance between himself and his temptation – but we trust that God’s grace is sufficient to transform the most wretched sinner.

SDG

Marc Bertrand

[originally written on Feb 5, 2016 for adfontes.ca]

 

Have we not been here before?

/ sweetpeacardco

Have we not been here before? Comparing 17th Century Persecution of Protestant Dissenters and the Looming Ofsted Debacle Facing 21st Century British Christianity

I recently had a conversation with a fellow brother in Christ about my concerns surrounding new and proposed powers for Ofsted regarding Fundamental British Values and the Prevent Duty (extremism). In response to a comment I made about this he asked, “I am interested to know what parallels you see between government response to extremism between 1662 and 1689 and our own times [i.e. Ofsted].” In answering this I will primarily be focusing on Christians but will seek to engage with other worldviews as far as I am able. This is a huge issue and I apologize in advance to anyone who recognizes I have not perhaps covered everything.

*To adequately respond to this I had to break my own rule of blogging brevity.

Let us take a journey back in time to 17th Century England. Beginning with the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 came an aim, driven by the partnership of both the church (the Church of England) and the State, to root out all “radicals” who had upset the country during the civil war and Commonwealth period. Similarly in the 18th Century when the Evangelical Revival began (which was really a revived attempt at reformation and spiritual renewal begun the previous century) Bishop Warburton (1698-1779) critiqued the movement labelling it that “old puritan fanaticism revived.”[1]

Churchmen and traditionalists viewed the Puritan aims to reform the state, church and society to be more in line with God’s word as fanatics, and Puritans viewed the traditionalists as traitors for having moved so far away from what God’s Word said regarding a Christian England. The seventeenth century is best understood as a clash of worldviews.

Speaking of the restoration of the monarchy, the puritan Richard Baxter (1615-91) lamented in 1665 that, “Never were such fair opportunities to sanctifie a Nation, lost and trodden underfoot, as have been in this Land of Late!” He continued that had it not “been for these Impediments, England had been like in a quarter of an Age to have become a Land of Saints, and a Pattern of Holiness to all the World, and the unmatchable Paradise of the Earth.” [2] Under the influence of Puritanism England had witnessed not only spiritual benefits but also other society advancements as well in areas such as literature, science, economics, education, etc.

Beginning in 1662, however, Parliament passed a series of laws known as the Conventicle Acts meant to supress Puritan views and enforce conformity to the religious and societal values of traditionalists. The laws were meant to crush dissent to a view that was at its centre informed by human wisdom rather than godly wisdom (Prov 3:5-8).[3] These acts sought to set the Book of Common Prayer (and its theology and forms of worship and church) as the national Christian standard. All ministers and public officials had to subscribe to them or face being ousted from their positions- in fact nearly 2000 ministers were ejected from their posts because of it, some of the ablest, most highly educated and most spiritual, to the detriment of society to be sure. Restrictions were also placed on how close these ministers could go to their old parishes. If one did not attend worship at the local parish church you would be fined. If you taught contrary to official church teaching you would be fined or imprisoned. To be able to worship outside of this regiment required a licence granted by the bishop (if it was indeed granted). Those who dissented were also barred from holding public office which in extreme instances went so far as to those whom government office bought their milk and firewood from.

Dissenters were systematically persecuted and driven to the edges of society, which meant the loss of some of the leading, brightest and loyal citizens of the realm. The end result? Far from ridding the country of such conscientious and Biblical examples the number of Dissenters (now organized as Independents or Congregationalists, Presbyterians, Baptists, etc) actually grew! Thankfully the government came to realize that conformity over man’s heart through power is impossible and was in fact counterproductive to their aims. The Dissenters fought for toleration so that we might have the freedom of religion we have today (we will come back to their understanding of that tolerance in a moment).

First, fast forward to the 21st Century and it doesn’t take much to realize that things have changed, but also to see that there is nothing new under the sun. Have we not been here before? We no longer live in the England of 350 years ago, however, there are some similarities. Through the state control of education (instead of by means of the church) the government is seeking to enforce conformity to a secular pluralistic [traditionalist] post-modern worldview to the exclusion of other views that oppose it. It is seeking to force opposing views (particularly religious) to conform to its agenda or face punishment. It is a clash of worldviews, but with one difference- the undoing of the hard won freedom of religious liberty. Historically the clash was regarding doctrine and matters of worship. Today it will often be ethical and surround truth claims.

Then and Now Parallels
Issue Then Now
Societal Shift Reformation/Puritanism-Restoration A Christian UK- post-modern multi-faith, multi-cultural secular pluralism
Clash of worldviews Puritan-Traditionalist Secular Pluralism- Christianity and other Dissenting Voices
Alliance (the winners) State-Established Church State- Secularism
Driving Force The intolerance of a State Church The intolerance of tolerance
The losers Dissenting Protestant Christians Authentic Christians and other Dissenting Voices
Those targeted Everyone but especially pastors and civil officials (Thinking primarily of Christians) Everyone but especially Christian pastors and leaders, civil servants (nurses, teachers, registrars), parents
Options Conform or else Conform or else
Outcome Persecution Persecution

 

From here on out I want to address a couple of matters like what is tolerance?, what is extremism?, how can societal freedoms be protected?, how can an increasingly polarized society coexist?, and what Christians should be preparing for if it is not.

But first I want to expose you to the reality of what Ofsted is being asked to promote in regards to Fundamental British Values and Extremism. The following examples come from Christian teachers who have sat in on Ofsted training.

  • In terms of Religious Education (that is to say religious schools):
    • Even if we ourselves have personal faith/beliefs that are contrary to what we have to teach we must remain neutral
      • E.g. Catholic schools must teach about homosexuality being an orientation and normal although Catholic schools put up a fuss that this goes against their beliefs—they are not being respectful or tolerant
  • To be on the lookout because extremism comes in many different forms:
    • Ex. Need to look out for/ be aware of not just extremist/fundamentalist Muslims but also fundamentalist Christians
    • Watch out for “my God is better than your God.”[4]
  • Statement: Although Christianity may have traditionally been the religion of the state we are a multi-cultural, multi-faith country who need to accept and include people of all faiths and cultures
  • Religious Education classes in Church of England Schools may still be held as normal but must present the “norms” without being prejudicial (e.g. on matters pertaining to abortion, homosexuality as they are part of the “rule of law” and “individual liberty” so therefore cannot be presented negatively).[5]

There is a lot in these short examples. I will do my best to address many of the matters raised as we look at the following questions:

What is tolerance?

Tolerance has come to mean something much different than the word originally meant. Today tolerance means accepting what others believe as equally valid and even embracing and celebrating them as one’s own. The change in meaning of this word must be seen within the wider cultural shift to post-modernity that sceptically denies that there is one grand meta-narrative that explains life.

Historically tolerance arose (largely as a concept championed by the Baptist and Mennonite traditions) by recognizing that while two people (or groups) may fundamentally disagree or be diametrically opposed to one another, it is not in either sides interest to kill one another, and so out of respect for the other grounded in the Christian teaching that we are all created in the image of God, it pledged to respect the other though they may fundamentally disagree; this was to be reciprocal.

To put it another way: I disagree with you (and believe that without faith in Christ you are eternally lost), but I respect your right to worship whatever god or non-god you choose. Increasingly, however, tolerance is taking on a slightly different connotation in the 21st century. Pluralists want to say that there is no correct position (of course, the irony is that pluralists won’t tolerate those who disagree!, thus making it self-evident that they in fact do believe in a meta-narrative—their own).

That brings up the intolerance of the modern usage of the word because the “tolerant” will not tolerate any competing, let alone exclusive, truth claims. This is what Timothy Keller writes of in his book The Intolerance of Tolerance.

If an historic usage of the word tolerance is not recovered than those who hold exclusivist views other than the majority can reasonably expect to be persecuted. Will common sense be restored?

What is extremism and fundamentalism?

Extremism is measured from ones distance from an accepted norm. It is therefore a relative term. It also has different usages ranging from radical, unusual, or even trendy or intense (think of a teenager saying, “that’s extreme!).”

Christianity didn’t used to be extreme when it was the norm. Now that it is not the norm and is not seen as fitting within the norm (because of its exclusive truth claims) it is seen as extreme. However, one needs to recognize that it is society that has moved, not Christianity. So from a Christian point of view Christianity is normal and secular pluralists are extreme (here I cannot see some humour in the term fundamental British values). Each group could also easily see the other as fundamentalist, ardently holding onto their convictions.

I suppose the true sense of a fundamentalist is when they cease to be people of ardent conviction and become militant and angry and attempt to force others to adhere to their beliefs and worldview.

Here we need to distinguish between lumping Islam and Christianity together. While Christians may disagree with someone because it is a religion seasoned with grace, love and respect there is a reason why authentic Christianity does not have militant versions. We need to seriously ask why “fundamentalist” [read authentic] Christianity does not breed the sort of radicalism we see in Islam? While Christianity may hold differing views than society and perhaps be viewed as extreme in this regard Christianity is not a fundamentalist or militant threat to the state or society but represents some of its most loyal, honest and faithful citizens (Ro 13:1-7, 1 Pet 2:13).

Praise item: It is encouraging to know that some Christian teachers are being chosen to teach about Ofsted’s Fundamental British Values and Prevent Duty by their schools because they are sensible, loving, and all round good people. May they add sobriety to this debacle! Indeed many Christians find themselves placed by the Lord in positions in which they can advocate for the Church as ambassadors of Christ.

How can societal freedoms be protected?

*In the next two sections I hope to reasonably convince, however, even more so to stir us to further reflection upon these points.

Western society was built on Christianity. From this came principles of liberty such as the freedom of religion, the freedom of speech and numerous individual liberties. Within a Christian context I can think of few Christians who would not have affirmed these as anything but positive. But religious liberty when not used to protect God given laws becomes a licentious means through which the chief sin of pride rears its ugly head. Many modern [and good] freedoms have been perverted along these lines.[6]

It has to be recognized that these freedoms were established at a time when most people were Judeo-Christian, and even if they were not societal values and norms were based around a Judeo-Christian framework. The Judeo-Christian tradition formed the lowest common denominator fabric of society. Even if not all people worshipped, the moral fibre of society was jointly affirmed. In a post-Christian Britain we have lowered the lowest common denominator to such a point (and based on a faulty post-modern worldview) that we are not sure what it is. What is it that holds us together socially? What knits us together? We say it is “freedom” and that every view is equal but then become afraid of Islam (and other exclusivist claims) but do not really have any right to say they, or any other view, are wrong if we hold to a post-modern pluralist view.

In this setting as a Christian I want, for example, to affirm the right to worship freely (because I would want the same and know an atheist cannot be forced to worship) but immediately find the contradiction in this affirmation in that I’m not overly found of Satanists believing them to be less than helpful to society (acknowledging too that 20th century atheism was a destructive force as well). I am also not in favour of giving religions freedom whose central tenant is animal or human sacrifice. So “freedom” historically had its limits. What about today? Still today we have laws that exclude murder and polygamy and bestiality. Still today, though our pluralism denies it, there are things we know to be right and wrong (in part because God has given us consciences, Ro 2:15, though even they can become tainted). But what if these things you or I found to be wrong were found to infringe upon someone’s secular-pluralist rights? Rights either must have some limits or it is a free for all (which is the trajectory we have largely set for ourselves), we must ask ourselves how freedoms developed in a different era be adequately applied in a new one that may not easily mix with them.

As society becomes polarized [“multi”] how can I affirm the right to the freedom of worship, practice, etc, of someone I do not view as helpful (for example I want to affirm a militant Muslim’s freedom of speech but sense that such belief and promotion of it may lead to behaviour that causes bodily harm). Post-Christendom no longer has the parameters to adequately address many of the issue we are facing. So, much like the communist who realizes communism does work but still celebrates communism anyway, secular pluralism that championed diversity and freedom is now realizing just how difficult that is realistically to maintain. So it has begun to impose its views while still propagandizing that it is about diversity.

How can an increasingly polarized society coexist peaceably?

There is great difficulty in the government protecting people’s rights of freedom and balancing matters of justice, when society is made up of various truth claims and value systems. How can these coexist peaceably? How can fair treatment be maintained in a society that is now post-Christian and in many respects so multi it is no longer cohesive?

Aside from a revival that would see us return to the sensibilities of our Christian heritage I can only see one option that would avoid conflict and protect “freedom” and preserve societal cohesiveness that would see us avoid total anarchy. In a free for all society, to govern fairly within the historic notion of freedom, the government would have to (even if subscribing to or promoting a secular-pluralist worldview) allow dissenting views so long as they do not harm anyone, but not only allow them but protect them (much as many governments did with conscientious objectors [pacifists] during WWI and WWII). Where an individual or group found to be dissenting from the prevailing secular-pluralist society such dissent would need to be permitted to opt out of the prevailing worldview so long as this did not cause serious bodily harm. This is truly the lowest common denominator I can foresee.

Even if different expressions of worldview and religion may appear extreme, while we may not agree with them, we must respect that them if we are to subsist in a society in which “freedom” in a post-Christian sense is still heralded though I personally do not believe this is the best vision for society because I believe that reason behoves us to have a society (and for the government in performing its God given responsibility to enact just God fearing laws) built around the acknowledgement of the supremacy of God and his ways rather than to foolishly oppose Him and them (righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people, Prov 14:34).

What Christians should be preparing for if the above is not possible (i.e. that persecution finds us)?

First, regardless what happens, we must show our highest allegiance to Christ by considering not what others will think of us but in honouring Him (Jn 12:42-43). That Jesus is Lord is the central confession of the Church.

Second, we need to have a hearty trust in the sovereignty of God, regardless of what happens (Mt 6:25-34). May this spur us on to be better and bolder ambassadors (Eph 6:18-19).

Thirdly, Christians need to be praying for sense to prevail. We need to pray for our governments that they might recognize the heritage of this land and protect Christians so that they can live and worship in peace, recognizing us as trustworthy citizens who simply want to enjoy the freedom to live and worship.

Pray for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life. (1 Tim 2:1-2).

Fourthly, we must always remember to love our persecutors (Mt 5:43-47), showing them compassion (Mt 9:36) for having no saving knowledge of the truth in order that they may indeed be lead to the truth.

Fifthly, we need to be prepared (1 Pet 3:15b). How well do we know the reason for the hope that we have? Could we defend the faith, do we know what we believe and why? Today there is no room for uninformed Christians. The Puritans and Dissenters give us an example of not only how to live out one’s faith under fire but they also serve as a source of developing theological robustness, so like Paul before Agrippa (Acts 25:13-27) we might give our defence to Christ’ honour and for others benefit. In so doing we will have the delight to know our God better!

Sixthly, as persecution mounts we will soon discover whose faith is genuine and whose is fickle. Many so called Christians will continue to conform to societal pressures and disgrace their profession. Soon we will see any remaining distinctions made clear between the wheat and the tares (Mt 13:36-43). I believe the Lord is finishing pruning His Church in the UK of dead and unhelpful branches (Job 14:7-9). We may indeed be entering upon this final phase, after which I believe we shall see what many have been longing for, genuine revival in the face of godlessness and the Church bearing much fruit. The blood [or suffering] of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.

Seventhly, we need to recognize the spiritual nature of our present struggle (Eph 6:12)

Lastly we need to remember the privilege and blessing in Jesus words: Blessed [happy] are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. (Mt 5:11). Those NT passages on persecution that were so relevant for the early Church will become life giving promises for the Church of today once again.

Possible Scenarios

Let me paint a possible picture of what the future could look like for Christians in the UK…

Imagine the following scenario. (If you don’t think it could happen, let me remind you that neither would many other Christians who have found themselves in similar societal situations in recent years or throughout history more generally).

Secular pluralism continues to grow as a worldview and as a force within society. Gradually the intolerance of the “tolerant” reaches a breaking point where exclusivist claims rub their own exclusivist claim the wrong way and there is backlash.

Now, Western society prides itself too much in liberty and freedom to openly persecute as such. Open persecution is what intolerant non-Western countries do. Yes, we are too priggish for that so it will come in more subtle ways, but come it will. Laws that seek to entrench secular pluralism and re-write societal norms and values like we are already seeing in OFSTED will by their very nature exclude and target those who do not conform (i.e. Christians).

Already with Ofsted, and given more time, Christian teachers who do not conform will be faced with losing their jobs (or worse, fines). Christian schools that do not conform may be shut down. Christian parents may be reprimanded for teaching or handling their children in a Christian manner, and in the worst case scenario have them taken by the co-parenting mentality of the state, viewing their parents as harmful to the child’s development. Christian employees may face discrimination and job loss. Christian businesses or employers (we have already seen this, i.e. the Christian baker and hotel owners who were shut down re: their views on marriage). Christian civil servants (especially thinking of registrars or those tasked with the responsibility of enforcing new norms) will lose their jobs or be forced to conscientiously step down. Worse of all would be the government requiring of employees to sign documents subscribing to “Fundamental British Values” to gain or maintain work. Loyal Christians with half a conscience would be forced to go elsewhere (maybe even moving internationally). While at this point much government control is seeking to use education and the safeguarding of children to filter extremism and promote the new norm, there may come a time when such censorship targets churches. A preacher who teaches contrary to a state law (i.e. sexual orientation), even in a non-hateful compassionate way (which is how sinners should be treated, remembering that it is by grace we were saved,1 Cor 6:11), could risk fines, rehabilitation or imprisonment. A church that puts up a fuss to such intervention robbed of its charitable status, taxed, or forced to close and move underground because of its “extremist” threat. God forbid that these should happen, and thank the Lord for where sense has prevailed, but it doesn’t take much of a stretch to see these warnings realized, as indeed some already have been.

Choose this day whom you will serve!

But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Jos 24:15)

May we remain steadfast in the Lord,

In His strength

 

Pastor Chris

[1] Watts, Dissenters, I, 436.

[2] Reliquiae Baxterianae, ed M. Sylvester (London, 1696), first pagination 96f.

[3] These are all of course generalization and argued from a view that is unsympathetic to the traditionalist agenda of the period.

[4] While Christianity is exclusivist by nature of God’s own claims, and therefore I agree with this sentiment, as a statement (assuming how it could be said in pride), I disagree as while Christians hold our God to be the only true God and Jesus as the only way to Him, we must do so in humble confidence and not arrogant pride.

[5] While Christians ardently support the rule of law (1 Pet 2:13) we cannot in good conscience do so when earthly laws violate God’s laws (Mark 12:13-17; Acts 5:29).

[6] We fail to realize that we are slaves to sin and sin finds its greatest expression in our pride. Liberty comes when we cease to be slaves to sin and becomes slaves to Christ (Ro 6:18).

The Brilliance of God

/ sweetpeacardco

This past Lord’s Day evening we looked at Abraham and the Covenant of Circumcision. What a rich passage! While I sought to cover many of the angles one point that I passed over had to do with circumcision being commanded for new babies on the 8th day. A former nurse in the congregation stressed that for her that was very important as it highlighted the brilliance of God.

Certainly God is brilliant. He is all-knowing (omniscient). Job 31:4 reminds us of this when it says:

Does He not see my ways, and number all my steps?

But why did the LORD in His brilliance command Abraham to circumcise infants on the 8th day, why not the 5th or 7th or 10th?

Before we get to the symbolism, the brilliance of God is displayed in this simple and seemingly mundane command, in that on the 8th day new-born levels of vitamin K peak. Why is that important? Vitamin K helps the blood to clot, an important and necessary factor when undertaking a circumcision in an infant so young. While Abraham did not know about vitamin K, in His brilliance God did, and as such commanded the sign of the covenant to be given on the 8th day. But like many things in the Old Testament, and since this was a sign after all, what symbolism did God intend by the giving of this sign on the 8th day (for symbolism of the sign itself see the sermon)?

Not all Jews agree as to any spiritual or philosophical meaning of the 8th day. Some merely stress duty. One Rabbinic blogger noted that 7 signifies what is natural and finite (ex. 7 days of creation or 7 days a week). He suggested 8 represents the super-natural nature of the covenant, the incomprehensibility of it, and the miraculous of the grace in it (I read grace into it as he didn’t use this word). He said:

And so, a baby is given is brit [circumcision] on the eighth day. He is entering a religion founded upon faith, whose survival is miraculous, and whose potential in the world is infinite.

While much of the above would make sense symbolically to the Christian; Christianity has often seen much more at work them mere symbolism but also prophecy.

The early Church Father Augustine wrote this:

[Christ] suffered voluntarily, and so could choose His own time for suffering and for resurrection, He brought it about that His body rested from all its works on Sabbath in the tomb, and that His resurrection on the third day, which we call the Lord’s day, the day after the Sabbath, and therefore the eighth, proved the circumcision of the eighth day to be also prophetical of Him.

Following this view the 8th day was an early prophecy about the Christ which was the fulfilment of this promise and whose Resurrection took place on the 8th day. John Calvin, while more reticent than Augustine seems to concur with this redemptive-historical approach to the 8th day in his commentary on Genesis 17:12:

Augustine also thinks that it had reference to the resurrection of Christ; whereby external circumcision was abolished and the truth of the figure was set forth. It is probable and consonant with reason, that the number seven designated the course of the present life. Therefore the eighth day might seem to be fixed upon by the Lord, to prefigure the beginning of a new life. But because such a reason is never given in Scripture, I dare affirm nothing. Wherefore, let it suffice to maintain what is certain and solid; namely, that God, in this symbol, has so represented the destruction of the old man, as yet to show that he restores men to life.

So be it a prophecy about Christ, the change of the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday (the Lord’s Day), emphasis on the new creation or grace found in the covenant, it appears along with medical reasons that the 8th day affirms the brilliance of God.

The Lord’s Sweetest Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Morning by Morning

/ sweetpeacardco

As I cycled into chapel this morning, a routine I regularly look forward to, I was delighted to feel the brisk English morning rush against my face and sense the sunshine beaming down (November and December were mostly rainy with a village in Wales counting 81 straight days of it). This morning, however, was -1 degrees Celsius. It was absolutely refreshing, even if my eye lashes froze, at least to a Canadian living in the land of the warm. The sun shone down across the fields glistening with the morning frost. What could be more beautiful?

20160119_092318[1]

[the field beside Cromhall Chapel]

I was reminded of the lyrics from the refrain of an old hymn:

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”   Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—     “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Those words are taken from Lamentations 2:22-24:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

His mercies never come to an end;

They are new every morning;

Great is your faithfulness.

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.”

What fantastic truths! I do not know what you woke up to today or what awaits us throughout the coming hours but I do know this. As we hope in Him, the LORD’s faithfulness is behind us, beside us and before us and so we can go confidently into this new day trusting He will be our portion.

The Lord’s Sweetest Blessings,

Pastor Chris

 

Why is the Apocrypha not part of the Bible?

/ sweetpeacardco

As we began our 2016 focus on the Bible this year, twice already, I have emphasized that we believe, or said that the Bible only consists of, 66 books.

Our FIEC statement of faith says: God has revealed himself in the Bible, which consists of the Old and New Testaments alone.

An older chapel confession of faith emphasised this same fact more explicitly. The Westminster Confession, Chapter 1.2 titled “The Holy Scriptures” states:

Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the Books of the Old and New Testaments, which are these:

[after naming the 66 books that make up the Old and New Testaments it ends by saying]

All which are given by inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life.

Chapter1. 3 goes on to say:

 The Books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of the scripture; and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings.

The apocrypha are books that appeared in history between the Old and New Testament. Discerning whether they are part of the canon of the Bible (that which the Church sees as from God and therefore beneficial and authoritative for His Church) is an important issue. For example the matter of purgatory can only be held by Roman Catholics because they appeal to one verse from the Apocrypha. Catholics endorsed the Apocrypha as canonical at the Council of Trent in 1546.

Evangelicals, however, while acknowledging the historical and literary values of these books (1 & 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Additions to Esther, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, the Letter of Jeremiah, Song of the Three Holy Children, Susanna, Bel and the Dragon, the Prayer of Manasseh, and 1 & 2 Maccabees), have rejected them as canonical for the following basic reasons:

  1. They were never quoted by Jesus or the Apostles;
  2. Most of the Church Fathers regarded them as uninspired;
  3. They were not part of the Ancient Hebrew canon; and
  4. The inferior quality of most of the writings compared with the canonical books, mark them as unworthy of a place in Scripture.

What is canon becomes very important when we ask, what is truth?, in our post-modern age. Is it to be found in the Bible, the apocrypha, gnostic Gospels, other holy books, books of human wisdom, all of the above?

Where does the Lord want us to look for truth and where can we confidently know where to turn to be instructed in how to know Him and walk in His ways. The 66 books of the Bible, that is where, no more and no less.

If issues of why we believe the Bible are of importance you may want to click here for an additional resource.

The Lord’s Sweetest Blessings,

Pastor Chris

Herod’s Temple

/ sweetpeacardco

Last night at Bible study we entered into the explosive beginning of Luke’s Gospel by examining Luke 1:5-25 or the Birth of John foretold to Zechariah in the Temple.

Modern images and technology make sharing information about the Temple that much easier. Such information helps reveal its size and the atmosphere that Zechariah experienced. King Herod began building the temple in c. 20-19 BC. His Temple in Jerusalem was different than past Jewish Temples, it was bigger and more ornate with a myriad of support buildings erected in the Temple precinct than Solomon’s Temple or the Second Temple from the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. The Temple itself almost 200 feet high (that is 20 stories)! This was an impressive engineering feat and physical structure for the 1st Century. This adds to the context of Matt 4:5-7 when Satan takes Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and urges Him to cast Himself off the top of the temple because of the promise that the angels would not allow God’s Anointed to be harmed. Similarly in John 2:18-22 when Jesus says he would destroy this temple because the Jews knew how long it had taken to build it, 46 years including stones as heavy as 100 tonnes, and so they scoffed at Him.

When it was Zechariah’s divisions shift to attend to the Temple, and further still when he was chosen by lot to enter and burn the incense, this was a once in a life time opportunity as a priest. Image approaching those big doors. Imagine the sacredness he felt entering this massive Temple with such religious tradition. He did not enter the Holy of Holies but rather a fore chamber where the incense was burnt. To his great trepidation this would be the place where he would meet Gabriel, the angel of the Lord, and the story would continue to unfold.

Check it out:

TempleComplex

temple 2

For a virtual tour click below:

Jerusalem model

Get Ready for 2016!

/ sweetpeacardco

“This is the one to whom I will look,’ declares the LORD, ‘he who is humble and contriteyear in spirit and trembles at my word.” ~Isaiah 66:2b~

Get ready! Throughout 2016 Cromhall Chapel will be journeying through the entire Bible, the greatest story ever told, a message from God Himself about redemption, intimacy and truth! Our back to the Bible campaign will centre on our 2016 chapel theme verse from Isaiah 66:2b.

Why this verse?

As a chapel we are committed to the trustworthiness, relevance and power of Scripture because we believe that it transforms lives producing life, hope and clarity. God has spoken and He desires us to draw near and know Him. Our verse reminds us of the attitude we are to have towards the LORD and His Holy Word. As a people desiring revival Church history reveals how the Bible has always been a light in dark places and that every revival—ever— was and is always associated with a renewed hunger for God’s Word (cf. Acts 2:41, 42 & 47, 6:7, 9:27 & 31, 12:24, 16:5, 19:20). May the Lord look to us with favour as we humble ourselves and tremble at His Word!

What will this entail?

  • Memorizing this short verse
  • Reading the Bible daily following a chronological reading plan
  • Journey together for enjoyment, profitability, encouragement and accountability
  • Pastor Chris will be preaching through a chronological survey of the Bible each week;
  • Visiting preachers are invited (though not compelled) to join with us
  • Blog posts will centre around what we are reading each week
  • Focusing on Scripture in other ways and bringing Isa 66:2b into our weekly conversations

Why read the Bible?

Central to why we believe the Bible should be read and proclaimed is because of what we believe it to be, the very Word of God:

God has revealed himself in the Bible, which consists of the Old and New Testaments alone. Every word was inspired by God through human authors, so that the Bible as originally given is in its entirety the Word of God, without error and fully reliable in fact and doctrine. The Bible alone speaks with final authority and is always sufficient for all matters of belief and practice. (FIEC Statement of Faith).

Similarly, we believe in the importance of the proclaimed Word of God. We believe the Bible is God’s written word and that, by the work of the Holy Spirit, as it is faithfully preached, God’s voice is truly heard. That is why preaching is at the heart of chapel life; the people of God gathering under the Word of God, to hear from Him just as we see it in Scripture.

Do I have to read the Bible?read me

No. No one can be forced to read the Bible. But ultimately it is your loss. That is why we would love to see everyone pledge to make this journey! The elders will be leading by example because they believe this is so important. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain! If you choose not to participate, decide to join part way, or are already mid-way through a reading plan of your own (which is great!), then that is between you and the Lord. However, we hope you’ll read what you can, follow the sermons, and put the spirit of our verse into practice. There are lots of excuses why not to read the Bible but the reasons to read it make these appear feeble. The Bible is the most precious possession this world affords. What shall we say if we neglect so great a treasure? How can we be wise and discerning if we don’t know what it says?

How does reading the Bible spiritually bless us? (The Bible as a means of grace):

  • God’s Word is used by Him as an instrument to impart spiritual life to us (Jas 1:18, 1 Pe 1:23)
  • It makes us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus; is inspired by God; and convicts of us sin and points us to righteousness (2 Ti 3:15-16)
  • As new Christians this continues as the Word is able to build you up (Acts 20:32)
  • By it we are spiritually nourished (Deut 8:3; Matt 4:4)
  • It is of absolute necessity and is not an extra or something to be trivialized (Deut 32:47)
  • It guides us in the correct way and speaks wisdom into life’s journey (Ps 119:105, Ps 19:7) especially in the midst of an ungodly culture (1 Pe 1:19)
  • It provides us with encouragement and hope in life’s journey (Ro 15:4)
  • God’s Word is powerful like fire and a hammer (Jer 23:29) and a sword (Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12)
  • And at the end of the day you really do become what you eat (Ps 115:8)

Prayer Points:

Please pray that the Holy Spirit might:

  • Place within our hearts an insatiable hunger for God and His Word
  • Give us the spiritual stamina to stick with the readings and make regularly spending time in God’s Word a spiritual discipline that will last a life time
  • Be encouraged to grow our faith and that we would apply the Word to our lives
  • Do great things amongst us throughout 2016 at Cromhall Chapel!

Bible Reading Plan

We will be following a chronological reading plan (enclosed, posted at the chapel and online). There are many online versions of this plan including, e-calendar alerts, emails, mobile apps, and an online tracker and additional resources (not to mention Mp3 audio Bibles available online). These can be found by going to: http://about.esvbible.org/resources/reading/. We are doing a chronological plan primarily because it is easiest to preach, however, this will also help us understand God’s story of redemption as it unfolds.

Come along on this incredible journey, you will never be the same again…

Where are you Christmas?

/ sweetpeacardco

Sometimes I wonder, sometimes I struggle, sometimes amidst all of the anti-Christmas forces that seem to grow stronger each year I wonder where Christmas has gone. I feel that it is slipping away. The true meaning of Christmas is challenged on many fronts. Commercialism seeks to usurp Christmas for capitalistic purposes and increasingly moves the Christmas season forward so when it actually comes we cannot wait for it be to over. Militant secularists bombard society with their “uplifting” message of political correctness that makes one feel guilty about even wanting to wish someone a happy Christmas. Secular Christmas narratives of Santa and elves, while cute, lack the substance to preserve the tradition much longer. Other religions seek to advance their agenda by playing upon all this and not even wanting to entertain the English culture and spirit of Christmas. Then there are those who nominally celebrate it, even going to a religious service or two to do God a yearly favour, and by so doing degrade its meaning and relevance for the next generation still further. And finally there are the 40% of the English who do not even know who Jesus is and are becoming oblivious to Christmas altogether. The momentum of this bah humbug spirit can be disconcerting for the Christian.

BUT in the midst of it all, it is my prayer that we will find opportunities to reclaim Christmas, to take a stand for what it is actually about, to resist succumbing to the pressures and temptations that seek to draw our attention away from it. Most of all, however, it is my prayer we will rediscover adoration at Christmas by responding to the miraculous arrival of Immanuel in the same manner as the heavenly host, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the magi. A spirit of worship:

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:14).

So as Christmastime nears and we prepare our hearts to welcome our Immanuel I bid us to recall those worshipful words from an old carol:

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

May the blessing of the simplicity of worshiping and adoring Christ this Christmas be the greatest gift you may receive and may it rise far above all bah humbug spirits for the glory of God!

Have a blessed Christmastime indeed,

Pastor Chris

Voodoo Dolls, Prayer Mats, Yoga and Spiritual Gardens

/ sweetpeacardco

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ~1 Peter 5:8~

As more and more people come to reject their Christian heritage and then look for purpose and meaning in other places, the more unhelpful, and indeed harmful spiritual practices are creeping in under our nose. Let me keep you abreast of some of the latest spiritual dangers which are coming (or have already come) to a school near you. This is given because this past week 1 John 4:1-6 encouraged us to TEST THE SPIRITS. There is a spiritual realm we cannot dismiss (Eph 6:10-20). Sadly, many have succumbed to spiritual gullibility.

These four examples are each true and disconcerting ways in which these practices have crept into our schools:

1. Voodoo Dolls. Originally a West African spiritual practice (also present in the Caribbean), which in a nutshell uses dolls to manipulate the spirits to protect you or bring harm to others. Voodoo Dolls, being sold in the UK under various names including Watchover Voodoo Dolls, are being worn by children in our schools who attach them to their backpacks. They believe that the doll is watching over them and that it can be a tool of manipulation. Instead of relying on dolls and false spirits for protection we should look to the Lord (Ps 121:1-2).

2.   Prayer Mats. These are utilized in Eastern Religions to aid the process of self-realization (see below). They are also used by Muslims to keep themselves ritually pure while praying (and could also be seen to aid the focus of prayer). When I was in Ontario recently I saw a class on the playground in a grove of trees all sitting on prayer mats, with two likely possibilities for this being either that they were i) meditating, or ii) learning about Islam (but we cannot pray to the Christian God in school?). Prayer is referenced over 500 times in the Bible, so pray is clearly important. While it may be appropriate for Christians to have prayer aids their prayers are to be directed to the Lord; are relational in nature; we fill ourselves with Him (vs. empty ourselves to find self-realization); and prayer can be done anywhere.

3. Yoga. A meditative exercise from Hinduism whereby each pose represents a Hindu god. This is often used in schools under the guise of fitness and also as a means to quiet otherwise unruly children (and sadly in many churches and Christians fitness workouts too). Yoga (Sanskrit- to join or unite) is a series of body movements and exercises designed to unite the body and mind with its end being to find the divine within yourself or to get in touch with your divinity as the highest spiritual end (self-realization). Contrary to this, is the Christian teaching of recognizing yourself as created and coming to know your Creator through Jesus (Ro 1:25). In terms of exercise how about finding appropriate ways to be a steward of the body our Creator entrusted us with, and if we are Christians, to treat it as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19).

4. Spiritual Garden. A place at school where children can go and be encouraged to be “spiritual” by doing who knows what to achieve a rather loosey-goosy state (by the way- being spiritual in a Christian sense can only come when we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit). Why not encourage children to plant a garden so they learn to be good stewards of God’s creation, learn about the species planted and marvel at God’s glory (Ro 1:20)? Then in that context that garden (or other wonderful places in creation) may be a place where they may want to go to talk to God Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

John reminds us to be discerning! Put away all moral filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls, as James 1:21 also reminds us.

It appears to me that society has largely rejected not authentic Christianity but nominal Christianity (they have rejected Christianity without actually having heard the Gospel or experience authentic Christianity) and as one demon (nominal Christianity) has been cast out many other demons far worse than the first have taken its place (cf. Matt 12:43-45).

How has this onslaught of new religions (like Islam) or New Age practices (like yoga) crept in? Two initial reasons emerge. In our liberal and enlightened modern world we have embraced two lies. The first is that as we all know spiritual things do not really exist we can allow people to dabble in whatever they want. As it is not real it cannot possibly hurt them. The second is like it and is the post-modern belief that all spiritual beliefs are equally true, valid and helpful and must be embraced and affirmed.

Oh let us hear and embrace the exclusive and life giving promises of the Lord and fill our schools and society and hearts with them instead of with spiritual rubbish.

Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Ps 37:4).

If you are interested in identifying the unsuspecting influence of New Age religion these core beliefs may be helpful[1]:

  • Monism (the belief that every diverse thing in the world has its origin in a single source).
  • Pantheism or the belief that “all is one and all is God”; God is therefore not a person or a personal creator but “the Force.”
  • Humanity’s immortal divinity; the realization of that divinity being the goal for every human being; “Everyone is God.”
  • Reincarnation based on the concept of karma (actions and consequences), with good karma moving individuals towards a higher state.
  • The ultimate restoration to wholeness of the creation, which is a living being, Gaia, with men and women discovering new powers within themselves that will be released into the earth to right ecological imbalances.
  • The disappearance of boundaries leading to the world becoming a global family.
  • One universal religion (the belief that all the different religions in the world are alternate paths to the same end).

From examining these you can see many similarities to post-modern views and other current worldviews. At the end of the day not all truths can be true. Holding mutually opposing beliefs can only be held for so long until we reach a breaking point. May we seek the truth before it is too late and may we not be guilty of spiritual gullibility.

The Lord’s Sweetest Blessings,

Pastor Chris

[1] Taken from Nigel Scotland. A Pocket Guide to Sects and New Religions. (Oxford: Lion Hudson, 2005), 211.

What is doctrine and why is it important?

/ sweetpeacardco

And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. ~Jesus Christ~ (John 8:32)

Recently in our study of 1 John we have come across the vital importance of correct doctrine. But what is doctrine and why is it so important?

Simply put, doctrine is the sum total of what the Bible teaches on any given subject and comes from the New Testament word didaskalia which is often translated teaching, instruction or doctrine.

In total the New Testament explicitly commends sound doctrine to us 28 times! (ex. 1 Tim 4:13, 16; 2 Tim 4:2-3; Tit1:9).

According to Jesus accuracy in belief is important because correct belief leads to spiritual life and incorrect belief leads to spiritual death. This is at the heart of the importance of doctrine.

Primary doctrinal areas lead to spiritual death, however, secondary and tertiary areas, while still important to pursue truth in, may have varying degrees of harmful impact upon the health and effectiveness of the Church and one’s spiritual life, whilst still allowing for someone to be considered a Christian.

However, lest I give the wrong impression, knowing the truth is not all about propositional truths or doctrine. Ultimately Jesus uses this word truth as a play on words to refer to Himself (Jn 14:6). Ultimately we come to know God the Father through a correct knowledge of the Truth, Jesus God’s only Son. Propositional truths are meant to point us to a relational (and factual) knowledge of Jesus that leads to eternal life.

Therefore, doctrine is not a bore but an exciting adventure of discovery about God and His ways. It helps us overcome wrong ideas that are harmful to either one’s salvation or a hindrance to their spiritual life and the life of the Church. Its study helps us make better Christian decisions, answer people’s questions about our Faith (i.e. be more effective in evangelism), develop a greater Christian confidence, and it helps us grow to become healthier and more robust Christians because we have a solid diet.

By growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (which includes doctrine!) may we all be built up into the most Holy Faith (2 Pet 3:18; Jude 20).

The Lord’s Sweetest Blessings,

Pastor Chris