Alma redemptoris mater ("Nourishing mother of the Redeemer")
Anonymous
Has been attributed to John Dunstable (c. 1390-1453)
Alternate Title: As I Lay Upon A Night
(Don't worry; I'm not going Catholic on you. I'm screening carefully for Mary-worship. This might be a little close to the edge for some, though...)
(Also, note the footnotes in this one to explain the middle English.)
1. As I lay upon a night,
my thought was on a burd(1) so bright
that men clepn(2) Mary, full of might,
redemptoris mater.
2. To her came Gabriel with light
And said: Hail be thou, blissful wight!3
To ben cleped4 now art thou dight5
redemptoris mater.
3. At that word that lady bright
Anon6 conceived God full of might;
Then men wist7 well that she hight8
redemptoris mater.
4. When Jesu on the rood9 was pight,10
Mary was doleful of that sight
Till she see him rise upright,
redemptoris mater.
5. Jesu that sittest in heaven light,
Grant us to comen beforn thy sight
With that burde that is so bright,
redemptoris mater.
1. burd = maiden
2. clepn = call
3. wight = person
4. cleped = called
5. dight = appointed
6. anon = straightway
7. wist = knew
8. hight = named
9. rood = cross or crucifix
10. pight = pitched
11.30.2006
11.29.2006
Going with the flow
"Some, I dare say, will object that I am asking what is unreasonable; that youth is not the time of life when people ought to be grave and thoughtful. I answer, there is little danger of their being too much so in the present day. Foolish talking and kidding, and joking, and excessive amusement, are only too common. I don't argue the fact that there is a time for all things; but to be always flippant and joking is anything but wise. What does the wisest of men say--"It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure" (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4)....
"Few seem to have any opinions of their own, or to think for themselves. Like dead fish, they go with the stream and tide: what others think is right, they think is right; and what others call wrong, they call wrong too. There are not many original thinkers in the world. Most men are like sheep, they follow a leader. If it was the fashion of the day to be Roman Catholics, they would be Roman Catholics, if it was to be Islamic, they would be Islamic. They dread the idea of going against the current of the times. In a word, the opinion of the day becomes their reli gion, their creed, their Bible, and their God....
"Learn to say "No!" Don't let the fear of not seeming good-natured make you unable to do it. When sinners entice you, be able to say decidedly, "I will not give in to them" (Proverbs 1:10).... Never be ashamed of letting men see that you want to go to heaven..."
Section 2, paragraphs 3 and 5.
Sleepers, Awake!
words by Philipp Nicolai, 1599
arr. and harm. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Based on Matthew 25:1-13
This one fits in nicely with elements of our worship service last Sunday and this coming Sunday...
Hear the tune
1. "Sleepers, wake!" the watch cry pealeth,
while slumber deep each eyelid sealeth:
Awake, Jerusalem, awake!
Midnight's solemn hour is tolling,
and seraph-notes are onward rolling;
They call on us our part to take.
Come forth, ye virgins wise:
the Bridegroom comes, arise!
Alleluia!
Each lamp be bright
with ready light
to grace the marriage feast tonight.
2. Zion hears the voice that singeth
with sudden joy her glad heart springeth,
at once she wakes, she stands arrayed:
her Light is come, her Star ascending,
lo, girt with truth, with mercy blending,
her Bridegroom there, so long delayed.
All hail! God's glorious Son,
all hail! our joy and crown,
Alleluia!
The joyful call
we answer all,
and follow to the bridal hall.
3. Praise to him who goes before us!
Let men and angels join in chorus,
let harp and cymbal add their sound.
Twelve the gates, a pearl each portal:
we haste to join the choir immortal
within the Holy City's bound.
Ear ne'er heard aught like this,
nor heart conceived such bliss.
Alleluia!
We raise the song,
we swell the throng,
to praise thee ages all along.
arr. and harm. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Based on Matthew 25:1-13
This one fits in nicely with elements of our worship service last Sunday and this coming Sunday...
Hear the tune
1. "Sleepers, wake!" the watch cry pealeth,
while slumber deep each eyelid sealeth:
Awake, Jerusalem, awake!
Midnight's solemn hour is tolling,
and seraph-notes are onward rolling;
They call on us our part to take.
Come forth, ye virgins wise:
the Bridegroom comes, arise!
Alleluia!
Each lamp be bright
with ready light
to grace the marriage feast tonight.
2. Zion hears the voice that singeth
with sudden joy her glad heart springeth,
at once she wakes, she stands arrayed:
her Light is come, her Star ascending,
lo, girt with truth, with mercy blending,
her Bridegroom there, so long delayed.
All hail! God's glorious Son,
all hail! our joy and crown,
Alleluia!
The joyful call
we answer all,
and follow to the bridal hall.
3. Praise to him who goes before us!
Let men and angels join in chorus,
let harp and cymbal add their sound.
Twelve the gates, a pearl each portal:
we haste to join the choir immortal
within the Holy City's bound.
Ear ne'er heard aught like this,
nor heart conceived such bliss.
Alleluia!
We raise the song,
we swell the throng,
to praise thee ages all along.
11.28.2006
Jesus not for the Regulative Principle
"We are told, that our Lord was at Jerusalem at the feast of the dedication [John 10:22]... for the commemoration of the restoration of the temple and altar, after its profanation by Antiochus. Now this was certainly a mere human institution, and had no divine image, had no divine superscription upon it [God hadn't commanded in Scripture that this feast must be celebrated]; and yet I do not find that our blessed Lord and Master preached against it; I do not find that he spent his time about this; his heart was too big with superior things; and I believe when we, like him, are filled with the Holy Ghost, we shall not entertain our audiences with disputes about rites and ceremonies, but shall treat upon the essentials of the gospel..."
George Whitefield, sermon on John 10:27-28
Select Sermons, pg 184.
(If the title confuses you, the Regulative Principle is a position held by some conservative Christians, that we should only do in worship what the Scripture has commanded, not adding our own extras.)
George Whitefield, sermon on John 10:27-28
Select Sermons, pg 184.
(If the title confuses you, the Regulative Principle is a position held by some conservative Christians, that we should only do in worship what the Scripture has commanded, not adding our own extras.)
On the propriety of Christmas trees
Somebody asked, and this was my answer:
Personally I don't see much of a 2nd commandment connection. That commandment forbids carving images/statues/idols to bow down to, as they represent (or are claimed to BE) some other god. Now, this can happen functionally with icons in Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox settings, but I'm doubting there is a danger of us inadvertently worshiping or praying to our Christmas trees ("O Christmas Tree" song, excluded - watch out for that one!).
This relates more to general cultural practice, I'd say. Can we continue a religiously ambiguous practice like Christmas trees, as a way of celebrating Christ's Incaration? I would say we can. Does the tree have pagan roots? Probably. Can we redeem the practice? Certainly. We don't have a tree this year, as we'll be gone over Christmas, but we put up our outdoor lights as a physical expression of Isaiah 9:1-2; 60:1-3; and Matt 4:15-16. The idea is to tangibly convey joy and celebration over the Light coming to our dark world. If there is a better way to do that than the trees, greenery and lights, then go for it. But history has a way of providing the means of conveying joy in practices handed down to us. There is no inherent need to fight that, unless superstition or false teaching has crept in.
Do we need to reject those means of celebration (holly, ivy, trees, etc.) in order to stay pure from the world's defilement? Not necessarily. Just don't sing "O Christmas Tree" unless you can do so giving all glory to God. And watch out for overly sentimental interpretations of our Lord's Nativity that deny the conflict into which He was born.
The world does creep in, but we need to filter, not pull the plug on the whole computer...
Personally I don't see much of a 2nd commandment connection. That commandment forbids carving images/statues/idols to bow down to, as they represent (or are claimed to BE) some other god. Now, this can happen functionally with icons in Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox settings, but I'm doubting there is a danger of us inadvertently worshiping or praying to our Christmas trees ("O Christmas Tree" song, excluded - watch out for that one!).
This relates more to general cultural practice, I'd say. Can we continue a religiously ambiguous practice like Christmas trees, as a way of celebrating Christ's Incaration? I would say we can. Does the tree have pagan roots? Probably. Can we redeem the practice? Certainly. We don't have a tree this year, as we'll be gone over Christmas, but we put up our outdoor lights as a physical expression of Isaiah 9:1-2; 60:1-3; and Matt 4:15-16. The idea is to tangibly convey joy and celebration over the Light coming to our dark world. If there is a better way to do that than the trees, greenery and lights, then go for it. But history has a way of providing the means of conveying joy in practices handed down to us. There is no inherent need to fight that, unless superstition or false teaching has crept in.
Do we need to reject those means of celebration (holly, ivy, trees, etc.) in order to stay pure from the world's defilement? Not necessarily. Just don't sing "O Christmas Tree" unless you can do so giving all glory to God. And watch out for overly sentimental interpretations of our Lord's Nativity that deny the conflict into which He was born.
The world does creep in, but we need to filter, not pull the plug on the whole computer...
Shepherds! Shake off your drowsy sleep
1. Shepherds! Shake off your drowsy sleep,
Rise and leave your silly sheep;
Angels from heaven loud are singing; [1]
Tidings of great joy are bringing.
Shepherds! The chorus come and swell!
Sing Noel! Sing Noel!
2. Hark? Even now the bells ring round,
Listen to their merry sound;
Hark! How the birds new songs are making
As if the winter's chains were breaking.
3. See how the flowers all burst anew,
Thinking snow is summer dew;
See how the stars afresh are glowing,
All their brightest beams bestowing.
4. Cometh at length the age of peace,
Strife and sorrow now shall cease;
Prophets foretold the wondrous story
Of this Heaven-born Prince of Glory.
5. Shepherds! Then up and quick away,
Seek the Babe ere break of day;
He is the hope of every nation,
All in Him shall find salvation.
French carol - hear the tune
Rise and leave your silly sheep;
Angels from heaven loud are singing; [1]
Tidings of great joy are bringing.
Shepherds! The chorus come and swell!
Sing Noel! Sing Noel!
2. Hark? Even now the bells ring round,
Listen to their merry sound;
Hark! How the birds new songs are making
As if the winter's chains were breaking.
3. See how the flowers all burst anew,
Thinking snow is summer dew;
See how the stars afresh are glowing,
All their brightest beams bestowing.
4. Cometh at length the age of peace,
Strife and sorrow now shall cease;
Prophets foretold the wondrous story
Of this Heaven-born Prince of Glory.
5. Shepherds! Then up and quick away,
Seek the Babe ere break of day;
He is the hope of every nation,
All in Him shall find salvation.
French carol - hear the tune
11.27.2006
Advent and Nativity songs
This season of remembering our Lord's Incarnation, I will be posting a song a day, related to the season. There are so many rich verses - where to start?
I Wonder as I Wander
I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die.
For poor on'ry people like you and like I...
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall,
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all.
But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall,
And the promise of ages it then did recall.
If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing,
Or all of God's angels in heav'n for to sing,
He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King.
Hear the tune in MIDI
I Wonder as I Wander
I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die.
For poor on'ry people like you and like I...
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall,
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all.
But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall,
And the promise of ages it then did recall.
If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing,
Or all of God's angels in heav'n for to sing,
He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King.
Hear the tune in MIDI
11.23.2006
Reading log
I. Great article in World's Nov 25 issue on evangelical feminism (believing women in ministry is okay; downplaying male headship) leading to theological liberalism. Actually, author Wayne Grudem considers the former to be the first step on the road to the latter, as it places experience over Scripture (how can you deny her obvious gift?). He observes a consistent pattern of denominations sliding into liberalism:
1. Abandoning Biblical inerrancy
2. Endorsing the ordination of women as pastors
3. Abandoning the Bible's teaching on male headship in marriage
4. Excluding clergy who are opposed to women's ordination.
5. Approving homosexual conduct asw morally valid in some cases
6. Approving homosexual ordination
Well, my old denomination, the RCA mostly has done 1-3, haven't gotten 4 accomplished yet, though they've tried, and are currently seeking to accomplish #5. They ran into a snare when they tried to do 5 and 6 at the same time. Too much too fast for the "conservatives" (with tongue firmly in my cheek).
Thank the Lord for faithful men (see page 5 of the link), with whom I've recently associated in place of that craziness.
II. Darfur/Sudan article in the same World issue. There are serious issues here. China sells Sudan the fighter jets and helicopters that provide air cover for the Islamic-motivated raiding parties to do the pillaging of southern/Christian villages, while the US pulls out economically, and is isolated diplomatically. The government claims it's now trying to disarm the raiding parties, but they were still going on Nov 6 when the article was written. Gov't also claims to be providing development to its refugees (Christians in villages fleeing raids), but World Vision and UNICEF can't seem to get the gov't's help in getting ITS basic work done. A very sad situation.
III. A great piece on the role of government in higher education. There's a nice part about all the major technological advances (transistors, moon landing, etc.) being done BEFORE the government got involved or could have an effect on education.
1. Abandoning Biblical inerrancy
2. Endorsing the ordination of women as pastors
3. Abandoning the Bible's teaching on male headship in marriage
4. Excluding clergy who are opposed to women's ordination.
5. Approving homosexual conduct asw morally valid in some cases
6. Approving homosexual ordination
Well, my old denomination, the RCA mostly has done 1-3, haven't gotten 4 accomplished yet, though they've tried, and are currently seeking to accomplish #5. They ran into a snare when they tried to do 5 and 6 at the same time. Too much too fast for the "conservatives" (with tongue firmly in my cheek).
Thank the Lord for faithful men (see page 5 of the link), with whom I've recently associated in place of that craziness.
II. Darfur/Sudan article in the same World issue. There are serious issues here. China sells Sudan the fighter jets and helicopters that provide air cover for the Islamic-motivated raiding parties to do the pillaging of southern/Christian villages, while the US pulls out economically, and is isolated diplomatically. The government claims it's now trying to disarm the raiding parties, but they were still going on Nov 6 when the article was written. Gov't also claims to be providing development to its refugees (Christians in villages fleeing raids), but World Vision and UNICEF can't seem to get the gov't's help in getting ITS basic work done. A very sad situation.
III. A great piece on the role of government in higher education. There's a nice part about all the major technological advances (transistors, moon landing, etc.) being done BEFORE the government got involved or could have an effect on education.
11.22.2006
Post-Thanksgiving Thanklessness
The ads are everywhere, luring us to be the first in line Friday morning to get the big deal. And what a big deal it is. Stores opening at pre-dawn hours with hundreds of shoppers pressing against the glass, possibly trampling each other. We have outlets near our home that will be opening at MIDNIGHT - barely time for your turkey to settle before going off to armwrestle for the latest holiday fad gadget that's 40% off.
Let's think about this: we spend an entire day with friends and family, off from work, so that we can thank God for the blessings he has given us. Then, the very next day, armed with wish lists, coupons, and high-traction sneakers, we do all we can to get more. Oh, but it's not for ourselves, it's for our loved ones. We are so thankful for our loved ones we'll buy them the very best...from Wal-Mart....at the cheapest price we can fanaggle. I'm so thankful for my family that I'll buy them the cheapest thing I can find to satisfy a line item on their wish list.
This holiday season, I challenge all of us to pause before whipping out the Visa for that impulse gift that so-and-so will "just love" (for two seconds then re-gift next year). It's when we really take the time to get to know eachother that we can best show our love and appreciation in tangible ways. And you probably will save yourself a fist fight in aisle 14 in the process. Unless of course, a square punch in the face is what you need most to wake you up from the shopping madness!
Let's think about this: we spend an entire day with friends and family, off from work, so that we can thank God for the blessings he has given us. Then, the very next day, armed with wish lists, coupons, and high-traction sneakers, we do all we can to get more. Oh, but it's not for ourselves, it's for our loved ones. We are so thankful for our loved ones we'll buy them the very best...from Wal-Mart....at the cheapest price we can fanaggle. I'm so thankful for my family that I'll buy them the cheapest thing I can find to satisfy a line item on their wish list.
This holiday season, I challenge all of us to pause before whipping out the Visa for that impulse gift that so-and-so will "just love" (for two seconds then re-gift next year). It's when we really take the time to get to know eachother that we can best show our love and appreciation in tangible ways. And you probably will save yourself a fist fight in aisle 14 in the process. Unless of course, a square punch in the face is what you need most to wake you up from the shopping madness!
Time's winged chariot...
An evocative poem of the day on the ipod the other day. A bit long to post, but do check out just what the English language can do...
To His Coy Mistress
by Andrew Marvell
To His Coy Mistress
by Andrew Marvell
11.19.2006
Communion Exhortation
Once a policeman went to an elementary school to take a report on some vandalism there. While he stood in the hallway, a little girl came up to him and said, “My mother told me to call the police whenever I need help, is that right?” Policeman said, “That’s right.” She stuck her foot out and said, “In that case, would you tie my shoe?” When the policeman got back to his car, where his canine unit dog was in the back seat, a little boy ran up and said, is that a dog?” “It sure is,” said the policeman. The boy thought for a minute and asked, “What did he do wrong?”
How do you respond in God’s presence? It is appropriate early on, to ask, What did I do? And repent of it. But then later, in deeper communion, we can ask God for help.
Israel was not ready to receive the presence of the living God. Are you? We have already been in God’s presence in worship for the last hour, but we have been summoned, we have confessed, and we have been set apart, all in order to commune and then be commissioned. The consecration section is when we prepare and rearrange our lives to be in God’s presence. What good does it do to prepare and cook the meal, if you don’t eat it?
In the same way, dear people, we now enjoy full fellowship, as full as possible in this life, full fellowship with God in this meal, with all sin straightened out behind us. Perhaps something came up in the sermon that you need to take care of. But the main direction of this table is not lamentation and repentance; it is fellowship – partaking. Our sinful selves died with Christ on the cross. We live and abide with Christ now. We look forward to fuller fellowship when we drink of the fruit of the vine with Him in glory.
Be careful not to get stuck on repentance. It is quite rude to go to someone’s home for dinner, and continue to repeat throughout the night, “I don’t know why you would invite me. I don’t deserve to be here.” No. God gives you permission to revel in His grace. Enjoy God’s presence. We are not engaging in a weekly funeral service to remember Good Friday with somber long faces. This meal is a feast – a foretaste of a coming feast of fellowship.
Share your life with Christ and with His Body, as it is gathered with you – all around you - today. Fellowship not only with Christ in the inner portions of your soul, face scrunched up and eyes closed. Fellowship also with the body of Christ, smiling eyes wide open in wonder that you are included among this gathering of Christ’s people.
How do you respond in God’s presence? It is appropriate early on, to ask, What did I do? And repent of it. But then later, in deeper communion, we can ask God for help.
Israel was not ready to receive the presence of the living God. Are you? We have already been in God’s presence in worship for the last hour, but we have been summoned, we have confessed, and we have been set apart, all in order to commune and then be commissioned. The consecration section is when we prepare and rearrange our lives to be in God’s presence. What good does it do to prepare and cook the meal, if you don’t eat it?
In the same way, dear people, we now enjoy full fellowship, as full as possible in this life, full fellowship with God in this meal, with all sin straightened out behind us. Perhaps something came up in the sermon that you need to take care of. But the main direction of this table is not lamentation and repentance; it is fellowship – partaking. Our sinful selves died with Christ on the cross. We live and abide with Christ now. We look forward to fuller fellowship when we drink of the fruit of the vine with Him in glory.
Be careful not to get stuck on repentance. It is quite rude to go to someone’s home for dinner, and continue to repeat throughout the night, “I don’t know why you would invite me. I don’t deserve to be here.” No. God gives you permission to revel in His grace. Enjoy God’s presence. We are not engaging in a weekly funeral service to remember Good Friday with somber long faces. This meal is a feast – a foretaste of a coming feast of fellowship.
Share your life with Christ and with His Body, as it is gathered with you – all around you - today. Fellowship not only with Christ in the inner portions of your soul, face scrunched up and eyes closed. Fellowship also with the body of Christ, smiling eyes wide open in wonder that you are included among this gathering of Christ’s people.
11.16.2006
Reformed first, or catholic first?
My side of a conversation with a pastor friend, discussing doctrinal differences being less important than differences between the church and world:
I do appreciate the dynamic of being more united as believers of different backgrounds with a secular culture around us. I think "Mere Christianity" is much needed. I think church affiliation is only important as far as it identifies how you interpret the Bible, which it does less and less today. I am a strong proponent of a truly catholic (little-c, or universal) church, but the catch is that everyone has different ideas for how to proceed! Some say pray for revival, others say get the baptism of the Spirit, others say know more theology, others say involvement in church, others say the key is how the church is set up... all these different emphases come out of a way of reading Scripture which can't be underestimated.
The group I'm with would say that husbands and fathers need to repent of abdicating leadership of their families, and need to start leading their families into worship and godliness. That believers must restore Lord's Day worship as central to life, and consider it a true delight. That we must live out in our relationships what we know in our heads. And that the way we live IS our theology - no matter how heretical, no matter the profession of our lips.
I do appreciate the dynamic of being more united as believers of different backgrounds with a secular culture around us. I think "Mere Christianity" is much needed. I think church affiliation is only important as far as it identifies how you interpret the Bible, which it does less and less today. I am a strong proponent of a truly catholic (little-c, or universal) church, but the catch is that everyone has different ideas for how to proceed! Some say pray for revival, others say get the baptism of the Spirit, others say know more theology, others say involvement in church, others say the key is how the church is set up... all these different emphases come out of a way of reading Scripture which can't be underestimated.
The group I'm with would say that husbands and fathers need to repent of abdicating leadership of their families, and need to start leading their families into worship and godliness. That believers must restore Lord's Day worship as central to life, and consider it a true delight. That we must live out in our relationships what we know in our heads. And that the way we live IS our theology - no matter how heretical, no matter the profession of our lips.
Great last quotes
On authority to influence:
"The captain derives his authority from the major... the general from the commander-in-chief, the president of the United States, the president from the government, and the government from God.... That authority may be called original which is not derived from any other man, but directly from God. Thus many would say that the authroity fo the poeple of the United States to govern themselves is original authority. But we Calvinists, who wdo not believe in absolute popular sovereignty, would correct this and cliam original authroity for the government.... again, the authroity of the parents over their children is original It is not derived from the church, nor from society, nor from the state" (Berkhof, pg 104).
Agnostics imposing their religion in the public square today...
"Our opponents maintain not only that they do not know anything about the nature of reality, but also that nobody else can possibly know anything about it" (Van Til, pg 129).
The need to influence our children from all angles:
"Our educational ideals and those of our opponents are poles apart. How impossible, then, for us to inculcate our ideals in any satisfactory way unless we have the educational influence all to ourselves" (Van Til, pg 130).
11.13.2006
Arkansas Sam, the Beast
On Walmart sponsoring homosexual events...
Part of the homosexual agenda is to win the biggest companies in the world, since the rest follow the biggest, when it comes to endorsement and benefits policies. So they are targeting Walmart and winning. The result will be that in a decade or so almost all companies will be treating homosexually active couples as legitimately married people. If they can't win politically/legally, they will try industrial policy. Walmart's decision is an amorally, economic one, I'm sure, neither flagrant nor stupid. Their idol is not homosexuality but money.
Somebody mentioned the mark of the beast in Revelation. This is more relevant than you may realize. The original context of this was the shopping mall and stock exchange of Ephesus. To get into the market, you had to sprinkle incense to (i.e., worship) Caesar. Then you were given a ticket (mark) to show you had a right to be in the market. The point: society's expectations of everyone's priorities kept the early Christians excluded from society - they had to find a way to meet most of their needs from each other. They literally had to drop out of society sometimes, in order to keep from idolatry.
Walmart only asks for *money* to get into their stores so far :) (Everyone take out your Sam's card and repeat: "This is NOT the mark of the beast.") There are no altars there. Regardless of how they use their money, it is not immoral to buy something at Walmart at this point. If there WERE an altar to worship at to get in, your presence inside would be immoral without spending anything. Use of money is not the issue. The dollars in your wallet/purse right now were maybe handled by someone buying drugs, sex, or something less-sensationally immoral. Sin is not physically contagious, though it should repulse us on a gut level.
At the same time, we would do well to support places we know are moral, or at least places where we aren't aware of supporting immorality.
And we should be preparing ourselves to sacrifice economically, in order to stay faithful to the true God. The time may come when the culture demands our personal lip-service type of worship to their gods (like sprinkling incense on an altar). It would likely look like signing a contract these days, and refer to the "good of the people." Then we need to be willing to give up the market on which we are so dependent.
As far as food sacrificed to idols: there are two ways for someone to inform you of this. One is a weaker brother, who says, This steak was consecrated to Athena; how can you buy and eat it? This context seems to be in 1 Corinthians 8. To which Paul says, don't eat it, so as not to sear the weaker brothers' conscience. The second way is for an unbeliever to flagrantly brag to you: "THIS is ATHENA'S steak." This context seems to be in 1 Cor 10:27-28, to which again Paul says, don't eat it, so as not to give the impression that you endorse Athena. This latter pushes me toward not shopping at Walmart.
But notice that the difference is our knowledge (1 Cor 8:6-7; 10:27-28) and the glory we give (1 Cor 10:31). Believe it or not, Paul is endorsing a "don't ask, don't tell" policy here. He wants Christians to be as actively engaged in the marketplace as possible, without compromising their integrity. One way to accomplish this is by not bringing up whether a temple devoted this particular steak to an idol's glory. If you don't know, then YOU can give glory for it to the true God. If someone beats you to the punch and says, "This steak was cooked for Dagon's glory," then you need to sit it out. But notice that Paul would rather have us be proactive in the public square, glorifying God, than reactive - boycotting places for their idolatry. He doesn't want us giving ground to idols, when they claim part of creation as "theirs." Technically we are not morally constrained by others from partaking of anything in creation which God made for us to enjoy, within His law. Satan can't come in and say "Walmart's mine," and keep us out. Neither can the homosexuals.
The issue is who we give glory to, intentionally or otherwise. And the homosexual lobby is CERTAINLY pushing for society to give glory to homosexual desire and behavior these days. The answer isn't to retreat wherever they are active, but to love them, persuade them of the harm they do to themselves, and point them to a loving Father who made them for something better.
APPLICATION:
1. When you go out to eat at a restaurant, be sure to give thanks to God together out loud. Give God the glory before others. Not in a loud, "look at us" way. But also not in a cowering, "quiet so no one can hear" way.
2. If your conscience says to not go to Walmart, don't go. Paul would describe you as a weaker brother, but this doesn't make you an inferior Christian. For balance with your "stronger" brothers, read 1 Cor 8:4-6; Romans 14:14, 20, 22, remember it is God's Word, and remember that we are not called to be more "righteous" (using our own standards) than God commands. But if you aren't convinced in your conscience that Walmart is a moral option, then it is a sin for you to go, even if you know in your head it's alright. As you go elsewhere and see other Christians with Walmart bags in their homes, submit to your elders' judgment if they don't censure members for going to Walmart. There are times to engage the culture, even if it appears to others you are compromising. Just don't use "engage the culture" as a cloak to save a few bucks if there are better places to shop. (Engaging the culture by shopping at Walmart would be supporting God-glorifying products and avoiding sinful ones they sell - voting with your dollars).
3. DON'T go researching what every company you patronize is supporting. Let God deal with their idolatry. He has given you the ability to receive the fruit of their idolatry and transform it into a means of glorifying Him.
Part of the homosexual agenda is to win the biggest companies in the world, since the rest follow the biggest, when it comes to endorsement and benefits policies. So they are targeting Walmart and winning. The result will be that in a decade or so almost all companies will be treating homosexually active couples as legitimately married people. If they can't win politically/legally, they will try industrial policy. Walmart's decision is an amorally, economic one, I'm sure, neither flagrant nor stupid. Their idol is not homosexuality but money.
Somebody mentioned the mark of the beast in Revelation. This is more relevant than you may realize. The original context of this was the shopping mall and stock exchange of Ephesus. To get into the market, you had to sprinkle incense to (i.e., worship) Caesar. Then you were given a ticket (mark) to show you had a right to be in the market. The point: society's expectations of everyone's priorities kept the early Christians excluded from society - they had to find a way to meet most of their needs from each other. They literally had to drop out of society sometimes, in order to keep from idolatry.
Walmart only asks for *money* to get into their stores so far :) (Everyone take out your Sam's card and repeat: "This is NOT the mark of the beast.") There are no altars there. Regardless of how they use their money, it is not immoral to buy something at Walmart at this point. If there WERE an altar to worship at to get in, your presence inside would be immoral without spending anything. Use of money is not the issue. The dollars in your wallet/purse right now were maybe handled by someone buying drugs, sex, or something less-sensationally immoral. Sin is not physically contagious, though it should repulse us on a gut level.
At the same time, we would do well to support places we know are moral, or at least places where we aren't aware of supporting immorality.
And we should be preparing ourselves to sacrifice economically, in order to stay faithful to the true God. The time may come when the culture demands our personal lip-service type of worship to their gods (like sprinkling incense on an altar). It would likely look like signing a contract these days, and refer to the "good of the people." Then we need to be willing to give up the market on which we are so dependent.
As far as food sacrificed to idols: there are two ways for someone to inform you of this. One is a weaker brother, who says, This steak was consecrated to Athena; how can you buy and eat it? This context seems to be in 1 Corinthians 8. To which Paul says, don't eat it, so as not to sear the weaker brothers' conscience. The second way is for an unbeliever to flagrantly brag to you: "THIS is ATHENA'S steak." This context seems to be in 1 Cor 10:27-28, to which again Paul says, don't eat it, so as not to give the impression that you endorse Athena. This latter pushes me toward not shopping at Walmart.
But notice that the difference is our knowledge (1 Cor 8:6-7; 10:27-28) and the glory we give (1 Cor 10:31). Believe it or not, Paul is endorsing a "don't ask, don't tell" policy here. He wants Christians to be as actively engaged in the marketplace as possible, without compromising their integrity. One way to accomplish this is by not bringing up whether a temple devoted this particular steak to an idol's glory. If you don't know, then YOU can give glory for it to the true God. If someone beats you to the punch and says, "This steak was cooked for Dagon's glory," then you need to sit it out. But notice that Paul would rather have us be proactive in the public square, glorifying God, than reactive - boycotting places for their idolatry. He doesn't want us giving ground to idols, when they claim part of creation as "theirs." Technically we are not morally constrained by others from partaking of anything in creation which God made for us to enjoy, within His law. Satan can't come in and say "Walmart's mine," and keep us out. Neither can the homosexuals.
The issue is who we give glory to, intentionally or otherwise. And the homosexual lobby is CERTAINLY pushing for society to give glory to homosexual desire and behavior these days. The answer isn't to retreat wherever they are active, but to love them, persuade them of the harm they do to themselves, and point them to a loving Father who made them for something better.
APPLICATION:
1. When you go out to eat at a restaurant, be sure to give thanks to God together out loud. Give God the glory before others. Not in a loud, "look at us" way. But also not in a cowering, "quiet so no one can hear" way.
2. If your conscience says to not go to Walmart, don't go. Paul would describe you as a weaker brother, but this doesn't make you an inferior Christian. For balance with your "stronger" brothers, read 1 Cor 8:4-6; Romans 14:14, 20, 22, remember it is God's Word, and remember that we are not called to be more "righteous" (using our own standards) than God commands. But if you aren't convinced in your conscience that Walmart is a moral option, then it is a sin for you to go, even if you know in your head it's alright. As you go elsewhere and see other Christians with Walmart bags in their homes, submit to your elders' judgment if they don't censure members for going to Walmart. There are times to engage the culture, even if it appears to others you are compromising. Just don't use "engage the culture" as a cloak to save a few bucks if there are better places to shop. (Engaging the culture by shopping at Walmart would be supporting God-glorifying products and avoiding sinful ones they sell - voting with your dollars).
3. DON'T go researching what every company you patronize is supporting. Let God deal with their idolatry. He has given you the ability to receive the fruit of their idolatry and transform it into a means of glorifying Him.
11.12.2006
Communion exhortation
Paul speaks of tables in 1 Corinthians 10. We return often to our tables at home for nourishment at breakfast, dinner and supper, and it is the same with the Lord’s Supper. Just as our bodies require constant sustenance, dependent on God, so our souls require constant sustenance, dependent on God. And one normal way God has given us for this feeding is at this Table. And so today we begin eating at this Table every Lord’s Day, when we gather for worship, to keep us satisfied in the abundant grace of Christ. This is a great protection against the temptation to make up idols to meet our needs at other tables.
Paul speaks of two tables, maybe more. The table of the Lord, and the table of demons. And we cannot continue coming to both tables. The Philistines figure [1 Samuel 5], well the more tables the better, the more gods, the more we’re hedging our bets. But God allows none of this. We must put our trust in Him alone. Only His table sustains us, and we may not go around looking for satisfaction elsewhere. God commanded Israel in Deuteronomy 14 to bring their offerings to Him, and then eat and be satisfied. The Psalmist in 63:5 says His soul “shall be satisfied as with fat and abundance.” And so, in the way we push back the chair from a Thanksgiving feast with a contented sigh, may our souls be deeply satisfied at the Table of our Lord Jesus Christ. Your needs and desires are met by partaking of the body and blood of Jesus.
Paul speaks of two tables, maybe more. The table of the Lord, and the table of demons. And we cannot continue coming to both tables. The Philistines figure [1 Samuel 5], well the more tables the better, the more gods, the more we’re hedging our bets. But God allows none of this. We must put our trust in Him alone. Only His table sustains us, and we may not go around looking for satisfaction elsewhere. God commanded Israel in Deuteronomy 14 to bring their offerings to Him, and then eat and be satisfied. The Psalmist in 63:5 says His soul “shall be satisfied as with fat and abundance.” And so, in the way we push back the chair from a Thanksgiving feast with a contented sigh, may our souls be deeply satisfied at the Table of our Lord Jesus Christ. Your needs and desires are met by partaking of the body and blood of Jesus.
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