Much has been said about the merits (or rather demerits) of recent legislative trends in the United States of America. Talk radio is abuzz with passionate discussions of the founding fathers, the U.S. Constitution, and the desire for liberty over tyranny (which is insightful and helpful in most cases). Doug Phillips, writing on the AIG website, offers a Biblical view of what makes for God-honoring, scriptural government. A few pull quotes are provided, but the full article is definitely worth a read.

In the years that followed [the fall], three distinct units of government emerged, each with privileges and duties. Today, they are known as family, civil, and church governments. Each government carries a God-ordained instrument of punishment to enforce the moral law of God: The family is given the rod (Proverbs 23:13–14); the state, the sword (Romans 13:4); and the church, the keys (Matthew 16:19). But self-government under God remains the defining obligation of every individual.

The spirit of Babel is alive and well. Men still crave “government” solutions to spiritual problems. At the heart of this crisis is a misdiagnosis of the basic problem. Man’s problem is not his environment; it is sin (”For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~ Romans 6:23 ESV). The solution begins with spiritual redemption, not social reform or state-imposed order. Because nations are comprised of individuals, the solution requires a change in heart, which only God can do.

READ the Full Article at Answers in Genesis: One Nation Over God

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. (Proverbs 29:2 ESV)

At the heart of the misunderstanding inherent in the question of why the universe looks “old” is a commitment by many to a “uniform” view of the nature of physical processes that occur on the earth. This kind of thinking assumes that the same rate of physical processes observed in the modern day has never changed, and therefore can be extrapolated to explain the “billions of years” view that many hold about the age of the earth. (But what if these rates of processes have not been constant? What if we cannot accurately predict the age of the earth or the universe because this is an unknown variable?)

When we turn to God’s Word, the Bible, a view is presented of a much younger earth that is only several thousand years old. If we approach Genesis with an open mind and a common-sense reading of the very plain and clear language contained therein, it is the creation of our planet and universe that is being described in terms that would make them quite young in comparison to popular beliefs in the 20^th and 21^st centuries.

This presentation by Dr. Mohler is highly recommended for those struggling to reconcile the apparent “age” of the earth and the claims of modern science with the clear and consistent revelation of God’s Word in the Bible with regards to creation. Click below to go to the video from the conference and watch online.

Albert Mohler:  “Why Does the Universe Look so Old?”

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. (Genesis 2:1-3 ESV)

• D.A. Carson
• Sinclair Ferguson
• Michael Horton
• Philip Ryken
• Cornel Venema

This is likely to be the last PCRT where Philip Ryken will be in attendance as pastor of Tenth, as he has accepted the position of President of Wheaton College, and a senior pastor selection process is currently underway at Tenth. It will be a blessing to be back at Tenth to share in the event and to hear Philip Ryken in his home pulpit one last time.

More information on the conference can be found at The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals website.

Pictures and posts are forthcoming.

Isn’t it ironic that at about the same time Ethiopian Pastor Francis Stephanos was being kicked out of the convention center, a social statement backer used that Biblical story against the opponents of the statement, proffering that the Ethiopian eunuch may never have experienced Jesus’ grace and love if Philip had reacted the way we, who oppose ordaining partnered gays, supposedly would have. ~ WordAlone Network President Jaynan Clark

Word Alone Article: Isn’t It Ironic?

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. (Acts 8:35, ESV)

I have to admit, reading Ms. Clark’s article, that I was very excited by the fervor for God’s Word that was demonstrated by the Ethiopian visitors to the ELCA assembly who surrounded the convention building with prayer, caring that those voting members within the ELCA gathering might uphold God’s Word with their decisions. It seems obvious that the Holy Spirit’s work through Philip those many centuries ago is still producing fruit.

Minneapolis Steeple after tornado; 2009 ELCA church-wide assembly

The title of the post comes to us from a verse from Holy Scripture (Galatians 6:7), and it reflects both the sermon from Westminster OPC from last week, brought to us by seminarian Jeremiah Montgomery, as well as the sentiments of Jaynan L. Clark, president of the Word Alone network, an organization for biblical reform within the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). Reading her article about the voting results at the most recent ELCA church-wide assembly has been a real eye-opener for a number of reasons.

Before continuing with any further thoughts on this, the reader is first referred to Ms. Clark’s very passionate article on the Word Alone site:

Article: God will not be mocked—especially when steeples fall

In case the reader is unaware, the ELCA has been dealing for years to find a correct “response” to the homosexual movement in the culture. Many have advocated a biblical approach, but others have inserted the language of “inclusion”, “love”, and “equality and justice” into the debate, arguing for things that clearly defy scripture (see scripture references later on in the post). Of Ms. Clark’s many powerful observations on the ELCA church-wide assembly, this one stands out:

In the name of inclusion I’ve never felt so excluded. In the name of love, I’ve never felt so despised. In the name of equality and justice, I’ve never felt so discounted and marginalized.

But with the following paragraph, I was truly awestruck. Again, from Ms. Clark’s article:

For years we have prayed for clarity. We have it. According to National Public Radio, the tornado came out of nowhere. On the other side of the street from the Minneapolis Convention Center, the cross on top of Central Lutheran was bent toward the ground and tents and tables were turned over.

I had to read that a few times. Tornado? Yes, this was very real. There really was a pretty interesting tornado in Minneapolis as Ms. Clark reports. Checking Google for “Minneapolis tornado”, I found a few very interesting hits, including this weather report, which is definitely worth a read:

Article: An F0 rating for the Minneapolis tornado

Of particular interest in that account is the note about how straight the line of the tornado was and how it lifted near the Convention Center where the church-wide assembly was being held. And from Ms. Clark’s account it lifted after first taking out the steeple of the Lutheran church across the street as well as some tents and parts of the convention center roof. The picture posted here (at the top of this post) from John Piper’s blog is itself probably worth more than one thousand words. Before I get on with more of my own thoughts, it would be helpful to read both of Dr. Piper’s recent posts on this phenomenon:

Article: The Tornado, the Lutherans, and Homosexuality

Article: Clarifying the Tornado

My wife and I are thinking through a series of articles (probably to be first posted here) about discerning “signposts”, events that occur (as all events in life ultimately do) at the sovereign hand of the Almighty God, events that are important road markers to be heeded, that help to point the way and to help to show God’s will in one’s life. As always, in all things, the Holy Scripture is our ultimate, infallible revelation of God’s will, but as God is all sovereign, there are probably many things going on in our lives that we should not ignore.

John Piper sees this tornado in Minneapolis as a clear sign from God, and like his own personal sign of dealing with cancer a few years earlier, the message is clear (from Piper’s second-mentioned post above, Clarifying the Tornado):

• Turn from every approval of sin in your life.
• Turn from the justification and promotion of any behaviors in your life that lead to destruction.
• Reaffirm the great biblical heritage of allegiance to the truth and authority of Scripture.
• Turn back from your inveterate bent to distort the grace of God into sensuality.
• Rejoice in the pardon of the cross of Christ and its power to transform you and all other sinners.

Now I emphasize that last point, because the hope for all sinners is uniquely found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ (which I remind my readers as I myself have been wonderfully reminded recently that “the Gospel is good news, not good advice”; thank you jwm). The good news of Jesus Christ is forgiveness of sins, not because of our human merit, but because of God’s amazing grace, as poured out on the cross of Christ. As Paul says, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” (1 Timothy 1:15, ESV)

The good news for all sinners, whatever sins may befall, is that in Christ there is found God’s amazing grace and forgiveness. And by the working of His Holy Spirit we are being turned away from sin, as evidence of God’s working a miracle in the hearts of all believers. The life of the truly repentant in Christ should therefore be marked by a turning from sin, not a full-throttle run toward it.  (For instance, in John 8:1-11, note what Jesus tells the adulterous woman after He forgives her of her sin in 8:11. Also, consider Galatians 5:16-24, especially v24.)

So what’s the problem with allowing some churches in the ELCA to ordain practicing homosexuals if they wish, or even to “marry” them at some point? Is that really a sin? Here are a few references from God’s Word…

For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.  ~ Romans 1:26-32, ESV

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. … Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. ~ 1 Corinthians 9-11, 18-20, ESV

Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. ~ 1 Timothy 1:8-11, ESV

The great danger of the ELCA’s decision is so well summed up by Albert Mohler in a brief “twitter” message recently posted at his site on Friday, August 20:

The ELCA votes to allow partnered homosexuals as ministers. Thus they lie to homosexuals about their sin. Pray.

Pray. Pray for those enslaved by homosexuality. Pray for the church or denomination that would work to condone such a sin (or any sin). Pray for the truth of God’s Word to break through such sinful disbelief and opposition to God’s Word as was on display in Minneapolis this past week. Pray that the sign of the tornado would not be lost on any of them, as Piper suggests. It certainly was not lost on Word Alone president Jaynan L. Clark.

And consider this further sign:  The vote to accept the proposed “social statement” on sexuality that is clearly so controversial required at least a two-thirds vote.  When the votes were counted, there were 676 for it, and 338 against it (a total of 1014 votes).  If you do the math, 676 is exactly 2/3 (66.6-and infinitely repeating).  Two votes less and you could not have rounded the percent up to be over 2/3.

Now there surely will be those of a theologically liberal mindset interpreting this vote as “God doing a new thing”, believing their unbiblical view of human sexuality to be justified by this outcome. However, I believe this incredibly narrow vote could indicate the removal of God’s mercies from the ELCA. For long years this result has been pursued by the most liberal elements of the denomination, regardless of the convictions of many more conservative members in the pew. Now that this measure is “passed”, I am afraid the ELCA will go the way of the Episcopalian church in America.  As the apostle Paul writes, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8, ESV)

UPDATE: On Monday, August 24, more helpful articles and links were added for the reader’s further consideration:

Article: Wearing the Disguise of Faithfulness, Albert Mohler

Online Radio: Lutherans and Homosexual Clergy: A Problem Long in the Making (Albert Mohler Program)

Article: Church changes signage after controversial vote on homosexualilty, Charleston, WV, Daily Mail

Transcript: Address to ELCA Churchwide Assembly, August 22, 2009, Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, LCMS

Statement: Re: Certain Actions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, LCMS

Article: To change or not to change, that was the question, Jaynan L. Clark, WordAlone

Discord can become concord when Christian individuals and Christian church bodies are faithful to the Holy Scriptures, which reveal the Gospel of God’s grace, forgiveness, and salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ~Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Conclusion of original Sunday, August 23 post continues here…
For our own personal “signposts” and what incidents transpired to bring us (my wife and I) away from the ELCA and toward the OPC (Orthodox Presbyterian Church) starting over a year ago, check back for the upcoming “Signpost” series, hopefully soon, right here, at Reformed! Again.

In the meantime, have a listen to Jeremiah Montgomery’s Galatians sermon series (click here, then scroll down to the third grouping of links under “Sermon Series”). Think about your own signposts. Regularly read God’s Word in the Holy Scripture, the Bible, and be in daily prayer. Consider what God is speaking to your heart from His Word and what He is showing you in His sovereign actions over your life circumstances.

Would you like to leave a comment or share a personal “signpost” story? Comments are not currently open on this site, but you may email Eric with any thoughts or comments. Just be sure to provide a sentence indicating that you would like your email considered for inclusion at this site as a comment or related post. We reserve editorial rights on content to be posted at Reformed! Again. Thanks!

July 10, 2009, is the 500th birthday of the great reformer, John Calvin. This would be a momentous occasion even if Christianity were not in dire need of a new reformation. But we are in desperate need of reformation, and the doctrines of grace are as vital to the church today as they were in Calvin’s own day.

I believe that everyone who embraces Reformed theology needs to stand up and issue a clarion call for renewed commitment to the doctrines that John Calvin believed, taught, and lived out so magnificently.

The emphasis in the quote above was added by Reformed, Again!, and we agree - there is great need of reformation in the church today! Thanks be to our Great God in heaven for providing us with such men as R.C. Sproul and so many others that clearly see the need to return to Biblical truth, and continue to do as Jude exhorts, to “…contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3, ESV)

For more on John Calvin, Ligonier has an essay posted this month entitled “The Theologian“.

The questions, compiled by a trio of high school seniors, are quite probing, and show a deep level of inquiry into some of life’s most pressing questions. I thought it might be interesting to ask: “How would you answer?” to anyone who might be reading this post. My wife has agreed to post her answers and comments in a future follow-up posting here at Reformed Again!.

The sample questions follow, taken directly off of the question sheet that the students compiled:

1. Are you religious? If not, that’s okay! Instead, talk about your personal beliefs/morals.
2. Explain your beliefs briefly (could be non-religious).  Tell us the “bones” of what you believe in.
3. Do you frequent a specific place of worship? If so, what’s it like? Do you enjoy being there? Do you go by yourself or with other people? Would you feel comfortable going to another place of worship? Are visitors welcome?
4. How impacting were role models (teachers, parents, etc.) and/or the media (books, television) to your beliefs?
5. Do you follow any religious text?
6. In your own words, why do you think people become religious?
7. To you, what’s the meaning of life/the ultimate goal/the reason why we’re here?
8. Do you believe in a divine figure? What’s s/he like? Does s/he interact with people?
9. Do you believe in predestination (everything we do is fixed) and/or free will?
10. Are we ALWAYS, SOMETIMES, or NEVER in control of our actions?
11. Is “sin” real? If so, what’s considered sinful? What are the punishments for leading a sinful life?
12. Is “evil” real? If so, were does it come from? How does it affect people?
13. Is there an afterlife? If so, what’s it like? Do all people go to the same, or a different place?
14. Do you believe people are ultimately good, ultimately evil, or dual-natured?
15. Do you believe humans are superior to other animals? Why? How are we alike/different?
16. Do you believe your way is the only way, the best way of thinking?
17. How important is religious tolerance to you? Religious profiling? Are they issues in today’s world?
18. Is it okay to disagree with someone spiritually? Hurt someone because of a religious disagreement? Wage war on an opposing religious group? (Consider the War in Israel.)
19. Do your beliefs make you happy? Are you satisfied with where you are now, spiritually?
20. What motivates you to live well? How does one live well?
21. Do you have a personal mantra (quote, song, verse, etc.) For example, “Treat others the way you want to be treated” or “Harm none”.

As Christians, we should be assured that each of these questions can be readily answered from God’s Word, the Bible.  However, it may be that these three students, and many others, surrounded by today’s popular naturalistic and post-modern philosophies, are not aware of the answers that the God of the Bible (and the God of all the universe) gives to humankind, through both general and specific means.

How would you respond?  We’ll follow up in the upcoming weeks with our responses.  Pray for my wife in answering these questions, and pray for those who listen to her answers. Pray for those around the world who so desperately need to hear the ultimate Truth, the Truth from God’s Holy Word.

…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…
(1 Peter 3:15 ESV)

During February 2009, there has been a focus on Charles Darwin and his theories of evolution and natural selection as this is the month of his 200^th birthday. In a recent article on Dr. Mohler’s blog, Mohler challenges the common thinking today that Biblical Christianity and evolution can somehow be reconciled. He concludes, “Evolution presents a direct challenge to the entire story-line of the Bible. Efforts to resolve this challenge generally involve a misunderstanding of biblical Christianity, a misunderstanding of evolution, or a misunderstanding of both.” Read the entire article at his blog.

There is also a worthwhile radio broadcast from Dr. Mohler on this topic. Listen here.

For more on the defense of the Biblical view of creation, an excellent online resource is Answers in Genesis.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. (ESV, Psalm 19:1-4a)

However, for the moment, I would call the reader’s attention to new additions in the blogroll, the external site links, our partner sites listing, links to excellent sermons and sermon series, and more - all on the right panel of this site. Thanks for stopping by, and may God bless you. ~EMS