1/8/12- What is Baptism

Q. 94- What is Baptism?
A: Baptism is a sacrament.  Baptism is a washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, signifying and sealing us into Christ.  In it, we receive the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our relationship to be a child of the Lord.

"The promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off even as many as the Lord our God will call."  (Acts 2:39)

There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism."  (Ephesians 4:5)

Thoughts: there is a washing, the making of a sign, and the giving of a seal in baptism.  The washing with water symbolizes the cleansing away of our sins by the blood of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.  There are those who do not believe they need cleansing- just as surely as there are those who cannot see their dirt or smell their odor because they have become desensitized to it.
Baptism is full of promise and promises.  There are promises in faith by the participants (or made on their behalf by their guardian).  Promises to believe, to follow for adult believers; or to live a godly example, pray for and teach the faith to their child.  Baptism is a sign that God the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives- that we are not alone-but are claimed and are a part of the family of God.  But the washing with physical water is a symbol that we will be cleansed of our sins in the end.
Baptism is individually done, and we are individually named and called a "child of the covenant."  In baptism we recognize we are brought into relationship with the living God.  There is a sense that once we have had the water on us, it cannot ever be taken off.  It is in this sense that we are sealed.  In this sense baptism is like a brand or a tattoo that is always on us- similar to the number on the forehead described in Revelation (14:1). It is a joining, an "ingrafting" similar to a branch grafted into a tree- with the promise of growth and the hope of nourishment. When we are made part of the one living organism of Christ we are not only "one" with Him, but we are "one" with each other.  It is a major experience in life that is shared only by those who have undertaken it.  There is always a tie to Christ for those who have been baptized.

Prayer: Lord you were baptized giving me an example of its importance.  Help me not to take it for granted.

WSC Q. 94- What is Baptism?
A: Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.


Q. 94. What is baptism?
A. The sacrament of baptism is a washing with water in the name of the father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit, which is a sign and seal that we are joined to Christ, that we receive the benefits of the
covenant of grace, and that we are engaged to be the Lord’s.

1/7/12- Final Authority

Q. What standard from God directs us how we might glorify and enjoy Him? 
A. The Word of God, which is found in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only standard to direct us how we might glorify and enjoy Him.  


"God is not a man that He should lie; neither the Son of Man that He should repent.  Hath He said and shall He not do it?  Or hath He spoken and shall He not make it good?  (Numbers 23:19 KJV)

(Book of Kells- 4 Gospels)


Thoughts: The Fellowship of Presbyterians has this statement in their essential tenets draft: 

The confessions are not fnal authorities; scrip- 

ture is the norm that measures all doctrinal, confessional, 

and theological expression.  The reformed tradition has 

always understood that “while confessional standards 

are subordinate to the scriptures, they are, nonetheless, 

standards.  They are not lightly drawn up or subscribed

to, nor may they be ignored or dismissed” (F-2.02).  be- 

ing questioned by the confessions is not an exercise in 

servitude but liberation from the tyranny of the present 

that enables us to live freely and faithfully within God’s 
will.as subordinate standards, the confessions are not 

free-standing authorities.  They are subject to the au- 

thority of Jesus Christ, the word of God, who is known 

through scripture, the word of God.  subordination 

to the lord and to scripture’s witness serves to locate

confessional authority, however, not diminish it.  The

confessions provide reliable guidance to our reading and

reception of scripture, protecting us from self-absorbed

interpretation, and opening us to Christ’s way, Christ’s

truth, and Christ’s life.

God, of course, is our final authority.  But the scriptures are the written Word of God.  They have been confessed by the church throughout the ages and throughout the world.  The Spirit speaks through scripture to our hearts.  

The Spirit does not speak against what He has already said. God does not promise something and then renig on the promise.  Sometimes, when we think of the Spirit like the wind, we may think it may blow west then east with no steadiness.  But the purpose and truth of the Spirit is constant, but the application and context is ever changing.  The person who may emphasize the gifts of the Spirit who thinks the Spirit can go against the Word misses out on the reliability of God, and the trusting in His Word.  While the liberal who thinks the Bible is unreliable while their own logic and context is more reliable, misses out on the blessings of obedience to God- for they do not trust the Word either.  The Word of God is not separated from the Spirit of God.  The Spirit inspired the Bible's beginning. He also illuminates and applies the Bible to us today.  The Word without the Spirit is dry and academic- and not the Word of God.  The Spirit without the Word may be a different kind of Spirit that should be tested by the Word of God.  

Prayer: May I learn to rely on your Word by the power of your Spirit, O Lord.  

1/6/12- Scripture alone

Q. What standard from God directs us how we might glorify and enjoy Him? 
A. The Word of God, which is found in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only standard to direct us how we might glorify and enjoy Him. 


 ⁷ The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. ⁸ The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. ⁹ The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. 
The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. (Psalm 19:7-9)


Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true (Acts17:9)

(Guttenberg Bible)


Thoughts: In five years we will celebrate the 500th year of when Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses on the Wittenburg door to begin the Protestant Reformation (10/31/1517).  Luther knew that the iron clad control of the church would be loosened if he could get the power of God away from the experts- the new Teachers of the Law- and put the Word back into the hands of the every day person.  It was no accident that the printing press, the putting of the Bible in the vernacular of the people, the emphasis of the priesthood of all believers, and the idea that scripture alone is our authority all went together.  But at the core was the power and sufficiency of the scriptures.  
    The Psalmist says the scriptures are perfect, trustworthy, giving wisdom and joy.  The Bereans were declared "noble" for testing what Paul said by scripture.  So we too should not assume that a minister/priest/preacher is right in and of themselves- but we should test them to the standard- the rule.
    Today, in our time of disobedience, we should not be described that the scriptures are attacked by every means possible.  But the motivation is rebellion and a desire to give God's authority to ourselves.  So the scholars and experts claim to be wiser than scriptures.  Idealogues claim to know better and to be fairer than the time-tested, multi-cultureed Word of God.  So Reformed faith which was supposed to be "always reforming according to the Word of God"" are now just semper reformanda (always changing).  But change without a goal, a standard is waffling, lost, and allows  the loudest voice to claim leadership.  God has spoken, and His speech is suffficient. 


PrayerL Lord, give me ears to hear and a willingness to obey.  

1/5/12- God's Instructions

Q. What standard from God directs us how we might glorify and enjoy Him? 
A. The Word of God, which is found in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only standard to direct us how we might glorify and enjoy Him. 


⁹ How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. ¹⁰ I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 
¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Ps. 119:9-11)


Pilate asked, "What is truth?" (John 18:38)


Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17)

Thoughts: Human opinions are plentiful.  How do we know which one(s) to believe when it comes to how we should live?   For many the scriptures of the Bible are just one opinion among many.  However, the Bible has been experienced by many as God's Word through the centuries.  But even such wide and common approbation is not enough.  The Bible claims to be inspired of God (2 Timothy 3:16).  Jesus calls the Word of God found in scripture "truth" (Jn. 17:17).  But even such testimonies- ring hollow unless we are convicted inside that the Scriptures are God's Word to us. 
    Centuries ago a "foot" was simply the measure of the king's foot- (not twelve inches).  One king might have a ten inch foot, while another might have a 13 inch foot.  Finally someone decided it made sense to have a standard foot of twelve inches so that there might be consistency.  God sees one philosopher saying one thing, and another saying something different, and so He comes and gives us a revelation of the truth- a Word.  It alone is the standard for how we should live.  The scriptures give us practical ideas on how we might honor and please God, and in the process enjoy  our lives.
    Of course, it takes faith- a gift given by the Holy Spirit to believe that the Bible is the standard for our lives.  It is in a sense God's Word because God the Spirit inspired the writing of it; God the Spirit providentially preserved it over the centuries; God the Spirit illuminates it to us today- helping us to believe its truth and applying it to our lives.
     When other opinions are seen as the same standard as scripture- then not only do we get into needless controversy with no real basis for debate (like which king's foot is best); but we also may rationalize away what scripture says-- giving into our own tendencies toward selfishness and disobedience toward God.  God has given us instructions- a map- a word.  Our response is to believe and heed them. 


Prayer: Give me grace, O Lord, to submit my will to your will- my standard to your standard.  Forgive me when I stray away from your path and forget what is real and true to life.  




[Westminster Shorter Catechism 1647]
Q. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him? 
A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.


[Shorter Catechism in Modern English 1986 by Douglas Kelly, Philip B. Rollinson]

Q. 2. What authority from God directs us how to glorify and enjoy Him?
A. The only authority for glorifying and enjoying Him is the bible, which is the word of God and is
made up of the Old and New Testaments.

[Note- that the word "authority" is different from the original "rule"- which implies a standard/law to go by.
Note that the original says that the Word is contained in the Scriptures; while the Modern version has the word identified with the Scriptures].

1/4/11- Forever

What is the main goal of human life?
The main goal of human life is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.


To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Romans 16:27)


⁸ The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. ⁹ The fear of the LORD is pure,    enduring forever. (Psalm 19:8)

Thoughts:  "Christianity asserts that every individual human being is going to live for ever, and this must be either true or false. Now there are a good many things which would not be worth bothering about if I were going to live only seventy years, but which I had better bother about very seriously if I am going to live for ever." (C.S. Lewis).  Two things to bother about are honor and joy.  Our task is to glorify God, and our joy is to fulfill that task.  Christians who find their enjoyment in God want to be with Him forever.  People who do not enjoy thinking of God but avoid Him or are indifferent or apathetic to Him probably would not be happy being forced to go to heaven in His presence.  
     We think so highly and are so focused on the present temporary existence; and we think so rarely and with such little thought of real eternity, that we refuse to appreciate the enormous weight of our choices and joys of this day.  The deepest ocean is nothing compared to eternity.  The farthest star is still closer than a tick of eternity.  The widest mountain is but a speck compared to forever.  The longest wait on earth is not even a full blink of the eye in the light of eternity.  But if we glorify God now by turning from our sin, by turning to Him for salvation, by living for Him- we will find ourselves continuing the good work forever.  If we enjoy Him now, we will find ourselves enjoying Him forever.  


Prayer: Lord, may I find my joy in living how you designed me to live.  May I find my smile in your smile, my joy in yours. Lord, in this world happiness fades so easily.  Give me a joy that no one can take away- a constant, steady beat of peace and gladness. 

1/3/12- Enjoying God

What is the main goal of human life?
The main goal of human life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

"The joy of the Lord is your strength."  (Nehemiah 8:10)

"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice."  (Philippians 4:4)

"The thief comes only to kill, to steal and to destroy.  I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly."  (John 10:10)

(Laughing Jesus- first saw this in 1993 in the Cuban Presbyterian Church in Havana)

Thoughts: Sometimes the world gets this idea that God is a killjoy that wants to take away our joy and life.  But God is the Creator of life, and also the Creator of Joy.  Too often we see Jesus as a pale Galilean.  Too often our image of Christians is a medieval monk whipping himself or a dour faced dressed-in-black Puritan.  There are those whose religious devotion is wrapped up in simplicity or sacrifice.  But God, who created joy, wishes us to experience it- but in the right and healthy places.  If the thing we find joy in causes our destruction or the destruction or harm of someone else, he wishes to take away that harmful joy- but also to replace it with a flavorful and healthful joy.  The Christian life does involve dying to self, but it also involves living to God.  If we find our joy in drugs- or adultery- or in bullying- you bet God would like to take that joy away and replace it with His peace, His vision for love, and His love for neighbor.  We are called to find our joy in God.  This is about like finding joy in the one you love.  If you love someone you want to be around them- talk to them- get to know them better.  So, when we love God- we find our joy in Him.

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to find my joy in you.

1/2/12- The Glorifying of God

"What is the main goal of human life?"
"The main goal of human life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21) 

We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:12) 


The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. (John 1:9)

Thoughts: We are not an accident or a product of "thoughtless" evolution.  But we were created for a purpose by a thoughtful and caring Creator.  In many ways this is the ultimate statement of faith.
    How God created us is not answered here.  But that it was not thoughtless or that we just "happened" or that we did not somehow make ourselves is.  
    So we are created to not live for ourselves.  In a recent survey of American Christians, George Barna said the most common goal was "to be healthy, happy, and to feel good."  But someone may do evil and still feel good about themselves because of their ability to justify and rationalize their own evil.  "Healthiness, happiness, and feeling good" are goals that the ultimate selfish person could also claim.  Such goals may leave out neighbor and God.  But God calls us to go beyond ourselves- to rise above our selfishness to love others and Him.
     To "glorify" means to reflect back.  As sunlight in a mirror may light up a room- but the light is not generated by the mirror- so we are called to reflect Christ.  As the moon reflects the sun's light, so we are called to reflect Christ.  Christ is called many times the "Light of the World" (Jn. 1:9; 9:5) in scripture.  Yet Jesus Himself  said "You are the light of the world" (Mt. 5:14).  But our light is not simply found inside of us (that is an illusion- that the light is "within us").  But the light reflects and glorifies Christ's light.  Christmas Eve in our church we lit candles from the advent wreath's Christ candle, and then held up our lights.  This is a symbol of our own light.  Our lives and lights find their source and power and energy from Christ's great light.  We are called to point to the Light of the world. 
     On New Year's Eve "Cee-Lo" sang John Lennon's song "Imagine" a little differently.  Lennon's lyrics were "Imagine there are no countries and no religion too"- and the people living for today.  In other words- what if there we were all alike and everyone lived for themselves- for their feelings and the moment. Supposedly such a life would foster in peace.  But in reality- if we live without goals and purpose- living for our feelings and the moment- then we have the morals of today.  Marriages break up when a marriage exists simply to make me feel good- and there is no sacrifice or higher purpose. Patriotism tends to downplay civil unrest and even civil war; religion gives meaning and purpose.  "Cee-Lo" changed the lyrics to "and all religions true" which is a similar spirit- saying religious truths can never contradict each other (perhaps in his mind because they are secondary to world peace).  But truth, reality, and God Himself are greater than any idealogy for world peace or political notions or even religions.  The question is still who do I glorify:  Myself?  Others? Or God?
     Believers are called to believe.  In a world full of confusion and selfishness- reaching out to try to find peace apart from God- we are called to remind them where the light shines in the darkness.   


Prayer: Give me strength, O Lord, to be a light in the dark world.  Help me to hold onto your truth though others say there is no such thing as truth or that truth doesn't matter.  May my life glorify you!