Don't Waste Your Life

Matthew 16:24-26
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?...

Piper on the Prosperity Gospel

I love this video, this man, this truth...

Remember his stand and our roots

Thanks to the historical awareness of Justin at Between Two Worlds, I can commemerate the trial of Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms today. It was 488 years ago this weekend that the foundation of the Reformation was laid.

When asked by the papal interrogator if he would recant the "errors" he had written in several books, Luther famously replied:

" Your Imperial Majesty and Your Lordships demand a simple answer. Here it is, plain and unvarnished. Unless I am convicted of error by the testimony of Scripture (since I put no trust in the unsupported authority of Pope or councils, since it is plain that they have often erred and often contradicted themselves) or by manifest reasoning, I stand convicted by the Scriptures to which I have appealed, and my conscience is taken captive by God's word.
I cannot and will not recant anything, for to act against our conscience is neither safe for us, nor open to us.

On this I take my stand. I can do no other. God help me."

And on that stand truth began to once again flourish within Christendom. The glorious truth that a sovereign and gracious God seeks to deal with each of us personally - bringing his people to himself and securing their salvation thru the atonement of His son on the cross.

Truth that we are saved by grace alone, thru faith alone, in Christ alone. That the fullness of this gospel message is revealed in Scripture alone and is ultimately for the glory of God alone.

Amen

How sweet the theology...

What wonderful biblical truth is in the words of so many old hymms. Read, don't sing, these words and dwell on what they can reveal to you about your own ongoing and desperate need for a Saviour to regenerate your heart and to keep you safely in His arms through the power of nothing but unmerited divine grace.

Amazing Grace Lyrics

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

Recently John MacArthur wrote this article on the webpage Shepards Fellowship

He called the article "The Rape of Solomon's Song"

Apparently the shortest route to relevance in church ministry right now is for the pastor to talk about sex in garishly explicit terms during the Sunday morning service. If he can shock parishioners with crude words and sophomoric humor, so much the better. The defenders of this trend solemnly inform us that without such a strategy it is well-nigh impossible to connect with today's "culture." (In contemporary evangelicalism that term has become a convenient label for just about everything that is uncultured and uncouth.)

Sermons about sex have suddenly become a bigger fad in the evangelical world than the prayer of Jabez ever was. Everywhere, it seems, churches are featuring special series on the subject. Some of them advertise with suggestive billboards purposely designed to offend their communities' conservative sensibilities.

Quite a few pastors have earned widespread media coverage by issuing "sex challenges" to church members. These are schemes that make daily sex obligatory for married couples over a specified time—usually between seven and forty days. (How people are made accountable for this is a question I'm afraid to raise.)

I would be the last to suggest that preachers should totally avoid the topic of sex. Scripture has quite a lot to say about the subject, starting with God's first words to Adam and Eve ("Be fruitful and multiply"—Genesis 1:22). God's law has numerous commands that govern sexual behavior, and the New Testament repeatedly reaffirms the Old Testament standard of sexual purity. Finally, in the closing chapters of Scripture we are told that sexually immoral people will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8). So there's simply no way to preach the whole counsel of God without mentioning sex.

But the language Scripture employs when dealing with the physical relationship between husband and wife is always careful—often plain, sometimes poetic, usually delicate, frequently muted by euphemisms, and never fully explicit. There is no hint of sophomoric lewdness in the Bible, even when the prophet's clear purpose is to shock (such as when Ezekiel 23:20 likens Israel's apostasy to an act of gross fornication motivated by the lust of bestiality). When an act of adultery is part of the narrative (such as David's sin with Bathsheba), it is never described in way that would gratify a lascivious imagination or arouse lustful thoughts.

The message of Scripture regarding sex is simple and consistent throughout: total physical intimacy within marriage is pure and ought to be enjoyed (Hebrews 13:4); but remove the marriage covenant from the equation and all sexual activity (including that which occurs only in the imagination) is nothing but fornication, a serious sin that is especially defiling and shameful—so much so that merely talking about it inappropriately is a disgrace (Ephesians 5:12).

Above all, Scripture never stoops to the lurid level of contemporary sex education. The Bible has no counterpart to the Hindu Kama Sutra (an ancient Sanskrit sex manual supposedly transmitted by Hindu deities.) Nothing in Scripture gives any vivid how-to instructions regarding the physical relationship within marriage.

That includes the Song of Solomon.

In fact, Solomon's love-poem epitomizes the exact opposite approach. It is, of course, a lengthy poem about courtship and marital love. It is filled with euphemisms and word pictures. Its whole point is gently, subtly, and elegantly to express the emotional and physical intimacy of marital love—in language suitable for any audience.

But it has become popular in certain circles to employ extremely graphic descriptions of physical intimacy as a way of expounding on the euphemisms in Solomon's poem. As this trend develops, each new speaker seems to find something more shocking in the metaphors than any of his predecessors ever imagined.

Thus we are told that the Shulammite's poetic language invoking the delights of an apple tree (Song 2:3) is a metaphor for oral sex. The comfort and delight of a simple embrace (2:6) is not what it seems to be at all. Apparently it's impossible to describe what that verse really means without mentioning certain unmentionable body parts.

We're assured moreover that the shocking hidden meanings of these texts aren't merely descriptive; they are prescriptive. The secret gnosis of Solomon's Song portray obligatory acts wives must do if this is what satisfies their husbands, regardless of the wife's own desire or conscience. I was recently given a recording of one of these messages, where the speaker said, "Ladies, let me assure you of this: if you think you're being dirty, he's pretty happy."

Such pronouncements are usually made amid raucous laughter, but evidently we are expected to take them seriously. When the laughter died away, that speaker added, “Jesus Christ commands you to do this.”

That approach is not exegesis; it is exploitation. It is contrary to the literary style of the book itself. It is spiritually tantamount to an act of rape. It tears the beautiful poetic dress off Song of Solomon, strips that portion of Scripture of its dignity, and holds it up to be laughed at and leered at in a carnal way.

Mark Driscoll has boldly led the parade down this carnal path. He is by far the best-known and most prolific popular proponent of handling the Song of Solomon that way. He has said repeatedly that this is his favorite passage of Scripture, and he has come back to it again and again in recent years, culminating in a highly publicized series released on video via the Internet last year.

I keep encountering young pastors who are now following that same example, and I'm rather surprised that the trend has been so well received in the church with practically no significant critics raising any serious objections. So we're going to analyze and critique this approach to Song of Solomon over the next couple of days, including a look at some specific examples where the line of propriety has clearly been breached.
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MY COMMENTS

I like John MacArthur. He is a solid bible expositor who is not afraid to tell the truth about the need we all have for Jesus (and only Jesus) to be our Lord and our Saviour, if we have any hope at eternal joy. However, I was put off by this article. I understand the sentiment and the concern.

However, I feel that it is unfair to lump together the gimicks of preachers who ask their congregations to follow a 40 day sex-athon and the teaching of Mark Driscoll. I am aware that Driscoll has had his share of inmature moments and I am positive that he has a long way to go. Nevertheless, the recent years have shown him to be a strong proclaimer of the gospel in the most unchurched city in America.

Mars Hill is preaching a pure gospel message that is glorifying Christ and transforming lives. While Mark can be rough at times, he is addressing a particular crowd. The young people of this nation are already thinking about sex almost 24/7. Media has deluged our minds with filth. If it is gonna be there anyway - we might as well view it in a biblical light. I think that the recent "Peasant Princess" series was biblical and within the realms of decency. Mark didn't speak overly explicit - he did speak frank and directly to the issue in a manner that the contemporary culture can grasp.

Yes, I have read the "Porn Again Christian" booklet and yes, it is very frank. But, Mark notes in the introduction that it is written to dig deep into a man's soul and challenge him on his attitudes about how Christ sees sexuality. I don't think it could be as impactful without being so direct.

At the end of the day, I feel that Dr. MacArthur is starting a skirmish over a difference in style and not in substance. I think that both men have the same goals in mind, yet they go about them different ways.

It would have been better if John MacArthur could have simply stated his views without bringing up the name of a fellow brother whom he disagrees with on a secondary issue. Note - I do understand that people from MacArthur's church have contacted Driscoll and expressed their views personally (kudos on that at least).

Still, I am excited to have the chance to hear both sides of this issue from the two. I better go check to see if the podcast is up!

As goes Iowa...

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/04/03/iowa-supreme-court-sex-marriage-ban-unconstitutional/

That link will take you to a breaking FoxNews story which fortells an ominious future. Apparently, the Iowa Supreme Court has issued an unanimous ruling today, in which the court has upheld a 2007 Polk County District Court judge's ruling that a same-sex marriage ban violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples.

POLITICALLY

This is scary. Another example of a how a few judges looking to overturn the will of the people and the law of the land by their elitest ruling are making a mess of our country. Listen to Thomas Jefferson in his letter to Charles Hammond, August 18, 1821: "The germ of dissolution of our federal government is in the constitution of the federal Judiciary working like gravity by night and by day, gaining a little today and a little tomorrow, and advancing its noiseless step like a thief, over the field of jurisdiction, until all shall be usurped."

Or Jefferson again, in his letter to Edward Livingston, March 25, 1825: "One single object. [will merit] the endless gratitude of the society: that of restraining the judges from usurping legislation." This is so incredibly relevant. By judicial decree a very small number of people can declare the decision of the people illegitimate. Look out California.

I know that they claim the basis for their ruling is that " ...a statute inconsistent with the Iowa constitution must be declared void even though it may be supported by strong and deep-seated traditional beliefs and popular opinion," - but isn't that stretch? Did the Iowa constitution really address same-sex marriage? No. The judges have interpreted the writing in Article 1, Section 1 in a way that it should not be taken. It says:

"All men and women are, by nature, free and equal, and have certain inalienable rights--among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness."

But what about actions? Because what we are really talking about here is actions. People may be equal and free alike - but actions aren't. There is no denying this, certain actions are deemed immoral, illegal, or unprofitable AND those actions are not covered by the broad language of this section.

So I guess the real question is why have we, as a society, begun to accept that same-sex marriage (and homosexuality in general) is a positive thing and what should be the Christian response to this situation? And thats not really a political question.

POSITION PAPER

I wrote a position paper on this subject a few months ago that may be useful - I will reprint it here:
____________________________
A Position Paper on Homosexuality
November 1, 2008

Preface:
It is my intention in writing this paper to express my current opinion on the issue of homosexuality. This paper is a response to the onslaught of pro-homosexual media in America today and the bewildering confusion regarding this issue in the church. My views on this subject have been defined after much thought, prayer, and consultation of Scripture.[1] As always, please read this with the prayer that God will open your eyes to the truth of his will. Most importantly, keep your heart guarded aganist letting this (or any other immoral social issue) become the emphasis of your Christian walk or understanding of the faith writ large. Remember that it is the gospel of the grace of Jesus that is the "good news" which saves us from ourselves.

2 Corinthians 5:21
"For our sake (God) made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in (Jesus) we might become the righteousness of God."
____________________________
1. Homosexuality is an abomination before the Lord. It is an egregious sin in the eyes of a perfectly holy being.[2]

2. The immorality of homosexuality is not my personal opinion or a societal more. It is the recorded decision of the unchanging Lord of all creation.[3]

3. In no way should this truth be used as an excuse for abusing homosexuals either verbally or physically.[4]

4. Although homosexuality was a capital offense according to the Mosaic Law in the Old Covenant[5], it is understood that we are now removed from that theocratic system and are under a different relationship with God. We are in the New Covenant, instituted by Jesus Christ[6], wherein the moral principles (but not the punitive prescriptions) apply.

5. Homosexuality is too often the prevailing focus of Christians as we discuss and rightly discourage sexual sins. This sin is grouped with several other sexual immoralities in Scripture[7] and they are all equally grievous to the Lord as they all separate us from him if we are without Christ.[8] We must never push aside the battle against lust, fornication, adultery, masturbation, incest, etc as we address homosexuality.[9]

6. Our response to this issue in contemporary society should be to refrain from judgment on non-Christian homosexuals whom we know and to love and pray for them as well as to share the gospel with them.[10] Once they are regenerate, we should pray for the Spirit to speedily convict them of their sin and assist them to turn from that lifestyle. At the same time, we must be watchful of brethren who call themselves Christ-followers while continuing to habitually engage in immorality. In that case, church discipline may be necessary.[11]

7. Politically we may stand up against the tide of pro-homosexual propaganda coming from the Hollywood gay media lobby and the proponents of same-sex marriage; however we must always do so peacefully and graciously[12]. Dissemination of the truth is our best weapon. In this battle against declining moral values we must be bold with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of our God.[13]
_____________________________
FAQ:

Q: Can a homosexual be a Christian?

A: Absolutely. Even after we have been justified by Christ’s blood and adopted into God’s children do we not all still sin? There is no sin that can separate us from Christ once we have been elected.[14] However, as the believer progresses in his sanctification we should see the casting off of the old flesh and a heart/ lifestyle which more closely resembles that of our Lord Jesus.[15]

Q: Can a homosexual be a leader in the church?

A: Absolutely not. The guidelines for elders, deacons, and overseers in the local church are detailed in Scripture and give a clear picture of a man who is the husband of only one wife amongst multiple other virtues.[16] Would we allow a man engaged in ongoing fornication or adultery function as a leader in the church? I imagine not. Neither should anyone who has not completely renounced their homosexual lifestyle.

Q: What about gay marriage?

A: Same-sex marriage (gays can already legally marry someone of the opposite sex) is obviously against God’s intention of a man and a woman as expressed in Genesis 2:18 and 2:24. Additionally, it serves no purpose for the state as a social contract. Benefits are bestowed upon married couples (i.e. tax breaks) because of the general expectation for the production of progeny to continue the citizenry. By nature and design, same-sex marriages cannot function in that way and therefore should not be legally recognized. Additionally, civil unions should not be granted. Once the homosexuals have all of the benefits of marriage but not the name, they will be correct in their cry of “discrimination.”
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A final word against homosexuality for those who do not believe in God and/or the Bible:

If nature is the ultimate reality then it is clear that homosexuality was never its intent. Males and females are born with very different anatomical structures that when used according to their proper telos produce the specific result of continued life.

While some species of animal have been seen engaging in homosexual behaviors, it must be understood that those actions (results of confused stimuli) are never an exclusive “orientation”; as such a manufactured lifestyle would be evidently detrimental to the utmost concern of nature herself, the preservation and continuation of life.
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FOOTNOTES:

[1] All my reading of God’s Word, and all quotes in this paper, are from the English Standard Version of the Holy Bible.

[2] Leviticus 18:22 – “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.”

[3] 2 Timothy 3:16 –“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” If the existence of God and/ or the inspiration and infallibility of the Bible is questioned at this point, the gospel message and a secular argument, which is made at the end of this paper, may be appropriate.

[4] Romans 12:17 –“Repay no one evil for evil,”

[5] Leviticus 20:13 – “If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.”

[6] Luke 22:20 – “And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

[7] 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;”

[8] Ephesians 2:13-16 – “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.”

[9] Editorial – The tendency to be vocal in our discussion of homosexuality and not the other sins (like adultery and fornication) may be due to the prevailing number of individuals, even church members and leaders, who are participating in the unspoken sins. With premarital sex, cheating, and porn addiction on the rise our sin nature may be pushing us to ignore our own shortcomings by revealing others. We must be prayerful and repentant to prevent this occurrence.

[10] 1 Corinthians 5:12 – “For what have I to do with judging outsiders?”

[11] 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 – “Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. ‘Purge the evil person from among you.’”

[12] 1 Peter 3:15-16 – “…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…”

[13] Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

[14] Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

[15] Ephesians 4:22-24 – “…to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

[16] 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9.