The Pilgrim Church by E.H. Broadbent: Chapter One: The Synagogue System

Now that 'The Pilgrim Church' is available to read online, I'm going to continue my objective to post some parts of the book for discussion. To read it yourself, go to the link and scroll down to E.H. Broadbent to choose how you want to read it. Following is another excerpt from Chapter One:

The Synagogue
From Pentecost there was a rapid spread of the Gospel. The many Jews who heard it at the feast at Jerusalem when it was first preached, carried the news to the various countries of their dispersion. Although it is only of the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul that the NewTestament gives any detailed record, the other Apostles also travelled extensively, preaching and founding churches over wide areas. All who
believed were witnesses for Christ, "they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8. 4). The practice of founding churches where any, however few, believed, gave permanence to the work, and as each church was taught from the first its direct dependence on the Holy Spirit and responsibility to Christ, it became a centre for propagating the Word of Life. To the newly-founded church of the Thessalonians it was said, "from you sounded out the word of the
Lord" (1 Thess. 1. 8). Although each church was independent of any organization or association of churches, yet intimate connection with other churches was maintained, a connection continually refreshed by frequent visits of brethren ministering the Word (Acts 15. 36). The meetings being held in private houses, or in any rooms that could be obtained, or in the open air, no special buildings were required.[1] This drawing of all the members into the service, this mobility and unorganised unity, permitting variety which only emphasised the bond of a common life in Christ and indwelling of the same Holy Spirit, fitted the churches to survive persecution and to carry out their commission of bringing to the whole world the message of salvation.

The first preaching of the Gospel was by Jews and to Jews, and in it frequent use was made of the synagogues. The synagogue system is the simple and effectual means by which the national sense and religious unity of the Jewish people have been preserved throughout the centuries of their dispersion among the nations. The centre of the synagogue is the Scriptures of the Old Testament, and the power of Scripture and synagogue is shown in the fact that the Jewish Diaspora has neither been crushed by the nations nor absorbed into them. The chief objects of the synagogue were the reading of Scripture, the teaching of its precepts, and prayer; and its beginnings go back to ancient times. In the seventy-fourth Psalm is the complaint: "Thine enemies roar in the midst of Thy congregations ...hey have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land" (Psa. 74. 4, 8). On the return from the captivity it is said that Ezra further organised the synagogues, and the later dispersion of the Jews added to their importance. When the Temple, the Jewish centre, was destroyed by the Romans, the synagogues, widely distributed as they were, proved to be an
indestructible bond, surviving all the persecutions that followed. In the centre of each synagogue is the ark in which the Scriptures are kept, and beside it is the desk from which they are read. An attempt under Barcochebas (A.D. 135), which was one of many efforts made to deliver Judaea from the Roman yoke and seemed for a short time to promise some success, failed as did all others, and only brought terrible retribution on the Jews. But though force failed to free them, the gathering of the people round the Scriptures as their centre preserved them from extinction.

The likeness and connection between the synagogues and the churches is apparent. Jesus made Himself the centre of each of the churches dispersed throughout the world, saying, "where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matt. 18. 20), and He gave the Scriptures for their unchanging guidance. For this reason it has proved impossible to extinguish the churches; when in one place they have been destroyed they have appeared again in others.

Reading Merton's 'The Seven Storey Mountain'

Actually I just finished the introduction to this edition of 'The Seven Storey Mountain' by Thomas Merton. From the introduction it sounds like, since this is Merton's first book and it was written very early in his life right after his conversion to the Roman Catholic Church, that it may not be enough to read this book to find out who he was and where he was going. However, the book quickly became a bestseller when it first appeared in 1948, and has been constantly a good seller since then, so it will certainly be interesting from a human perspective and as a conversion story. More to come....

Choosing to See: A New Book by Mary Beth Chapman

I just read on facebook that Mary Beth Chapman's new book, Choosing to See, is now at #13 on the New York Times bestseller list. I went and read the reviews on Amazon and it sounds really good. Here is the description on Amazon:

From Publishers Weekly
Chapman, wife to singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman, tells the story of her life and loss in this tender memoir. Chapman discloses how unsuited she is to be the public figure spouse to a charismatic and outgoing husband. Marrying him totally upset her orderly mental image of a quiet life in the suburbs with a 9 to 5 working husband. Instead, she discovered that God gave her a life she didn't expect that has taken her places she didn't want to go. As Chapman tells it, fame, travel, and adoption of children took this quiet woman out of her comfort zone more times than she cares to remember. In 2008, the tragic death of their five-year-old daughter, Maria, led to still more inner heartache. The Chapmans' story is harrowing and deeply sorrowful, yet the author finds a way to communicate their hope, faith, and love for a faithful God in every moment by grace-infused moment.

Product Description
I've told my kids for years that God doesn't make mistakes," writes Mary Beth Chapman, wife of Grammy award winning recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman. "Would I believe it now, when my whole world as I knew it came to an end?" Covering her courtship and marriage to Steven Curtis Chapman, struggles for emotional balance, and living with grief, Mary Beth's story is our story--wondering where God is when the worst happens. In Choosing to SEE, she shows how she wrestles with God even as she has allowed him to write her story--both during times of happiness and those of tragedy. Readers will hear firsthand about the loss of her daughter, the struggle to heal, and the unexpected path God has placed her on.

Here's one of the customer reviews:

I pre-ordered this book since I grew up listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's music, and my husband & I have an interest in adoption. Honestly, I am an avid reader, and have read LOTS of Christian books, both fiction & non-fiction, and, honestly, after a while they kind of all seem to sound the same. I found this book to be very refreshing and honest. Humbly and frankly addressing topics that are often 'taboo' in Christian circles, such as depression, not 'having it all together', doubts, anxiety, etc. was a change, for one. While reading the book, I felt like I was meeting someone like me, almost like talking to a friend, instead of someone leading a perfect life trying to tell me how to make mine perfect as well, following their method. I would highly recommend reading this book.

Sounds like my kind of book, as a quiet person myself, who often feels overwhelmed and inadequate for my tasks. After I read it I'll add my own review as well.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: To Be Deep in History - excellent article by Keith Mathison

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: To Be Deep in History - excellent article by Keith Mathison

Psalm 19

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.

In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
6 Its rising is from one end of heaven,
And its circuit to the other end;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

Hallowed Be Thy Name

In thinking about prayer and specifically The Lord's Prayer, the second line of the prayer "Hallowed by Thy Name" reminded me of the different names of God which are so amazing and beautiful. Here is a page that gives many of the scriptural names of God, and following is a portion of that page.

THE NAMES OF GOD

OLD TESTAMENT NAMES FOR GOD

ELOHIM......Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1
meaning "God", a reference to God's power and might.
ADONAI......Malachi 1:6
meaning "Lord", a reference to the Lordship of God.
JEHOVAH--YAHWEH.....Genesis 2:4
a reference to God's divine salvation.
JEHOVAH-MACCADDESHEM.......Exodus 31:13
meaning "The Lord thy sanctifier"
JEHOVAH-ROHI......Psalm 23:1
meaning "The Lord my shepherd"
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH.......Ezekiel 48:35
meaning "The Lord who is present"
JEHOVAH-RAPHA.........Exodus 15:26
meaning "The Lord our healer"
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU......Jeremiah 23:6
meaning "The Lord our righteousness"
JEHOVAH-JIREH.........Genesis 22:13-14
meaning "The Lord will provide"
JEHOVAH-NISSI.........Exodus 17:15
meaning "The Lord our banner"
JEHOVAH-SHALOM........Judges 6:24
meaning "The Lord is peace"
JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH......Isaiah 6:1-3
meaning "The Lord of Hosts"
JEHOVAH-GMOLAH........Jeremiah 51:6
meaning "The God of Recompense"
EL-ELYON..............Genesis 14:17-20,Isaiah 14:13-14
meaning "The most high God
EL-ROI................Genesis 16:13
meaning "The strong one who sees"
EL-SHADDAI............Genesis 17:1,Psalm 91:1
meaning "The God of the mountains or God Almighty"
EL-OLAM...............Isaiah 40:28-31
meaning "The everlasting God"

A Question About Scripture and the Church

Here's a question prompted by the difference between the Catholic and protestant ways of looking at scripture.
Are we to judge Scripture by what our church teaches, or are we to judge what our church teaches by Scripture?

Evangeliku: Mary, the Disciple of Christ

On Evangeliku, the blog of Dr. Joe Mizzi, who also runs the website 'Just for Catholics' there is a new post up called 'Mary, the Disciple of Christ'. This post is very interesting, because Dr. Mizzi, a physician and former Catholic, quotes from St. Augustine, who says some things that I have been saying recently about Mary, though I have never read these things from Augustine before. One of these things is that:
“Mary is holy, Mary is blessed, but the Church is something better than the Virgin Mary. Why? Because Mary is part of the Church, a holy member, a quite exceptional member, the supremely wonderful member, but still a member of the whole body. That being so, it follows that the body is something greater than the member. The Lord is the head, and the whole Christ is head and body. How shall I put it? We have a divine head, we have God as our head.”

UPDATE: Another thought about Mary that I've mentioned, and which I've also seen in quotes from the Church Fathers, is that Mary represents Israel giving birth to her own Savior. Mary is called 'woman' several times by Jesus, and the last time is when Jesus gives Mary away to the beloved disciple at the cross. Scripture says that from that day on John took Mary into his own home. The woman in prophecy always refers to Israel or the people of God. I believe Mary represents Israel here as well. Disciples of Christ will love Israel as our Mother from whom comes the Savior, and welcome her into our home looking forward to the time when she will be one with us as the Bride of Christ. I was thinking about this story and this occurred to me as a very meaningful interpretation. It helps me to see more who Mary is, not so I can exalt her, but so I can love and welcome her and all Israel as part of the Body of Christ, one with us under our Head. A few of the Fathers taught that Mary had slipped into doubt for a time before Christ died, along with the brothers of Christ who did not yet believe. I believe this fits with the way Israel as a whole has been in unbelief for a time, until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled, but then 'all Israel will be saved.'(Romans 11:26)

Prayer: Jesus teaches His disciples to pray: part one

Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

This is the prayer given by the Lord Jesus Himself to His disciples to teach them how to pray.
The first thing I see is that we are to pray secretly, simply, and without vain repetitions of words. We are praying to be heard by our Father and no one else. We are saying only what really needs to be said, and not repeating phrases as if that is what will make God listen to us.
The second thing I see is that we are to pray to our Father in heaven. He is the one who can hear our prayers, being omnipresent, omniscient, and all-powerful. God is the only one in heaven who is able to hear our prayers because human beings cannot hear and distinguish millions of simultaneous and continuous prayers.
The third thing I see is that the Father's name is to be hallowed or set apart in our hearts as the one to pray to, and as the only one who is our God and helper and provider, as scripture repeats many times in various places.
More later...

Prayer Challenge

Over on Visits to Candyland, Leo, who is Catholic, has challenged the other Catholics there to pray a novena of Hail Marys 'for my conversion' in hopes that I will convert to Catholicism. Here is his challenge:

Elena, I have a challenge and a request for you, Christine and John. This thought came to me last week and again at Mass this morning and so I offer it to you.

Would you each be willing to join me in a simple 9 day novena? Let's say one simple Hail Mary each day for 9 consecutive days for the sake of Jennie's conversion. This would put the whole thing in our Blessed Mother's hands and give the Holy Spirit the opportunity to witness to the role of His spouse. It would also witness to the effect of even one simple Hail Mary prayer. Are you game?

I didn't know how or if I should respond to this, so I prayed about it for a while. The first thing that came to mind was Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18, especially the passage which says "Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, He is God." After praying and thinking some more, and talking to my husband about it, I decided I shouldn't challenge them to pray to Mary while I pray to God, since I don't want to encourage people to do that. Also Elijah didn't ask the Israelite people to pray to Baal, but only to watch while the prophets called on Baal. I finally decided to challenge them to pray to the Father about whom they should pray to in heaven, while reading scriptures about prayer, and to be willing to submit to whatever the Father shows them in His word. Leo accepted my challenge, though he said he will do the novena to Mary as well. I don't know if the others are accepting my challenge, though 2 have accepted Leo's.

Here is my challenge:
Leo,
I've been praying about what you've said here, and if I should say anything about it. I'm asking that you don't pray to Mary for me, not because I think it will hurt or affect me, but for your own sake and the others. If you want to pray for me, please pray to the Father in heaven.
I would like to request instead of your challenge, that you accept mine. I will pray to the Father that He would open your eyes to see that He is the only one in heaven that we should pray to, as Jesus taught us to pray. I ask that you would pray the same thing, that the Father would show you whom you should pray to in heaven, and that you will be willing to submit to Him in whatever He shows you in His word. Would you accept this challenge, to pray this for 9 days in faith that God will give wisdom?

And here's another note I added later after praying and thinking about this some more:
Leo, our hearts can deceive us, so I'm asking that we search God's word about prayer as we pray, and ask that God would open our eyes by the Holy Spirit's guidance through His word. I'm going to do a search on prayer and pray and praying, etc.
So we're praying that the Father would show us whom we should pray to in heaven, and that we will submit to whatever He shows us in His word.
By the way, last night I remembered the passage that says our hearts can deceive us, and added three words to my request: 'in His word'.
Jeremiah 17:
9 “ The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?

I'm going to post some of the passages I find as I search the scriptures about prayer. If nothing else, I'll learn some more good things about prayer. I hope everyone does.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: In a discussion at Called to Communion

Here's a post by John Bugay that links to a discussion at 'Called to Communion' about some new scholarship on the structure of the early church at Rome.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: In a discussion at Called to Communion

Revised: Here's a discussion at VTC on whether I'm nutty

http://mdcalexatestblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/cue-theme-from-x-files-here.html

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: How Many Popes Does it Take to Deny the Immaculate Conception?

ANOTHER UPDATE: I'm opening comments here now, since everybody seems to be scared of TurretinFan and won't go over there. But please read all the links here if you want to comment.

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: How Many Popes Does it Take to Deny the Immaculate Conception?

I'm going to try something new, since I'm not a patristic scholar. If anyone wants to comment, please do so over at TurretinFan's blog. I may open comments here later on.

UPDATE: Here are two more articles which Jason Engwer linked to in the comments of TurretinFan's post on the debate on the Immaculate Conception:
http://triablogue.blogspot.com/2006/09/some-early-sources-on-sinlessness-of.html
http://triablogue.blogspot.com/2006/09/some-later-sources-on-sinlessness-of.html

Revelation Song -Philips Craig and Dean- (with lyrics)

This is another beautiful song of worship to Jesus.

No Other Name: Unhindered

We sang this song in church this Sunday. It's a beautiful song praising Jesus, who is Emmanuel which means 'God with us'. God's name is the only one worthy of praise.

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: The White-Ferrara Marian Debate - Some Follow-Up

More from TurretinFan on the Immaculate Conception.

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: The White-Ferrara Marian Debate - Some Follow-Up

In the post TurretinFan links to 'Ineffibilis Deus' which is the document which declares the Immaculate Conception to be official Church Dogma. Here is a quote from it that shows the purpose of the doctrine and the spirit of it, which is offensive beyond words:
All our hope do we repose in the most Blessed Virgin -- in the all fair and immaculate one who has crushed the poisonous head of the most cruel serpent and brought salvation to the world: in her who is the glory of the prophets and apostles, the honor of the martyrs, the crown and joy of all the saints; in her who is the safest refuge and the most trustworthy helper of all who are in danger; in her who, with her only-begotten Son, is the most powerful Mediatrix and Conciliatrix in the whole world; in her who is the most excellent glory, ornament, and impregnable stronghold of the holy Church; in her who has destroyed all heresies and snatched the faithful people and nations from all kinds of direst calamities; in her do we hope who has delivered us from so many threatening dangers. We have, therefore, a very certain hope and complete confidence that the most Blessed Virgin will ensure by her most powerful patronage that all difficulties be removed and all errors dissipated, so that our Holy Mother the Catholic Church may flourish daily more and more throughout all the nations and countries, and may reign "from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth," and may enjoy genuine peace, tranquility and liberty. We are firm in our confidence that she will obtain pardon for the sinner, health for the sick, strength of heart for the weak, consolation for the afflicted, help for those in danger; that she will remove spiritual blindness from all who are in error, so that they may return to the path of truth and justice, and that here may be one flock and one shepherd.

All these things ascribed to Mary are things that only God Himself does, and our hope and praise should go to Him alone. Christ is the one who crushed the head of the serpent. This is why I am offended and continue to feel the need to expose the spirit behind this doctrine.

I posted this whole chapter a few days ago and bolded this passage, hoping it might strike a chord: 1 Peter 1:20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
We believe in God the Father through Christ alone, and our faith and hope are in Him.

1 Peter 1: "For you who through Him believe in God"

1 Peter 1

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because


“ All flesh is as grass,
And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.
The grass withers,
And its flower falls away,
25 But the word of the LORD endures forever.”



Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Was Mary Sinless?

Today TurretinFan posted this link to a friend's post about the immaculate conception. I can't help it, I have to link to it. Jesus is the only one who is sinless, and Mary stands for all of us who fall yet are redeemed by His blood.

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Was Mary Sinless?

Concordat Watch

Concordat Watch is a website dedicated to exposing the truth about agreements, called concordats, made between the Catholic Church and the governments of countries.
Here is one web page on the website that shows how the innocent are trampled in the Roman Catholic Church's quest for power and money. The article begins:

The Polish Government can afford to subsidise Church influence in every corner of society, from chaplains throughout the civil service to holiday pay for the monks and nuns who teach religion in state schools. Yet it is unable to provide free school lunches for Polish children, a quarter of whom are malnourished. This is an itemised list of state subventions to the Church for 2008.

Here is a FAQ page that gives some basic questions and answers about concordats. Following is one quote from the page about what a concordat is:

It's a commitment to give the Church certain legal and financial privileges forever, unless the Church agrees to relinquish them. You can change a law if enough representatives vote to do so, but you cannot change a concordat without agreement from the Vatican, because it is classed as an international treaty. Once in place, therefore, concordats are removed from democratic control.

The basic premise of the website is that these 'concordats', which are sometimes called by other names to disguise what they are, are a danger to the civil rights of the citizens of the countries where they are enacted. Concordat Watch calls for true separation of church and state. I want to clarify that there is a true concept of separation, which our founding fathers endorsed; and there is a false concept of separation which today's liberals call for. The false concept is that there can be now mention, symbol, prayer, etc. of Christianity in or related to any state-run property or organization. They don't seem to care if other religions are represented; only Christianity, especially Biblical Christianity, is abhorred.
The true concept of separation of church and state is that the state shall make no law that inhibits the free practice of religion, and that no church shall control the government and so inhibit the civil rights and free practice of religion for the citizens. Thus, there is a wall of separation between church and state, but not so that no mention of God is allowed on state property, for example.

Here is another section from the FAQS page about how the concordat effects the citizens:
What powers are conferred on the Vatican and what liberties do citizens of concordat nations sacrifice, if any?

It varies from country to country, because concordats demand whatever the Vatican thinks the market will bear. Current concordats in countries like Poland and the Dominican Republic forbid anyone married in a Catholic Church to ever sue for a civil divorce. The Polish concordat phrases it with great delicacy (1993, Article 10.2), calling for the state to put in place the enabling legislation which would enforce "concordat marriage". But the Dominican one (1954, Article 15.2) is franker: "by virtue of contracting Catholic marriage, spouses renounce the possibility of divorce, which shall not be applicable to these Canon marriages". Here we see how a concordat can deny some citizens their rights under civil law in a direct fashion.

Generally, however, this is done in a more roundabout way. The concordat grants taxpayers’ money to Catholic social services (for example in Germany Catholic hospitals are funded to 98.2% by the state) yet it also stipulates that Church institutions are to be run according to Canon (Church) Law, and not civil law. This means that if you work at a Catholic school, hospital, care home, etc., you can be fired for changing your religion, being gay, living with a partner, or even remarrying. Thus you can be denied your rights under civil law indirectly, that is, if you want to retain your job.

Furthermore, with such generous state subsidies there are many places in, for example, Germany, where Catholic social services are the major or even sole employer in some field. This can result in people feeling they must go to church and even force their families to attend, in order to have a chance to get a job. It’s this unofficial erosion of liberty which is the most worrying thing. No concordat is going to come right out and say: “You must give money to the Church if you want to make sure that someday your handicapped child gets a place in a Church-run (yet state-subsidised) sheltered workshop.” But the concordat sets things up so that this can happen.

My conclusion:
Is the church meant to be a political state that makes agreements that enable it to entwine itself into the workings of governments in order to gain power over the citizens and money for its own purposes, to the detriment of the weakest members of society? OR is the church meant to be the body of Christ that appears in local bodies all over the world and which live to love God, love each other, love their neighbors, and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey the commands of Christ; not by compulsion and power of a hierarchy, but by the word of God worked out in love by each member.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: The Phony Decree of Damasus or Gelasius

Here's another example of why I don't trust the hierarchy of the RCC. I can never tell if what Catholics are quoting from is a genuine document. They may sincerely believe it is, but I can't trust the source.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: The Phony Decree of Damasus or Gelasius

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Peter Abelard on the Inerrancy of Scripture in Contradistinction to the Errancy of the Fathers

Interesting post quoted from Peter Abelard (1079-1142). He talks about love being of first importance, which we 'Church of Ephesus' Christians (see Revelation 2) need to remember, and which we discussed very briefly in the comments under my recent post about 'the successors of Peter.'

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Peter Abelard on the Inerrancy of Scripture in Contradistinction to the Errancy of the Fathers

The Christianity of Thomas Jefferson: Britt Mooney

Here's a good post by Britt Mooney about Thomas Jefferson's Christianity. Apparently there is alot of misinformation about Jefferson out there, because I thought he was a deist who didn't believe in the miracles of Christ. From the quotes Britt gives it appears Jefferson was a true Christian, and also one who didn't accept the institutional Christianity of his day. Some of what he describes as things added to Christ's pure doctrines sounds alot like Roman Catholicism, and probably also applied to the Church of England as well. This is very exciting to me, and I would like to read the book that Britt mentions to find out more about Jefferson.

"The Pilgrim Church' by E.H. Broadbent is available to read online

The book 'The Pilgrim Church' by E.H. Broadbent, which I have posted about before, is now available to read or download online here. Just look under the letter 'B' until you find 'Broadbent' and then download or read whichever copy you wish.
Now, Kelly of Visits to Candyland can read it and not wait for me to mail her the book, since I still haven't finished the hardback copy I have. I don't know why but I have trouble reading 'real' books now and prefer to read online. Maybe it's because I can never find my one pair of reading glasses when I need them.

Power Corrupts Both Protestant and Roman Catholic 'Hierarchies'

Roman Catholic historian Lord Acton famously wrote "Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely." He was speaking of the papacy, the leadership of his own church throughout history. This is true of any church or state hierarchy that lusts for power, not just the papacy. I found an article that enforces this truth about some of the conservative evangelical leadership, who became involved in a power struggle in Guatamala, and caused many to be led astray, and many of the weak to be trampled underfoot by those who should have shown love to them as our Lord taught us. The article is called "The Fundamentalist Surge in Latin America."

Luke 22:35-53 A Prophecy of the Sufficiency of Scripture and of the successors of Peter

Luke 22:
35 And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?”
So they said, “Nothing.”
36 Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. 37 For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For the things concerning Me have an end.”
38 So they said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.”
And He said to them, “It is enough.”
...........................
47 And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
49 When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.
51 But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him.
52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

Jesus said to sell their garments and buy a sword. They didn't understand that He was not speaking of a physical sword, but a spiritual one: the word of God. The two swords are the word of God: old testament and new testament. Jesus said of the two swords, "It is enough." The scripture is sufficient for all our needs as God's people.
When Jesus was being taken, one of them, whom we know from the gospel of John as the Apostle Peter, struck the servant of the High Priest with the sword and cut off his right ear. Jesus rebuked Peter (in John) and in Luke said to permit what was happening. It is interesting that the one Peter struck was the servant of the High Priest. Jesus is our High Priest and 'Peter' has struck the servant of the High Priest many times throughout history. The popes have struck out with the sword against Christ's servants who carry the sword of the Word instead of the physical sword. They have misunderstood as Peter did that Jesus said the sword of the Word is enough. Someday 'Peter' will understand that he has denied his Lord, perhaps when the final cock crows as morning is about to break, and the Lord turns and looks at 'Peter' again; then he'll remember the Word of the Lord and understand his sin.

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Jeremiah 33:18 does not prove a need for the Roman Catholic priesthood

In the comments of this Called to Communion post, people have brought up Jeremiah 33:18 to say that the Catholic priesthood is the fulfillment of this passage, saying that without the Catholic priesthood this passage is not fulfilled. Yet in 1 Peter 2:5, this passage is shown to be fulfilled in all the members of the church, as “a holy priesthood that offers up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Jeremiah 33:17 “For thus says the LORD: ‘David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel; 18 nor shall the priests, the Levites, lack a man to offer burnt offerings before Me, to kindle grain offerings, and to sacrifice continually.’”

1 Peter 2:5
you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

The Church doesn't build itself, nor is the 'Church' the authority for believers: God's Word is

John 4:39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of His own word.
42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”

The Old Testament Canon and the Apocrypha Part Three: From Jerome to the Reformation: William Webster

Here is an article by William Webster on the canon which shows that the canon held by Jerome was the accepted canon of scripture until the Council of Trent officially added the Apocryphal books: The Old Testament Canon and the Apocrypha Part Three: From Jerome to the Reformation.

Some links on Justification, Salvation, Faith, and Righteousness

Here are some posts linking to studies my husband Eddie has done, and also some of my blog posts, on the subject of justification, salvation, faith, and works. This is to answer a statement Leo made in the com box of the post 'Historical Literature on the Earliest Papacy: John Bugay'. Leo said: "Sorry, but we are not saved by Faith alone. By God's grace, yes, but not by Faith alone... and we must respond to that grace."

Exchangedlife.com: We Are the Righteousness of God

Understanding Regeneration/Salvation: Part One

Understanding Regeneration/Salvation: Part Two

Exchangedlife.com: Bearing Fruit: The Purpose of Works

Bearing Fruit: The Purpose of Works: Part Two

Grace, Faith, and Good Works: acts17-11.com

Justification: The Catholic Church and the Judaizers in St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians

Repost: The Sabbath Rest Series

Understanding Faith: Part One

Understanding Faith: Part Two

Historical Literature on the Earliest Papacy: John Bugay

Here's an article on John Bugay's blog about recent scholarship that has shed light on teachings about the early papacy. I cited this in a comment to Leo, who thinks the papacy has existed since the Apostle Peter, when it clearly is a much later development.

Visits to Candyland: Two discussions based on 'Mary Vitamin?'

Elena of Visits to Candyland has continued the discussion from my 'Mary Vitamin?' post in two discussions on her blog:
Scripture and Tradition Discussion with Jennie
Latest Apologetics Debate

The Biblical Guide to Spiritual Maturity: Exchangedlife.com

My husband Eddie has a new two part study on his website, exchangedlife.com, about spiritual maturity. Following is the beginning of it; please click on the links to read the entire study.

The Biblical Guide to Spiritual Maturity (Part One)
The Biblical Guide to Spiritual Maturity (Part Two)

The Biblical Guide to Spiritual Maturity (Part 1)

Spiritual maturity shouldn’t be a mystery, yet anyone who has spent time in the church has likely noticed varying levels of spiritual growth among the members. Some grow slowly, some grow quickly, and some never grow at all. Why is it that so many never mature beyond spiritual infancy? I have yet to hear anyone declare, “I don’t want to grow closer to the Lord.” But I’ve heard many testify their desire to know him deeper. Sometimes those who make such a declaration begin growing, but many times they find themselves in the same position of stagnated growth year after year. The Bible warns that there will be many who are ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

This is not unique to our time, for the Apostle Paul scolded the members of one of his churches by saying, “By now you ought to be teachers, but you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God.”

Why is this such a problem in the church? Why do many Christians get stuck in the cycle of learning the basics, and yet never get beyond the need to learn the basics again. I believe the Bible gives us the answers. I also am confident that if you apply these things, you will not be left in spiritual immaturity. In fact, the Bible promises that if you follow specific principles, you will be fruitful and find the doors of heaven wide open. We’ll look at the passages which teach this shortly, but let’s begin with the words of Jesus which hit at the heart of the problem.

Hear, and take heed
Look at Mark 4:23-25
23 "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
24 Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.
25 "For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him."

I’ve seen this passage applied incorrectly to various doctrines, but if we examine it in context, there is only one meaning to Jesus’ words. He begins by declaring, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” Jesus often made this declaration before giving truth to the people. In Matthew 13, Jesus begins with this statement, then teaches many truths, and quotes the Bible’s warning: hearing the people shall hear, but not understand. Do you have ears to hear? The hearing is our response to the word of God.

What separates those who understand from those who do not? Let’s look at this in greater detail through the scriptures of Matthew 13:10-15
10 And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?"
11 He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
12 "For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
13 "Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
14 "And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: 'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive;
15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.'

This is a similar passage to the one in Mark above, but it adds some details that are also relevant to our topic here. What was the difference between the disciples who were given understanding, and those who were given hardness of heart? It is the response to the gospel. God indeed hardened them (see Romans 9:18), but it is to give them what they desire in their hearts. This passage says, “Their eyes they have closed.” In Romans 1, God gives people over to their own corruption after they suppress the truth in their hearts. Judgment begins with the words, “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions.” A similar declaration is found in 2 Thessalonians 2. “Because they did not receive the love of the truth…God will send them a strong delusion, that they should believe the lie.”

When people close their eyes to hide themselves from the truth, God gives them the lie they have chosen. To close one’s eyes is to choose the lie. The lie could be a desire for a particular sin, but more times that not, it is the false belief in our own wisdom. When I think my ways are above God’s, I am in rejection of truth. Without faith it is impossible to please God. When I choose my ways over God’s, I will close my eyes to the truth by turning away from seeing the word. Thus, I am declaring my disbelief in His word, and faith in my flesh.

This is not only the line that divides the unredeemed from the Christian, but it is also the dividing line between the mature in faith and the one who flounders in their search for truth. I’ve heard people declare their desire to grow, but when invited to be a part of discipleship, they decline by not following through. Compare this to the disciples whom Jesus said, “To you it is given to know…but to those without, it is not given.” The disciples heard the word, and then came to the Lord seeking understanding. Those on the outside heard the word, nodded their heads, and walked away. It didn’t change their life. They found very little value in truth and didn’t bother following through, or seeking to understand what they had heard. Some respond with apathy, while others don’t want to face God’s call to surrender their lives.

That’s the danger of the word. You can’t receive it without your life changing. The word convicts, rebukes, corrects, and teaches the right way to go. Since the flesh is contrary to the word, those who love their lives in the flesh are forced to close their eyes to the word. It is a deceptive rejection of truth. I can close my eyes and convince myself that I’m not rejecting the truth, but it’s still rejection. The word never goes out without accomplishing its purpose. It is either life-changing, or heart-hardening.

Mary Vitamin?

'Under Her Starry Mantle' blog has a link to something called a Mary Vitamin.

Here's an excerpt from the linked post:
She is God’s Spouse, God’s Daughter, God’s Mother. God did not let Her body corrupt in the earth at death. In fact, He never permitted any stain of sin to mar Her beauty before Him. She never sinned, but more than that, She never lost a drop of grace poured out upon Her from God. She deserves more attention from us than any of the saints. We call this “hyperdulia.”Moreover, She deserves such great attention from us because Our Lord, with His dying breath said :"Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your Mother.” The last words from a mortal man sum up his life, what if the words are from the lips of God?

Not one phrase of that has any scriptural support. If God never allowed 'God's spouse' to have any stain of sin to mar her beauty before Him, why does He allow His real spouse, Spiritual Israel, to at first have a stain of sin to mar her beauty? Mary is not God's spouse, Israel is. Mary is not God's mother; God has none (See Hebrews 7:3). She is God's daughter only as a believer along with all who believe. She is only a representative of the bride indwelt by Christ and of Israel giving birth to her savior. Both Israel and the church are sinful and are being redeemed. Mary is no different.
And sorry, but I'd rather learn directly from God and His word and not have the fleshly veil of 'Mary' in between us. God didn't appoint Mary to teach us, but the Holy Spirit working through Apostles, pastors, and teachers.
Jesus NEVER ONCE called Mary 'mother' in scripture. When He spoke to her directly in inspired scripture, He always called her 'woman'. The Woman always represents all of God's people, not one woman. Mary was one of many 'Mary's' in scripture and she was and is just one of many believers.
Jesus didn't speak to Mary with His dying breath; His last words were 'Father, into Thy hands I commit my Spirit' and 'It is finished' probably in that order. Again notice that He still didn't call her His 'Mother' but instead gave her to John. Mary could not be His mother anymore, and she was also rebuked when she tried to act as His mother during His ministry on earth.
Finally, speaking of being 'under her starry mantle' I would rather be under something more spiritually enduring:
Psalm 91:
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

"I the LORD will answer him who comes, according to the multitude of his idols"

Ezekiel 14
1 Now some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me. 2 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 3 “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts, and put before them that which causes them to stumble into iniquity. Should I let Myself be inquired of at all by them?
4 “Therefore speak to them, and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Everyone of the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his heart, and puts before him what causes him to stumble into iniquity, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him who comes, according to the multitude of his idols, 5 that I may seize the house of Israel by their heart, because they are all estranged from Me by their idols.”’ 6 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations. 7 For anyone of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell in Israel, who separates himself from Me and sets up his idols in his heart and puts before him what causes him to stumble into iniquity, then comes to a prophet to inquire of him concerning Me, I the LORD will answer him by Myself. 8 I will set My face against that man and make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of My people. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.
9 “And if the prophet is induced to speak anything, I the LORD have induced that prophet, and I will stretch out My hand against him and destroy him from among My people Israel. 10 And they shall bear their iniquity; the punishment of the prophet shall be the same as the punishment of the one who inquired, 11 that the house of Israel may no longer stray from Me, nor be profaned anymore with all their transgressions, but that they may be My people and I may be their God,” says the Lord GOD.’”

Exchangedlife.com: We Are the Righteousness of God

My husband has a new message up on his website, exchangedlife.com, called "We Are the Righteousness of God". This message goes along with the last post I did, in which I linked to an article by Richard Bennett of Berean Beacon; Bennett wrote partly about Cardinal John Henry Newman and his erroneous teachings on justification and righteousness. Eddie explains that the believer's righteousness comes from Christ, and is always there as imputed righteousness. Our righteousness is never our own. After justification, we are taught to abide in Christ so the word and the Spirit can sanctify us. We become holy or sanctified by daily crucifying the flesh and separating from worldliness. This does not make us more righteous, but takes the flesh out of the way and crucifies it, so the righteousness of God can shine forth. The flesh is like the bushel basket that is placed over the light. This must be removed so we can shine. This is the message of the gospel, that we by faith are given Christ's righteouness, and then the just walk by faith and God's grace to crucify the flesh and shine forth into the darkness as lights holy unto God.

A Question

I just read a new article on Berean Beacon called "Papacy Set to Recapture England". If you want to read it, you can download it by clicking on the title at the top of the website. While reading it, a question occurred to me: If one disagrees with the doctrines of justification and regeneration as taught by the reformed churches, as Cardinal John Henry Newman did, why does that make it necessary to run to Rome and swallow all the errors of Roman doctrine and practice, such as the Papacy, transubstantiation, Mary worship, etc.? Why not study the Bible and fellowship in a local church that teaches Biblical doctrine? No one has everything completely correct, but committing spiritual adultery with the Papal system is not an option. Their history is full of violence against God's people, and their so-called 'history' is full of outright forgeries, quotes from the Fathers taken out of context, and dependence upon the uninspired writings of mere men, rather than dependence upon the inspired scriptures interpreted by the Holy Spirit. And it seems that it is very important to some Catholics for you to admit that Mary is the 'Blessed Virgin' and 'The Mother of God' and to try praying to her. Why is that, I wonder? Because their religion is at heart a religion that places Mary between people and God, or in some cases replaces God with Mary. Again, why swallow poison mixed with a little goodness? Why do we have to choose between two corrupt institutions, when there are true churches right down the road from all of us?

The Letter of Ignatius to the Ephesians: Bishops and Ecclesiastical Authority

The Letter of Ignatius to the Ephesians: Bishops and Ecclesiastical Authority

Chuck Colson's Two-Minute Warning: Freedom of Worship: an anorexic description of our rights

Here is a timely topic for Independence Day weekend: a message from Chuck Colson about a 'subtle' message being given out by our President and His administration lately that may have serious repercussions for our religious freedom.

This is a video a friend linked to on facebook today, and here is the note she put with it: :" Please visit Chuck Colson's website and respond to the urgent alert. The administration is trying to re-define religious liberty as we know it. Watch the video by Colson, then respond in the way you feel led. Blog, write a letter to the editor, email others. But most of all, continue to PRAY that God will protect our freedoms so that we may not only enjoy religious liberty, but be free to share the gospel!"

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Infallible Papal Bulls

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Infallible Papal Bulls

Come to Jesus

Beautiful song.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Luke and Moses, witnesses against the Immaculate Conception

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Luke and Moses, witnesses against the Immaculate Conception

Cultivating Fellowship Within the Church: Exchanged Life Discipleship: Eddie Snipes

My husband Eddie has a new post up on his discipleship blog called 'Cultivating Fellowship within the Church' which he also preached at church on Sunday. This subject has been very important to us lately, as we feel that the church today has largely neglected this aspect of Christianity, which is commanded by the Lord. We are His body, and we must fellowship with Him and with each other in love.

'Safe' by Phil Wickham: video

Here's a great song by Phil Wickham called "Safe."

Eddie's Word Turnings: Review of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

My husband did a review of a bio of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Eddie was very impressed with the book, and with Bonhoeffer. The book is available to Kindle users for $9.99.


Eddie's Word Turnings: Review of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Asking the Wrong Marian Questions ...

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Asking the Wrong Marian Questions ...

A Conversation Between A Catholic (Leo) and A Protestant (Me)

Leo and I have been having an interesting conversation in the com box of this post. Leo is concerned for me because I am no longer Catholic; I am concerned for him because he doesn't see that I don't need to be Catholic to be a Christian. The church is not what Leo thinks it is, I think.
UPDATE: I would also add that if Leo is trusting in the Catholic Church as his salvation, as might be inferred by the fact that he thinks there is no salvation outside of it, then I am very concerned for his salvation too. We must trust in Christ alone and come to Him by faith, not to the Catholic Church. We don't come to Christ through the Church, but to the church through Christ.

Love Is Here - Tenth Avenue North (Lyrics)

I heard this song on the radio today and came home and found it on youtube. Enjoy it!

Francis Beckwith: ETS Shows Sympathies for the Catholic Canon: aomin.org/James Swan

Here's a blog post by James Swan on aomin.org about Francis Beckwith related to his views on the proof for the Roman Catholic Canon.
CORRECTION: My explanation of Francis Beckwith's statements was inaccurate. He was not attempting to prove the Catholic Canon, but was "assessing the ETS statement of belief and whether a Catholic could sign it in good conscience."

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: How the fictional early papacy became real

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: How the fictional early papacy became real

On Disciples and Believers: Part 1: Drunken Mystic

Britt Mooney has a new post up called 'On Disciples and Believers Part 1' that is very good. He writes about how modern Christianity propagates a false teaching that one can be a believer without being a disciple: one can 'just believe' without living the faith.

Wash One Another's Feet: John 13

What did Jesus mean here? How do we do this?
Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean"....So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet."
Jesus also says "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."
If we want to be blessed, how do we wash each other's feet? I don't think it's a one-time thing, nor even literally washing each other's feet. I think Jesus was talking about a day to day thing, that has to do with helping each other be clean from our daily 'travels' in which we pick up 'dust' from the road along the way. How?

The Word and the Spirit: Eric of 'He was fragged for our sins' blog

Here's a good post by Eric of 'He was fragged for our sins' about how 'Word' church people and 'Spirit' church people can and should unite and help each other.

Drunken Mystic: Among the Lilies Part 1

Here is a great post by Britt Mooney of Drunken Mystic called 'Among the Lilies'. Read part one and then go on to part two and three.
This should call believers to repentance and a return to our first love of Jesus our Bridegroom.

Return to Rome: A new review of Return to Rome

Here's a response by Frank Beckwith to William Webster's article about Beckwith's book Return to Rome.

Return to Rome: A new review of Return to Rome

The Rapture of the Church: Dr. Gavin Finley of End Time Pilgrim

Dr. Gavin Finley has an article about 'The Rapture of the Church' on his website. His view is that the rapture is synonimous with 'the resurrection of the righteous dead' at the end of the tribulation. I am posting this not because I am sure he is right, but in order to show that there are multiple views of the timing of the rapture. I don't accept that all believers will certainly be raptured before the tribulation begins, so I posted two articles by Lyn Mize recently as well so people can see that it may be possible for believers to experience at least part of the tribulation.

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Is Mary Greater than John the Baptist?

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Is Mary Greater than John the Baptist?

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Church Fathers on Jesus' Status as "Without Mother"

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Church Fathers on Jesus' Status as "Without Mother"

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: William Webster Responds to Beckwith’s "Return to Rome"

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: William Webster Responds to Beckwith’s "Return to Rome"

Above is a link to a post on Beggars All that links to an article by William Webster who is responding to Francis Beckwith's book Return to Rome. That's a mouthful! I'm still working on reading Webster's article.

UPDATE:
If you look in the labels below this post, you will see 'Drowning in the Tiber'. Click on it to find links to listen to a sermon series by Tony Bartolucci that is also a response to Frank Beckwith's book. Tony also has some transcripts available of the series. Tony goes into some other reasons that Frank Beckwith mentions in his book that may have contributed to his reversion, such as some experiences he and his wife had that made them feel they were being 'led' back to Rome. Unfortunately, God is not the only one who can lead us, if we listen to voices other than His.

I also would like to add that there are many believers in the Catholic Church, but I believe they may soon find that they will be called to leave their church or be judged with her for her errors and her long history of violence. I also believe many others will be called to leave their denominations which are descending into error, or be judged as well.

End Time Pilgrim: The Sabbath Rest

Here is a great new article by Dr. Gavin Finley of End Time Pilgrim called 'The Sabbath Rest'. He shows the true fulfillment of the command to keep the Sabbath. This goes along with some earlier posts I did on The Sabbath Rest.
Also, as I keep repeating, this also goes along with Eddie's series 'The Love of God that Overcomes Condemnation.' Part 1 and Part 2.

A Squirrel in Babylon: The Caner File

A Squirrel in Babylon: The Caner File

Squirrel has been keeping up with the Ergun Caner story on his blog. I hadn't been paying much attention to it until I kept seeing it pop up on several blogs I like to read. As I said in a comment, it looks like Ergun Caner and Liberty University may have been sowing seeds of deception and the love of money and celebrity, and are now reaping the results.

Sola Scriptura: Psalm 107:20

Psalm 107:20 He sent His word and healed them,
And delivered them from their destructions.

Answers In Genesis: Science Fiction: Not Just Entertainment by Carl Kerby

Here is a good article by Carl Kerby of Answers in Genesis about the world view of science fiction verses the world view of Biblical Christianity. It's called 'Science Fiction: Not Just Entertainment'.
I grew up on Star Trek and Doctor Who, but those things did not turn me away from God. They could have, but I believe the main reason why they didn't is that my Dad, who had been an agnostic, was saved when I was ten and began studying creationism and discussing it with us and others alot, so I was exposed to both sides from an early age and was able to see the goodness and truth of God's word compared to the hopelessness of humanism. I am very thankful to the Lord and to my Dad for showing me the truth of scripture.

Exchangedlife.com: Bearing Fruit: The Purpose of Works

Here is part one of a new message by my husband Eddie about the purpose of works in the Christian life. It will eventually be posted on his blog, which is linked in my sidebar. This message is an extension of Eddie's study on 'The Love of God that Overcomes Condemnation.'
It also goes along with the discussion in earlier posts here and here.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: The nonexistent early papacy

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: The nonexistent early papacy

Lazarus, Come Forth!: Lyn Mize of First Fruits Ministry

Here is an interesting article by Lyn Mize called 'Lazarus, Come Forth!', which is a prophetic study of the raising of Lazarus in John 11. It goes along with the earlier post called 'The Great Delusion (The Lie): Lyn Mize of First Fruits Ministry'. Again, we should use these as warnings to repent of our sins, submit to God, and learn to depend on Him and abide in Him in obedience and love. It does NOT mean that we have to panic and run around trying to do good works in order to escape judgment. Good works flow from faith and love and from abiding in Christ; any works done in fear by our own power are not pleasing to God. Again, see Eddie's study on 'The Love of God That Overcomes Condemnation.' Eddie is also finishing a study to go along with the last one on works, faith, and love; basically how works flow from faith and love.

New Covenant Living: The Heretical Nature of the Churches of Christ

New Covenant Living: The Heretical Nature of the Churches of Christ

Here's an interesting post that is in direct contrast to the conversation I posted under '1 Corinthians 3 and works burned up by fire' below. My husband and I would agree with the New Covenant post, but I understand why Shammah is teaching what he does, because he is concerned about Christians thinking they can live in worldliness and sin because they have 'faith' and have been forgiven. Maybe they really don't have faith at all if they have no desire to live lives that are pleasing to God. Jack brings out the main contrast between the two positions by saying: "They don't mean that law-keeping is indicative of saving faith (which is what James 2 and other similar passages teach), but commandment-keeping as a second condition of justification."

The Great Delusion (The Lie): Lyn Mize of First Fruits Ministry

Here is a study by Lyn Mize of First Fruits Ministry about the 'great delusion' that Paul refers to in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11: They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie.
This is also related to the Parable of the Virgins, and you can read about that at endtimepilgrim.org by clicking on the photo of the virgin refilling her lamp at the top of my blog.

I would like to add that this warning by Lyn Mize doesn't mean that we have to be some kind of 'super-Christians' to escape the great delusion. In John 15 Jesus tells us how to abide in Him, and that apart from Him we can do nothing. We need to submit to God and repent of our sins and our love of the world, and realize that He means what He says. We need to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. Read Revelation 2 and 3 to see what Jesus says to the churches about what He approves and disapproves and what we must do. It all revolves around belief (as opposed to unbelief) and love (as opposed to lukewarmness or complacency). Remember all this is done by abiding in Christ and depending upon His strength and grace. When we repent and submit, He is near to us and helps us do what we can't do.

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Keating on Canon Certainty From Local Church Councils

Beggars All: Reformation And Apologetics: Keating on Canon Certainty From Local Church Councils

Bakers In Haiti: Ministry in Tent Cities

Bakers In Haiti: Ministry in Tent Cities

1 Corinthians 3 and Works Burned Up By Fire

1 Corinthians 3 and Works Burned Up By Fire

We are having an interesting conversation about faith, works, and salvation on 'The Rest of the Old, Old Story" blog. The conversation actually includes the 2 earlier posts on that blog as well, and is related to the 2 posts before those too, even though I didn't comment on them. I hope that's not too confusing, but the last five posts are related, ending so far with the link above.

Exchanged Life Discipleship blog: The Love of God That Overcomes Condemnation: Part 4 of 5

Here is part 4 of Eddie's series on the love of God. Very, very good.

Exchanged Life Discipleship blog:

Here is a new post on my husband's blog called "The Love of God That Overcomes Condemnation: Part 1 of 5".

37 Seconds Well Used...: "and now...it is your block of wood."

Here's a good post on John Cullimore's blog called "37 seconds well used...".

You Have Not Yet Resisted Unto Bloodshed, Striving Against Sin

In the sidebar of my blog I have an 'about me' section in which I wrote "I struggle every day with impatience and irritability." I was thinking the other day about that and remembered the verse that says "You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin." I realized that I am not 'struggling' with irritability," I am just living with it, and sometimes getting discouraged with myself because of it. I need to really strive against it, but I can't do it on my own power. I need the Holy Spirit's grace and strength, as well as the 'cloud of witnesses' which includes the saints that struggle alongside me every day. I need them to pray for me and help me and encourage me, and I can do the same for them. I also need to remember James 4:6-10:
6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:


“ God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”


7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

So I need to remember to humble myself and submit to God, and then He will give me grace to resist the devil; and to mourn and repent of my sins and then I will be forgiven and lifted up.
Here is the passage from Hebrews I was quoting from:

Hebrews 12
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:


“ My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”

7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.
14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

18 For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, 19 and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore. 20 (For they could not endure what was commanded: “And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow.” 21 And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.”)
22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Donald Whitney and Spiritual Disciplines: Spirituality Without Boundaries, by Bob DeWaay

Here is another article by Bob DeWaay on spiritual disciplines: 'Donald Whitney and Spiritual Disciplines: Spirituality Without Boundaries.'

Following is the introduction to the article:

In 1971, when I was a new Christian and in Bible College, I had the desire to be the best possible Christian. And while the Holy Spirit imparts to all Christians a desire for holiness (an obvious good thing), potential pitfalls that can lead us off course and harm us always exist. I have shared my story before in CIC but it is pertinent to the topic of this article. My desire to be an exceptional Christian led me to pietism, which led me to a Christian community where I worked on practicing holiness in a communal setting. In that community we tried any practice that anyone claimed would bring us closer to God. Sadly, my desire to be closer to God led me away from the truth because I was not committed to the principle of scripture alone. That brings me to our topic.

Many people concerned about Donald Whitney's endorsement of Richard Foster and Dallas Willard (two popular evangelical mystics) have asked me to review his book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.1 These people have wondered how someone who claims to be Reformed2 in theology and teaches at a seminary known for Reformed theology could endorse Foster and Willard. They also wondered if Whitney's own teaching contains Foster's and Willard's same errors. This article is my answer to these requests.

Before I begin my critique, I want to place before you the areas where Whitney and I agree. Whitney has the gospel right and explains it (Whitney: 28).3 He is correct that it is the Holy Spirit who imparts a desire for holiness and does so for all Christians. He is correct that the purpose of sanctification is to conform us to the image of Christ. Some of the practices he endorses are valid means of grace (such as the Word of God and prayer). He cites in valid ways many orthodox teachers from church history. He understands that evangelism includes the call to repent and believe and that sharing the gospel constitutes "success" even if people refuse to listen (Whitney: 103). I appreciated his emphasis on the need to study the Bible in a scholarly way in his chapter about learning. And his thesis that we ought to make holiness a priority and take action to that end is a valid implication of his theme verse: "Discipline yourself for the purpose of "godliness" (1Timothy 4:7b). But I disagree with the manner in which Whitney uses Paul's athletic metaphor in his applications. Paul implies neither asceticism nor sanctification by human effort.4

Had Whitney's book been written when I was in Bible College, it would have proven toxic to me. I would have eaten up his ideas and embarked on a plan to put into practice everything he teaches. In fact, taken as a whole, the errors I pursued as a young Christian would be the most practical way to implement Whitney's approach to holiness: join a Christian commune or a monastery. I am very concerned that Whitney will harm young Christians who wish to be the best Christians they can be, just as I was. Because it contains the true gospel and begins with a respect for the scriptures, I believe Whitney's book to be even more seductive than were the teachers I was reading—like Watchman Nee. Ordinary life does not lend itself to the high level practice of asceticism, pietism, and mysticism.

The problems with Whitney's book are these: serious category errors, a lack of boundaries, failure to understand the means of grace, pragmatism, the endorsement of false teachers such as Richard Foster and Dallas Willard without caveat, and his own toned-down version of mysticism. I shall proceed to show what I mean by interacting with his ideas.

The Dangers of Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Disciplines: A Critique of Dallas Willard and The Spirit of the Disciplines by Bob DeWaay

Here is an article by Bob DeWaay called 'The Dangers of Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Disciplines: A Critique of Dallas Willard and The Spirit of the Disciplines.'
Following is the introduction to the article:

Practices called “spiritual disciplines” that are deemed necessary for “spiritual formation” have entered evangelicalism. Recent encounters with this teaching narrated to me by friends caused me to investigate these practices. The first experience involved my friend and co-worker Ryan Habbena who went back to seminary to finish his masters degree. Here is his experience in his own words:

I recently took a seminary course on the book of Luke. It was a summer intensive and was one of only two classes being offered at the time. About midway through the week, while the class was steeped in trying to discern the intent and significance of the book of Luke, we began to hear the echoes of mystic chanting coming through the walls. As it turned out, the other class being offered was parked right next to ours. The paper thin walls were carrying the choruses of a class exploring the life and teachings of Catholic mystic Henry Nouwen. We proceeded, trying to concentrate on studying the Scriptures while tuning out the chants that were carrying on next door. Perhaps what was more unsettling though is the class studying Nouwen was chock full, while there were plenty of empty seats next door for anyone wanting to learn about the inspired book of Luke.1
How can this be? A Baptist seminary was favorably studying the teachings of this Catholic mystic whose own biographers describe as having had emotional problems and homosexual inclinations.2 Soon after talking to Ryan, I met a lady who attends a Christian college. As part of her study program she was required to take a course on spiritual formation at her college. Spiritual formation in her class also concerned the study of Roman Catholic mystics and the search for techniques to help those who implement them feel closer to God. This study also explored “spiritual disciplines” which promised to make those who practiced them more Christ-like. After she finished the class she shared her textbooks with me. This article will focus on the claims of one of these text books, The Spirit of the Disciplines, by Dallas Willard.3 In our study we shall see that those promoting spiritual disciplines in courses of study called “spiritual formation” make claims that are unbiblical and dangerous.

Understanding Regeneration/Salvation Part Two of Two

Here is part two of my husband's study on regeneration.

Understanding Regeneration/Salvation Part 1 of 2: Exchanged Life Discipleship

Here is a great post on my husband's blog called 'Understanding Regeneration/Salvation Part 1 of 2'.

The Lonely Christian-A Short Story: John Cullimore on "And now...it is your block of wood."

Here's a thought-provoking short story I read on a blog I found recently. I can relate to it; I'm tired of being alone. Lone Christianity is an oxymoron; we're not meant to be alone; we're meant to be many members of one body. In my own strength I can't do anything, but in Christ I can do all things. The body of Christ (the church) is meant to love each other and help each other, even in all our many failures and faults, to abide in Christ. I'm afraid to open up and be so vulnerable and transparent; to let people see my weakness. Lord, I ask that Your perfect love would cast out fear.

The Lonely Christian-A Short Story

UPDATE:
I have some reservations about the ideas in the story, after thinking about it and discussing it with my husband. I want so much for the 'togetherness' aspect of the story to be true that I ignored a few danger signals that were mentioned in the story. I'll come back later and go into those things more specifically.
UPDATE TWO:
Some of the things that my husband and I both noticed in the story are:
1. The story seemed to say that salvation comes from coming to the body of Christ and being united to it, rather than coming to Christ Himself.
2. The story seemed to say that talking about Jesus isn't important.
3. The story seemed to say that standing alone on doctrine is wrong. Sometimes it is necessary to stand alone.
I need to say that the other blog posts I have read by this author do not give these same ideas so far. I wonder if he realizes that he has conveyed these ideas in this story. I will update again as I find out more.
UPDATE THREE: I think the comments under the story post on John's blog will help clarify the author's meaning in the story. He has answered some of my husband's concerns, and it seems we may have misunderstood some things. It seems the original meaning I got from it was what the author intended: That the church is the body of Christ and it's members are to be united in Him and be in close relationship to each other, with each member playing a vital part to help the others so the body can function rightly.

Wherever the Body Is

Here is a collection of related passages about the church as the body of Christ, with it's members waiting together on the Lord and helping each other to be strong in the Lord. We are the eagles, and we're strong when we are united together under our Head, who is Jesus Christ.

“Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” Luke 17:37
But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:5

Living Waters

John 4:13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”
John 7:37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Jeremiah 2: 13 “ For My people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water."
Jeremiah 17:
13 O LORD, the hope of Israel,
All who forsake You shall be ashamed.


“ Those who depart from Me
Shall be written in the earth,
Because they have forsaken the LORD,
The fountain of living waters.”

Zechariah 14:Thus the LORD my God will come,
And all the saints with You.
6 It shall come to pass in that day
That there will be no light;
The lights will diminish.
7 It shall be one day
Which is known to the LORD—
Neither day nor night.
But at evening time it shall happen
That it will be light.
8 And in that day it shall be
That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem,
Half of them toward the eastern sea
And half of them toward the western sea;
In both summer and winter it shall occur.
9 And the LORD shall be King over all the earth.
In that day it shall be—

“ The LORD is one,”
And His name one.

Revelation 7:13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?”
14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.”
So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

The Necessity of Forgiveness: Exchanged Life Discipleship Blog

Here's a post my husband wrote on his discipleship blog, called 'The Necessity of Forgiveness.'

New Covenant Living: Blasting A Hole Through The Black Cloud

New Covenant Living: Blasting A Hole Through The Black Cloud

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Calvin and the Perpetual Virginity (?) of Mary ... plus the Real Francis Turretin

Thoughts of Francis Turretin: Calvin and the Perpetual Virginity (?) of Mary ... plus the Real Francis Turretin

The Church and the Work: The Rest of the Old Old Story/Paul Pavao

The Church and the Work

This post by Shammah (Paul Pavao) was from an email sent to me as part of a conversation about the way the body of Christ should work and why it doesn't often work the way it should in most congregations. As Shammah said, I think the main reason is fear. Fear stems from pride which is the greatest sin. The opposite of these sinful emotions is love and humility. The word of God says 'The truth shall set you free' and 'Perfect love casts out fear.' We can only be set free from our sinful fear by the truth of God's word and the power of His spirit working in us. We can only love God and each other by that truth and power as well. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit work in each believer and each congregation to unite us into the Body of Christ.
The Lord has been stirring up alot of things in me that need to be dealt with from the past; there were issues in my marriage that had changed for the better but I recently realized I had not dealt with the feelings and effects from those earlier times. This has all come together with the realization that the church as a whole is failing to function as a body united by one Spirit, loving one another unconditionally, even as we know each other in all our faults and failures. The Body (church) has to work together with the Word of God (who is Christ Himself revealed in Scripture) and the Holy Spirit (who is in us) in order to function as Jesus intended. My failures can be healed and my gifts can be used only as I allow myself to be vulnerable within the church that God has put me and my family in. My extreme introversion makes me one of those who fails the most at this, but it also gives God the glory when He makes His strength perfect in me. To God be the glory!

Ahead and Behind: on Drunken Mystic blog

Here is a new post by Britt Mooney called 'Ahead and Behind.'