Where is the charity in amoungst the NeoReformed Bloggers?

"In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity."

Attibuted to many, the phrase has been adopted by many.

Yet charity seems to be lacking amoung the Neoreformed

Let's define charity first - it has been defined as unlimited loving-kindness

I propose a simple definition for bloggers - not assuming ill, or fault, where there is no reason to do so. Basically - I will not blog unchartably about someone without more evidence than ....

-- 28 words qouted by a reporter in a newspaper (instead of assuming that a world renkowned Bible Professor might have said something just a little different) and proceeding to sub title the post "Unrepentant Professors...."

-- taking the words from an interview about a particular subject, then completly missunderstanding them, while declaring his views "claptrap" (although at least an apology came from that)

-- labeling a reknowned author and professor books to be worthless, not because he has read the works (because he admits he has not), but because of the authors association with the Anglican church.

Why the Conversation Matters

The text doesn't mean one thing today and something else tomorrow.  Whatever it means, it means forever.  But you will never cease the process of applying the truth to your life (Howard and William Hendricks)

Some of the NeoReformed will camp out on the first part of that concept - especially when they hammer on Emergent' s.  But the fact is, the conversation is all about the second part - how do we apply that truth in our lives?  

Can Love of the Bible mean You Don't Love God?

There is a cult of placing the bible above all things, in particular the Holy Spirit. It is a disease of modernism, where rationalism has won the day. Some have substituted love for the Bible in place of the Love of God.

Some blogger concluded a post on angels this way, finishing with a question that he provides two possible answers for:

Is it the Word that ALONE reveals these truths?

Or is it games, pageantry, frippery, triviality, entertainment, froth, foam, and inanity?

So, he asks, is it the bible, or is it games, pageantry, frippery, et. al. that reveals truth?

May I suggest the correct answer, the one the bible gives?

That would be the Holy Spirit. You know, that part of the triune God that as John 16:13 says:

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears, and will tell you what is to come.

It is only through the Holy Spirit that truth of the bible means anything to us. The Holy Spirit inspired the authors, providing us with scripture, and the Holy Spirit that indwells us allows us to understand and apply the scripture. The Bible, by itself, does nothing.

Thinking the Bible alone reveals truth is inanity.

djr - 1960 -2008

David was a friend of mine

Happy Reformation Day

In the midst of the pomp and circumstance of Halloween, let me offer a nod to Reformation Day

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted some advice to the Pope - his 95 Thesis. What started as an attempt to reform the Roman Catholic Church, quickly spread to become the Protestant Reformation.

While many things came from the reformation, one thing is (to me) the most important - That every believer can read, interpret, and apply the bible in their own lives - indeed, Christianity's Dangerous Idea

So this day, in the midst of costumes and candy, of things we do to distract our children from the paganism and commercialism that has overtaken a once religious holiday, may I suggest pointing to that day which is well worth remembering.

Martin Luther penned this hymn - seldom sung in our modern churches, but well worth remembering

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Happy Reformation Day

David

Is There Fellowship In Church Without Love?

And What Does Love Look Like in Fellowship?

The Nine Marks has a nice series on the church, with lesson six being on Fellowship. One of the interesting things is they do not talk about pot lucks, small groups, singing or any other action. All they focus on is Love.

Fellowship: Building a Bond of Unity

"Living as a Church"—Class 6

For the first few weeks of this class, we looked at some of the key building blocks of a healthy New Testament church. We explored the essential attributes of the church and considered how each of those fosters unity. We also thought about how we, as individual members, can promote unity.

Over the next two weeks, we turn to a different set of questions: How should church members relate to one another? What should their relationships look like? What does it mean to have healthy relationships in the church? Why should we care?

I. Love, and why it's important

So how should Christians relate to one another? What should characterize their relationships? The Bible actually has a lot to say about this, and the answer is pretty simple: Christians are to love.

Is it Love - Without Obedience?

The Christian cannot be certain of the reality and depth of his love until he comes face-to-face with the commandments of Christ and is forced to decide what to do about them. Then he will know. “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings” (John 14:24), said our Lord. “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me" (John 14:21). So the final test of love is obedience. Not sweet emotions, not willingness to sacrifice, not zeal, but obedience to the commandments of Christ. Our Lord drew a line plain and tight for everyone to see. On one side He placed those who keep His commandments and said, “These love Me.” On the other side He put those who keep not His sayings, and said, “These love Me not.”

A.W. Tozer