Many earnest people today are very concerned about the future of the family. Many of these people are Christians, others are Muslims, others are agnostic or otherwise professedly irreligious.
Many efforts are being put forward to "save" the home and the family. Some propose that the homeschool movement is the hope for the reclaiming of the family's rightful place in society, and for its redemption. Other people have other answers.
But ironically, the family's *only* hope is right under its nose, and it is often neglected. If the home is to be saved, the church must do it. Nothing else: not huddled individual families seeking to stave off the evil world; not the government's best efforts to help the family; not any educational system--but only Jesus Christ, through His church, can "redeem" the home.
Why is this? Doesn't this seem strange? After all, isn't the church generally perceived as weak, and (by some) regarded as the family's "enemy"?
The reason is because God has so ordained it to be this way. The family does not possess the redemptive virtue of Christ's atonement, in and of itself. It (the family) is not given the sacraments of the church (baptism and the Lord's Supper). The family's hope is not derived from itself, or the state--but only from the church.
So there you have it. Do you love your family? Do you want it to thrive into the future generations? Then, don't teach them that their culture must be one of homeschooling (for instance). Teach them to love God's church. There, they will grow to sincerely love God's Son.
Friday, November 25, 2005
The Kingdom vs. the Family
Family is a great blessing of God. This blog site is not designed to in any way denigrate the family; but rather to understand it, in its proper context. Anyone who knows me, knows how I love my wife, my daughter, my parents, my sisters, and other family members.
But family, like any other good and God-given gift, can be, and often is idolatarized, (or made into a false god).
It is very interesting that you will not find a harsher critic of those who worship the family than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. And there is good reason for this: He knew (and knows) full well that sinners are very apt to worship their families, and to put them ahead of God and the kingdom of grace (as it is expressed in His church).
Think with me of some of the statements Jesus Christ, the God-Man, made; and consider whether or not He pandered to the idolatry of the home. . . .
Lk. 9:60-62: "Jesus said to him, 'Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.' And another also said, 'Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.' But Jesus said to him, 'No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.'"
Lk. 14:26: "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple."
So, you can see that Jesus Christ makes no bones about it. He and His church must come first. Family makes a great community; but it makes a lousy deity.
But family, like any other good and God-given gift, can be, and often is idolatarized, (or made into a false god).
It is very interesting that you will not find a harsher critic of those who worship the family than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. And there is good reason for this: He knew (and knows) full well that sinners are very apt to worship their families, and to put them ahead of God and the kingdom of grace (as it is expressed in His church).
Think with me of some of the statements Jesus Christ, the God-Man, made; and consider whether or not He pandered to the idolatry of the home. . . .
Lk. 9:60-62: "Jesus said to him, 'Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.' And another also said, 'Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.' But Jesus said to him, 'No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.'"
Lk. 14:26: "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple."
So, you can see that Jesus Christ makes no bones about it. He and His church must come first. Family makes a great community; but it makes a lousy deity.
"Super-homers" and Sixties Hippies
My definition of "super-homers" are those people who believe virtually everything should revolve around the home, and the family.
Super-homers, typically, want to be born at home, learn at home, work at home, "worship" (as a "church") at home, and die at home. Super-homers seem to confine their sphere of authority to themselves, with the father being "god," the mother and children, the "god's" underlings.
It strikes me that there is an intriguing similarity between super-homers and sixties hippies. Both of them abhor and question all authority, (except their own). There is a suspicion about anyone who does not fit their mold. And there is a strong "counter-culture"--that though imitating the genuine call of Christian heavenly citizenship (even on earth)--yet falls woefully short of God's truth.
Some super-homers are professing Christians, others are not. The same might be said of many sixties hippies.
Both of these groups need what everyone else needs, too: that being the church. There, they would learn that they are not the end-all of their existences; and that they are happier bound to, and bonded with other people.
This is another example of where the church is key to a sane, balanced, and fulfilling life. Only from within it will you find the King of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Super-homers, typically, want to be born at home, learn at home, work at home, "worship" (as a "church") at home, and die at home. Super-homers seem to confine their sphere of authority to themselves, with the father being "god," the mother and children, the "god's" underlings.
It strikes me that there is an intriguing similarity between super-homers and sixties hippies. Both of them abhor and question all authority, (except their own). There is a suspicion about anyone who does not fit their mold. And there is a strong "counter-culture"--that though imitating the genuine call of Christian heavenly citizenship (even on earth)--yet falls woefully short of God's truth.
Some super-homers are professing Christians, others are not. The same might be said of many sixties hippies.
Both of these groups need what everyone else needs, too: that being the church. There, they would learn that they are not the end-all of their existences; and that they are happier bound to, and bonded with other people.
This is another example of where the church is key to a sane, balanced, and fulfilling life. Only from within it will you find the King of Life, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Discipleship and Ecclesiocentricity
There are so many books and materials dealing with discipleship. But, what is discipleship, at base? It is the same thing today, as it was when the Lord Jesus walked the earth: being with Christ, and learning from Him, (so as to be effective in ministry and life).
How is this done today? Nowhere but in the CHURCH of the Lord Jesus Christ. A "discipler"--be he a pastor, elder, deacon, or a member of the church (man or woman)--starts the discipling process by seeing to it that the "disciple" is in the church's Lord's Day worship service. Typically, this would be the AM service, as the initial contact point.
The next step in Christian discipleship is to encourage the disciple to be in the PM worship service on Sunday, (if your church is happy enough to have one).
From there, all the rest of discipleship flows.
But, do you see where there can be, and is no true discipleship when the person you are seeking to work with is not sitting at Jesus' feet, in His house, on His day?
Things are not so complex. It's all really pretty simple.
How is this done today? Nowhere but in the CHURCH of the Lord Jesus Christ. A "discipler"--be he a pastor, elder, deacon, or a member of the church (man or woman)--starts the discipling process by seeing to it that the "disciple" is in the church's Lord's Day worship service. Typically, this would be the AM service, as the initial contact point.
The next step in Christian discipleship is to encourage the disciple to be in the PM worship service on Sunday, (if your church is happy enough to have one).
From there, all the rest of discipleship flows.
But, do you see where there can be, and is no true discipleship when the person you are seeking to work with is not sitting at Jesus' feet, in His house, on His day?
Things are not so complex. It's all really pretty simple.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Church and Home United?
Some folks, undoubtedly well-meaning, imagine that the ideal world would find the church and home "united." I suppose to some extent it depends on what one means by "united."
If it means that the church becomes the lackey of the home, then this is an undesirable goal. If it means that the home learns from, submits to, and honors the church, then this would be a noble achievement.
The old European model of the church and state being united ought to be sufficient warning for us to be wary of the church and home being so joined. When the church and state were "one," the church sacrificed away its prophetic role of calling the state back to God. The same would be true in a world where the church and home were "united."
The home needs, for its own good, the church's prophetic voice, hearkening it (the home) unto Christ, the church itself, and holiness.
So, if the church and home are to be "united," let it be accomplished by the home's coming under the blessing, protection, and graces of the church. In this way, the power of the God's gospel would flow from Christ, through His church, to the home.
Now, in this scenario, the church and home would be positively "bound together" by the home's submission to the church's Head, sacraments, offices, and means of grace.
If it means that the church becomes the lackey of the home, then this is an undesirable goal. If it means that the home learns from, submits to, and honors the church, then this would be a noble achievement.
The old European model of the church and state being united ought to be sufficient warning for us to be wary of the church and home being so joined. When the church and state were "one," the church sacrificed away its prophetic role of calling the state back to God. The same would be true in a world where the church and home were "united."
The home needs, for its own good, the church's prophetic voice, hearkening it (the home) unto Christ, the church itself, and holiness.
So, if the church and home are to be "united," let it be accomplished by the home's coming under the blessing, protection, and graces of the church. In this way, the power of the God's gospel would flow from Christ, through His church, to the home.
Now, in this scenario, the church and home would be positively "bound together" by the home's submission to the church's Head, sacraments, offices, and means of grace.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Ecclesiocentricity and Education
Now, here's a "hot-button" issue for you. But it is this forum's contention that there is NO subject too big, or too difficult for God, as He works (in this world) through His church.
What is the church's role, when it comes to the education of children: those in the parish, particularly?
The answer is neither easy, nor simple. Each case must be handled on an individual basis.
The one glaring error, that must not be made, is to "universalize" the church's position on the subject.
In some cases, the public system is the best way to go. In other cases, "covenant education," viz. church families working together in a school context, is the preferred method. At other times, homeschooling is to be opted for.
Sessions (church elder boards--for you "non-Presbyterians") should be aware, generally, of what is available educationally, and of what the parishioners are choosing to employ.
They should also be acutely aware of the typical advantages, and pitfalls that accompany any and all educational alternatives.
Elders have the "right," if they should so choose, to start "church schools"; but even here it is best not to dictate absolute and complete universal compliance on the parish's participation in them.
Likely, I will be teaching more about this issue, on this forum, in the future. . . .
What is the church's role, when it comes to the education of children: those in the parish, particularly?
The answer is neither easy, nor simple. Each case must be handled on an individual basis.
The one glaring error, that must not be made, is to "universalize" the church's position on the subject.
In some cases, the public system is the best way to go. In other cases, "covenant education," viz. church families working together in a school context, is the preferred method. At other times, homeschooling is to be opted for.
Sessions (church elder boards--for you "non-Presbyterians") should be aware, generally, of what is available educationally, and of what the parishioners are choosing to employ.
They should also be acutely aware of the typical advantages, and pitfalls that accompany any and all educational alternatives.
Elders have the "right," if they should so choose, to start "church schools"; but even here it is best not to dictate absolute and complete universal compliance on the parish's participation in them.
Likely, I will be teaching more about this issue, on this forum, in the future. . . .
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Moving toward the center
Ecclesiocentricity is at once the most radical of positions; while being the most rational and practical.
Trouble, and sin both have the tendency of pushing people to extremes. This is an inevitability, until or unless the ways of God are ever truly understood and practiced.
God's path leads to His church, where the "waters from the sanctuary" flow into the hearts, homes, and trials of all who will but come (to Jesus).
In a world pulled apart by opposing and extreme forces--it is a great comfort to know that the Lord has provided a "common house," a place of refuge, an oasis in the spiritual wasteland.
All kinds of people are welcome in God's church: those from the most divergent backgrounds will all find solace in the same Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Trouble, and sin both have the tendency of pushing people to extremes. This is an inevitability, until or unless the ways of God are ever truly understood and practiced.
God's path leads to His church, where the "waters from the sanctuary" flow into the hearts, homes, and trials of all who will but come (to Jesus).
In a world pulled apart by opposing and extreme forces--it is a great comfort to know that the Lord has provided a "common house," a place of refuge, an oasis in the spiritual wasteland.
All kinds of people are welcome in God's church: those from the most divergent backgrounds will all find solace in the same Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Ecclesiocentricity made easy
Is the Christian life confusing? Not really. Many religionists, seeking to justify themselves, and enslave others in their own perversions, make it seem very difficult and foreboding.
But really, what is important? Where does one start?
Three great Truths must be kept before you:
1) Jesus Christ is the end of your life. If you are to be a Christian, you must be in Him.
2) You cannot be in Christ, without being an active, faithful member of His visible Church, His Body (and Bride).
and 3) You cannot be a good churchman without putting the Lord's Day's church worship, and the principle of the Sabbath, into the very center of your entire existence.
This makes Christianity very practical. "Am I in God's good graces?," someone may ask. The answer: "Do you love Jesus? Do you hate your sin? Do you love what Christ loves? Are you faithful in the little things?"
See, understanding Christianity is not really all that difficult; and it is certainly not "rocket science."
But really, what is important? Where does one start?
Three great Truths must be kept before you:
1) Jesus Christ is the end of your life. If you are to be a Christian, you must be in Him.
2) You cannot be in Christ, without being an active, faithful member of His visible Church, His Body (and Bride).
and 3) You cannot be a good churchman without putting the Lord's Day's church worship, and the principle of the Sabbath, into the very center of your entire existence.
This makes Christianity very practical. "Am I in God's good graces?," someone may ask. The answer: "Do you love Jesus? Do you hate your sin? Do you love what Christ loves? Are you faithful in the little things?"
See, understanding Christianity is not really all that difficult; and it is certainly not "rocket science."
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
"Homers" and "Staters"
How does a church minister to "homers," those who think that salvation resides within the walls of their residences; and to "staters," those who think that Washington, DC, is their last resort of redemption?
First of all, by recognizing that the church has, in God's economy, the "high ground." It is in the place of advantage and privilege. Because of this fact, it is necessary to exercise authority with grace and dignity.
Both "homers" and "staters" must be taught that they are trusting in a lie, an imagined salvation, that is driven not by Scripture, nor by reason, but by fear. Both are easy targets for Satan, and are readily picked-off by him.
Compassion dictates that God's church officers must approach both "homers" and "staters" as desperately needy people, who must be offered God's grace.
There may be no compromise with idolatry; but there must be an understanding of the power of fear; and of the overwhelming might of God's grace, alone.
First of all, by recognizing that the church has, in God's economy, the "high ground." It is in the place of advantage and privilege. Because of this fact, it is necessary to exercise authority with grace and dignity.
Both "homers" and "staters" must be taught that they are trusting in a lie, an imagined salvation, that is driven not by Scripture, nor by reason, but by fear. Both are easy targets for Satan, and are readily picked-off by him.
Compassion dictates that God's church officers must approach both "homers" and "staters" as desperately needy people, who must be offered God's grace.
There may be no compromise with idolatry; but there must be an understanding of the power of fear; and of the overwhelming might of God's grace, alone.
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