Remembering Cassius Clay

When Bob Dylan sang “The Times They Are A-Changin” in 1964 I doubt anyone ever dreamed  how accurately those words would portray things to come.  The assassination of  President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963  preceded the beginning of a revolutionary era  that brought about many changes in Western culture—both good and bad.  Here’s some trivia highlights that took place in 1964.

The Vietnam War escalated. 

The Beatles made their first US appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. 

The Rolling Stones debut album topped the charts in the UK. 

The first Ford Mustang was unveiled. 

Jeopardy aired its first show on NBC.  

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway.   

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Rights Act of 1964 into law, abolishing racial segregation in the United States.  

Nikita Khruschev was ousted as leader of the Soviet Union. 

Francis Schaeffer , worried that "the doors may not stay open forever", gave his first US lecture in Boston to 30 students at Harvard University sharing his concerns about theological liberalism. 1.

Cassius Clay defeated Sonny Liston and was crowned the heavyweight champion of the world.

I was 13 years old and while our nation was still reeling from the tragic events surrounding our President's assassination,  my adolescent interests refocused on  music,  my hairdo, and boys.    Still,  there was one  newsworthy event  that made a big impression on me.    It  was Cassius Clay’s (who became Muhammad Ali after converting to Islam)  stunning announcement which  he made after his championship  win.  
 



“I want everyone to bear witness, I am the greatest!  I'm the greatest thing that ever lived. ..I talk to God everyday.  I know the real God.  I shook up the world, I'm the king of the world. You must listen to me. I am the greatest!” 2

 Now a statement like this might not seem like such a big deal to younger people,  but at the time such boasting was considered extremely uncouth by everyone.

When we were growing up winning athletes would humbly walk off the field, but now many of them  strut away pounding their chests and doing a victory dance.   Mr. Clay’s braggadocio once considered shocking, has  now  become acceptable to many people not only in sports, but even in the political arena.   To be fair to this man's memory,  Mohammad Ali later became known for his many philanthropic contributions to society.

Nevertheless, it  doesn’t take a Sociologist to trace the changes in how we view ourselves and the significant impact they have had on society today.  

 In 1969 Nathanial Branden wrote a book that became the foundation for the self-esteem movement called  “The Psychology of Self-Esteem: A Revolutionary Approach to Self-Understanding that Launched a New Era in Modern Psychology” .    The inside flap states:

     “In the more than thirty years since Nathaniel Branden first published The Psychology of Self-Esteem, psychologists, counselors, educators, and the general public worldwide have come to appreciate the extraordinary power of the ideas expressed in his classic work.   Since the book first appeared, the self-esteem movement has fundamentally transformed our culture.”3

  Dr. Brandon expressed his philosophy in these words:

“The first love affair we must consummate successfully in this world is with ourselves; only then are we ready for a relationship.   Only then will we be fully able to love, and only then will we be able fully to let love in—to accept that another person loves us.” 5

The common acceptance of  overt self love and glorification  may be  relatively new  to modern society but it is not new to God and it has always been in direct opposition of what the Scriptures teach.  

“ if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Gal. 6:3  

“Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.” Phil. 2:3  

“THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD. ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD. THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”  Romans 2:1-12 

And when it comes to boasting about our accomplishments,

 

      "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;  a stranger, and

       not your own lips." Proverbs 27:2

Moreover, self love, pride, and arrogance are described by Paul as chief characteristics of those living in the latter days.

“For people will be lovers of self,  lovers of money,  proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy”. 2 Timothy 3:2   

It's  no surprise that the attitudes of our culture have permeated the church in many ways,  even  affecting how some present the Gospel.  John Piper notes: 

 

[Pride] "horribly skews the meaning of the cross when contemporary prophets of self-esteem say that the cross is a witness to MY infinite worth... The biblical perspective is that the cross is a witness to the infinite worth of God's glory, and a witness to the immensity of the sin of my pride." 6

If Christ, the Creator of heaven and earth appeared as a meek and lowly servant on our behalf,  how much more should the Christian exhibit humility  in such a way that our only boast is in Him. 

“But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”  Galatians 6:14

  _____________________________________



1.  Francis Schaeffer and the Shaping of Evangelical America

   by Barry Hankins;  2008;  Erdmans Publishing; pg. 30, 75
2. Sound and Fury by David Kindred;  pg 58

3. The Psychology of Self-Esteem: A Revolutionary Approach to Self-Understanding that Launched a New Era in Modern Psychology,  Nathaniel Brandon; 2001

4.  Our Urgent Need for Self Esteem; Nathaniel Brandon
5.  The Supremacy of God in Preaching ; John Piper; pg 35

 

In the light of current events

My opinion of politics has been marred ever since President Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace. I may have only been a kid at the time, but even a kid knows cover-ups and lying aren't right. Any standard of "right" has undergone a slow deterioration from bad to worse over the years, so I am not encouraged by the state of my nation.

It is also easy to become fearful and wonder what will happen to the church-at-large given the political and social climate. But the culture has never been a good metric of the progress of the Kingdom of God. History has shown time and time again that the gospel spreads and the church flourishes in the most adverse circumstances, proving once more that the foolishness of God is wiser than men. (1 Cor. 1:25)

I am not advocating being an "ostrich," but there comes a point when I need to turn off the news feed. A glut of people's opinions only reinforces the blinders of an earthly perspective. Maintaining a heavenly point of view can only come from reminding myself of what is true, and I certainly won't get that from the media. 

So in the light of current events, I remind myself:

Everything that can be shaken seems to be shaking, but we have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken. (Hebrews 12:25-29)

Men and women may make empty promises, but God keeps His Word. None of His purposes will be thwarted. (Job 42:2; Isaiah 55:8-11)

God will never abdicate His rule and authority over all things. (Psalm 2:1-12)

Jesus is building His church around the world, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. (Matt. 16:18)

And further encouragement from J.C. Ryle on Matthew 16:

In the next place, let us take care that we understand what our Lord means when He speaks of His Church.

The Church which Jesus promises to build upon a rock, is the "blessed company of all believing people." It is not the visible church of any one nation, or country, or place. It is the whole body of believers of every age, and tongue, and people. It is a church composed of all who are washed in Christ's blood, clothed in Christ's righteousness, renewed by Christ's Spirit, joined to Christ by faith, and epistles of Christ in life. It is a church of which every member is baptized with the Holy Spirit, and is really and truly holy. It is a church which is one body. All who belong to it are of one heart and one mind, hold the same truths, and believe the same doctrines as necessary to salvation. It is a church which has only one Head. That head is Jesus Christ Himself. "He is the head of the body." (Col. 1:18.) ...

In the last place, let us mark the glorious promises which our Lord makes to His Church. He says, "all the powers of hell will not conquer it."

The meaning of this promise is, that the power of Satan shall never destroy the people of Christ. He that brought sin and death into the first creation, by tempting Eve, shall never bring ruin on the new creation, by overthrowing believers. The mystical body of Christ shall never perish or decay. Though often persecuted, afflicted, distressed, and brought low, it shall never come to an end. It shall outlive the wrath of Pharaohs and Roman Emperors. Visible churches, like Ephesus, may come to nothing. But the true Church never dies. Like the bush that Moses saw, it may burn, but shall not be consumed. Every member of it shall be brought safe to glory, In spite of falls, failures, and short-comings--in spite of the world, the flesh, and the devil--no member of the true Church shall ever be cast away. (John 10:28.)

From Expository Thoughts on Matthew by J.C. Ryle

The Lost Art of the Handwritten Letter

“Then letters came in but three times a week: indeed, in some places in Scotland where I have stayed when I was a girl, the post came in but once a month;—but letters were letters then; and we made great prizes of them, and read them and studied them like books. Now the post comes rattling in twice a day, bringing short jerky notes, some without beginning or end, but just a little sharp sentence, which well-bred folks would think too abrupt to be spoken.” ― Elizabeth Gaskell, My Lady Ludlow

Among my most treasured possessions is a tattered cardboard box full of handwritten letters that my husband and I exchanged  43 years ago.    Ours was not the usual courtship because it was almost entirely done by correspondence.   Robert and I were high school acquaintances but our romantic interest didn’t blossom until later after I moved to Utah and he moved to Colorado.    We wrote letters to each other for two months,  sometimes twice a day,  and after just a few phone calls and  only seven days of  being together in person, we were married.  

The advent of technology dealt a major blow to the art of letter writing,  which is tragic in my opinion.   We have truly lost  a wonderful  means of expression in a world that  has downsized communication  to memes and 140 characters.

The Huffington Post lists “9 Reasons Not To Abandon The Art Of The Handwritten Letter" saying,

“Research has shown that the general act of writing by hand can promote quite a few physical and mental benefits,  from improving learning abilities to fostering a more positive outlook on life.   And when it comes to writing that is used as a form of communication between two people, namely letters and postcards, the impact of such messages lasts far longer than any alternative version offered in our high-tech world.   From the careful intentions of the sender to the value experienced by the receiver,  no true match exists for this old-time, traditional means of conversation.”

While the next generation may never experience the delight of rummaging through boxes of musty handwritten letters  tucked away in a closet,  God has preserved for us  letters that are of far greater value.    The New Testament contains copies of 21 letters that were originally handwritten by the apostles or with the aid of an amanuensis (Rom. 16:2; 1 Peter 5:12). Paul wrote 13 or 14  if  he authored  Hebrews.   James, Peter, John, and Jude wrote  7—and then there were also the 7 letters to the churches dictated directly by Christ to John and recorded in the Book of Revelation.

Last Sunday our pastor began a new series in the book of Colossians,  and  reminded us that these  letters of correspondence were originally intended to be read aloud to the congregation.    As he does occasionally,  we were asked to stand to hear the reading of  the entire book, which took about ten minutes.     As this marvelously  detailed letter was being read aloud,   perhaps in a similar way  that the house church in Colossae first heard it,   I  considered the methods of correspondence we use  today.    I wondered about the impact that  communicating in sound bites  has on our relationships and even  how  it might influence the way we approach the Scriptures. 

The apostles wrote  personal letters addressed to both  individuals and congregations.   These letters,  though written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,  were intended to convey  the author’s  thoughts and affections along with  instruction, encouragement, exhortation,  and correction to the  hearers.   Letters to the churches were meant to be read  in one sitting,  as well as to be studied carefully in context.   

 I have been challenged  on two accounts  this week.   The first is to remember to read  the New Testament epistles in their broader sense so that I that don’t  lose the forest through the trees.      And the second is to resurrect  to some degree,  the art of letter writing.    I think a  good  start would be  to buy a box a beautiful stationary and write letters to each of my grandchildren—chances  are they won't collect  many.    But first I’ll have to brush up on my handwriting.   

Feeding the Frenzy

Once again Christian social media has been inundated with harangues centered upon well-known ministers. Perhaps the more accurate way of putting it is that Christian social media is still inundated, because I'm not entirely convinced it ever stops. Providentially, the latest round has coincided with my church's study of 1 Corinthians, particularly Chapter 1. As I've been reading over Paul's frustrations with the church in Corinth I've been struck by how the factions he speaks of still exist today, in some measure. While we may not be aligning ourselves with Paul, Apollos, or Peter, there is still a great deal of following in Christian circles - be it a certain pastor or denomination.

In my study of 1 Corinthians, I came across this quote by David Prior,

Whenever Christians give their allegiance to any human personality, such as a gifted preacher or pastor, they have taken their eyes off Jesus Christ and there will inevitably be disunity (source).

If Prior is correct (and I believe he is), it's no wonder there is so much fighting among Christians. My pastor recently gave an excellent sermon on disagreements within the church. (His advice is well-taken.) All of this reading and listening has led me to ponder how we, as the Body of Christ, chew each other up in our attempts to be theologically correct. I confess I have done my share of looking down my nose at those who don't agree with me. And while I agree with J. Gresham Machen who said, "Indifferentism about doctrine makes no heroes of the faith", I wonder if we don't take our concern that we may be indifferent to the extreme.

I've meditated and prayed over this, and the Lord brought to mind the example of a well-known and respected minister who took in another after he was called out in his denomination. The former offered the latter a safe place to be mentored, counseled, and held accountable. This, this is a picture of the gospel. If he disagreed with the offending minister, I don't believe he ever stated so publicly. He took some hits for his actions because there were many who couldn't believe he would do such a thing; they argued he was colluding to cover the sin. It seems that rebuke is not genuine unless it is made public.

What your eyes have seen

do not hastily bring into court,

for what will you do in the end,

when your neighbor puts you to shame?

- Proverbs 25:7-8 (ESV)

With all the social media platforms out there, it's incredibly easy to bring someone before the court of public opinion. We often do so without thinking. Meanwhile our neighbors - believers and unbelievers alike - are watching. How long will it be until they put us to shame by bringing us before that same unforgiving court?

In his book Ordinary: Sustainable Faith in a Radical, Restless World, Michael Horton discusses the cultural evolution of ambition from a vice to a virtue. The church has not been immune to this change. In fact, Horton argues, our drive to achieve notoriety within our churches causes us to focus on self and pulls us away from our brothers and sisters, something the New Testament writers warn against (see James 3:13-18; 1 Cor. 12:15-26)

This isn't every person for himself, but all for one and one for all: Christ for us and then us for each other. It may not make any sense to people around us, but when a brother or sister falls down, we do not keep running, much less demean them, but turn back to pick the person up. If necessary, we carry him or her to the finish line...'Above all,' Peter exhorts, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins' (1 Pet 4:8). Peter isn't saying that our loving acts atone for sin. Far from it! Peter's astonishing point is that love hides the faults of others rather than making a spectacle of them. (Horton, 92)

We can extrapolate this argument to the universal church. Yes, doctrine matters. Yes, we must battle heresy. But it is far more wise - not to mention, loving - to point out error in private than to jump on the bandwagon of public criticism. If I acknowledge the unlikelihood of a Christian celebrity reading what I post about him or her on a social media platform, I must question my motive for posting it.  Even if that person were to come across my post, what am I accomplishing? My time is better spent by privately going to a friend who may be affected by that person's ministry, rather than airing my disagreement publicly.

I was reminded of this recently. A friend of mine is a member of a church led by a pastor whom many consider controversial. I knew the swirling storm was hurtful to her; she has been wounded by people seeking to wound her pastor. I contacted to her express my sympathy for her pain. I don't know her pastor or anything about him, really. I do know my friend, and I ached for her. She was grateful to have someone reach out to her and although I didn't ask her about it, she told me what she has witnessed. Her reply reminded me that it's nearly impossible to see the full truth for the mud slung in a media (or social media) frenzy. And underneath all that mud is a church of believers splattered in the cross-fire. There are family members dirtied simply for standing beside their loved one. There is a person in need of a Savior.

And so am I.

Review: Openness Unhindered by Rosaria Butterfield

(I appreciate Rosaria Butterfield's books very much. I believe God has placed her in a unique position to be able to help the church respond to the difficult cultural issues of our day. Included in this response is the ministry of hospitality to believers and unbelievers alike. What she has written regarding community and hospitality has had a profound impact on me. So as a followup to my previous post, I am cross-posting a review of Butterfield's latest book.)

Openness Unhindered, Rosaria Champagne Butterfield, Crown & Covenant Publications, July 2015, 206 pages.

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield is one of the most thought-provoking and challenging books I have read. I was convicted of my lack of love for the lost and lack of faith in the power of the gospel, but it also encouraged me to believe that God is able to save to the uttermost. If you haven't read it, read it!

Because of Secret Thoughts, I was eager to read Butterfield's second book, Openness Unhindered. Identity and specifically sexual identity are hot topics and even more so following the Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage. How should Christians address the issue of sexual orientation and identity? How do we come alongside our brothers and sisters who struggle with sexual sin and have made the choice to live "in chastity with unwanted homosexual desires?" (pg. 144) These are a few of the issues tackled in Openness Unhindered.

This book begins with a brief summary of the author's journey to Christ from feminist, atheist, lesbian college professor to reformed pastor's wife and homeschooling mom. But before jumping into the cultural issue of sexual identity, Butterfield devotes an entire chapter to identity out of union with Christ. This foundation of the gospel must be laid first because who we are and everything this encompasses flows out of Who we belong to. She then tackles the issue of repentance, obedience, and fighting sin. Butterfield enlists the help of Puritan heavy hitters such as Thomas Watson and John Owen. In no way is sin taken lightly, but likewise the glorious power of the gospel to transform isn't minimized either. Her real-life example of mortifying sin when her writing time was interrupted by her children's lightsaber battle is priceless.

Regarding sexual orientation, Butterfield traces this back to Sigmund Freud who rooted identity in sexuality rather than being made in the image of God. This has profound implications because people are now identified in categories that reject Original Sin. She then discusses self-representation in relation to one's sexuality and challenges the use of language that is at odds with the Word of God and our identity in Christ. There is a chapter containing a dialogue of Butterfield's disagreement with another sister in Christ over these descriptors. Although still unresolved, we would learn much from how these sisters handle this conflict with mutual respect and love.

The book finishes with a powerful chapter on community that is convicting, encouraging, and very practical. Why community and hospitality?

[H]ow do we help a young person (or old person) struggling with homosexual desires? My answer is to come to the table together. Stand side by side. Share real life together in real time. We do the same thing we would do with any other sister or brother, any other image bearer, and any other soul. We open our hearts and our homes. We open the Word. We answer the phone at midnight, and we interrupt in a permanent, consistent, and organic way seasons of loneliness for our friend. We find out where the hard places are and bring comfort. And we keep an eagle eye on our own prejudices and assumptions, our privileges and our blind spots... In other words, we listen and we create real and regular friendship. (pp. 140-141)

I loved Openness Unhindered, and I can't recommend it too highly. I was convicted of my own blind spots. I was encouraged again that the Triune God has the power to save and change, even if the journey is fraught with struggles. I was challenged to take community seriously beyond the set meeting times of the church and begin to open up heart and home. I also believe Openness Unhindered will help prepare believers to address the pressing issues of sexual identity and same-sex attraction from the solid foundation of the gospel rather than a mindset of fear. Who knows what God may do in the days ahead? The Supreme Court decision may have just opened a new field that is ready for harvest, and this book will be an excellent resource to that end.

This book is available at Crown and Covenant Publications | Westminster Bookstore

Remembering the Truth in a Time of Cultural Crisis

After 9/11, I was a basket case. The unthinkable happened on American soil, and I was terrified of what would happen next. To keep the panic at bay, no news was good news, so I wouldn't watch TV or listen to the radio. I even averted my eyes when I happened upon a newspaper at the grocery store. Though I had been a Christian for many years, my knowledge of the Scriptures and specifically God's character was weak. Therefore, it was no wonder I had nothing to support me when the towers fell.

Fast forward 13 years.

Diane mentioned in her post yesterday that the moral landscape of our country has been altered beyond recognition since 1973, and it is still undergoing upheavals even within the last three weeks with no respite. Just in the last 24 hours, the news regarding Planned Parenthood reveals an attack on all that is righteous and good, and it is horrifying. Physical buildings may not be falling this time, but "if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Ps. 11:3)

Unlike my reaction 13 years ago, I know I can't hide from the world in a bunker in the hills. I can't put my hope in circumstances, even as I pray for God's mercy and intervention. There is only one refuge that is safe and sure in this time of cultural crisis. I must run to God's Word and gird my mind and heart with these truths:

God has not abdicated His throne of righteousness

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Ps. 45:2

"Wicked men question the very existence of God, who takes care of the world, who orders the affairs of it, and judges in it. And therefore they cast off the fear of God. Yet at the conclusion of the world He shall make His dominion visible to all, so that even those who have denied Him shall find, that God is their supreme Lord, and Lord of the whole world!"¹

In the midst of tribulation, Jesus has overcome the world

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

"The unlimited dominion of King Jesus extends over . . . all things, all events, all circumstances, all people! All are subjected to the sovereign control of the King of kings and Lord of lords! Everywhere on this earthly globe--as far as waves roll, winds blow, sun shines, or stars hold on their nightly courses--does the scepter of Jesus sway the destinies, and control the designs and actions of men."²

The great commission still stands, and Jesus will be with us to the end

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:18-20

"Oh, for the heart, the spirit, and the soul to avail ourselves of the golden opportunity, and to preach Christ where He has never been preached before! All Power, then, we can clearly see, over everything in this world has been given to Christ, and has been used for the propagation of His Truth! But, Brethren, let us recollect that Power is given to Christ in Heaven as well as on earth. All angels bow before Him, and the cherubim and seraphim are ready to obey His high behests. Power is given to Him over the plenitude of the Holy Spirit; He can pour out the mysterious energy in such abundance that nations can be born in a day! He can clothe His ministers with Salvation, and make His priests shout aloud for joy; He has Power to intercede with God, and He shall presently send out men to preach, presently give the people the mind to hear, and give the hearers the will to obey! We have in the midst of us today our Leader. He is not gone from us. "³

1. The Sovereign Ruler of the World, Jonathan Edwards
2. Jesus the Enthroned King, J.C. Philpot
3. The Missionaries Charge and Charter, Sermon 383, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, April 21, 1861.

Gospel Centered Parenting in a Time of Cultural Crisis

“The generation now ruling seems bent on departing from the eternal truth of God; but we shall not despair if the Gospel be impressed upon the memory of the rising race.”1  - Charles Spurgeon

Yesterday Robert and I celebrated our 42^nd wedding anniversary.    We were married in 1973,   the year that Roe v. Wade's  decision  to legalize  abortion forever changed the  moral landscape of  our nation.    The Judeo-Christian  values that influenced  early American thinking  have  eroded  to the point that we're  facing a  cultural crisis. 

 

Christian parents  worldwide are having to  deal with challenges unlike anything we experienced when our kids were young.    In addition to raising  their children in the Lord,  parents must be fastidiously discerning when it comes to their children’s education,  social media activities, entertainment choices, and relationships with unbelieving friends and family members.   Who wouldn’t be worried about their children's spiritual well being,   and how will  Christian families cope living in such an ungodly world?

 

GOD WILL PRESERVE HIS CHURCH

First, we can take real comfort knowing that nothing falls outside the parameters of God’s eternal plan for  the world and for His  people.   We know from Genesis 19 and  Romans 1 that God delivers wicked cultures over for judgment,  but He will also provide a way for His people  to endure.

“if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men... then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment.”  2 Peter 2:7,9-10

God’s elect have survived the rise and fall of many civilizations and  Augustine acknowledged this following the sack of Rome in 410 AD in his City of God:

“So it falls out that in this world, in evil days like these, the Church walks onward like a wayfarer stricken by the world's hostility, but comforted by the mercy of God.   Nor does this state of affairs date only from the days of Christ's and His Apostles' presence on earth.   It was never any different from the days when the first just man, Abel, was slain by his ungodly brother.   So shall it be until this world is no more.”2 ― Augustine of Hippo  

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL

Despite the world around us never underestimate the power of God’s  glorious Gospel when it comes  to awakening your  child's heart—especially  when  it is accompanied by fervent prayer (Romans 10:17; James 5:16).    It is our duty to faithfully teach the Scriptures to our children,  but it is also important to remember—“Salvation is from the LORD." Jonah 2:9

“from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.’  2 Timothy 3:15

THE NECESSITY OF  SEPARATION

“COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord.”  2 Corinthians 6:17

Gospel centered parenting includes teaching  our children the necessity of  Biblical  separation  if  we want them  to understand what it means to be sincere followers of  Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 6:14-17).

The doctrine of separation from sin and the world has been nearly forgotten in the church today.   Ecumenism and pragmatism  have created  many theologically bankrupt churches that are  indistinguishable from the culture.   Preaching on doctrines such as  Hell,  sin, and self denial have been replaced with ear tickling messages designed to pamper the parishioner's felt needs.   And instead of separating from the culture, the church has radically embraced it.

Yet, throughout history  separation from personal sin,  the world, and religious apostasy  has been an integral aspect of genuine faith.    The major themes of the Old Testament  include  separation  from  the surrounding  idolatrous nations.    Jewish infants were circumcised on the 8^th day  as a  symbol of  Israel’s  covenant relationship  with  God and of their separation  from sin and the ungodly world around them.     Corresponding to this is spiritual circumcision of the heart taught in the New Testament  (Romans 2:29).    

Friends, we cannot sugar coat the Gospel for our kids.   They need to understand  the cost of following   Christ will involve  some form of persecution  (2 Tim. 3:12)  but the cost of loving the world will be our soul.   “Do not love the world or the things in the world.   If anyone loves the world,  the love of the Father is not in him.”  1 John 2:15

SALT AND LIGHT

Nevertheless,  God did not intend New Testament believers to be cloistered away in monasteries because He calls us to be salt and light in this hopeless world.    Our children need to observe the joy and peace only  God can give in the midst of  trials  and adversity.    They need to understand  that we are citizens of the City of God and are commanded to love and pray for our enemies.   Imperfect parents as we are,  they need to see us fighting the good fight and  keeping the faith until we finish the race.  

“Cheer up, dear brothers and sisters.   Take comfort… Look at the bright side of your position.   Be encouraged to fight on.   The time is short.   The Lord is at hand. … Millions as weak as you, have fought the same fight.   Not one of all those millions has been finally led captive by Satan.    Mighty are your enemies — but the Captain of your salvation is mightier still.   His arm, His grace and His Spirit shall hold you up. …Come out boldly from the world — and the world shall be obliged to let you go.   You shall find yourselves in the end more than conquerors; you shall 'overcome'.” 3  J.C. Ryle

__________________________

1. C.H. Spurgeon, “Come Ye Children”
2. Augustine, The City of God;  Book XVIII; Ch. 51
3. J.C. Ryle, Holiness: Ch.14; Visible Church Warned