BOOK REVIEW - BIBLCAL AUTHORITY AFTER BABEL: RETRIEVING THE SOLAS IN THE SPIRIT OF MERE PROTESTANT CHRISTIANITY BY KEVIN J. VANHOOZER

Is the Protestant Reformation, as Alister McGrath calls it, "Christianity's Dangerous Idea?" Did Martin Luther and friends unwittingly undermine Biblical authority by introducing concepts like Sola Scriptura and the Priesthood of all believers? Has the Evangelical Movement drifted from the Five Solas, and if so, how do we retrieve them?

This book by Kevin Vanhoozer was written in 2016 with the 500th anniversary of the Refomation in view. He introduces his book with various views (many uncomplimentary) of Protestantism, including it producing secularization, skepticsm, and schism. He then looks at the Five Solas (Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone, In Christ Alone, For The Glory of God Alone), analyzing with each one 1) what the Reformers meant, 2) other views on the subject, and 3) how that "sola" means for Bible, Church, and Interpretive authority.

The book's title refers to what's called "Interpretive Babel," where there are many versions of Protestantism without a head as the Pope is for the Roman Catholic Church. Vanhoozer answers this with a non-typical order of the Five Solas, pointing out there is no official order for them (the main difference is Vanhoozer moves "Sola Scriptura" from the usual first item to third, after "Sola Gratia" and "Sola Fide". Also, I found his take on "Soli Deo Gloria" unique, focusing on the unity of the universal church as how God is glorified.

This is a book aimed for intellectuals. I admit I struggled  following the concepts. I did like the 20 Thesis he included, four with each of the solas. But I still am not sure what his points were, let alone if I agreed with them. This is a book I might challenge a pastor to read, but it's too deep for me to consider doing a Bible study on it.

That being said, I might try it again a year from now, and see if a re-read would help me comprehend his points. 

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 43 OF 48 (REFORMATION DAY/ALL SAINTS DAY EDITION) - PSALM 101

 

Arlington Avenue Baptist Church, Indianapolis

1  I will sing of mercy and justice;
    To You, O LORD, I will sing praises.
2  I will behave wisely in a perfect way.
    Oh, when will You come to me?
    I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
3  I will set nothing wicked before my eyes;
    I hate the work of those who fall away;
    It shall not cling to me.
4  A perverse heart shall depart from me;
    I will not know wickedness.

5  Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor,
    Him I will destroy;
    The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart,
    Him I will not endure.
6  My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land,
    That they may dwell with me;
    He who walks in a perfect way,
    He shall serve me.
7  He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house;
    He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.
8  Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land,
    That I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of the LORD.
                        Psalm 101:1-8, New King James Version

 Do we mirror the Psalmist (identified as David) in these following aspects covered in this Psalm:

• Godly behavior, including not setting anything evil before our eyes and not letting the work of those who turn from Christ cling to us (verses 2-4)?
• Not tolerating the presence of the proud, the dishonest, and other evildoers (verses 5, 7-8)?
• A desire to be surrounded by those faithful to God (verse 6)?

This is something to think about with Reformation Day (the name of the pagan celebration that shares the October 31st celebration date) and All Saints Day. Do we want a new beginning to our personal lives, our church, our society? Do we want to see reformation, restoration, spiritual awakening and revival? Would the above be a factor?

 

 

REFORMATION DAY SERIES PART 2 - ALBUM REVIEW: MENDELSSOHN IN BIRMINGHAM VOL. 1 (THE HEBRIDES, REFORMATION SYMPHONY, ITALIAN SYMPHONY) CONDUCTED BY

The Reformation Symphony is just part of this collection, but allow me to focus on it with Reformation Day just around the corner This is one of my favorite symphonies.

"Mendelssohn in Birmingham" is a 5 part series. It focuses on the German composer's visits to England, and the art work is a drawing by Mendelssohn of his performance in Birmingham. This first release features the overture "The Hebrides," and symphonies #5 (Reformation) and #4 (Italian).

 You can divide Mendelssohn's symphonies into three groups: The first, the two he composed but went unpublished until decades after his death, and the final two he composed but were the second and third published. While most composer's works are numbered in order of composition, Mendelssohn's are enumerated by publishing. I read that he did edit the Reformation and Italian symphonies but still didn't publish them; the commentator said the symphonies were better as originally written.

Let me move to the Overture "The Hebrides." It is a concert overture, that is, a stand alone composition. It was inspired when Mendelssohn visited Scotland, and was moved by the basalt sea cave on  island of Staffa known as "Fingal's Cave." This composition combines the mysterious with the triumphant.

Mendelssohn started the Reformation Symphony with the goal of it being used to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession, written by my favorite Reformer, Philip Melanchthon. Unfortunately, health problems kept it from being performed at the celebration, leading to it not being published until 21 years after the composer's death.

Normally, the symphony's first movement is named after the key it starts in. Beethoven's first symphony was irregular because it started off meandering between the keys of C and F before settling into the former. This symphony was said to be in D major, but after a brief introduction in the stated key, Mendelssohn moved to the main theme in D minor, so this symphony is called in D major/D minor.

In contrast to the opening movement, the second is a joyful minuet in C major, a composition that always puts me in a good mood. One commentator said it didn't fit the theme. I disagree. To me, it captures the joy and freedom we have in Christ, exemplified by the five solas of the Reformation and the recognition of the Priesthood of the believer.

The third movement is slow and short, and without a real break transitions to a flute opening the final movement with the tune of "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."  The meditative beginning transitions to a more upbeat segment.

There are some compositions that, when I hear it, I think I've heard it before but can't name it. This is true of the opening movement of the Italian Symphony. The first movement is lively, followed by a mournful second movement and a cheerful though mostly slow third movement (though it has a couple of rousing fanfares. The finale is one of the most lively conclusions.

One tradition I do for Reformation Day is put on this collection as I'm getting ready to call it a night.

REFORMATION DAY SERIES PART 1 - REPEAT BOOK REVIEW: CHRIST'S CALL TO REFORM THE CHURCH BY JOHN MACARTHUR

 Today is one week from Reformation Day. Forget the other thing people celebrate on this day. But I'm going to make the theme a focus on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus a pair of Reformation themed Sunday blogs. How long? I'm not sure yet. But it will be a while. And maybe I'll save some for next year! 

I'm starting off with a repeat of a book review which was actually the first book review I shared this year.

Does the church need a Reformation? If Jesus was speaking to the church, what would He say? Would it be similar to what He had the Apostle John write to the seven churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 2-3)?

John MacArthur has been a solid voice encouraging believers to return to the sound teaching of Scripture and speaking out against modern trends that do not have Biblical grounding. This book is written to encourage today's church to do what Jesus commanded of the seven churches of Asia Minor: Repent!

This book starts off with how unpopular reforming the church is for the status quo. Chapters 2-9 are basically a commentary on Revelation 1-3, reading like a print version of a sermon series. 

The final chapter is titled "The Need for a New Reformation," and looks at the five solas of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), Sola Fide (Faith Alone), Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), Sola Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone), and Sola Christus (Christ Alone). MacArthur points out most lists end with Sola Deo Gloria, but he chose to end his book with what he focused on: Christ and the Church.

To be honest, I was hoping MacArthur to talk about how today's church mirrors the issues of the seven churches and specific steps the church can take to reform. Maybe I should write a book about that. But this book is Biblically sound and challenges us to be the Chruch God called us to be. I recommend this book. This is a much needed reminder (and for some a rebuke) to a church that needs to regain their first love and to repent.

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 42 OF 48 - PSALM 138

 

A millstone, with a plaque containing Mathew 18;6, at CEF Headquarters, Warrenton, MO.

1   I will praise You with my whole heart;
    Before the gods I will sing praises to You.
2   I will worship toward Your holy temple,
    And praise Your name
    For Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
    For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
3   In the day when I cried out, You answered me,
    And made me bold with strength in my soul.
4  All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O Lord,
    When they hear the words of Your mouth.
5   Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
    For great is the glory of the Lord.
6   Though the Lord is on high,
    Yet He regards the lowly;
    But the proud He knows from afar.
7   Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
    You will stretch out Your hand
    Against the wrath of my enemies,
    And Your right hand will save me.
8   The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;
    Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;
    Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
                    Psalm 138:1-8, New King James Version

Another of my favorite Psalms. I find it interesting it says He exalts His Word above His name. Do you think this could refer to Scripture?

I also am encouraged by verses 3 and 7. The former says God makes me bold with strength in my soul - Don't we all need this kind of boldness? The latter talks about God reviving us when we walk in the midst of trouble (am I the only one who thinks of Psalm 23:4, "Yea, though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death?) and stretching out His hand against the wrath of our enemies.

One of my favorite songs, by one of my favorite singers, is based on verse six: "Tho He Be High" by Becky Ugartechea. This verse makes me think of Jesus saying that to enter his kingdom, we should become as little children (Matthew 18:4). This in turn makes me think of Child Evangelism Fellowship. In the front of the building is a millstone with a metal plaque reading Matthew 18:6:"But woe to those who make one of these little ones who believe in my name stumble, for it would be better for them if a millstone were tied around their neck and they were drowned in the midst of the sea."

Finally, God will perfect - or complete - all that concerns us. Isn't it wonderful to know, as it says here and in Philippians 1:6, that God isn't through working on us yet?

BOOK REVIEW - REFLECTIONS ON THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: A SERIES OF ESSAYS BY RICHARD E. SIMMONS III

 

 Is your philosophy consistent with real life? Are your beliefs concerning God and the origins of this planet and life based on careful study and examination of said belief system, or is it really based on wishful thinking? If you find your view don't match up to reality, do you admit you're wrong and adjust your thinking, or do you defend those views even if they border on nonsense?

In "Reflections on the Existence Of God," Richard Simmons III (not to be confused with the energetic exercise guru) gives a series of 56 essays dealing with these questions. Topics on these include the existence of evil and suffering, beauty, whether we have consciousness or are just robots, the debate on macro-evolution and intelligent design, and whether Christianity is historically accurate.

I found this book both thought provoking and enjoyable. Simmons has a conversational style, and treats other authors with respect, regardless of whether he agrees with them.

This is an ideal book either to challenge a friend or to give yourself things to think about and energize your own faith.

 

THE FIRST TO REACH THEM WINS!

At Castleton Community Church, Indianapolis. If you can't read the screens, both read, "Every Child, Every Nation, Every Day," the slogan for Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF).

"The first to reach them wins." This was the theme at the annual dessert night for the Central Indiana Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship.

 Is it any wonder why government backed education presents a godless worldview? Is it for the same reason China makes it illegal to take children under 18 to church? And is it coincidental that most Christians come to know Christ as children (yours truly at 9)?

CEF has a heart for reaching children. Here in the United States, they have Good News Clubs at public schools. For those who think that's violating the separation of church and state, the Supreme Court ruled in 2000 that Christian groups have equal access at schools as any other group.

But CEF's focus is not limited to North America. Their motto is "Every Child, Every Nation, Every Day." When Becky and I started getting involved with CEF's Central Indiana Chapter, there were only 17 nations that did not have trained workers working with children. It wasn't long after that the number dropped down to one (North Korea). That means there's CEF work going on in the majority of what Voice of the Martyrs designates as Restricted and Hostile Nations.

Some might say that children are too young to understand the Gospel. Charles Haddon Spurgeon disagrees. He stated that at 5, a child can understand the Gospel.

Before you object, CEF isn't alone in that view. The enemy might say it's too young, but what they mean is they want us to wait until after they indoctrinate them. There are ideas being taught the children that are for tack of a better term war against traditional values and the Christian faith.

Back in college, I read of a history textbook where two paragraphs were devoted to George Washington, compared to five pages to this great historical figure - Marilyn Monroe? That was in the '70's; has it improved today? 

Okay, enough pontificating. Let me get to the dessert night. The event was emceed by Randy Ollis, long-time and recently retired weather man of WISH TV. The featured speaker was WTHR-TV's anchorman Scott Swan. Scott did an excellent job pointing out the importance of grandparents and parents in training up children in the way they should go. We also heard of what's going on in our chapter. The Central Indiana Chapter encompasses 5 counties: Marion (which is synonomous with the City of Indianapolis), Hancock, Hamilton, Hendricks, and Boone. 

One last comment I want to make - I'd like to share the culture of CEF:

• The Importance of Godly Leadership at Every Level. Spiritual leadership is the highest form of authority. The men and women who lead must have a personal heart for God in order to be able to discern the will of God and lead the ministry effectively.  Regardless of the skill of a leader, if he or she lacks a heart for God, the work will be eroded at its very foundation.
• The Importance of the Spiritual Welfare of our Workers     It is vital that we are never satisfied to simply teach our staff the methods of how to reach children and how to train others to do so, but we must purposefully invest in the spiritual lives of our staff. When CEF staff are men and women who are primarily driven by passion for God and His glory and have a clear call from the Lord, the work will prosper. If we keep our focus on God and on His calling, then we will be sustained in times of challenge. 
• The Importance of Prayer as Our Foundation It is not the work we do, the meetings we hold or the decisions we make that bring the greatest advances in the work; it is the time spent before the throne of God in prayer, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that brings power, laborers and resources into the ministry. 
• The Importance of Evangelizing Children There is no limit to the number of organizations that do many good things that are important to boys and girls in need.  We are thankful for them and believe that God uses them to help hurting children. CEF, however, has been called by God to make it our highest priority to present the Gospel so children may be saved and discipled in God’s Word. We must stay on point. 
• The Importance of a Clear and Biblical Presentation of the Gospel The fact that a young child can comprehend the simple message of salvation and become a child of God is the foundational principle of CEF. Everything else that we do is based upon this fact. The good news of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation. We must present it clearly and accurately. 
• The Importance of a Commitment to Excellence, for the Glory of God Every aspect of the work, no matter how big or small, has significance. This includes the training we conduct, the materials we produce, the facilities we use and the way we present ourselves. In every area we must strive for excellence to the glory of God!
   
  
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