Pilgrim's Progress 8

Sorry for the delay in this post. Last Monday was Christmas Eve and I just didn't get it done. So here it is today.

Today we have reached the Eighth Stage: The Delectable Mountains, entertained by the Shepherds, a by-way to Hell.

This was by far the shortest section we have read so far. Pilgrim and Hopeful come to the delectable mountains and meet the shepherds. I think my favorite part was when the Shepherds allowed Pilgrim and Hopeful to see the gates of the Celestial City through their perspective glass. I enjoyed the song that Pilgrim and Hopeful sang,

Thus by the Shepherds secrets are revealed,
Which from all other men are kept concealed.
Come to the Shepherds then, if you would see
Things deep, things hid, and that mysterious be.

I read this poem and was reminded of the Shepherds who witnessed the birth of Christ. The 'secret' was revealed to them first and was concealed from others.

That's about all I got from this section. I was probably too distracted as I read it. It's still the holidays.

Let me know your thoughts. Next Monday, we'll discuss the Ninth Stage: Christian and Hopeful meet Ignorance, Turn-away, Little-Faith, the Flatterer, the net, chastised by a Shining One, Atheist, Enchanted Ground, Hopeful's account of his conversion, discours of Christian and Ignorance.

Christmas Eve and the Return of the Rabbit (by Peter Brock)

Some "day after" Christmas thoughts-

- Had a great day at home with family
- Gift cards are sooooo nice to get and receive
- The story of Christmas in Luke 2 never gets old
- I can't wait to take my wife to an evening in Tampa for her Christmas gift
- Opening the gifts always seems to happen too quickly
- I was blessed by the Christmas Eve service at church
- During our family Christmas Eve candlelight dinner our neighbor came to the door with our pet rabbit that had fled it's cage over two weeks ago. The return of the rabbit has been greeted with a less than enthusiastic response.
- It is increasingly difficult to focus on the simple things of Christmas
- More "stuff" isn't a good thing
- My brother sent me another addition to a rather odd Christmas collection
- Molly Mo, a mini Dachshund, is now a part of our family
- I still can't believe that the rabbit is back
- It would have been "cool" to be one of the shepherds that the angel appeared to
- In Luke 2:13-14, when the multitude of the heavenly host praised God and said to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!", it must have been an unbelievable experience.
- I was reminded once again of the God-Man, Jesus Christ, coming to earth as a sacrifice to provide redemption from the penalty of my sins. WOW

Poetry and Theology (by Bobby Thompson)

I have a love / hate relationship with poetry. When I understand it I love it, when I do not understand it I hate it. I believe one of the greatest applications of poetry is when great spiritual truths are conveyed in it. When poetry and theology come together it is a powerful wedding of truth with emotion. No one does this better than John Piper (in my opinion). The following is one example of his many works of poetry. This poem was written to his son just before his wedding. The truth he is communicating is that he should love his wife above all else - besides God. His wife will find love and security in his love for God. Listen to how he masterfully and beautifully communicates this:

"Love Her More and Love Her Less"

By John Piper May 29, 1995

For Karsten Luke Piper
At His Wedding to
Rochelle Ann Orvis
May 29, 1995

The God whom we have loved, and in
Whom we have lived, and who has been
Our Rock these twenty-two good years
With you, now bids us, with sweet tears,
To let you go: "A man shall leave
His father and his mother, cleave
Henceforth unto his wife, and be
One unashaméd flesh and free."
This is the word of God today,
And we are happy to obey.
For God has given you a bride
Who answers every prayer we've cried
For over twenty years, our claim
For you, before we knew her name.

And now you ask that I should write
A poem - a risky thing, in light
Of what you know: that I am more
The preacher than the poet or
The artist. I am honored by
Your bravery, and I comply.
I do not grudge these sweet confines
Of rhyming pairs and metered lines.
They are old friends. They like it when
I bid them help me once again
To gather feelings into form
And keep them durable and warm.

And so we met in recent days,
And made the flood of love and praise
And counsel from a father's heart
To flow within the banks of art.
Here is a portion of the stream,
My son: a sermon poem. It's theme:
A double rule of love that shocks;
A doctrine in a paradox:

If you now aim your wife to bless,
Then love her more and love her less.

If in the coming years, by some
Strange providence of God, you come
To have the riches of this age,
And, painless, stride across the stage
Beside your wife, be sure in health
To love her, love her more than wealth.

And if your life is woven in
A hundred friendships, and you spin
A festal fabric out of all
Your sweet affections, great and small,
Be sure, no matter how it rends,
To love her, love her more than friends.

And if there comes a point when you
Are tired, and pity whispers, "Do
Yourself a favor. Come, be free;
Embrace the comforts here with me."
Know this! Your wife surpasses these:
So love her, love her, more than ease.

And when your marriage bed is pure,
And there is not the slightest lure
Of lust for any but your wife,
And all is ecstasy in life,
A secret all of this protects:
Go love her, love her, more than sex.

And if your taste becomes refined,
And you are moved by what the mind
Of man can make, and dazzled by
His craft, remember that the "why"
Of all this work is in the heart;
So love her, love her more than art.

And if your own should someday be
The craft that critics all agree
Is worthy of a great esteem,
And sales exceed your wildest dream,
Beware the dangers of a name.
And love her, love her more than fame.

And if, to your surprise, not mine,
God calls you by some strange design
To risk your life for some great cause,
Let neither fear nor love give pause,
And when you face the gate of death,
Then love her, love her more than breath.

Yes, love her, love her, more than life;
O, love the woman called your wife.
Go love her as your earthly best.

Beyond this venture not. But, lest
Your love become a fool's facade,
Be sure to love her less than God.

It is not wise or kind to call
An idol by sweet names, and fall,
As in humility, before
A likeness of your God. Adore
Above your best beloved on earth
The God alone who gives her worth.
And she will know in second place
That your great love is also grace,
And that your high affections now
Are flowing freely from a vow
Beneath these promises, first made
To you by God. Nor will they fade
For being rooted by the stream
Of Heaven's Joy, which you esteem
And cherish more than breath and life,
That you may give it to your wife.

The greatest gift you give your wife
Is loving God above her life.
And thus I bid you now to bless:
Go love her more by loving less.

Pilgrim's Progress 7

(Hopeful joins Christian)

Welcome to our online book study of Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Today we have reached the Seventh Stage: Christian and Hopeful, By-ends and his companions, plain of Ease, Lucre-hill, Demas, the River of Life, Vain-Confidence, Giant Despair, the Pilgrims beaten, the Dungeon, the Key of Promise.

This section was one of the longer ones we have read so far. If you recall, at the end of the Sixth Stage, Faithful was martyred. At the beginning of the Seventh Stage, we see Christian with a new travelling companion, Hopeful. Bunyan writes a great line at this point, "Thus one died to bear testimony to the truth, and another rises out of his ashes to be a companion to Christian in his pilgrimage." Hopeful, emboldened by the witness of Christian and Faithful, joins himself with Christian.

The next several pages contain Christian & Hopeful's encounter with By-Ends and his companions. It struck me that By-ends religion is very similar to the Prosperity Gospel that we hear taught so often today. By-Ends advocates seeking gain and profit through religion. He forsakes any notion of suffering for Christ. He follows Christ as long as everything in his life is going well. When, crisis comes, however, he gives up on Christ. I found it remarkable to considier the similarities between what By-Ends and his companions say and what so many say today. It is especially remarkable considering Bunyan wrote these words over 300 years ago.

Another highlight for me occurred when Christian and Hopeful had passed the hill Lucre and came to the monument reminding them of Lot's wife. Hopeful expresses his regret over desiring to go see the treasure which Demas offered. Hopeful wonders why he was not turned to a pillar of salt for acting just like Lot's wife. Then he exclaims, "Let grace be adored, and let me be ashamed that ever such a thing should be in mine heart." What a statement. Let grace be adored! Let us be like Hopeful. Let us truly adore God's grace towards us.

Your Turn

I would love to hear from any of you who are reading this book with me. Are you enjoying this study? Do you find Bunyan's book difficult to read? What has challenged you or encouraged you?

Next Week

Next Monday, we will discuss the Eighth Stage: The Delectable Mountains, enterained by the Shepherds, a by-way to Hell. Join us then.

Marks of the True Christian (by Stephen Simpson)

This morning I read Romans 12:9-13. My Bible offers this heading for that section, "Marks of the True Christian." As I read these verses I asked myself if these 'marks' characterize my life. Let's take a moment and consider this "spiritual checklist."

• Let love be genuine - Do I love sincerely and without hypocrisy? Notice that there is no stated object for this love. It is wide open. Do I love God genuinely? Do I love ____ genuinely?
• Abhor what is evil - Do I recognize evil? Do I detest it? Does evil cause me to be horrified?
• Hold fast to what is good - Do I cleave or stick to what is good? Am I able to identify what is good? This one seems to work in conjunction with the previous one. In other words, "Abhor evil and cleave to what is good!"
• Love one another with brotherly affection - Do I love my brothers and sisters in Christ? How do I demonstrate love to them?
• Outdo one another in showing honor - How far am I willing to go to honor my brother?
• Do not be slothful in zeal - Am I 'slothful' in regards to my spiritual responsibilities? Am I a lazy Christian?
• Be fervent in spirit - Do I 'boil over' for Christ? What am I most fervent about in my life?
• Serve the Lord - How do I serve the Lord? How did I serve Him today? yesterday?
• Rejoice in hope - Am I genuinely cheerful at the hope I have in Jesus Christ?
• Be patient in tribulation - Does my patience grow during trials or does my patience disappear? Do I persevere when under pressure?
• Be constant in prayer - How many minutes of each day do I spend alone in prayer? 5? 10? 30?
• Contribute to the needs of the saints - How do I help meet the needs of my brothers in Christ?
• Seek to show hospitality - Do I actively seek to show hospitality to total strangers?

Doing Outreach? (by Peter Brock)

The plaque on my office door labels me as the pastor of "Faith's 100/Outreach". I am finding that this title is either extremely inaccurate or it is much broader than I ever imagined. The Faith's 100 responsibilities tend to vary greatly from day to day. They move from a slow steady pace to, "I need an answer that will change my life and my family's life forever, and I need the answer right now!". OK, that may be a slight exaggeration but at times it seems very accurate. The Outreach portion of my duties has a very large scope and includes a number of ministries. One of the dangers of "outreach" ministries is that there is sometimes the tendency to lean on programs and events to accomplish outreach goals. Now, let me say that I am not against programs. I see them as tools we can use to facilitate outreach to our community. Here at Faith we use the tools of Upward, AWANA, and FX, among others. One time events such as the Thanksgiving dinner, VBS, and the Christmas cantata are all legitimate and effective tools that we use to reach our community.
My prayer however, is that we not lose sight of something much more important regarding outreach. Outreach is not a program, but it is an expression of love. It is not something we go do and then schedule again for next week. It is a love for the souls in our community that flows from God's love for us expressed in His son Jesus Christ. I recently read an article that reminded me of this truth and the need to stay focused on Christ's love and not hide behind a program. I understand that all Christians are called to be active in evangelism yet not all Christians are equally gifted in this area. However, each of us, as believers is called to evangelize.
May our outreach, both individual and corporate, be an expression of Christ's love for us, and for the soul's of those in our community.

Pilgrim's Progress 6

(Christian and Faithful enter Vanity Fair)

Welcome to our online book study of Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Today we have reached the Sixth Stage: Evangelist overtakes Christian and Faithful; Vanity Fair; the Pilgrims brought to trial; and Faithful's martyrdom

At the beginning of this section Evangelist reunites with Christian and Faithful. They share their past experiences with Evangelist. Evangelist then encourages them to continue in the faith. He warns them of trials to come. "You are not yet out of the gun-shot of the devil; you have not resisted unto blood, striving against sin; let the kingdom be always before you, and believe steadfastly concerning things that are invisible." I don't know about you, but I often feel as though I am 'not yet out of the gun-shot of the devil.' He seems to always have us in his crosshairs!

Once Evangelist leaves them, Christian and Faithful find themselves at the city Vanity. Now remember, that Christian and Faithful are still on the narrow path. They are still going in the right direction. They have not taken a detour. Others have written that Vanity was in reality the city of destruction that Christian and Faithful had previously left behind. Formerly, they were citizens and residents of this city. Now they enter it as foreigners. Formerly, they would have fit right in with this crowd. Now, they speak differently. They dress differently. They have different desires.

Ultimately they are arrested and put on trial. 'Witnesses' are called to testify against them. Faithful's defense reminds me of Martin Luther. He says, "What rule, or laws, or custom, or people, were flat against the Word of God, are diametrically opposite to Christianity." In other words, God's law is to obeyed more than man's law.

Your Turn

Now it is that time of the week where I encourage others to contribute their thoughts. Few ever do, but I still always ask. Let us know what lessons you learned through your reading. What was your favorite part and why? Were you challenged by what you read?

Next Week

Next Monday we will discuss the Seventh Stage: Christian and Hopeful; By-ends and his companions; plain of Ease; Lucre-hill; Demas; the River of Life; Vain-Confidence; Giant Despair; the Pilgrims beaten; the Dungeon; the Key of Promise

Pilgrim's Progress 5

( Talkative, Christian, & Faithful)

Good morning and welcome to our online book study of Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Today we are discussing the Fifth Stage: Discourse with Faithful, Talkative and Faithful, and Talkative's Character.

In stage we are introduced to the character Faithful. As Christian and Faithful begin their conversation they share the different experiences that each has had during their journey thus far. We must recognize here that they experienced different hardships and trials. Christian really struggled with the Slough of Despond. Faithful passed through it with no trouble at all. This reminds us that all of us have different trials and testings in our lives. God has a different plan for each one of us.

Later in their conversation, Faithful tells of his encounter with Shame. Shame attempts to persuade Faithful that his religion will only bring him shame and ridicule. I see Shame as the kind of person who constantly reminds us of all the things we are 'missing out' on because of our service to Christ. These are the people who call us fools and encourage us to live for ourselves. Faithful accurately remembers that "that which is highly esteemed among men, is had in abomination with God." Here is a reminder for us to pursue eternal reward from our heavenly Father and not the fleeting praise of man. How small the derision of men will seem when we hear our Savior say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

As Christian and Faithful journey on, they encounter Talkative, a hypocrite from the City of Destruction who can say all the right words but does not live a life consistent with his talk. I think it is important for us to recognize the value of Christian to Faithful. Were it not for Christian, Faithful would have been grievously deceived by Talkative. Christian brought Faithful to his senses and exposed Talkative's true character. The principle here is to surround yourself with wise and discerning people who can help protect you from the wolves who walk around in sheep's clothing.

Also, notice the back and forth dialogue between Faithful and Talkative. As Faithful exposes the hypocrisy, Talkative has less and less to say. Faithful accurately 'pegs' Talkative when he says, "Indeed, to know is a thing that pleaseth talkers and boasters; but to do is that which pleaseth God."

Your Turn
Now it is time for you to share with us some of your highlights. Share how this section encouraged you or challenged you.

Next Week
Next Monday, we will discuss the Sixth Stage: Evangelist overtakes Christian & Faithful; Vanity Fair; the Pilgrims brought to trial; Faithful's martyrdom

Fellowship: It's Much More Than Just Supper Together (by Peter Brock)

In Stephen J. Lawson's book about expository preaching entitled, Famine in the Land, he describes the multifaceted impact of the apostles teaching as found in Acts 2:42-47. One aspect that he addresses from the passage is that of "energized fellowship" as found in verse 42, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." On page 46 of his book Lawson writes, "These two activities - the apostles teaching and fellowship- are closely related, suggesting that the the apostles biblical preaching directly impacted the quality of the new believer's' personal relationships. Koinonia, the Greek word translated "fellowship," means "association, communion, fellowship, close relationship." It denotes "the unanimity and unity brought about by the Spirit." Lawson goes on to explain how biblical preaching promotes pure fellowship. "As God's Word purged and purified their (early Christians) hearts, the quality of their love for each other grew even stronger" "A Word-fed church will be a fellowshipping church."
As believers, our fellowship with one another is rooted in the truth of God's Word. The more we learn about our jointly held relationship with Jesus Christ, the deeper, fuller and purer will be our fellowship with other believers. May we be marked as those who engage in true, Scripture-fed fellowship. May we be identified by Holy Spirit empowered unity rooted in God's truth.

Pilgrim's Progress 4

Good morning and welcome to our online book study of Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Today we are discussing Stage Four of Bunyan's book: Valley of Humiliation, Conflict with Apollyon, Valley of the Shadow of Death, Giants Pope and Pagan

The dominant scene of this stage is obviously Christian's encounter with Apollyon. Apollyon is one of the Devil's servants who rules as Lord over Christian's hometown, the City of Destruction. Naturally, he is upset at losing one of his subjects and seeks to coerce Christian into returning to his service.

He begins by reasoning with Christian and trying to bring him back through dialogue. Christian replies, "I was born indeed in your dominions, but your service was hard, and your wages such as a man could not live on, 'for the wages of sin is death.'" Later on, Christian speaks of his new Lord and says, "I like his service, his wages, his servants, his government, his company and country, better than thine; and therefore leave off to persuade me further; I am his servant, and I will follow him."

This dialogue only serves to further anger Apollyon. He steps it up a notch and reminds Christian of his unfaithfulness to his new Lord. Notice Christian's reply, "All this is true, and much more which thou hast left out; but the Prince whom I serve and honour is merciful and ready to forgive."

Have you ever felt like the Devil was bombarding you with reminders of past sins? I believe this is one of his favorite tactics to use in frustrating and discouraging believers. We must reply like Christian did. We must look the Devil in the eye and say, "Yes I have committed all those grievous sins, plus many more. But, Christ has forgiven my sin. He has taken the burden and penalty of my sin upon Himself. His mercy and forgiveness are great!"

Again, this only makes Apollyon angrier. He abandons dialogue and pursues violent action. Christian defeats him with his two-edged sword, the Word of God. I found it interesting that as Christian continued on his journey following his defeat of Apollyon, he kept his sword drawn. He stayed prepared for battle. The application for us is to keep our sword drawn. Our sword is the Word of God. We must study it and be ready to use it. It is our most powerful weapon.

Your Turn

Now it is time for you to share with us some of your highlights. Share how this section encouraged you or challenged you.

Next Week

Next Monday, we will discuss the Fifth Stage: Discourse with Faithful, Talkative & Faithful, Talkative's Character

Pilgrim's Progress 3

Good morning and welcome to our online book study of Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Before we begin today I want to share with you a link which has been very valuable to me in our study. Click HERE to read the Wikipedia article concerning The Pilgrim's Progress. This site has a lot of information as well as links to other sites.

We have come to Stage Three of Bunyan's book. If you recall, last week Christian visited the Interpreter's House. Stage Three begins with Christian setting out from there and resuming his journey.

Christian comes to the Cross. As he does so, his burden falls from his back and rolls into the sepulchre. What a picture this is of our sin being swallowed up by the death of Christ. Christ took our sin with him to the grave. Notice Christian's sobering comment here, "He hath given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his death."

The Three Shining Ones appear. They tell Christian that his sins have been forgiven and then they give illustrate the doctrine of justification for us. They remove his filthy rags and give him a new coat. His new raiment is a picture to us of the righteousness of Christ which is imputed to us at salvation. They also set a mark upon his forehead and give him a roll which proves to be his assurance of salvation.

We learn more about Christian's new coat later when he converses with Formalist and Hypocrisy. He says, "Surely, think I, when I come to the gate of the city, the Lord thereof will know me for good, since I have his coat on my back - a coat that he gave me freely in the day that he stripped me of my rags." So it is with us. When we come to that city, our Heavenly Father will know us because we will arrive dressed in the righteousness of Christ which was freely given to us when he stripped us of our sinful rags.

Did you notice the high value Christian placed upon the roll that was given to him at the cross? He viewed that roll as his assurance and even refers to it as his "evidence" of what had happened. When he realizes that he has lost it, he immediately retraces his steps and doesn't not stop until he has found it again. How many people there are today that earnestly and fervently search for assurance!

Another highlight for me was when Christian is talking with Watchful, the porter. Watchful asks his name and Christian replies "My name is now Christian, but my name at the first was Graceless." What a descriptive name! All of us were once named Graceless. I praise God that He has chosen to show grace to me.

I also found encouragement in Christian's conversation with Prudence. Prudence asks if he can remember how he overcame some of the carnal annoyances that creep into his life. In other words, how does he fight sin. He replies, "When I think what I saw at the cross, that will do it; and when I look upon my broidered coat, that will do it." Let us take this reminder to heart. Let us remind ourselves of the cross. Let us look upon Christ's righteousness which has been imputed to us. Let us flee from sin and carnality.


Your Turn
Obviously, I have left out so much from this Third Stage. This was one of the longer stages we have read so far and there are many things in this stage that I didn't even mention. I simply pointed out some of my personal highlights. Now it is time for you to share with us some of your highlights. Share how this section encouraged you or challenged you.


Next Week
Next Monday, we will discuss the Fourth Stage: Valley of Humiliation, conflict with Apollyon, Valley of the Shadow of Death, Giants Pope and Pagan.

Two Things I'm Thankful For (by Stephen Simpson)

I wanted to use today's post to accomplish a couple of things. First, we recently had some great family pictures taken. I thought I'd share a couple with you today.

Secondly, since Pastor Brock opened the subject of Thanksgiving yesterday, I thought I would continue that theme today.

There are numerous things I am thankful. Today I mention two. First, I am immensely thankful for my wife, Nicki. She completes me. I would be so lost without her. I was thinking just this morning of how difficult my life would be without her. I am so thankful that God has brought us together. She is truly an excellent wife. Not only that, she is an excellent mother. Abi has got it made!! She has the best mother.

Which brings me to the second thing I'm thankful for, my daughter Abi. I am so thankful to God for the baby girl that He has given us. What a blessing it is to come home from work and watch Abi get all excited when I walk in the room.

God has blessed me with so many wonderful things. I praise Him for His goodness and kindness towards me. What are you thankful for?

Early Thanksgiving Thoughts (by Peter Brock)

With Thanksgiving a little more than a week away, I thought it would be interesting to take a brief look at the holiday and its beginnings in the United States. Next week we'll read the words of Abraham Lincoln regarding Thanksgiving, but this week we'll begin with our first president, George Washington. I read with great interest his Thanksgiving proclamation found below. As you read the proclamation, you will gain insight into Washington's understanding of almighty God. May you be challenged, as I was, by Washington's acknowledgment of God as the Sovereign Author of all life and goodness, the Lord and Ruler of nations.

A NATIONAL THANKSGIVING

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and

Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness":

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplication to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our national government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best."
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, AD 1789 George Washington

Pilgrim's Progress 2

Good morning and welcome to our online book study of Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Today we have reached Stage Two: the Gate, conversation with Good-Will, the Interpreter's House, Christian entertained, and the sights there shown him.

When we left Christian last week, He had just been confronted by Evangelist who had redirected him. Having returned once again to his original path, Christian reaches the Wicket-Gate. He knocks and asks for admission. Good-Will opens the gate and pulls him in.

Christian and Good-Will have an interesting conversation. One highlight for me was when Christian asks for help with the burden on his back. Good-Will replies, "As to thy burden, be content to bear it until thou comest to the place of deliverance; for there it will fall from thy back of itself." There is much to think about in Good-Will's answer. Good-Will tells Christian to be content to bear the burden of his sin. In other words, "stop trying to remove the burden in your own strength. When you come to the cross, the place of deliverance, your burden will be removed all by itself."

Christian comes to the Interpreter's house and sees many wonderful things there. I will readily admit that I did not understand the full significance of everything Christian saw here. One scene I really enjoyed was the parlour scene. Bunyan lets us know that the parlour represents our own heart before salvation. He then masterfully illustrates the effect of the law upon the sinful heart. He shows how the Law, "instead of cleansing the heart from sin, doth revive, put strength into, and increase in in the soul...for it doth not give power to subdue." The heart is only cleansed by the Gospel, represented by the water which was sprinkled throughout the parlour.

The Interpreter then takes Christian to another room and shows him Patience and Passion. The Interpreter, in explaining this scene to Christian gives a reminder to all of us, "the glory of the next world will never wear out."

Again, Bunyan gives an amazing illustration through the scene of the fire "burning against a wall." On one side of the wall stands the Devil throwing water on the fire to extinguish it. On the other side of the wall stands Christ pouring oil on the fire to keep it burning. Too often, we only see the Devil trying to extinguish this fire, which is the work of grace in our hearts. We fail to remember that Christ is working on our behalf. He stands fueling our fire and sustaining it.

The Interpreter shows Christian two more things: the palace and the man in the iron cage. After showing all these things to Christian, the Interpreter gives some final words of instruction and sends him on his way.

Your Turn
Now obviously, I cannot comment on everything. This post is already long enough. I only comment on those sections which really encouraged or stimulated my mind. Now it is your turn. Don't be shy. Share your highlights from this section.

Next Week
Next Monday, we will discuss The Third Stage: Loses his burden at the Cross - Simple, Sloth, Prsumption, Formalist, Hypocrisy - hill difficulty - the Arbor - misses his roll - the palace Beautiful - the lions - talk with Discretion, Piety, Prudence, and Charity - wonders shown to Christian - he is armed

God My Way? (by Peter Brock)

Due to a conference I attended recently, as well as some current reading, I have been challenged as to the magnificence and greatness of our almighty God. In today’s church culture, there is the temptation to be culturally relevant rather than God-honoring. There is the temptation to make God “palatable” to unbelievers and believers alike. At times we want to make God our friend, forming Him into something acceptable to our chosen Christian life style. Yet, as I have been reminded from the Scriptures, our God is much different than what we often make Him out to be.

- Scriptures teach us that God the Father, the first Person of the Trinity, orders and disposes all things according to His own purpose and grace.

- He is the one living and true God.

- He is infinite, and perfect in all His attributes.

- He is the Almighty Creator of all things.

- Because He is the absolute and omnipotent Ruler in the universe, God is perfectly sovereign in creation, providence, and salvation.

- All that comes to pass is ultimately for His own glory.

- He continually upholds, directs, and governs all creatures and events.

- By His perfect grace, He has chosen from eternity past those whom He would have as His own.

- He saves from sin all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.

How do I/we worship the God of Scripture? In my personal daily life my worship of God is evidenced in my every thought, action, choice, attitude and word. In corporate worship, every part of worship should direct our attention to our God and who He is in His perfect character. Our worship needs to be different from the world because our God is holy and righteous. It needs to be different because our God is eternal and sovereign over all creation.

May we, as individuals and as a body of believers, maintain a high view of the God of Scripture that affects every aspect of personal and corporate worship. Allow the words of Psalm 104 to remind you of the greatness of our God.

Psalm 104

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty,

2 covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent.

3 He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters; he makes the clouds his chariot; he rides on the wings of the wind;

4 he makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire.

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31 May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works,

32 who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke!

33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

34 May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD.

35 Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more!

Bless the LORD, O my soul! Praise the LORD!

Pilgrim's Progress 1

Good morning. Today we begin our study of John Bunyan's classic work, The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Today we are on the First Stage: Christian's deplorable condition, Evengelist directs him, Obstinate and Pliable, Slough of Despond, Worldly Wiseman, Mount Sinai, Conversation with Evangelist.

Our story begins with Christian, a man with "a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back." The more he reads his 'book' the more distressed he becomes until he finally exlaims "What shall I do to be saved?" It is amazing to me that as soon as he asks this question he meets Evangelist. To me, the timing is important. It appears that Evangelist is sent in response to Christian's question. Evangelist gives the word, "Fly from the wrath to come." He sends Christian towards the wicket-gate.

I hope you noticed that as Christian fled towards the gate, Bunyan writes that "the man put his fingers in his ears, and ran on, crying, Life! Life! Eternal life!" He shut all of the cries from his family and friends to stay behind. He left everything to journey towards the wicket-gate in hopes of being rescued from the terrible burden upon his back. Do you see the parallel between this and many who come to Christ today? They often lose those close them because of their relationship with Jesus Christ.

As Christian sets out, two of his neighbors, Obstinate and Pliable, pursue after him in hopes of convincing him to return home. Obstinate gives up his effort rather quickly. Pliable continues on with Christian until the way gets difficult. Once they reach the difficulty of the Slough of Despond, Pliable abandons his journey and returns home. Later on, this sad tribute is given of Pliable, "Is the celestial glory of so small esteem with him, that he counteth it not worth running the hazards of a few difficulties to obtain it?"

Once he is past the Slough of Despond, Christian meets Mr. Worldly Wiseman who lives in the town of Carnal Policy. Their discussion is very interesting. One highlight is when Worldly Wiseman asks Christian "How camest thou by the burden at first?" Christian replies, "By reading this book in my hand." How true this is of so many of us. Upon reading God's word, our eyes are opened to the total depravity of our souls. We accurately see the great burden that we carry. But, we also are shown the path to freedom from that great burden. Praise God for His Word!

Worldly Wiseman proceeds to give Christian a 'shortcut' to removing his burden. He offers another path, one of ease and convenience. He sends Christian to the town of Morality to visit Legality and Civility. The picture is very vivid. Christian is pointed down the path of doing good works. The interesting thing is that he approaches the hill which contains the town of Morality he fears that the hill will fall on his head. Just a page or two later this hill is called Mount Sinai (which is where the law was given in the OT). Here we see Christian literally feeling the weight of being under the law. No one can do enough good works. Christian experiences this as he approaches Morality.

Fortunately, Evangelist appears again and confronts Christian. He exposes the errors of Worldly Wiseman's doctrine and sets Christian again on the path toward the wicket-gate.

Your Turn
As you can see, there is so much that can be said concerning this book. I have simply given a few of my personal thoughts. Now it is your turn. What jumped out at you as you read these first few pages? There is no wrong answer. I simply invite you to share with us some of your thoughts.

Next Week
We will discuss Stage Two: The Gate, conversation with Good-Will, the Interpreter's House, Christian entertained, the sights there shown him

Evolution in our Schools (by Stephen Simpson)

On Wednesday, October 24th, The Ledger published an article entitled, "Plan to Require Evolution to Be Taught in Schools." Personally, the article was revolting and very discouraging. On the one hand, I understand that this is to be expected. I shouldn't really be surprised. This sort of thing has been happening all over our country for a long time. On the other hand, it is much more irksome when it hits close to home. This is what will be taught to my daughter if we choose public education for her.

The irony of this is that they (the State Department of Education) would say that they are simply taking religion out of the classroom in favor of science. In reality, what they are doing is forcing religion upon these children. It is a religion that says there is no God. It is a religion that says that there is no higher power. It says there is no supreme authority in this universe. Consider the ramifications of that last statement.

There is another irony in this. Christians are often labeled as being intolerant. We believe that there is one way to heaven and only one way. All other ways are wrong and individuals who follow another path are ultimately headed to hell. That is what we believe and because of that we often are accused of being intolerant of other views. Now we have the State Department of Education doing the same thing. They say that they believe "life, including plants, animals and humans, developed through a series of small changes over very long periods of time." In other words, they believe in evolutionary science and that all other beliefs are wrong. Somehow, they get a pass on being labeled intolerant by the media.

What does this mean for us? For me, it forces me to think long and hard about my daughter's education, even though she is still several years away from beginning school. Do I want my daughter learning in a school system which, beginning in third grade, will teach her that our world came into existence because of some random explosion millions of years ago? Do I want her taught that this theory is the only scientific explanation for how we came into existence? Or, do I want her taught that an All-Powerful Sovereign God created her in His image?

I challenge you to seriously consider this issue and the ramifications of it. Educate yourself. Take an active part in your children's education by becoming aware of what they are being taught.

All Hallows Eve (by Peter Brock)

Today, October 31 is the calendar day dedicated to Halloween. I find it interesting to observe Christians and their response to this "holiday". Some take a position of avoiding the day and refuse to participate at any level. Some opt for alternate events such as a fall-fest or similar event. Others seem to embrace it and don't appear to be threatened by the day and it's practices.
As believers in Jesus Christ, how are we to respond to Halloween? Do we avoid it or embrace it? Or do we find a middle ground?
Grace to You has written a great article that traces the origins of Halloween, its practices and where it has arrived in today's culture. The article also addresses Biblical and practical responses for the believer. I challenge you to read the article and gain some sound Biblical teaching regarding a God-honoring response to Halloween.

Anniversary - Today is Reformation Day—the 490^th anniversary of the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Wittenberg’s Schlosskirke. Praise God for men like Luther that stood for Biblical truth.

The Pilgrim's Progress - Introduction

Good morning. Last Monday, I mentioned that I would like to start an online 'book study.' Well, I have decided to do so using the book, The Pilgrim's Progress. This is one book that I have been wanting to read for a long time. I remember going through it in a Sunday School class as a child, but I have never read it as an adult. It has been called "the most influential religious book ever written in the English language." I think it will serve as a great book for our purposes here.

If you want to participate, the first thing you must do is secure a copy of the book. This should not be difficult. There are numerous editions available. There are also free online versions available HERE if you want to read it on your computer screen. One logistical difficulty with this book is that there are no chapter divisions. So, I am planning to follow the divisions listed HERE which divides the book into stages. I encourage you to do the same. Try to schedule it into your weekly schedule. Each Monday morning I'll post a short summary of what I've read and then post some discussion questions which will solicit your responses. My hope is to foster some profitable discussion here on our blog.

Today I want to give just a short introduction to the book. John Bunyan was born in 1628 in the parish of Elstow, England. He began writing his masterpiece, The Pilgrim's Progress, while he was in jail in 1675. It was written in two parts. The first being published in 1678 and the second in 1684. HERE is a great article with more biographical information regarding Bunyan and The Pilgrim's Progress.

It is important to understand that Bunyan's book is an allegory. "Allegory is a form of extended metaphor, in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative, are equated with the meanings that lie outside the narrative itself. The underlying meaning has moral, social, religious, or political significance, and characters are often personifications of abstract ideas as charity, greed, or envy. Thus an allegory is a story with two meanings, a literal meaning and a symbolic meaning." In other words, The Pilgrim's Progress is a book with a meaning that extends far beyond the literal meaning. It is filled with symbols and pictures. As such, a cursory reading of this book will not do it justice. We will have to read with an engaged mind.

So, I trust you will participate in this endeavor. If not, oh well, at least I will be able to cross another book off of my 'books to read' list.

Jim, Ron and Ken, Part 2

The blog entitled “Jim, Ron and Ken, Part 1” contains the leadup story to today’s blog. From the book entitled Sailors to the End, by Gregory A. Freeman

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Despite their fatal injuries, and with the knowledge that they would die in the compartment, the men responded well to the order to transfer the steering of the ship to the starboard control. Rowland stayed on the phone with Blaskis as the men completed the task and then he listened as each of them died. Blaskis told him when Ogring and Fasth died and then slowly Blaskis became silent.
Rowland put down the phone and cried. He cried from frustration because there was nothing that he could do. He also cried because he admired the men's determination and bravery. The men's obedience in the face of death allowed the ship and thousands of shipmates to be saved.
The chapter relating their story ends with these words, "They were sailors to the end. They never begged for mercy. They never whined. They never whimpered."
As I read the story, I was struck by those last words. My mind went to the duty that the men carried out. My mind went to the obedience to orders in spite of fatal injuries. It went to the many excuses the men had to not obey the order.

The three men carried out their duties knowing full well they would soon be dead. It was, as are so many stories of war, the ultimate sacrifice, the giving of one’s own life for the greater cause.

There are a number of ways in which a story like this illustrates Biblical truths. A reading of 2 Timothy, chapter 2 reminds us of our duty as soldiers of Christ. “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” vv1-5

According to these verses, a soldier of Christ endures hardship for the sake of Christ. He does not entangle himself in daily civilian affairs because that would distract him from his higher duty to please Christ. Commitment and obedience are in view. Doing what needs to be done, no matter the suffering that is required.

The men in our story were motivated by a commitment to a cause, to a military code. They were motivated by a duty to obey their commanding officer.

As soldiers of Christ the motivation for our commitment comes from…where? Verses 8 – 10 of 2 Timothy make it very clear. “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."

Thoughts:

- Paul’s suffering was due to his commitment to Jesus Christ. (“Suffering” in this verse refers to misfortunes and trials endured because of one’s faith in Christ.)

- Paul endures these hardships willingly because he knows that the Word of God is not bound, but rather that it has the power to change men’s lives. Paul knew that God's Word cannot be chained or hindered by human force. He knew that the Word of God would act upon men’s hearts and consciences.

- Paul endures all suffering so that the elect could obtain salvation through Jesus Christ.

May we, as soldiers of Jesus Christ, dutifully endure hardship for the sake of the elect, knowing that the Word of God is not bound and that it will act on men's hearts. May our duty and commitment and obedience be uncluttered by daily affairs and main we be singularly focused on glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lay it Down, Pick it Up, and Follow Jesus (by Bobby Thompson)

There is no such thing as a Christian who does not become a disciple of Jesus Christ. I did not say that as soon as one professes Christ his life automatically becomes spiritually disciplined and passionately persues the glory of God in all things. What I am saying is that the Bible does not allow for perpetual indifference in the life of a believer. There are no instructions for those who wish to become the best mediocre Christian they can be. It dosent even make sense. The only kind of Christian described in the Bible is the Christian disciple - learning about Him, living like Him, loving like Him.
One very concise statment of Christian discipleship is found in Luke 9:23:
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
Three quick observations:
1. A disciple of Christ must deny himself. Self denial is not popular, fun, or easy - but it is God's way. Lay down our rights. Lay down our wills. Lay down our lives.
2. A disciple of Christ must take up his cross daily. Jesus has a cross for each of us to bear. It may come in different forms, but if you are a believer, be sure that it will involve bearing the reproach of Christ. (Hebrews 13:13) 1 John 3:13 says "Don't be suprised if the world hates you (because it hated Jesus first - John 15:18).
3. A disciple of Christ must follow Christ. "Where he leads me I will follow" - We sing it, and we preach it but are we prepared to do it?
I want to leave you with the next two verses of Luke 9, because they help us see that following Christ is not an optional matter for the true believer:
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and looses his own soul?"

Jim, Ron and Ken, Part 1

Before we get to Jim, Ron and Ken, check out this book by Jerry Bridges. Interesting in light of recent study and sermons in Psalm 51.
Now, today's blog.

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I love learning about the "sub-plots" in US history, particularly those related to the Civil War, World War 2 or the Vietnam War. For that reason I was drawn to a book entitled, Sailors to the End, by Gregory A. Freeman. In that book I learned of James Blaskis, Ronald Ogring, and Kenneth Fasth. Let me briefly tell you the first part of their story in today's blog. The date was July 29, 1967. The location was the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of North Vietnam. The USS Forrestal was the world's first "super carrier", the largest and most powerful warship at that time. It was tasked to a location in the Gulf of Tonkin called Yankee Station, approximately 75 east of the Vietnamese coast. The Forrestal's role was to be a platform for launching air strikes against various targets in North Vietnam. James Blaskis, Ronald Ogring, and Kenneth Fasth were at their duty post in the port aft steering compartment, a small room located at the very rear of the ship, on the left side and several decks down from the flight deck. Up on the flight deck preparations were underway for an air strike scheduled to begin at 11:00AM. Planes loaded with rockets, missiles and bombs packed the rear portion of the mighty carrier. At 10:51AM, a rocket was accidentally (electrical surge) fired from a plane. The rocket shot across the flight deck and pierced an external fuel tank on the A-4 Skyhawk piloted by Lt. Comdr. John McCain. The resulting explosion set off a chain reaction of explosions and burning jet fuel. The explosions of 1,000 lb bombs opened gaping holes in the flight deck and were so powerful that they tore through several decks into the port aft steering compartment where the three men were working. As a result of the explosions all three men suffered grave injuries including missing limbs. In spite of their injuries, all three remained conscious and did their best to avoid the burning jet fuel that poured like a burning waterfall into the compartment. As the conditions in the steering compartment became worse, Blaskis called to damage control to ask for a rescue party. He was kept in communication for the next few hours by a number of sailors in damage control. Every single person that talked to Blaskis that day was left with one overriding impression - that in spite of his own severe injuries, Blaskis was concerned only for the welfare of his shipmates.
As the flames increased, it became obvious that the men were trapped and rescue was impossible, the chief engineer of the carrier, an officer named Rowland, got on the phone and told Blaskis the stark truth; the three men were on their own. Baskis responded with three words, "Sir, we're dying." Rowland tried to encourage the men as much as he could, yet he knew that James Blaskis, Ronald Ogring and Kenneth Fasth would die in the compartment. He told Blaskis that there was nothing he could do. Blaskis answered quietly and simply, "Yes sir".
But then Rowland realized that there was something the dying men could do for the carrier. Because the port aft steering compartment in which the men were dying was so badly damaged, steering control had to me transferred to the starboard aft steering. If this didn't happen soon, total control of steering would be lost and the carrier would flounder and most likely be totally lost. If the steering control could be transferred, the ship could be saved along with thousands of sailors. The order had to be given before the men died.
So, Rowland gave the order to the dying men, "transfer steering"...

Related Posts:

• Jim, Ron and Ken, Part 2

Are you concerned for the lost? (by Stephen Simpson)

Have you ever noticed the words of Paul in Romans 9. Notice what He writes in verses 1-3:

"I am speaking the truth in Christ - I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit - that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh." (ESV)

As I read those words last week it struck me that I had never actually noticed what Paul was saying before. What Paul writes is truly remarkable. He expresses a desire to literally trade "spiritual" places with Israel. In verse 2, he writes of the "great sorrow and unceasing anguish" which he felt over the spiritual condition of his kinsmen, the Israelites. Notice the intense emotion and passion that Paul felt for the lost. He reaches his climax by wishing that he was "accursed and cut off from Christ" for the sake of his brothers. Paul expresses a willingness to trade his eternal security for eternal separation in order to win his brothers to Christ. What love! What concern for the lost!

I don't know about you, but seeing Paul's example brings a horrible conviction. I know of many people, including many of my 'kinsmen,' who don't know Christ. The sad truth is that too often I sit and do nothing. I fail to pray for them. I fail to engage them in conversation concerning the Gospel. I excuse my inaction by saying that "It's all up to God anyway." While reading these verses convicts me, it also motivates me and stirs my heart. I see the example of Paul and I think, "God help me to be more like Paul."

Let us use Paul's example to motivate us. We must be more concerned for the lost. We must always have a passion for the lost. We must always care about their spiritual condition. We must pray for God to give us the strength and the courage to act.

Pay Your Debts! (by Stephen Simpson)

We live in a society consumed by debt. Everything is available for "No payments now!" or "0% interest for 5 years!" Gone are the days when we save our money and simply pay cash for things. Instead, we put it on a credit card and worry about paying for it later. Most of us live with debt. We may have a house payment and/or a car payment. We may have medical bills to pay or educational loans. Some may be under the burden of credit card debt. For many of us, debt is unfortunately an all too familiar part of our lives. Each debt represents an obligation that we have. We are obligated to repay the money that we have borrowed.

It is easy to understand the financial debts we face, but have you ever stopped to consider the spiritual debts that you have? Let me ask it another way. What are the spiritual obligations which we must fulfill? What is our spiritual duty?

In Romans 1:14 Paul writes that he is "under obligation both to Greeks and to Barbarians." (ESV) Paul's term for 'obligation' can also be translated 'debtor' or 'one who is in debt.' The Barbarians Paul mentions are simply non-Greeks. So, when Paul writes that he is under obligation to both Greeks and non-Greeks he is including all of mankind.

So, what is this obligation that Paul speaks of? Paul mentions it in the very next verse. "So I am eager to preach the Gospel to you also who are in Rome." Notice the first word of this verse, 'so.' This is an important word. It connects this verse with the previous one. Paul is saying, "Therefore, as a result of my obligation, I am eager to preach the Gospel." Paul felt obligated to preach the Gospel.

Notice Paul's attitude about his obligation. He was eager to preach the Gospel. He did not dread his obligation. It was not drudgery to him. It was something he looked forward to doing. There is excitement and energy in his words. He was eager to fulfill his obligation.

What about us? It is important to recognize that you and I are under the same obligation as Paul. 1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds us that we were bought with a price. Our sin carried a high price. In fact, it was a price which we, in our won strength, could never pay. Miraculously, Jesus Christ paid the price of our sin with His vicarious death on the cross. He took care of our sin-debt for us. Now, as a result of His death, we are under obligation to Him. We, like Paul, have an obligation to preach the Gospel.

Let us have an attitude like Paul's. Let us be eager to fulfill our obligation to Christ. let us not procrastinate or delay. Let us be filled with excitement and vigor as we eagerly complete our task.

We are obligated to preach the Gospel. This is the debt we owe Christ. This is the obligation we have and the duty we must fulfill. Lord, help us be like Paul and be ready and eager to fulfill our obligations.

Joshua 7 (by Bobby Thompson)

Consider Joshua 7 for your Scripture reading today. I have written a short article about some background to this passage that I pray will enhance your understanding and application of this chapter as you travel through it.

Joshua 7 opens like a great novel or drama in which the narrator or opening scene reveals something significant about the conclusion of the story. The importance of the story is then placed on the events and circumstances that lead up to that climax or conclusion. The first word in most of our English texts is “but”; this causes us to appropriately want to relate the following statement with some previous knowledge. In this case the information referred to is in the previous chapter in which the children of Israel secured a great victory over the city of Jericho by trusting the Lord and precisely obeying his commands. Israel’s military campaign over the Caananites was to be like none other that the world had ever seen. Because Yahweh promised to fight for Israel, sometimes the military strategy took on some rather unconventional forms at times. God’s purposes in this was that Israel might be a nation whose trust was fully in their God, and that the name of Yahweh might be known and feared among the heathen nations. This was certainly the case in Joshua 6 as the Bible records the victory over Jericho. The chapter ends with a statement that summarizes the testimony of the nation of Israel in the land at this time: “So the Lord was with Joshua and his fame was noised throughout all the country.” What a contrast to the opening of chapter 7! The Bible says in 7:1, “But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing…” This statement is all too reminiscent of similar statements of failure on the part of the children of Israel to be the Kingdom of Priests and the example to the nations that God wanted them to be. Time after time Israel failed to trust the Lord and obey his commands and time after time the Lord lovingly pursued and chastened them. God is a holy God and demands a holy people. He will not allow his name to be dishonored and misrepresented by sin and rebellion among his people, his representatives in the world. The account of the failure of Israel and the judgement of Achan in Joshua 7 is not an account of wrathful retribution, but is an account of a holy God in pursuit of a holy people. This was a crucial point in Israel’s history. As they entered the land of Caanan they were on the threshold of blessing or compromise; Blessing, in that it was God’s will for them to dwell in the land as his people, and compromise, in that they were entering a land that was filled with every imaginable corruption. Their mission was to destroy all the elements of corruption that God commanded, that they might not be defiled by them. The danger was that the close proximity to these elements might cause corruption to spring up in the camp and thus defile the Nation. This is why the timing and severity of the Judgement of Achan was so important and necessary at the outset of the conquest. This was to be a reminder tattooed to the memories of the people in order that they might not again experience the tragedy of compromise and that they might experience the full blessing of God in the land.

Maintenance, Maintenance, That's What We Do!

Yesterday in the men's combined Sunday School class Gerry Hill read an original poem he wrote for the purpose of recruiting some help in the Maintenance department. I have included it below for your enjoyment.

Maintenance, Maintenance, that's what we do!

by Gerry Hill, Maintenance Supervisor

Maintenance, Maintenance, that's what we do.

Mop the floor, fix a door, you could too.

Mow the lawn, dusk or dawn, help me thru.

Plunge a pot, clean a lot, that's what we do.

Maintenance, Maintenance, you could help, too.

Change a light, mend a hole,

Pick up garbage with a smile.

Pull weeds in the shrubbery for awhile,

Mulch the beds, or trim a hedge, that's what we do.

Maintenance, Maintenance, please help, soon,

Edge the walks, pick up trash,

Use the vac, clean up a splash,

All this and more we do.

Help me!! You and you and you.

Maintenance, Maintenance, that's what we do.

Fix a flat, errands for this and that. Yes! You could!!

Change a battery, repair the tattery. Sure you could!!

Stack a chair, then a table, at every event if your able.

This is what I do.

Maintenance, Maintenance, that's what we do.

Set up this, and set up that, sometimes even find a dead rat

Snakes and bugs of every kind, plague this place some of the time.

Change the filters, batteries, too.

All these things, that's what we do.

Maintenance, Maintenance, that's what we do.

Sure would be nice if you'd do some, too.