In the verse which follows, he expresses the confidence which he had that he would dwell from this time forth in the sanctuary of the Lord…. It is noticeable, that now when he was returned from his banishment, and established within his own palace, his heart was set more upon the worship of God than all the wealth, splendor, and pleasures of royalty. We have his testimony in other parts of his writings, that in the worst calamities which he endured, he experienced nothing which could be compared to the bitterness of being shut out from the ordinances of religion; and now he accounts it a higher pleasure to lie as a suppliant before the altar, than to sit upon the throne of a king. By the words which immediately follow, he shows that he did not, like too many uninformed persons, attach a superstitious importance to the mere externals of religion, adding, that he found his safety under the shadow of God’s wings. Ignorant persons might conceive of God as necessarily confined to the outward tabernacle, but David only improved this symbol of the Divine presence as a means of elevating the spiritual exercises of his faith. I would not deny that there may be an allusion to the cherubim when he speaks of the shadow of God’s wings. Only we must remember, that David did not rest in carnal ordinances, the elements of the world, but rose by them and above them to the spiritual worship of God.

 

Taken from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (www.ccel.org)

Psalm 61

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

²From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

³For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

⁴I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

⁵For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

⁶Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: and his years as many generations.

⁷He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.

⁸So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.

Though we do not know the precise historical setting for this psalm (at least that the heading indicates), David clearly penned it at a time in his life when he was removed from the city of Jerusalem and the house of God, and when he was overwhelmed with troubles. I have a note in the margin of my Bible that David wrote this when he had to flee Jerusalem after his son Absalom and his men took over the city (see 2 Samuel 15). If this was in fact the context, it was a grievous time in David’s life, not only because of the insurrection of his own son (part of God’s chastisement of David for his sin with Bathsheba), but also because it meant he was taken away from the signs of God’s presence with him and the means of grace.

Yet David finds that God has not forsaken him, that God still hears him, protects him, and has blessed him beyond measure (v.3-5). And so he confides in God and commits his way to Him (vss.1-2). And in the midst of pain and problems he still performs his vows and praises his God (vss.5,8). Do we not see Christ in this psalm as well? In the midst of his supreme desolation of suffering human rejection and the wrath of God, especially on the cross, – brought about by our sin and shame – still he trusts in His Father, calls upon Him for deliverance, and praises Him from the depths. In the midst of ultimate grief and pain still he performs His vow to endure all things for the elect’s sake! And that perfectly faithful suffering and obedience of Christ is our salvation!

That is why we now can and do make this psalm our own. For Christ’s sake, in the midst of our own suffering and pain, we cry and pray, we trust and wait, we sing and praise. Because God is our Shelter and Strong Tower, because we always abide in His tabernacle (Christ – see John 1:14)! Shall we not worship our great and glorious God this day with thankful hearts?! May He give us grace so to do.

Our second post today also concerns abortion. This time we let noted Christian theologian and ethics teacher, Dr. Al Mohler, speak to the issue. He posted this on his blog last Friday, January 20. I apologize for being a week late on these posts – better late than never – but they are always timely, because these “legalized” abortions (murders) go on every day. May we never become accustomed to this sin in our land, but remain Biblically sensitive to its evil and to the judgment of God on those who sanction it and commit it.

Here is part of what Mohler has to say about this sin of our culture (read the rest at the link above):

Most Americans will pay little attention to the 39th anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision. In 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that a woman has a constitutional right to arrange the killing of the unborn life within her. Since that decision was handed down, more than 50 million babies have been aborted, at a rate of over 3,000 each day.

One of the most chilling aspects of all this is the sense of normalcy in American life. Abortion statistics pile up from year to year, and each report gets filed. Moral sentiment on the issue of abortion has shifted discernibly in recent years, as ultrasound images and other technologies deliver unquestionable proof that the unborn child is just that — a child. Nevertheless, the larger picture of abortion in America is basically unchanged.

…Just recently, Merle Hoffman, a major voice in the abortion rights movement and founder of Choices, a major center for abortions in New York City, has written a memoir, Intimate Wars. In telling her story, Hoffman calls for her colleagues in the abortion industrial complex to defend abortion as a moral choice.

…“Abortion is as American as apple pie.” Hoffman made that statement in a recent interview about her book. She laments that abortion is the cause of shame in some women and that shame attaches itself to abortion in the larger culture, even now. In her view, if women would start talking more honestly and directly about their abortions, the shame would be removed and women would discuss their abortions like they speak of “a bikini wax.”

Is Merle Hoffman right? Is abortion “as American as apple pie?” To our great shame, she has a right to make that claim. How can it be refuted when abortion on demand has been legal in this country for almost forty years, when one out of three American women will have an abortion, when within some communities far more babies die by abortion than are born?

In Merle Hoffman, the Culture of Death has found a new voice. Almost forty years after Roe v. Wade, abortion remains a central part of the nation’s moral landscape. Over 50 million unborn children have been aborted within the span of just one generation.

Last Saturday, January 21, Desiring God Ministries – tied to pastor John Piper – posted this brief summary of what that Supreme Court decision was. This will be the first part of our “culture-watch” post this Saturday. May we never forget what happened that day, nor since then.

What Does Roe v. Wade Actually Say?

By Jonathan Parnell | Jan 21, 2012 07:40 pm

January 18, 1987, John Piper preached a sermon to expose the evil of abortion. Since this sermon he has preached against abortion every year on the Sanctity of Life Sunday, which correlates with the dark anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

38 years and 50 million killed babies since this Supreme Court decision, what exactly does it say?

Pastor John:

When the American Medical Association was formed in 1847, abortion was commonly practiced “before quickening.” But through the efforts of the A.M.A. and anti-obscenity crusaders and (ironically) feminists, abortion became illegal every where in the U.S. by 1900. Abortions went underground or out of the country.

The key reversal of this legal situation came on January 22, 1973, when the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade made the following rulings:

• that no state may make laws regulating abortion during the first three months of pregnancy except to provide that they be done by licensed physicians;
• that laws regulating abortion between the third month and the time of viability are constitutional only in so far as they are aimed at safeguarding the health of mothers;
• that laws relating to the time from viability (6–6 1/2 months) until the end of the pregnancy may not prevent abortion if it is “to preserve the life or health of the mother”;
• that the “health” of the mother includes “all factors — physical, emotional, psychological, familial and the woman’s age — relevant to the well-being of the patient.” . . .

Summary

In effect, therefore, the law of our land today [in 1987 and 2012] is that any abortion is legal in America until birth if the mother can give reason that the pregnancy or the child will be an excessive burden or stress on her well-being.

Excerpted from Abortion: You Desire and Do Not Have, So You Kill (1987).

The other day I read one of the stories (actually it might have been three!) – on “Bumper Stickers” – and if Herman Hoeksema didn’t appear in the story! (one of the founding fathers of the PRC, for those who may not know). Right then I knew that this had to be a “Friday fun” item. So here it is. I am going to let Eppinga tell the story, since he does it best anyway. Obviously, I cannot relate the whole story, but I will give you enough to appreciate Eppinga’s dilemma – his humor – and his lesson. Enjoy this Part 2 of our Friday Fun.

Automobiles must have horns. It is the law. But drivers may not lean on their horns unnecessarily. This, too, is the law. To blow or not to blow, that is the question.

It was this question that put me in a quandary a few weeks ago while waiting for a traffic light. A bumper sticker on the car ahead caught my eye. It said, ‘Honk if you love Jesus.’

Years ago I read a good article by the late Dr. H. Hoeksema entitled ‘Hawking Religion’ (There it is! Actually, the full title was ‘Jesus-Savior, and the Evil of Hawking Him’, if I am not mistaken – cjt). He was against that sort of thing. but what about honking it?

..Whoever thought up such a bumper sticker anyway? Probably the same person who dreamed up the other one I saw which said, ‘Warning. This car will be unmanned when the rapture comes.’ I wondered what kind of witness that could be for such mystified motorists as had not the foggiest as to the meaning of that word so dear to premillennial hearts.

I set my jaw and determined that I was not going to blow my horn. Then I listed my grounds mentally. It was a cheapening of the faith. Anyway, most people love Jesus in one way or another. At present, His is the most admired and popular name in the land. What a racket it would be, then, if all drivers took that bumper sticker seriously. What is more, my little VW Klaxon made a most unenthusiastic squeak. Then, too, what would the lady behind me, who couldn’t see the sign ahead, think? She would probably put me down as a son of Jehu.

A made-up mind, however, does not always produce peace of mind. Was the driver ahead concluding from my silence that I was not a Christian? Or, if a Christian, one of those who is afraid to identify himself as one?

…It is surprising how many thought the human brain can process in just thirty seconds. The sign ahead made me think of some Christians who blow all the time about their love for Jesus. In meetings and in other ways. But nothing more. Quick with tongue, but slow with deed, they make noise for God but little else. Some loud-mouths in the churches have no hands for God, but only fingers wherewith to pinch wallets when Christ’s collection plate is passed. Our Master talked to such when He said something like, ‘Why do you blow your horns for me, but do not the things I say?’ (Luke 6:46).

..The traffic light was about to change. My mood softened toward the bumper sign ahead. After all, it had occasioned a fruitful train of thought. …As the car in front pulled away, I sounded forth, without conscious decision, two tiny beeps.

…Somewhere between the lights, I had found my text for Sunday’s sermon.

…Not ‘Honk if you love Jesus’, but similar, though better, words from Christ Himself. ‘If you love me, keep my commandments’ (John 14:15).

 

The media just doesn’t know how to handle Tim Tebow. Neither do many Christians. So as part 1 of our Friday Fun, we let “Sacred Sandwich” provide us with its “wisdom” on the subject. Of course, there’s a subtle message in the cartoon! Take it to heart! But then, make sure you have the right message.

In an early chapter titled “The Standard Bearer of the 10th”  he tells of Julius Caesar’s first attempt to invade Britain’s shores and conquer its people for Rome (in 55 B.C.!). But they found the way tough, as the Britons held them off on their horses riding above the sea on the cliffs of Albion. “The Roman legionaries faced the unappealing prospect of leaping into chest-high water in their heavy armour and battling their way ashore. ‘Our troops,’ admitted Caesar, ‘were shaken, and they failed to show the same dash and enthusiasm as they did in land battles.’” (pp.9-10). But, enter a heroic Roman standard-bearer! Here’s the rest of the story:

But then the standard-bearer of the 10th legion leapt down into the waves, brandishing high the silver eagle that was the symbol of the favour in which the gods held the regiment. Dressed in a wild-animal pelt, with the snarling head of a lion, bear or wolf fixed to the top of his helmet, the standard-bearer was guardian of the legion’s morale. While the eagle remained upright, the legion’s honour lived.

‘Jump down, men!’ cried the standard-bearer, ‘unless you want the enemy to get your standard! You will not find me failing in my duty to my country or my leader!’

According to Caesar, the Roman footsoldiers were transformed by the gallantry of the standard-bearer. Crashing down into the water after him, they fought their way up the shingle to regroup and form the disciplined lines of shields, spears and swords that made up the basic Roman battle formation. The Britons withdrew, and Caesar sent home news of a mighty victory… (p.10).

That great story reminded me of the role the Reformed magazine The Standard Bearer plays in the life of our churches and the Reformed church world. Is this not why the name was chosen? That through it the standard of the Reformed faith with all its glorious truths (founded firmly on the Word of God and centered squarely in Jesus Christ) might bravely be carried high by the leaders (ministers of the Word and elders especially) in the Lord’s army, calling the PRC and the church of Christ in every land to wage holy war against the enemies of our sovereign God and His sovereign, particular grace, and leading us on to victory over every error that dares to confront and affront our great God, His glorious Son, and His precious Word?! Yes, that’s what The Standard Bearer is about. May we never forget. Or forget to follow the leaders who lift that standard high.

To find out more about this latter Standard Bearer, click here. Here is a short introduction to get you started:

The Standard Bearer is a semi-monthly, 24-page print magazine devoted to explaining and defending Reformed doctrine, promoting the Reformed life of the Church and believer, and combating old and new errors that threaten to disrupt the Reformed faith and life. For over 85 years, the Standard Bearer has boldly and unashamedly testified to the faith of the Protestant Reformation. This periodical was the first of the RFPA’s publications, first published in 1924, and today has more than 2300 subscribers worldwide.

“Grace Gems” posted this daily devotional on Jan.17, 2012. Part of a collection of meditations written by James Smith for saints in affliction, it is a powerful reminder of the nature of God’s grace. I have re-posted the entire devotional below, while also giving you the link to the site where you will find the entire collection of meditations from this book of Smith.

(James Smith, “The Believer’s Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble” 1842)

“By grace you are saved!” Ephesians 2:8

Salvation is by free grace alone! In eternity past, the Lord fixed upon the objects whom He intended to deliver from sin, Satan, and the curse–and whom He designed to raise to holiness, happiness, and honor. He assigns no reason but His sovereign good pleasure: “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion!”

He chose His people out of the vast mass–and recorded their names in the book of life. He gave them to our dear and adorable Immanuel–to be His care, charge, and bride. He appointed them to life, sonship, and conformity to Jesus–and all of free grace!

Grace scatters blessings upon millions–but never utters a curse against any. She provides salvation for her objects–but is in no sense the cause of the damnation of the rest. Her language is SAVE; but never DESTROY.

Sovereign grace, rightly viewed–embodies everything that is sweet, pleasant, charming, and delightful. It is . . .
as free as the summer breeze,
as pure as the sun’s bright ray,
and as pleasant as the morning light!

All who know it–love it,
all who have seen it–admire it,
and all who enjoy it–adore it!

Grace finds . . .
a depth for our sins,
a fountain for our needs,
a covering for our persons, and
a Heaven for our eternal habitation.

Oh that Heaven would coin language sufficiently grand, and furnish ideas sufficiently noble–to speak of the glories of sovereign grace, or to show forth half its praise!

Salvation, then, . . .
originates in the free grace of God,
flows in the channel of the Redeemer’s blood, and
aims at the glorification of Jehovah in all His perfections.

Salvation was . . .
planned in eternity,
executed in time, and
shall be realized and enjoyed until eternity can end!

Salvation is . . .
  divine in its contrivance, execution, and application;
  holy in its character, tendency, and design;
and free in its bestowment and operations.

Salvation is of God, by grace, to holiness–forever!

In this category I slide down into the muddy trenches of life. These are the books for battle, the sharp weapons for putting off sin and putting on righteousness. These books help me confront and defeat personal sin and unbelief. They help me to honor God in my role as a husband and as a parent. They help me to focus on personal growth in a way that is personal, strategic, and sustained.

Our growing knowledge of God must lead to growth in conformity to Christ (2 Pet.1:5-8). Yet often we don’t take the time to plan our spiritual growth. Thinking carefully about being sanctified, setting goals, and pursuing permanent life change shows the evidence of spiritual maturity. This reading category forces me to think proactively about personal growth and to determine where in my life I need to focus my attention. Carefully selected books will set the pace for focused and long-term change.

 

After making some practical suggestions about areas of reading and authors, Reinke also issues this important warning:

How each writer approaches these topics (marriage, parenting, depression, godliness, etc. – CJT) can be wise and biblically informed – or not. And due to the spiritual dangers associated with these practical books, readers should choose them very carefully. I have seen wisely chosen books transform marriages, free sinners, and gladden grumblers. I have seen poorly chosen books feed a person’s doubt, entrench a soul in legalism, and ignite a heart with self-righteousness. Specific recommendations are often best discovered under the guidance of a wise and well-read pastor who knows you (pp.99-100).

 

Once again, sound advice from a seasoned reader. I am really appreciating and benefiting from Reinke’s book on reading. I hope you are too, in a small way, through these posts. Carry on – get reading – with these priorities!

As a good followup to the PR Seminary Interim course on “Contemporary Roman Catholic Theology” (click here to learn more) we refer you to this latest installment of a series of articles on modern Rome penned by a former RC now working in Rome as an Evangelical church planter (Leonardo De Chirico – this is actually the last article in the series “The Vatican Files). In this brief post, De Chirico discusses the importance of Rome’s recent celebration of the “year of Paul” (2008-2009).

Here is some of what De Chirico writes; read the rest at the link above. Once there, you will also find the previous six articles in this series.

The Roman Catholic Church is masterful at celebrating special years: the year of Jubilee, the Holy year, the Marian year, the Year for priests, etc. In a sense, every year is a “special” occasion for something. So it was with the Pauline Year (PY). Designed to celebrate the bimillennium of the birth of St Paul, which historians place between the years 7 and 10 AD, the PY included a series of liturgical, cultural and ecumenical events, as well as various pastoral and social initiatives, all inspired by Pauline spirituality.

Ecumenical (little) achievements

One of the chief aims that stirred Benedict XVI to proclaim the PY was to have a catalyst event that would foster the ecumenical cause on behalf of Christian unity. Since Paul is a central figure for both Eastern and Western sides of the church, the idea of celebrating a Pauline year took shape. Particular attention was given to ecumenical gatherings that would re-invigorate Christian unity on the basis of a common and renewed appreciation of Paul. For Eastern Orthodox churches, the PY was meant to highlight Paul’s missions to the East and the great legacy of his teachings about the “mystery” of the faith. Solemn events and liturgies were performed during the year, even though the success has been mainly symbolic. No real breakthrough was achieved in the name of Paul as far as the Eastern front of Roman Catholic ecumenism.

For Protestant churches, the PY was crafted to underline the importance of justification by faith and other Pauline themes dear to Protestant hearts. The hope was to give another chance to the 1999 Joint Declaration between Roman Catholics and Lutherans on justification which promises much (i.e. agreement on the basics of the Gospel), yet is delivering very little in terms of a deepened Christian unity. During the PY, divisions over gay unions and how to respond to the challenges of secular culture further divided the relationship between historic Protestants and the Roman Catholic church. On the whole, the PY was wishful thinking as far as ecumenism was concerned. In theory it was a great idea (though quite unsubstantiated historically), but in reality it was quite the flop.

And here is bit of biography on the author:

Leonardo De Chirico is lecturer in theology at IFED (Istituto di Formazione Evangelica e Documentazione) in Padova, Italy, and editor of the theological journal Studi di teologia. After twelve years of church planting and then pastoring a Reformed Baptist church in Ferrara, since 2009 he is involved in a church planting work in central Rome. He has degrees in history (Bologna) and theology (ETCW, Bridgend, UK). His PhD was obtained from King’s College, London, and subsequently published as Evangelical Theological Perspectives on post-Vatican II Roman Catholicism (Frankfurt-Oxford: Peter Lang 2003).