Even as the one and only God is Triune: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--so this same God would have His redeemed people function in three basic realms, all of which are to be balanced and full. They are these . . .
The Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17); the Church (1 Tim. 3:15); and the Spirit (Jn. 6:63).
Those who believe they can achieve salvation with their Bibles only--detesting the Church and/or the Spirit--are no better off than the devil, who knows what the truth is, but refuses to love it (and the God of truth).
Those who think they can get by with the Church alone, without the Scripture and the Spirit--fall into the error of exalting a man over God, (viz., a pope).
Those who think they are led by the "Spirit," independently of the Church and the Word, are no more than fanatics, devoid of the true Spirit.
A good verse that wraps up this "triune" life orientation may be found in Rev. 22:17, which says this:
"And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."
Here, the Scripture, the Church, and the Spirit all call us to faith and life in the Christ of the gospel.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
[New post] The Genesis of Marriage Confusion
Someone might wonder, "Just how did our society get SO confused, as to not be able to understand that marriage is between a man and a woman (only)?"
The best answer to this question is to be seen in what has happened in the church--(the mainstream Protestant branch of it, particularly). Even more than this, we must find the culprit in what has transpired among the clergy, generally. When denominations began allowing the ordination of women to the offices of elder, in the church--this broke down the basic wall of understanding, amidst *all* other people, be they in the church, or not.
The world follows the church--not the other way around. Therefore, when some of the church "fathers," (viz. pastors and elders), were no longer men, but women, a great degree of confusion followed.
The devil may be evil, but he is not stupid. He has always known that the best way to try to destroy God's world (though this effort be ultimately futile), is to corrupt and infect the clergy of the church. In other words, by putting his own people in God's positions, Satan gains a temporary foothold, and seems to be at an advantage.
But, God be praised, none of these corruptions can last forever. In the end, the Lord will show His triumphal power. In the meantime, let us continue to embrace His Son, and His ways.
The best answer to this question is to be seen in what has happened in the church--(the mainstream Protestant branch of it, particularly). Even more than this, we must find the culprit in what has transpired among the clergy, generally. When denominations began allowing the ordination of women to the offices of elder, in the church--this broke down the basic wall of understanding, amidst *all* other people, be they in the church, or not.
The world follows the church--not the other way around. Therefore, when some of the church "fathers," (viz. pastors and elders), were no longer men, but women, a great degree of confusion followed.
The devil may be evil, but he is not stupid. He has always known that the best way to try to destroy God's world (though this effort be ultimately futile), is to corrupt and infect the clergy of the church. In other words, by putting his own people in God's positions, Satan gains a temporary foothold, and seems to be at an advantage.
But, God be praised, none of these corruptions can last forever. In the end, the Lord will show His triumphal power. In the meantime, let us continue to embrace His Son, and His ways.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Good and Bad Patriarchalism
You have heard of "good" and "bad" cholesterol; right? Well, now you have heard of good and bad "patriarchalism." Patriarchalism is, at base, the teaching and practice of "father-rule." As you can imagine, this concept can put forth either a pretty, or an ugly face. God's provision of ecclesiocentricity, again, comes to the rescue, through the blood and merits of Jesus Christ--as He works through His church.
Unfortunately, in a fallen and decrepit world, bad patriarchalism is more likely to show itself, before the good form comes along (as a corrective).
Bad patriarchalism typically makes the father of a family the "god." No one can tell this person what to do: no elders in a church, no civil authorities in a culture, not even the true and Almighty God in heaven. This fake "father god" must be worshipped, and no one can gainsay him.
Good patriarchalism works this way: it recognizes that the Ultimate Father is in heaven, and that He reigns as the true God. Then, it perceives that the Lord has so ordained His world that He delegates authority to subordinate fathers. The first line of these fathers are the elders in the church. The second line are the "fathers" in the civil government; and the fathers in the homes of families.
When God is contending for souls of people, He works through the church fathers. When God is punishing evildoers in society, He works through the civil fathers. When God is establishing homes, He works through the family's fathers. (This latter group either has the blessing of the church fathers [in the case of Christians]; or not, in the case of others.)
Unfortunately, in a fallen and decrepit world, bad patriarchalism is more likely to show itself, before the good form comes along (as a corrective).
Bad patriarchalism typically makes the father of a family the "god." No one can tell this person what to do: no elders in a church, no civil authorities in a culture, not even the true and Almighty God in heaven. This fake "father god" must be worshipped, and no one can gainsay him.
Good patriarchalism works this way: it recognizes that the Ultimate Father is in heaven, and that He reigns as the true God. Then, it perceives that the Lord has so ordained His world that He delegates authority to subordinate fathers. The first line of these fathers are the elders in the church. The second line are the "fathers" in the civil government; and the fathers in the homes of families.
When God is contending for souls of people, He works through the church fathers. When God is punishing evildoers in society, He works through the civil fathers. When God is establishing homes, He works through the family's fathers. (This latter group either has the blessing of the church fathers [in the case of Christians]; or not, in the case of others.)
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
"Who's your daddy?"
When it all comes right down to it: what, and who makes up your true "covenant community"? If many professing Christians were honest with themselves, they would have to admit, to their utter shame (if they understood the gravity of the situation), that something other than the church was their principal source of encouragement, passion, and concern.
The reason this arrangement is reprehensible, is because it flies in the face of God, and of His generous and gracious provision, of His Son, and of His church. It raises a puny fist of idolatry up, against God.
I have known people who were much more solicitous of others who shared their approach to their children's educational context, than they were of the people of God, with whom they were allegedly "bound," by covenant (in the church). They would be more inclined to allow their children access to like-minded educators, than they would the people in the church (who did not share their methodology).
For these people church is more of a convenience, than a necessity. And, instead of serving her (the church), they view it as a prosyletizing field, out of which they hope to make converts to their truest and dearest interests.
No wonder Jude spoke of these people as those who "Crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for . . . condemnation," (Jude 4).
The reason this arrangement is reprehensible, is because it flies in the face of God, and of His generous and gracious provision, of His Son, and of His church. It raises a puny fist of idolatry up, against God.
I have known people who were much more solicitous of others who shared their approach to their children's educational context, than they were of the people of God, with whom they were allegedly "bound," by covenant (in the church). They would be more inclined to allow their children access to like-minded educators, than they would the people in the church (who did not share their methodology).
For these people church is more of a convenience, than a necessity. And, instead of serving her (the church), they view it as a prosyletizing field, out of which they hope to make converts to their truest and dearest interests.
No wonder Jude spoke of these people as those who "Crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for . . . condemnation," (Jude 4).
Thursday, March 22, 2007
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.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
[New post] Lone Ranger "Christians"
Have you ever met any of those poor, wretched souls that have no need of church? After all, since they have the Holy Spirit to guide them, they detest and despise the thought of a "human teacher," (to employ their expression).
One of the things that I find interesting about these people, who typically believe that since they have "Jesus, their Bible, and their faith," (and need nothing else)--is that they are never able to keep themselves "self-contained." Eventually, and inevitably, like beetles coming out from under a log exposed to the sun, they seek to impinge their views on others, (and they actually seek "help" from others).
Proud religionists are more contorted in their souls, than users of crack cocaine. They are to be pitied; and they are definitely to be the objects of evangelism.
Let us recognize just how vile it is, to assume we can make it to heaven without Christ's provision of His church, His ordinances (in the church), and His grace--all of which is the same as "making it" without Christ Himself.
If you are a faithful churchman, and not a hypocrite, bless God for this wonder; and give Him all the glory.
One of the things that I find interesting about these people, who typically believe that since they have "Jesus, their Bible, and their faith," (and need nothing else)--is that they are never able to keep themselves "self-contained." Eventually, and inevitably, like beetles coming out from under a log exposed to the sun, they seek to impinge their views on others, (and they actually seek "help" from others).
Proud religionists are more contorted in their souls, than users of crack cocaine. They are to be pitied; and they are definitely to be the objects of evangelism.
Let us recognize just how vile it is, to assume we can make it to heaven without Christ's provision of His church, His ordinances (in the church), and His grace--all of which is the same as "making it" without Christ Himself.
If you are a faithful churchman, and not a hypocrite, bless God for this wonder; and give Him all the glory.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
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.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
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.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Who's to integrate whom?
One of the hot issues today, is: who is to integrate whom?, when it comes to the relationships between the church, the state, and the family.
One significant organization today promotes the idea of "family-integrated churches." My thesis on this web site is exactly reversed; and that is should read: church-integrated families.
In truth, wherever we can be influenced for good, let it happen. But let us keep in mind that God works from the top, down; and not the other way around. Jesus came from heaven to earth, in the incarnation. He is the Head of His church, which is His colony of heaven on the earth.
The church, then, is the principal agency of God on the earth--and it is her mission to bless the rest of the world.
One significant organization today promotes the idea of "family-integrated churches." My thesis on this web site is exactly reversed; and that is should read: church-integrated families.
In truth, wherever we can be influenced for good, let it happen. But let us keep in mind that God works from the top, down; and not the other way around. Jesus came from heaven to earth, in the incarnation. He is the Head of His church, which is His colony of heaven on the earth.
The church, then, is the principal agency of God on the earth--and it is her mission to bless the rest of the world.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
The Need for a Strong Clergy
The clergy is the heart and soul of any society. You can tell how potent or impotent any culture is, by observing the nature, mettle, and courage of the pastors of the churches.
So, it should not surprise anyone that a strong pastoral ministry is essential to the welfare of the church; and this blog, "The Forum for Ecclesiocentricy," is all about promoting that goal.
Pray that God raise up a crop of Puritan pastors, who will lead the church again into its rightful glorious place, as it proclaims the wonder and praise of Jesus.
So, it should not surprise anyone that a strong pastoral ministry is essential to the welfare of the church; and this blog, "The Forum for Ecclesiocentricy," is all about promoting that goal.
Pray that God raise up a crop of Puritan pastors, who will lead the church again into its rightful glorious place, as it proclaims the wonder and praise of Jesus.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Why is the church first?
When God first created anything, time began. On the sixth day of His creation, God created Adam. The moment Adam began to be, the Lord had His Church.
When God later created Eve, from Adam's side, the family was formed.
One might say that civil government was also formed, with the creation of the second human being, (although it might be more proper to say that the formation of multiple families constituted it).
All three of these institutions: the church, the family, and the state, are good; and they are ordained of God.
The family and the state are temporal institutions, in that they will cease to exist, at the end of conventional history, i.e. at the last coming of Christ, the resurrection of the body, the great judgment, and the eternal state.
The church, however, will always remain, throughout all of history, "temporal," and eternal.
When God later created Eve, from Adam's side, the family was formed.
One might say that civil government was also formed, with the creation of the second human being, (although it might be more proper to say that the formation of multiple families constituted it).
All three of these institutions: the church, the family, and the state, are good; and they are ordained of God.
The family and the state are temporal institutions, in that they will cease to exist, at the end of conventional history, i.e. at the last coming of Christ, the resurrection of the body, the great judgment, and the eternal state.
The church, however, will always remain, throughout all of history, "temporal," and eternal.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Size of families
Does the size of one’s family matter to God? You might be tempted to think so, if you listen carefully to some people.
Efforts have been made over the centuries, to “take over” the world, or the church, or a nation, or whatever—simply based on the premise that overwhelming numbers were the way to get the job done.
But God has always disdained this approach; and He has made sure that it has never worked. This is partly due to the fact that self-righteous sinners would be sure to give themselves the credit for their “success”; and it is partly due to the fact that He (the Lord) would be robbed of His rightful glory.
The Muslims, the Mormons, and the Roman Catholics have subscribed to the “win the world by numbers” game—but they are yet to demonstrate their triumph. Today, the Patriarchal movement has joined the fray, and hopes to see their goals implemented—largely through the sheer force of bodies.
So, to go back to our original question: Does the size of one’s family matter to God? The answer is, “No.” God would rather do a lot with a few; than witness a new construction effort of the Tower of Babel.
Efforts have been made over the centuries, to “take over” the world, or the church, or a nation, or whatever—simply based on the premise that overwhelming numbers were the way to get the job done.
But God has always disdained this approach; and He has made sure that it has never worked. This is partly due to the fact that self-righteous sinners would be sure to give themselves the credit for their “success”; and it is partly due to the fact that He (the Lord) would be robbed of His rightful glory.
The Muslims, the Mormons, and the Roman Catholics have subscribed to the “win the world by numbers” game—but they are yet to demonstrate their triumph. Today, the Patriarchal movement has joined the fray, and hopes to see their goals implemented—largely through the sheer force of bodies.
So, to go back to our original question: Does the size of one’s family matter to God? The answer is, “No.” God would rather do a lot with a few; than witness a new construction effort of the Tower of Babel.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
National Days of Prayer
Recently, in reading about Thomas Shepard, one of the early Puritan pastors of New England, I was struck by references to how the state called upon the church to set times aside for prayer for the commonwealth.
This is really a beautiful thing, when you think about it. The church instructs the state; and the state learns its lessons so well, that it turns around and commissions the church to special seasons of prayer, (within its discretion and jurisdiction).
I think the next time our president asks us to pray, we ought to take heed, and fulfill the request.
This is really a beautiful thing, when you think about it. The church instructs the state; and the state learns its lessons so well, that it turns around and commissions the church to special seasons of prayer, (within its discretion and jurisdiction).
I think the next time our president asks us to pray, we ought to take heed, and fulfill the request.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Rudiment #6: Life in covenant throughout the week
Sometimes the biblical (or Puritan) approach to the Christian life is criticized, because it allegedly focuses too much attention on Sunday, and too little stress on the rest of the days of the week.
Of course, this is not true. The faithful churchman remains watchful and diligent throughout the week. She prays for her pastor, her elders, her deacons, and her fellow-parishioners. She stands prepared to meet the needs of the saints; and she is industrious in her home and family life, (as well as work and school, etc.).
The reason Sunday worship is SO important, is largely because it must sustain the true believers throughout the week. If the service of worship and the preaching is weak—other substitute solutions need to be sought elsewhere. If the worship, word, sacrament, and discipline is strong—especially on Sunday—then there is no need to supplement with other non-God-ordained activities.
Sure, you look forward to Sunday. But this does not mean that you do not enjoy Christ, and glorify God throughout the other six days of the week.
Of course, this is not true. The faithful churchman remains watchful and diligent throughout the week. She prays for her pastor, her elders, her deacons, and her fellow-parishioners. She stands prepared to meet the needs of the saints; and she is industrious in her home and family life, (as well as work and school, etc.).
The reason Sunday worship is SO important, is largely because it must sustain the true believers throughout the week. If the service of worship and the preaching is weak—other substitute solutions need to be sought elsewhere. If the worship, word, sacrament, and discipline is strong—especially on Sunday—then there is no need to supplement with other non-God-ordained activities.
Sure, you look forward to Sunday. But this does not mean that you do not enjoy Christ, and glorify God throughout the other six days of the week.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Rudiment #5: Use of the Lord’s Day (the Sabbath)
After sacred worship services, it is good to fellowship with the saints; or, if necessary, to sequester oneself off in a place where the sermon (and the worship service) might be more fully-comprehended, and contemplated.
Sunday is God’s gift to His people. Enjoy the church’s worship services (first and foremost); but do not necessarily stop there. Take advantage of the church’s educational ministries, viz. Sunday School classes, catechism classes, new members’ classes, etc.
Do not feel badly about resting on Sunday. It is a good day for an afternoon nap.
Read good books. Pray. Relish your Savior.
As you do these things, you will be preparing yourself for the week ahead. If you fail to keep the Sabbath Day, you are essentially killing yourself, and cutting your life short.
Sunday is God’s gift to His people. Enjoy the church’s worship services (first and foremost); but do not necessarily stop there. Take advantage of the church’s educational ministries, viz. Sunday School classes, catechism classes, new members’ classes, etc.
Do not feel badly about resting on Sunday. It is a good day for an afternoon nap.
Read good books. Pray. Relish your Savior.
As you do these things, you will be preparing yourself for the week ahead. If you fail to keep the Sabbath Day, you are essentially killing yourself, and cutting your life short.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Rudiment #4: Proper attitude during Sunday church worship services
The spirit with which one comes to church; and the maintenance of (that spirit) throughout the service(s), are of great importance to God.
Seek, by grace, to put out of your minds all carnal, secular, and otherwise unnecessary or disturbing thoughts and notions. Recognize that the devil will work on you more during the church worship of God, than at any other time of your life.
Adopt an attitude of praise; and lift up genuine heartfelt adoration unto the Lord—especially while singing hymns and psalms. When confessing your sins, or your faith—do so with gusto—knowing that God hears what you say, and holds you to your words.
As you listen to the Word of God preached, do not sit in judgment on it (the word), nor on the preacher of it. Instead, recognize that God is speaking to His church, in a special covenantal way, during the sermon, (which is the height of the cognitive dimension of the worship service). Therefore, be humble and receptive. Those who hear Christ’s ministers, hear Him. Those who reject them, reject Him.
It is not an easy thing to worship God well, or aright. Take comfort from this fact: that the Lord is more concerned about the state and inclination of your heart, than He is about anything else. If you truly love Jesus, be encouraged: your church worship *will* indeed be pleasing in His sight.
Seek, by grace, to put out of your minds all carnal, secular, and otherwise unnecessary or disturbing thoughts and notions. Recognize that the devil will work on you more during the church worship of God, than at any other time of your life.
Adopt an attitude of praise; and lift up genuine heartfelt adoration unto the Lord—especially while singing hymns and psalms. When confessing your sins, or your faith—do so with gusto—knowing that God hears what you say, and holds you to your words.
As you listen to the Word of God preached, do not sit in judgment on it (the word), nor on the preacher of it. Instead, recognize that God is speaking to His church, in a special covenantal way, during the sermon, (which is the height of the cognitive dimension of the worship service). Therefore, be humble and receptive. Those who hear Christ’s ministers, hear Him. Those who reject them, reject Him.
It is not an easy thing to worship God well, or aright. Take comfort from this fact: that the Lord is more concerned about the state and inclination of your heart, than He is about anything else. If you truly love Jesus, be encouraged: your church worship *will* indeed be pleasing in His sight.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Rudiment #3: Content of the Worship Service
This point is particularly addressed to ministers and ruling elders in the church—but it is also good for all the faithful laity, too.
The divine worship service, held on the Lord’s Day (Sunday), by the church, called by the elders, and under the authority of the Word of God, ought to include the following elements, (though not all, necessarily, in every service):
A Call to Worship (from the Bible—usually from the Psalms).*
An Invocation, (where God’s special covenantal presence is implored).*
The singing of hymns and psalms.*
The reading of the Holy Scriptures, (both from the Old Testament, and the New).*
Some kind of Confessional statement, (either a Creed, or the Westminster Confession [for example]).
Corporate Covenant Prayer (where often there is confession of sin, and the giving and receiving of absolution, [viz. assurance of pardon—to the true saints]).*
An Offering, where the believers worship God through the giving of their tithes and offerings.
The Preaching of the Sermon.*
The Administration of the Sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
The taking of Covenant (church membership), and Office (elder and deacon) Vows.
And the proclamation of the Benediction.*
These practices are all found in the Word of God; and the desire to limit the church’s worship to the Bible’s instruction (a practice referred to as the “Regulative Principle”), is healthy and good. This aids in deterring “entertainment,” and man-centered activities.
PS: Those points denoted with an asterisk ("*"), *should* be found in every Lord's Day worship service.
The divine worship service, held on the Lord’s Day (Sunday), by the church, called by the elders, and under the authority of the Word of God, ought to include the following elements, (though not all, necessarily, in every service):
A Call to Worship (from the Bible—usually from the Psalms).*
An Invocation, (where God’s special covenantal presence is implored).*
The singing of hymns and psalms.*
The reading of the Holy Scriptures, (both from the Old Testament, and the New).*
Some kind of Confessional statement, (either a Creed, or the Westminster Confession [for example]).
Corporate Covenant Prayer (where often there is confession of sin, and the giving and receiving of absolution, [viz. assurance of pardon—to the true saints]).*
An Offering, where the believers worship God through the giving of their tithes and offerings.
The Preaching of the Sermon.*
The Administration of the Sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
The taking of Covenant (church membership), and Office (elder and deacon) Vows.
And the proclamation of the Benediction.*
These practices are all found in the Word of God; and the desire to limit the church’s worship to the Bible’s instruction (a practice referred to as the “Regulative Principle”), is healthy and good. This aids in deterring “entertainment,” and man-centered activities.
PS: Those points denoted with an asterisk ("*"), *should* be found in every Lord's Day worship service.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Rudiment #2: Getting to church (and getting settled-in)
The next step for a happy life in Jesus, is to get to the church’s worship services in plenty of time. If your church has Sunday School before the AM service, this is usually not a problem, (assuming you go). If not, you need to allow yourself and your family (if relevant) ample time to get to the church building, and to get seated, etc.
Once firmly ensconced in your chair (or pew), it is helpful if, after announcements, some preparatory music is played. This is so as to help the saints get their minds adjusted, from the thoughts and concerns of the world, to the worship of God, on the Lord’s Day, as His holy church.
After all, you have waited all week for this experience. Be sure to be good stewards of it.
Once firmly ensconced in your chair (or pew), it is helpful if, after announcements, some preparatory music is played. This is so as to help the saints get their minds adjusted, from the thoughts and concerns of the world, to the worship of God, on the Lord’s Day, as His holy church.
After all, you have waited all week for this experience. Be sure to be good stewards of it.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Rudiment #1: Saturday preparation for worship
In many ways, Saturday is your key day, in order to secure a vital, changing, growing, and exciting Christian (or church) life.
Saturday is the New Covenant church’s “Preparation Day,” (as it were).
On this day, you ought to get your “ducks in a row” regarding Sunday. This may mean preparing yourself, your family, and your finances, etc., in such a way that frees you up, for a Lord’s Day (Sunday), of the best worship and rest.
One very important factor is the need to get a good night’s sleep. Do not stay up late into Saturday night (or Sunday morning). A well-rested body makes for a better rested soul on the Lord’s Day.
Bottom line: make Saturday your day to especially gear-up for Sunday.
Saturday is the New Covenant church’s “Preparation Day,” (as it were).
On this day, you ought to get your “ducks in a row” regarding Sunday. This may mean preparing yourself, your family, and your finances, etc., in such a way that frees you up, for a Lord’s Day (Sunday), of the best worship and rest.
One very important factor is the need to get a good night’s sleep. Do not stay up late into Saturday night (or Sunday morning). A well-rested body makes for a better rested soul on the Lord’s Day.
Bottom line: make Saturday your day to especially gear-up for Sunday.
Rudiments of church life
Having disposed of the principal challengers to the primacy of the believer’s commitment to Christ and His church—we will begin a neat, sweet, and positive mini-series, running for however long, on the rudiments of church life, (and how it is to be carried-out).
These installments will address both the clergy, and the laity.
Stay tuned! . . .
These installments will address both the clergy, and the laity.
Stay tuned! . . .
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