‘Tis the Season...for Suffering?

Thanksgiving is over. The relatives have all gone home.  The turkey and dressing is but a memory but the holidays are far from over.  There is much to do in anticipation of Christmas, so 'tis the season...for suffering?

What do Christmas and suffering have to do with each other?  Isn’t Christmas to be a time of joy and celebration, gifts and family?  One might possibly entertain the idea of “suffering” in relation to the holidays if you count fighting the crowds at the after Thanksgiving Day sales or attending the endless holiday activities that plague one’s calendar.  But other than that, why would Christmas be considered the Season for Suffering?

James Montgomery Boice, former Pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Philadelphia and now a saint worshipping God face to face in glory, once made the following comment on suffering:

When Life is smooth it is easy to say, as we often do, “all things work together for good to them that love God.”  It is easy when you have everything you want, when God blesses you and your family.  But it is not so easy at the grave.  It is not so easy in the face of bitter disappointment and pain.  If you are to have confidence in God in such moments, you must learn to trust Him in the small disappointments of life. (Commentary on Philippians by James Boice, p. 66).

What is ironic about this statement is that James Boice made it in connection with Philippians 1:19-20 where Paul says,

¹⁹ for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,  ²⁰ according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. – Phil 1:19, 20 (NASB)

Boice points out that, “Paul recognized that Christ would be magnified in him whether he lived or died.  This means Paul was so confident that God’s will for him was perfect—that it was the best possible thing for him—that he was able to accept it willingly even if it meant death at the hands of a Roman executioner” (Philippians, p. 66).  Paul trusted God in the disappointments of life; both small & large!

Not only did Paul face suffering confidently because of his trust in God, but just one chapter later in Philippians we read,

⁵ Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,  ⁶ who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.  ⁸ Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. – Phil 2:5-8 (NASB)

 Jesus emptied Himself, being made in the likeness of men; being born as a baby in the cattle pen and lying in a manger.  Jesus grew to manhood; obeying God in everything even to the point of death; death on a cross.

The incarnation of Christ that we celebrate at Christmas reminds us that we have a God who has suffered on our behalf! And the reality that Christ suffered as we suffer gives us great comfort.  Paul could stand firm even in the face of death because he knew that he could trust His God.  God is not a God who calls us to do something that He is unwilling to do.  God is a God of comfort; especially in difficult times (Psa. 23:4; 119:50; Isa 12:1; 2 Cor 1:3-7; 2 Thess 2:16 & 17).

What is the suffering of Christmas that I mentioned earlier?  It is the loneliness of a widow that misses the warm embrace of her husband as well as the lengthy conversations that she used to have with him; even if he has been gone for 20 years and people think that she “should be over it by now.”   It is the heartache that wells within the soul of a family that is being torn apart by infidelity, constant bickering or the ripping apart of divorce.  It is the bondage that comes as a result of financial irresponsibility or maybe even the loss of a job and the weight of more and more bills that will soon be due.  It is the sense of hopelessness that occurs watching one’s adult child turn against God and indulge themself in a life of sin.  It is the loss that is felt in the recent death of a loved one, or the anniversary of a death around the holidays.  ‘Tis the season for suffering!

As Boice reminds us, Christians cannot erase the suffering or wish it away by telling people that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” (Rom. 8:28).  No!  We must resist the temptation to “fix” people and give them glib answers to difficult questions. Trusting God comes as one trusts in God in the small disappointments of life.  Then, as greater suffering occurs, one will be more likely to stand fast in Him! 

So what are we to do when we encounter those suffering souls this holiday season?  We must remind them of the truths of Scripture.  We must share with or remind them that there is a God who understands their suffering; a God who, Himself suffered on their behalf that they might be set free to trust Him even in the midst of the suffering that they currently encounter.  That He is the God of all comfort.  That He did not carry out His plan of salvation from afar, but He came to earth, suffered the injustices of a fallen people and fallen world, and rose victorious that we might be set free from sin and death and instead have new life!

This Christmas season, let us all remember that for many around us, ‘Tis the Season for Suffering.  But also let us remember that Jesus came to earth, suffered on our behalf to set us free from the power of sin that we might trust Him; even in the midst of suffering!

Let me close with the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7,

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  ⁴ who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  ⁵ For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.  ⁶ But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer;  ⁷ and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort. – 2 Cor. 1:3-7 (NASB)

May God use us this holiday season as instruments in His hands to bring the hope of the gospel to those with whom we come in contact.

Thanksgiving 2009

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

-- Psalm 107:1

New Addition to Our Blog List

Thank you so much for stopping by Frankly Speaking!  We hope that while you are here that you will not only take time to read our posts, but also to check out some of the blogs on our blog list.  These blogs have been an encouragement to us and we think that you may profit from them as well.  We have a new blog on our list that we commend to you called Heidelblog (catchy name isn't it).  Also, do not forget to check out their podcast entitled  Heidelcast.

The Case for Covenantal Infant Baptism

Among Christians, and especially Christians of the Reformed stripe, few issues are as hotly debated as baptism. Much ink (not to mention much blood) has been spilled over the proper understanding of this sacrament. With so much debate and so many resources it can be incredibly difficult to decide what to read about this important issue. In my own quest to understand baptism I picked up The Case for Covenantal Infant Baptism edited by Gregg Strawbridge.

In this work Strawbridge compiled essays from sixteen influential paedobaptist writers (many of whom are presidents at reformed seminaries) such as Bryan Chapell, Daniel Doriani, Richard Pratt, and Cornelius Venema. The book is divided into fifteen chapters with each writer covering a different aspect of the case for paedobaptism.

Herein lies this books strengths and weaknesses. The unique format of the book allows the reader to see the paedobaptist argument in different ways. For example: Bryan Chapell gives a pastoral introduction to infant baptism while Jeffrey D. Niell, Richard L. Pratt, Cornelius Venema, and Randy Booth argue from the basis of the covenant. Lyle Bierma and Peter Leithart argue from church history, and Mark Ross explains the idea of baptism as a sign and seal. As you've probably picked up, these authors are able to cover a lot of territory because of the format. However, this approach also has its weaknesses. Because of the layout there isn't as much time to develop any one argument or approach. It might also make things disorienting for someone new to the debate. Although all the authors bring tremendous gifts to this work the varied nature of the writing serves as both a strength and a weakness.

In the end, I think The Case for Covenantal Infant Baptism is a worthwhile investment. Strawbridge's brief introduction alone provides a clear presentation of the issues from a biblical perspective. The authors unite in making a passionate and scholarly (yet movingly pastoral) argument for paedobaptism. If you're looking for a good book to add to your library on the topic of baptism, this would be a good choice.

The Virtue of Being Precise

I'm a musician. Well, sorta. Perhaps I should say that I am becoming a musician. Allow me to explain. I've studied piano off and on for the last few years and can play moderately well. I've also tinkered with both the violin and the Irish penny whistle. Yet at the end of the day I'm not sure that I'm willing to call myself a full-fledged musician just yet, and here's why: I cheat. That's right, I admit it, sometimes when I'm playing Mozart and I come to a difficult passage I fudge it a little. In fact, I've skipped entire lines of music to avoid difficult or demanding passages and I've often tweaked the music to make it easier. In a word I'm imprecise.

Now you may be wondering why this should be such a big deal. After all, who cares if we don't strive for perfection and precision? Aren't people who fuss over precision (whether grammatically or musically) missing the big picture? Besides, it's the heart that matters right?

In his book Worldly Saints: The Puritans as they Really Were, Leland Ryken tells an interesting story about precision: "When the English Puritan preacher Richard Rogers was lecturing at Wethersfield, Essex, someone told him, "Mr. Rogers, I like you and your company very well, but you are so precise." To which Rogers replied, "O Sir, I serve a precise God.""
I think the Puritans were on to something here. You see, they understood that getting things half-way right, or even mostly right, is no guarantee. Especially where the gospel is concerned. Details matter. The Puritans were famous for the precision of their theology. Many of them were willing to die over issues that many in today's church would consider trivial or secondary. Why was this? Were the Puritans just being too picky? Were they simply making a mountain out of a mole-hill?

I don't think so. The Puritans understood that we are called to be like God, and God is precise. When we say that the details of theology don't matter we aren't been magnanimous, we are denying a part of God's character. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that we need to go around picking fights in the name of "precision" nor am I arguing that we break fellowship with believers that disagree. What I am saying is that those disagreements do matter. We can disagree about a detail of God's character without declaring a brother to be anathema, but we must never say that that detail of God's character is unimportant.

The christian, like the musician, knows that the details are important.
So I think I'll keep practicing my piano. After all, I serve a precise God.

Happy Reformation Day

Happy Reformation day! On October 31st, 1517 a young German monk nailed his 95 theses to the church door in Wittenburg condemning many of the practices of the Roman Catholic church of his time. Those theses, and the debate they sparked, helped start the Protestant reformation.

In honor of Reformation day here's a video chronicling the events of the early Reformation period. (For those seeking a somewhat more scholarly approach be sure to read George Grant's excellent post here: http://grantian.blogspot.com/2009/10/luthers-ninety-five-theses.html

The Betrayal

Reading is a large part of a pastor’s life, but all too often it can be done more in bits and pieces in preparation for sermons and lessons then in sitting down and reading through entire books.  Don’t get me wrong, it is a privilege to have a calling that allows one to study and read, but to have a steady diet of reading portions of books rather than the whole can be much like trying to survive on finger sandwiches rather than feasting on well balanced meals.  Such a practice will keep one alive, but not as healthy as one should be. 

So one of my midyear commitments has been to always have at least one book that I am reading through that is not part of my studies.   It may be a theological book, a historical book, or even a novel.   But where does a person start with so many good books out there?

In light of this year being the 500^th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth I decided that my first book should probably be about Calvin.  So I chose a historical novel written by a PCA ruling elder by the name of Douglas Bond entitled The Betrayal. 

I chose to read this novel over the summer and after completing it I cannot recommend this book enough!  Besides, what better way to celebrate Reformation Day then to read about the life of one of the men that God used mightily during this time in church history. 

Not only is The Betrayal an exciting read, but it masterfully & accurately portrays Calvin in the context of the circumstances of his day.  If one is to understand Calvin and his work, one must understand what it was like to be alive during the Reformation and what was going on in the church at that time.  

Many in the church today have heard of Calvin and an even smaller number have read some of his works, but most are often ignorant of the circumstances surrounding his life.  As a result, they see John Calvin as nothing more than a stuffy theologian who lived in an ivory tower and wrote theology that reflected how out of touch he was with reality.  Douglas Bond does a wonderful job though of dispelling these preconceptions as he carefully portrays the historical circumstances of Calvin’s day.  To show the carefulness of which Bond takes in being historically accurate, let me quote from the Note to the Reader in the opening pages of the novel:

“This is a work of historical fiction, set in the times and places when and where John Calvin lived and worked.  Though it is fiction, the reader may accept Calvin’s words in dialogues, sermons, discussions, and debates with confidence.  In nearly all places where Calvin speaks I have drawn and shaped his words from his letters, commentaries, Institutes, and other writings.  For cohesion and grammatical accuracy, I have altered tenses and pronouns, and for brevity I have excerpted Calvin’s far lengthier theological investigations.  Though shaped for fiction, Calvin’s voice in this novel is a faithful attempt to reflect accurately his own verbiage, piety, and theology.  Frequently, I use Calvin’s written summations of his critics’ views as grist for their voice when debating or deliberating with him.  Wherever possible, I have attempted to faithfully represent other historical characters, often shaping their voices from their letters, journals, and other writings.”  (The Betrayal, p. 11)

As one reads the historical accuracy of Calvin’s life, it quickly becomes apparent that Calvin was not a man who formed his theology in an ivory tower, but from hours of studying God’s Word while in the midst of the difficulties of life.  As a matter of fact, if one were to compare the times of Calvin with those of our day, we would be the ones that should be accused of living “out of touch with reality”.  In fact, due to the nature of the circumstances that are covered in this book I would say that this novel is best suited for mature readers and not younger children. 

Not only does Douglas Bond paint a historically accurate portrait of Calvin’s life, but he also describes Calvin as a real man.  Some today think that Calvin and his theology are placed on a pedestal and exalted too highly in the church today.  That what Calvin said is held on the same level as Scripture and this ought not to be.  Such concern should be heeded and carefulness should be given in the church to never exalt the instrument to the level of the God who raises up and uses that instrument for His purposes. 

Having said that, Douglas Bond depicts Calvin as a very real man; one who was physically weak and frail; a man who worked hard to escape the lime light of his day but was constantly pulled back into it by God and used as a significant instrument of the Reformation for the glory of God.  Bond reminds us that while we need to be careful not to exalt Calvin too highly, we must also be careful to acknowledge how God used John Calvin to strengthen the church not only during the Reformation, but also today.

I think Burk Parsons, editor of Tabletalk magazine and Minister of Congregational Life at Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida, summarized the book well when he said,

"With masterful insight, Douglas Bond offers us an illuminating portrait of the life, ministry, and theology of John Calvin. For readers of all ages, this well-researched, historical fiction takes us back to the sixteenth-century Reformation as if we were eye-witnesses of all that God accomplished in and through the life of His humble servant John Calvin. If you enjoy reading the fictional works of C. S. Lewis, you will love this book."  (http://www.bondbooks.net/THE%20BETRAYAL.htm)

I could not concur more with Mr. Parsons’ summation and therefore I highly encourage you to consider reading The Betrayal this Reformation season!  If you would like more information on The Betrayal please check out Douglas Bond’s web site at http://www.bondbooks.net/  (where you can even read chapter 4 of the book if you like).

And if you take me up on my challenge to read this novel, please do so not to exalt John Calvin, but to give thanks to God that He is faithful to give to the church the right men at the right time (Eph 4:10-12).  No matter who we are, may we be people used of God to strengthen and build up the church for His glory! (1 Pet. 4:10, 11)

Our Vision for Frankly Speaking

How are Christians to live in an ever changing world? Political unrest, financial uncertainty, religious plurality; we live in a world of conflicting ideas where there seems to be no shortage of opinions on how one is to think or to live! Much like the sirens in Homer's Odyssey, these voices vie for our attention; tempting us to do their bidding. With new forms of media emerging every day it's easy to feel overrun with others opinions.
Perhaps the most popular means of broadcasting viewpoints is the almost ubiquitous blog.

A 2007 study by Technorati showed that there are over 112 million blogs. With so many people already sharing their knowledge (or perhaps their lack thereof) one could easily wonder: why start another blog? It's a fair question, and hopefully as we share our vision in the next few paragraphs you'll begin to see why we feel this blog is worth reading.

Beyond Opinion:

The first (and arguably most important) reason we are starting this blog is to go beyond opinions. We aren't here to share our views on the issues of the day or add our voices to the already deafening choir of ignorance. If our only goal were to push our agenda then you might as well stop reading now. But that isn't our goal. Our goal is to bring the Word of God to bear on the situations, issues, and ideas that bombard us. Our hope is to faithfully, and humbly, share the Truth of Scripture with fallen people in a fallen world. Our vision is to push beyond opinions to the reality of God's revelation.

Developing Christian Thought:

Hebrew 4:12 tell us that “[T]he word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ” As we come into contact with the Word of God we cannot help but have our thinking transformed.
It is our firm belief that our thought life cannot be separated from our daily life. In other words, the way we think determines the way we live. It is our hope that “Frankly Speaking” will help both us and our readers develop a mature, Scripture-saturated thought life. We want to model what a truly biblical worldview looks like as we interact with the world.

Great Expectations:

So, what can you expect from “Frankly Speaking”?
First, expect variety. As we said above our goal is to model what a truly biblical worldview looks like through interacting with the world. Our posts may talk about theology, politics, literature, music, history, or in a word life. Our topics will vary, but hopefully we will always write through the lens of Scripture. Second, expect balance. We aren't setting out to write a particularly “heady” blog. Although we may discuss deep issues we want these discussions to inform our life. We want to be at home in the realm of ideas while recognizing that the Christian does not have the luxury of separating thought from action.

We could (and hopefully will) say much more about what we hope to accomplish with this blog. But for now it is enough to say: welcome! We hope you will profit from the articles and essays featured on this site. It is our sincere prayer that this blog will help you “to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”