I’m slowly reading through Dr Nick Needham’s 3 Volumes 2000 Years of Christ’s Power.  At the end of each chapter are exerts from the writing of various people referred to in the main text.  The name Calvin can be quite intimidating to new believers and I remember feeling a little of that myself.  Yet Calvin is surprisingly easy to read.  Young believers ought to be encouraged to read these great men of God.  They are the Lords gift to the Church – let’s receive His gift gladly.

The following text is from Calvin’s’ Institutes of the Christian Religion.

To be justified in the sight of God, to be Justified by faith or by works. A man is said to be justified in the sight of God when in the judgment of God he is deemed righteous, and is accepted on account of his righteousness; for as iniquity is abominable to God, so neither can the sinner find grace in his sight, so far as he is and so long as he is regarded as a sinner. Hence, wherever sin is, there also are the wrath and vengeance of God. He, on the other hand, is justified who is regarded not as a sinner, but as righteous, and as such stands acquitted at the judgment-seat of God, where all sinners are condemned. As an innocent man, when charged before an impartial judge, who decides according to his innocence, is said to be justified by the judge, as a man is said to be justified by God when, removed from the catalogue of sinners, he has God as the witness and assertor of his righteousness. In the same manner, a man will be said to be justified by works, if in his life there can be found a purity and holiness which merits an attestation of righteousness at the throne of God, or if by the perfection of his works he can answer and satisfy the divine justice. On the contrary, a man will be justified by faith when, excluded from the righteousness of works, he by faith lays hold of the righteousness of Christ, and clothed in it appears in the sight of God not as a sinner, but as righteous. Thus we simply interpret justification, as the acceptance with which God receives us into his favor as if we were righteous; and we say that this justification consists in the forgiveness of sins and the imputation of the righteousness of Christ.

In regard to the use of the term with reference to the present subject, when Paul speaks of the Scripture, “foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith” (Gal_3:8), what other meaning can you give it than that God imputes righteousness by faith? Again, when he says, “that he (God) might be just, and the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus” (Rom_3:26), what can the meaning be, if not that God, in consideration of their faith, frees them from the condemnation which their wickedness deserves? This appears still more plainly at the conclusion, when he exclaims, “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Rom_8:33, Rom_8:34). For it is just as if he had said, Who shall accuse those whom God has acquitted? Who shall condemn those for whom Christ pleads? To justify therefore, is nothing else than to acquit from the charge of guilt, as if innocence were proved. Hence, when God justifies us through the intercession of Christ, he does not acquit us on a proof of our own innocence, but by an imputation of righteousness, so that though not righteous in ourselves, we are deemed righteous in Christ.

The above quotes are taken from John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 11, Sections 1-3.  They are from the freely available e-Sword edition.

Martin Downes has been interviewed on Christ the Centre at The Reformed Forum about his new book Risking the Truth.  This is an excellent and very helpful interview.  Go to the website to download or listen on-line.  They have many interviews that are a great asset to the Church.

Or, you can listen to the interview here – click on play.

[Audio http://www.reformedforum.org/media/ctc/ctc084.mp3]

It’s that time of year again when the X Factor returns to our screens.  Shall we or won’t we watch it?  Well we did.  Let’s be honest, the show is what it is – a piece of trash.  Very popular money making trash – millions will watch the show each Saturday.

It never ceases to amaze how completely talentless singers will put their whole life on hold thinking they have any possibility of winning.  For example the opening act – two sisters from Estonia (I think) had actually moved to Britain to be on the show – and to win it.  When the awful truth dawns on them that they are going no further in the competition – it’s a moment of sadness to see their whole world come crashing down.  But after the initial shock – ‘life will show them the way’ – they continue as ‘Dream Girls’ to singing stardom.  Amazingly, they really believe it. They are not alone. Most of the acts are simply deluded.

I might be criticised for watching the X Factor but I believe the show illustrates two (and many more I’m sure) very important truths.

The power of delusion.

To those watching the acts – it’s easy to see there is no way they will go any further.  And even those that do, most are still devoid of real ability. We all know people that think they are good at something but we know they are not. We might think ourselves to have some sort of talent, but the reality may be very different.  The point is this – If we can be deluded at this very basic level, then how much more powerful is a spiritual delusion. The Bible (Word of God) is very clear on this.

2Th 2:11 …because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. …God shall send them (a) strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
2Th 2:12  That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

The X Factor type of delusion is sad and the consequences may not be too bad. But the delusion the Bible speaks of is dangerous and has eternal consequences. The delusion the Bible speaks of is twofold. There is the blindness of a sinful nature – spiritually dead and unable to receive spiritual truth and realities. But there is also the delusion mentioned in the verses above – a delusion sent by God. Only the free Grace of God can overcome these. Call upon Him.

Rooted in Autonomy

The spiritual delusion finds its root in the autonomy of the self. This is brought out when acts are colloquially told ‘don’t quit the day job’. But they just don’t get it. Whatever you may think of Simon Cowell he knows his business (though he doesn’t always get it right). And, unless a person does have a modicum of genuine talent they should listen to the expert. So despite being told the reality of the situation many continue to believe in their own opinion of themselves. So quite often phrases like ‘Simon Cowell doesn’t know what he’s talking about and I’ll prove him wrong’ are used.

Here’s the thing, the Word of God quite clearly reveals to us that it’s within God that we all live and have our being. Apart from the Sovereign will of God none of us would have any existence. Theologians call this the Creator creature distinction. To use a phrase of A. W. Tozer ‘where God isn’t there’s just us.  God is everywhere but you get the picture. On our own we are truly lost and undone. Far from being able to extricate ourselves from any and every situation the reality is that we cannot and we all know it. In other words our whole future is in the hand of another outside of ourselves – the hand of God. And if we are unable to control any and every event in our lives how much less are we able to control our eternal destiny. If I may put it in these terms: there is an expert – a physician of souls whose diagnosis is sound and correct. In the Gospels we read ‘This is My Beloved Son, listen to Him’.  The Scripture says: ‘Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him’. But rebellious man says – no thanks I’ll be master of my own destiny. Jesus told a story about such a person and concluded by saying: ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you…’ The future is bleak indeed outside of Christ.

Call Upon God

We all of us need to cry to The Son of God – The Lord Jesus Christ also said “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” Therefore, while it is called today, call upon the name of the Lord.

An excellent post here on the Rugby Union ‘Bloodgate’ scandal over at Against Heresies.  Martin writes:

‘Ever since the Fall, when our first parents sought to re-write the constitution of the universe, human beings have both been on the run from God and incapable of escaping the reality of being God’s creatures living in God’s universe.’

To read more visit his Blog.

Next year the main morning addresses will be given by Dr Ralph Davis.  He is the Pastor / Teaching Elder of Woodland Presbyterian Church.  Sermons are available to download via their site.  On the website welcome page you will read what I think is an excellent piece of writing and lays out some principles that fly in the face of Evangelical ‘activism’.  It tells you something about the Church and Dr Davis. Here it is:

Welcome

If you are looking for a church home, we invite you to come to Woodland Presbyterian Church. We won’t plead, hassle, or bug you. We won’t twist your arm to become members. We aren’t out to run up statistics.

I think the best way for you to get a feel for Woodland is simply to worship and fellowship with us—that is, marinate with us. We operate on the idea that a church ought to have something to do with religion, particularly the Christian faith. The “offense” of the gospel stands at the heart of our life: we make no apology for worshiping a crucified Jew.

Our focus as a church is on worship and teaching. Much else goes on, but that is the heart of our life. We want to develop a hunger and thirst for the living God. For this reason, we try not to be a “full service church,” with something for everyone. We try to keep church life simple and to keep church activities to a minimum; we assume that godly homes are more likely to be built if people are at home most nights rather than run ragged by various church functions.

Should you like more explanation about Woodland, please refer to a our Reformed Primer.

Now I must warn you. This church is full of sinners. Everyone who comes here is one. You’ll need to remember that if you associate with us – or you may be unnecessarily disappointed.

Warm regards,

Ralph Davis
Teaching Elder/Pastor

Not a bad introduction – a model for other Churches to follow perhaps.

At our prayer meeting this evening the following was read.  I have simply copied & pasted it from the Elam Ministries website.

Urgent Prayer Needed

---

MARYAM AND MARZIEH: “We will not deny our faith”

In a dramatic session before the revolutionary court today in Tehran, Maryam Rustampoor (27) and Marzieh Amirizadeh (30) were told to recant their faith in Christ. Though great pressure was put on them, both women declared that they would not deny their faith. Maryam and Marzieh were originally arrested on March 5, 2009 and have suffered greatly while in prison, suffering ill health, solitary confinement and interrogations for many hours while blindfolded.

On Saturday August 8, Maryam and Marzieh were summoned to appear in court on Sunday August 9 in order to hear a verdict on their case. The chief interrogator had recommended a verdict of ‘apostasy.’ However, when they arrived, no verdict was actually given. Instead, the court session focussed on the deputy prosecutor, Mr Haddad, questioning Maryam and Marzieh about their faith and telling them that they had to recant in both verbal and written form. This made it clear that in the eyes of the court, Maryam and Marzieh’s only crime is that they have converted to Christianity.

Mr. Haddad, asked the two women if they were Christians. “We love Jesus,” they replied. He repeated his question and they said, “Yes, we are Christians.”

Mr. Haddad then said, “You were Muslims and now you have become Christians.”

“We were born in Muslim families, but we were not Muslims,” was their reply.

Mr. Haddad’s questioning continued and he asked them if they regretted becoming Christians, to which they replied, “We have no regrets.”

Then he stated emphatically, “You should renounce your faith verbally and in written form.” They stood firm and replied, “We will not deny our faith.”

During one tense moment in the questioning, Maryam and Marzieh made reference to their belief that God had convicted them through the Holy Spirit. Mr. Haddad told them, “It is impossible for God to speak with humans.”

Marzieh asked him in return, “Are you questioning whether God is Almighty?”

Mr. Haddad then replied, “You are not worthy for God to speak to you.”

Marzieh said, “It is God, and not you, who determines if I am worthy.”

Mr. Haddad told the women to return to prison and think about the options they were given and come back to him when they are ready (to comply). Maryam and Marzieh said, “We have already done our thinking.”

At the end of the session, Mr. Haddad told them that a judge will give them his verdict, though it is not clear who will be the judge in their case now. He also allowed Maryam and Marzieh to have a lawyer represent them in the case for the first time since their arrest.

Both women are back in Evin prison tonight. During their five-month ordeal, both have been unwell and have lost much weight. Marzieh is in pain due to an on-going problem with her spine, as well as an infected tooth and intense headaches.She desperately needs medical attention. Two months ago the prison officials told her the prison had proper medical equipment and that they will attend to her, but so far no proper treatment has been given.

Despite the concentrated effort of officials to pressure them into recanting their faith, Maryam and Marzieh love Jesus and they are determined to stand firm to the very end no matter whatever happens. They have demonstrated their love for Jesus and would offer their lives for Him if they were called to do so. After today’s court session they said, “If we come out of prison we want to do so with honor.”

Maryam and Marzieh’s case is a clear and harsh violation of human rights and religious liberty by Iran’s authorities. They deserve the support of all those who respect human rights and to be released without charges so they can pursue a life of freedom.

POSTED: August 9, 2009

While still in Aberystwyth the EMW (the leader may have been a UBM evangelist) held an Open-Air evangelistic meeting on the sea front at 4.00.  I like to support these events when possible so it was off to the sea front.  Although only a few gathered at the start it was encouraging to see a crowd of about 200 people by the end of the meeting.  After a few introductory remarks he then introduced to us three interviewees.  They were good to hear.  But one of the the interviews stood out to me.  Or one specific line of questioning did anyway.

It was this: He interviewed a taxi driver who had become a Christian about 3 years ago – and his wife too about 6 months later – from a non-Christian background. The evangelist asked him ‘how did it feel’ and our taxi-driver friend floundered a little at this and didn’t really know what to say ‘I don’t really know’ so he asked him again ‘yes but what did it feel like’.  I thought ‘Oh dear – what a question’.  But then came the answer ‘I don’t know – I just knew it was the truth’. I said quietly ‘Good answer’.  Lest you get the wrong idea I’m by no means advocating an emotionless automated Christianity. I just thought this line of questioning was really unhelpful to a young Christian and maybe to those listening.

Perhaps a better question to ask would be: what did you think, or what did you know.  I have yet to hear that question in any interview context.  It seems a given that we must convey to the unbeliever that something will happen to them that is felt, tangible, internal.  I remember an old open-air preacher saying to me ‘it’s better felt than telt’.  Conveying the Gospel through experience is better than doctrine, truth, objectivity.  Is it?  I do not believe so.  All religions have an experience – based on lies.  If Christianity is competing on those grounds it’s on a loser.  Put very simply – the Gospel is True.  It is Truth. Why should we feel the need to try and justify the truth through ‘the testimony’ as if we were saying ‘hey, look it works – it must be true’. False religions have testimonies of changed lives – even atheists could say ‘since I ditched religion my life is one of peace’.

There are several problems with a focus on experience or feelings. For one, our assurance of faith cannot rest on what we felt like at conversion (or what we thought was the moment of conversion). Feelings come and go, and in dark days (that will certainly come) we will question them – was I deceived by those feelings. More importantly, in the second place the Gospel can come across as being about us – it’s not! As the hymn-writer says:

Not the labours of my hands
can fulfil thy law’s commands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Saviour, or I die.

We are saved purely and only on the basis of an act that took place outside of ourselves. Namely, the death and resurrection of The Lord Jesus Christ. All our preaching and testifying must point only to Him, who alone is able to say ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me’.

In a sermon ‘How to Read The Bible’ by Stuart Olyott we hear the following:

‘Look for Him who is the way – Because Jesus Himself taught us that He is there in all the Scriptures.  And if I can open a passage and not see Christ some way or other, explicitly, implicitly, visible or scarcely visible, obvious or less obvious, that if I can’t see Christ in the passage I’m not understanding it you know.  It’s a book about Him.’

This is an excellent principle for young Christians to grasp as soon as possible – a great help when reading the Bible.

The following broadcast is from a couple of weeks ago, but here is a most fascinating interview with atheist Bruce Sheiman author of “An Atheist Defends Religion”. This is a great interview by Todd Wilken on Issues etc.  This is a ‘how to’ on interviewing an atheist.

What came over to me – several callers said the same – is the profound sadness of this man. This is a refreshingly honest interview. He makes the point that he’s not a pretend atheist – he really is one. I’m sure every single Christian hearing this audio will pray for this man.  Your heart will just ache for him.

[Audio http://www.issuesetc.org/podcast/284073009H2p.mp3]

Here’s a link to the website ‘An Atheist Defends Religion‘ by Bruce Sheiman.

Here’s a picture not often seen – a group of Christians by shear numbers blocking the road as they pour out of Church after worshipping the living God.  Pastor Geoff Thomas of Alfred Place Baptist Church was preaching.This was the Sunday of the Aberystwyth Conference week.  Gary Brady is at the conference – I’m not – and will I’m sure have up to date posts of each day over at Heavenly Worldliness.