The Dispute Over The Ten Commandments In Public

"You have exalted above all things, your name and your word." Ps 138:2

Since God values His Name and His Word above all things, so should we. There are many ways to do this. Is a public display of His Name and His Word in the form of a statue a legitimate way?

I think so. All Christians should desire for God's name and word to be exalted in all places. We should support a reverent display of the 10 commandments in public.

The issue for Christians should not be simply whether or not this is constitutional; for the U.S. constitution is not our final authority. Our final authority is God's Word. No knowledge of contemporary jurisprudence is required to know that God desires for the fame of His name to be proclaimed.

However, I do puzzle over all the difficulty in interpreting the U.S. Constitution. What use is a Constitution to its people if it is treated as so unintelligible that it requires a federal judge to decide what's allowed on public display? That only an elite group of judges are qualified to decide how to apply the Constitution to everyday life smacks of pre-Reformational times when the Scriptures could only be interpreted by the Magisterium. Seems to me that many have been fooled into thinking it takes a judge's secret knowledge to understand what is already clear.

Gospel and Fellowship

After 32 worship services, visits with 8 different churches, meals with 6 pastors, and much discussion and prayer we've decided on a church home!

The criteria we used to make the decision matured along the way. Basically the church selection boiled down to two areas: Gospel and Fellowship.

First, how clear is the Gospel message preached and taught? Is this a place where we can come to a fuller understanding of the Gospel?

Second, what is the potential for Fellowship? How likeminded and discipling are they? How deep is the pool of potential friends? This is harder to determine in a short amount of time.

There are many other characteristics of a church worth considering, but it seemed best not to make any of these areas a decisive factor unless there was some egregious problem.

We're ready to move on now; much has been on hold pending our decision: Isaiah's baptism, endorsement of our adoption application, and perhaps communion for Eli.

Confessing Children

About a year ago a friend showed me how to incorporate into our Family Worship memorization of the Lord's Prayer, 10 commandments, and the Apostle's creed in addition to the children's catechism. Now that my little ones have about learned all of these we rotate through them regularly.

This week while reading Operation World, I got the idea to prepare my children for the potential high cost of a confession. For instance Morroco is 10th on the Persecution Index for opposition to Christianity. It's reported that family members will have each other arrested for conversion to Christianity.

So lately, instead of the usual question to my children, "Baileys, what do you believe?", I expand this a little by pretending that we're in Morocco and someone threatens us with imprisonment based on how we answer, "Baileys, what do you believe?". This helps us remember that the Apostle's Creed isn't just a dry recital.

Form and Substance

How much does God care about how His people worship Him? I want to learn more about the importance of "form" in worship. The last several years I've been more involved with the "substance" of worship; mainly the importance of delighting in God. I've been part of a good church that intentionally put substance over form. The worship style was defined by what was likely to cause the worshipper to exalt God. The structure was very simple: call to worship, a series of songs, prayer, and sermon. The sacraments were squeezed in, or done as a separate event, which now seems unfortunate to me.

But after moving here we're spending time in a church that values the form of worship without losing the heart. Here, how we worship God is taken seriously because God is a consuming fire, deserving of reverence and awe, but also worship is delightful because He is our very great reward. The worship is highly structured (compared to my previous experience); but not empty. I leave the service with no doubts that I worshipped God.

What role does liturgy play in making worship acceptable to God? Can worship be God-centered if its focus is on the heart and intentionally not also on form?

A Theology of Grape Juice
Rev Mark Balthrop recently presented the history of how 19th century Americans changed the cup of blessing from wine to a more pietistic substitute. Surprisingly, it's from Welchs.com that we learn:

In 1869 Dr. Thomas Bramwell Welch, a physician and dentist by profession, successfully pasteurizes Concord grape juice to produce an "unfermented sacramental wine" for fellow parishioners at his church in Vineland, N.J., where he is communion steward.

Splinter Groups

The number of sub-groups within the already tiny camp of reformed, covenantal Christians is bewildering. Here's a partial list: homeschool-only group; classical-school group; anti-birth control group; mid-wifery group; paedocommunion group; "cultural relevance" group; "separatist" group; "Auburn Avenue Pastor's Conference" group; "AAPC-is-heretical" group; and on and on.

The folks that make up these groups have high degrees of biblical knowledge and a commendable desire to conform to the Word (at least in their particular emphasis areas). While some of these groups are vehemently opposed to each other, some co-exist as curious friends.

But defining a group's identity solely around relatively minor doctrines troubles me. It seems that the splintering can go on almost forever and we'll eventually end up warring between "Big enders" and "Little enders" as in Gullivar's Travels. The tired cliche "Major on the majors, and minor on the minors" fits. Yes, we should take every thought captive, demolish arguments, and watch our doctrine and life closely. So it's wrong to pretend that differences don't exist, and it's wrong to refuse to wrestle over which position is right. But the satirical tone in the volleys between the opposing groups is damaging to larger issues the people in these groups hold in common. It seems like the admonition in Romans 14:22 to keep it to yourself should be considered for the sake of a larger unity within this tiny fold.

On the positive side, while the number of doctrinal decisions to be made is bewildering to me now, it does drive me back to the Word and with thankfulness to Christ, since I am numbered among those many "who are not wise by human standards."

School's In

Our children's neighborhood pals disappeared today. The last few days they've excitedly told of their new backpacks, clothes, and shoes. Kristin adeptly perceived that our children may feel a little left out. So she planned some special family events today that are only possible because they are homeschooled and not "away-schooled".

Over the next couple of years I want to consider the effect of living on a government installation. Most days I never leave the base. The school, church, restaurants, shops, and houses are all government owned and ran. To host a children's Bible club at "my" house this summer required paperwork and approval from two different base agencies. I'm unsure about my family's rights of free speech, assembly, etc.

Kristin is reading Charlotte Mason and realizes that we do not offer much in terms of craft-training compared to previous times. Glue-sticks and paper-plate faces can only last so long and don't equip the children with anything lasting. Fortunately Kristin's mom taught her to sew and cook and this can be passed on. I, on the other hand, possess no manly crafts beyond the push-mower and a love of books. I am concerned about what level of manliness I can inculcate into my sons. Thankfully, my children are still young enough that even a visit to my office cubicle is inspiring to them. But I know the cubicle is no breeding ground for manliness and some day I want my sons to realize that, too.

Hijacking Fellowship

I'm not sure who had the word "fellowship" first, the church or the world. Since the New Testament era it's been chiefly associated with the church, but the world likes the word, too. For instance, the folks at work are advertising an office-wide lunch as an opportunity for "fellowship".

This weekend I saw clearly the difference between what the world calls fellowship (i.e. socialization) and the church's meaning.

On Saturday we hosted a dinner for several friends we knew in college. It was good to catch up after 10 years of going separate ways; but it wasn't a fulfulling time. Our worldviews and values are so different. God-centered conversation would have been unwelcome and foreign to them.

Contrast that to today. After church we were invited for lunch with a like-minded Christian family. The conversation flowed naturally and consisted of a mutual delight in God and the life in Christ.

I'm thankful that the world's empty fellowship isn't all there is.

Physical Training

After 10 years of stationary bike testing, the Air Force has decided to return to a timed run, push-ups, and sit-ups as its measure of fitness. I support the decision, but will be negatively impacted. Ninety minutes every week on the stationary bike gives me a great opportunity to read WORLD magazine and keep my eargate active with Basement tapes, MARS HILLs, Piper sermons, etc.

I think reading while running is probably as dangerous as drinking and driving. And if I get above a trot, my antiquated CD player skips more than my 3-year old daughter.

To be truthful, reading and listening are my motivations for working out. Guess I'll pull-out the old portable tape player. I wish there were a better selection of Christian books on tape or MP-3.

Fear and Trembling

The connection between body and spirit is eerie. A gentle, civil rebuke from a respected acquaintance caused my body temperature to rise and my forehead to bead with perspiration. When in the presence of my Colonel, try as I may, I cannot feel at ease. Perhaps it's a good thing if I'm disembodied when I meet God. How could my body stand before His holy presence?

As I mentioned last week, here's an attempt to capture the essence of Edward's work on God's Glory, The End for Which God Created the World. I appreciate Piper's climactic introduction and clarifying footnotes (see God's Passion for His Glory).

Glory

First, consider that we frequently toss around the word "glory" but seldom sufficiently define what glory means. Edwards does. Glory is:
- "weighty", literally translated from the Hebrew and Greek
- the outshining of the internal greatness or excellency of God
- the excellent brightness and fullness of the divinity diffused and overflowing
- the communication of God's fullness
- often implying honor
- often used interchangeably in Scripture with "praise" or "Name"

Why is Man's Chief End to Glorify God?
1. God must necessarily value most that which is supremely valuable
2. God, being infinitely the greatest and best of all Beings, is most valuable; thus He values Himself most of all
3. God, out of highest respect to Himself, exerts Himself to make His glorious attributes known
4. Since God loves His own excellency, it is fitting for Him to value the love others have for His excellency
5. God in seeking His own glory from creatures seeks the good of His creatures; by exalting Himself He displays the one Reality in the universe that can satisfy our souls.
6. Thus our chief end is also our only satisfying source of happiness. Our delight in God is part of God's delight in Himself, and therefore our happiness is also His happiness.

Inter-Racial Reading
As we begin the adoption process we're hit right away with numerous moral and sovereignty issues. Other than not being allowed to adopt a Caucasian child, everything else is our prerogative. Our simple desire is to care for widows and orphans by providing an adoptive option for women who otherwise might turn to abortion. Should we stop here and trust that God will not give us a child that we can't handle? Or would it be wise to consider the type of child that's the best fit for our family and limit our interest to this? Either way, it's very likely that our next child won't look like their blonde, blued-eyed siblings. We'd like to profit from others' wisdom on interracial families. I'm looking for good material, but am striking out so far.

Why Christians Here Think We're Weird:
- We don't have cable TV
- We have more than 2 children and want more
- We homeschool
- We're Reformed, Covenantal Presbyterians
- We're willing to leave town to go to church
- Our children's names
- We don't like the Christian radio stations
- We don't like the Christian bookstores
- We're not a fan of AWANA

Scrutinizing Small Groups
(Note: Corrected on 29 Jul based on comments from reader)

Most of the churches in my past had small groups. Over the years, I've been part of many at home and at work. The last couple revealed a serious problem of the small group: seldom did anyone come with questions, but instead statements disguised as questions. There's a strong feeling of equality between the leader's (aka teacher) instruction and the rest of the group's (aka students) opinions. This kind of group really has no students, and so no one learns anything of value.

I noticed that small groups are being questioned within part of the reformed community. Ligonier's Tape of the Month includes balanced remarks by R.C. Sproul using James 3:1 to warn that not many should presume to be teachers; his words were aimed right at small groups. The Highlands Study Center site links to an article that is more strongly opposed to them. Small groups need to beware of James 3:1.

What is the Chief End of Man?

This familiar catechism question tells us that glorifying God and enjoying Him forever is the reason we were made. But how much instruction have you received on God's glory? We know we should do all things to the glory of God, but I suspect that most folks couldn't explain how or why.

This morning I finished John Piper's God's Passion for His Glory which essentially is a long preface by Piper and then Jonathan Edward's The End for Which God Created the World. I find Edwards always exhaustive to read, largely due to his slow, methodical way of making his propositions. But this tendency becomes a strength when he grapples with the glory of God. I plan to post some of the book's highlights here within the next week.

But my question today is since we know glorifying God is so important, indeed ultimate, why do we hear so little teaching on glory? The most I can recall over years of sermons, radio programs, books, etc is that glory means weighty. That's not much to build your life around. Edwards gives us a marvelous trove of insight into this supreme passion of God.

New Neighbors

Several of the houses around us are vacant. My wife and I are praying for good neighbors. We certainly welcome unbelievers that are ripe for the gospel, but it'd be nice to have some Christians, too! The more like-minded the better.

When I saw a moving-truck unloading at a house down the street, I headed over to welcome the new family and was stunned to find out I know this guy! We were stationed at Scott AFB together where he showed a strong Christian witness in the workplace. I don't know much about his wife, but she stays at home and they have four young children.

The odds of getting new neighbors you already know is staggering; and clearly points to Providence. I'm excited to see what He has in store!

Blood on My Head

As I read through Acts, it's obvious that Paul shares the prophet Ezekiel's burden (see Ez 33:4-6) to be guiltless of other's condemnation by declaring God's word to them. In Acts 20:26 notice that if Paul even hesitates to proclaim the whole will of God, or as the ESV states "anything that is profitable", then the people's blood will be upon his head when he stands before God.

On one hand, there is reason enough to evangelize since Jesus is worthy of the full reward of His suffering and the honor due His name; but I must also consider the other motives for spreading His name. First, He commands it of me. Second, Paul shows that the office of watchman didn't end with Ezekiel. It is required of me to declare whatever is profitable to others lest their blood be upon my head.

Plastic Jesus

We cubicle-dwellers tend to decorate our cubes like college kids adorn their dorm rooms. Cube-decor presents a desired image to the watching world. Most people go for a mix of levity (Dilbert, cheap toys, etc), family (children's photos) and success (award plaques and the like). But, a lot of people also add a religious touch. For instance, the guy down the hall has a "Jesus loves you" screen-saver.

When my cube was in San Antonio, the religious knick-knacks we're mostly of the Catholic variety; statuettes of saints and the Virgin Mary were the standard. Here in the cubes of the Bible Belt, Jesus is nearly omnipresent. But more than just the smile on these images is plastic. The religion in this region brings God down to more "useful" level. Many love God just for His gifts; and nothing keeps them from these gifts except Satan and their wavering faith. Their view of man is too high, too deserving of blessing. Regrettably, this seems to be the dominant strain in the "black churches" in this area. Sadly, the typical faith of the local white folk never goes beyond a Vacation Bible School level of knowledge concerning God. There's no desire to know God more, and therefore no real desire or delight in God.

What is my role in a region saturated with "gospel-lite"? Is it that of prophet; facing persecution from God's people for calling them back to a deeper understanding of God and themselves?

Lunch with the Like-Minded

Kristin and I were invited to lunch with two couples after church. After months of arid relationships it was refreshing to break bread with people that are like-minded. What's even better is that I see in these couples a possible answer to our prayer for someone to disciple us.

Consider for instance what this reformed, homeschooling couple did years ago when they decided that caring for "widows and orphans" must go beyond occasional financial support. They opened their home to numbers of racially diverse children and unwanted babies. A large collage of foster children posted in their kitchen testify that their faith is not without works.

Kristin and I are now looking into how we can "go and do likewise".

The "Greatest Generation"?

One of the local reformed churches we've been attending held a "Men of the Covenant" meeting last night. I was excited and looked forward to getting to know the men better. I was disappointed.

I arrived on-time and walked into the meeting where the average age was in the 70s! I was hoping to get to know some of the senior generation (which have been largely absent in my past churches) but also expected some men more my age. There were none.

I sat at a table with a few of the gentlemen and my respect quickly soared upon learning they had been farmers and served in WWII. But my respect quickly plummeted when their talk soon turned to "n*ggers" and lingered there! And to a lesser degree, the loose women of their military youth.

As ludicrous as this sounds after dinner we sang "Jesus loves me" and "Jesus loves the little children" and a couple of hymns from an old worn Armenian hymnal. This all felt awkward. Then we ended with a brief devotion (by the way I was the only man that brought his Bible). I was already in dismay at this time, and nothing in the devotion really changed my opinion about this group.

Is this a racist church? Is this an Armenian church? I don't think so on either count. But it appears the church leadership permits inconsistency to run unchecked among its base of senior members. It would be difficult to admonish 70 year old men that have had a life-long problem with race and doctrine. Their love for Christ hasn't penetrated the core of who they are. But the church's love for Christ demands that His Bride be spotless.