In George MacDonald’s children’s story, “The Princess and the Goblin,” eight-year-old Princess Irene does her best to give Curdie, a young miner, knowledge of her “great, great, great, great, grandmother," who leads her through life with a “golden thread.” In the sequel, “The Princess and Curdie," a motley assemblage of misshapen animals, each with his or her particular ability, helps Curdie save the kingdom.
Each story allegorically portrays MacDonald’s belief that, “Every one of us is something that the other is not, and therefore knows something—it may be without knowing that he knows it—which no one else knows: and . . . it is everyone’s business, as one of the kingdom of light and inheritor in it all, to give his portion to the rest.”
Paul the Apostle put it this way:
I Corinthians 12: 8-11
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
I Corinthians 14: 26
What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Ought, ought, ought!
“Remember that there are only three kinds of things anyone need ever do: Things we ought to do; Things we have to do; Things we like to do.”
C. S. Lewis in a letter to his godchild, Sarah.
I will add, it is a blessing when the things we ought to do and the things we have to do are the things we like to do. And it is a great accomplishment when we are able to resist doing something we ought not to do even though we might enjoy doing it.
Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
C. S. Lewis in a letter to his godchild, Sarah.
I will add, it is a blessing when the things we ought to do and the things we have to do are the things we like to do. And it is a great accomplishment when we are able to resist doing something we ought not to do even though we might enjoy doing it.
Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Silence!
My elders have asked for my scriptural reasons for believing as I do that women were not silent in the assembly of the first century church and should not be required to be silent in the assembly today. I submit the following:
Genesis 1:26 +
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Joel 2:28-30
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
I will show wonders in the heavens
and on the earth,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
Act 2:16-18 - Peter on the Day of Pentecost
This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
“‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
Galations 3: 26
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
I Corinthians 12:7-11
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
I Corinthians 14:23-25
So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”
Acts 21:9
Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.
I Corinthians 11:5-12
But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head. . .
Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.
I Corinthians 14:1-5
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Romans 16
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
Greet also the church that meets at their house.
Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.
Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.
Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.
Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.
Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.
Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.
Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.
Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.
Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.
Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the churches of Christ send greetings.
About Christian workers Paul says:
I Corinthians 16:15-16
You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it.
It cannot be argued that women were silent in the assembly in the days of the Apostles nor are they required to be silent today. It is right and good for our assemblies to be controlled and directed by the Holy Spirit who has given gifts to all.
James 4:17
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
Genesis 1:26 +
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Joel 2:28-30
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
I will show wonders in the heavens
and on the earth,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
Act 2:16-18 - Peter on the Day of Pentecost
This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
“‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
Galations 3: 26
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
I Corinthians 12:7-11
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
I Corinthians 14:23-25
So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”
Acts 21:9
Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.
I Corinthians 11:5-12
But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head. . .
Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.
I Corinthians 14:1-5
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Romans 16
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
Greet also the church that meets at their house.
Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.
Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.
Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.
Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.
Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.
Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.
Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.
Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.
Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.
Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the churches of Christ send greetings.
About Christian workers Paul says:
I Corinthians 16:15-16
You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it.
I Corinthians 16:26-35
What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet (remain silent) in the church and speak to himself and to God. Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop (remain silent) .For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. (Married) Women (who are being disruptive) should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak (be disruptive), but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak (be disruptive) in the church.
It cannot be argued that women were silent in the assembly in the days of the Apostles nor are they required to be silent today. It is right and good for our assemblies to be controlled and directed by the Holy Spirit who has given gifts to all.
James 4:17
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Say What?
On this day in 1905, G. K. Chesterton preached his first lay sermon at St. Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, in London. His wife said it was the happiest day of her life. Around the Year with C. S. Lewis and His Friends, Compiled by Kathryn Lindskoog
I got to hear the very first public sermon that my preacher husband, Bruce Wooley, ever gave. We had just married and moved to Harrison, AR where I had a gig playing Mammy Yokum at Dogpatch U.S.A., a now defunct theme park, for the summer of 1971. Members of the church we attended learned that Bruce had graduated from Harding with a Bible degree and one of them called him on a Saturday night to fill in for a preacher at a small country church the next morning. They did not know that Bruce had never preached a public sermon or that when he had graduated in January of 1970 he was a militant, professing atheist. He had a “road to Damascus” type conversion experience and returned to Christ in April of 1971; we were married in May, and this was three weeks later.
The inside of the church, which has since become a wedding chapel, was unusual for a Church of Christ in that the pulpit was off-center, set back and raised above the congregation. The attendees were mostly elderly and female and there was no sound system. I sat in the audience cupping my hand over my ear to signal Bruce that he needed to speak up. I don’t think he looked at me once, and I’m not sure he actually saw anyone.
In the car on the way back to our little trailer he asked, “What do you think I should preach on at the evening service?”
I said, “Just preach the same sermon only louder.” (I didn't major in speech for nothing.)
Acts 9: 3-6
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
I got to hear the very first public sermon that my preacher husband, Bruce Wooley, ever gave. We had just married and moved to Harrison, AR where I had a gig playing Mammy Yokum at Dogpatch U.S.A., a now defunct theme park, for the summer of 1971. Members of the church we attended learned that Bruce had graduated from Harding with a Bible degree and one of them called him on a Saturday night to fill in for a preacher at a small country church the next morning. They did not know that Bruce had never preached a public sermon or that when he had graduated in January of 1970 he was a militant, professing atheist. He had a “road to Damascus” type conversion experience and returned to Christ in April of 1971; we were married in May, and this was three weeks later.
The inside of the church, which has since become a wedding chapel, was unusual for a Church of Christ in that the pulpit was off-center, set back and raised above the congregation. The attendees were mostly elderly and female and there was no sound system. I sat in the audience cupping my hand over my ear to signal Bruce that he needed to speak up. I don’t think he looked at me once, and I’m not sure he actually saw anyone.
In the car on the way back to our little trailer he asked, “What do you think I should preach on at the evening service?”
I said, “Just preach the same sermon only louder.” (I didn't major in speech for nothing.)
Acts 9: 3-6
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Guaranteed Success?
Philippians 4: 13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
This phrase is often quoted out of context to assure Christians that Christ’s strength guarantees success. Paul’s meaning is just the opposite. The strength of Christ enables us to be content when we do not succeed by any earthly measure.
Philippians 4:4-13
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
“God may allow his servant to succeed when he has disciplined him to a point where he does not need to succeed to be happy. The man who is elated by success and is cast down by failure is still a carnal man. At best his fruit will have a worm in it.” A. W. Tozer, Baptist minister 1897-1963. Free audio sermon downloads: www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/viewcat.php?cid=6
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
This phrase is often quoted out of context to assure Christians that Christ’s strength guarantees success. Paul’s meaning is just the opposite. The strength of Christ enables us to be content when we do not succeed by any earthly measure.
Philippians 4:4-13
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
“God may allow his servant to succeed when he has disciplined him to a point where he does not need to succeed to be happy. The man who is elated by success and is cast down by failure is still a carnal man. At best his fruit will have a worm in it.” A. W. Tozer, Baptist minister 1897-1963. Free audio sermon downloads: www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/viewcat.php?cid=6
Friday, March 9, 2012
Something Fishy
“Children are innocent and love justice; while most of us are wicked and naturally prefer mercy.” G. K. Chesterton
We are all imperfect, all in need of mercy and grace, which is one of many reasons I cringe when an author says, “I didn’t write this book, God did.” Their intent, in most cases is to give God glory, but . . . how can anyone claim such a thing?
My understanding of inspiration involves grace.
It is by God’s grace that I am who I am, that I write what I write, but I can’t credit him with my flaws. Anyone reading my books must sift the wheat from the chaff and give God glory for any bit of nourishment they find. I write for the same reason the boy in the gospel of John went fishing. And like him, I give my lumpy loaves and very small fish to Jesus to do with them what he will.
John 6: 9-13
Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
We are all imperfect, all in need of mercy and grace, which is one of many reasons I cringe when an author says, “I didn’t write this book, God did.” Their intent, in most cases is to give God glory, but . . . how can anyone claim such a thing?
My understanding of inspiration involves grace.
It is by God’s grace that I am who I am, that I write what I write, but I can’t credit him with my flaws. Anyone reading my books must sift the wheat from the chaff and give God glory for any bit of nourishment they find. I write for the same reason the boy in the gospel of John went fishing. And like him, I give my lumpy loaves and very small fish to Jesus to do with them what he will.
John 6: 9-13
Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Reality?
C. S. Lewis devoted much of his intellectual energy to Christian apologetics, a field of Christian theology that aims to present a rational basis for the Christian faith, defend the faith against objections, and expose the perceived flaws of other world views. But in a letter dated December of 1950, he stated, “I do not think there is a demonstrative proof . . . of Christianity, nor of the existence of matter, nor of the good will and honesty of my best and oldest friends. I think all three (except perhaps the second) far more probable than the alternatives.”
Faith, Love, Hope, Truth, Forgiveness, hatred, evil are not scientifically demonstrable, but without them we would not be human.
I Corinthians 13: 1, 13
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. . . .
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Faith, Love, Hope, Truth, Forgiveness, hatred, evil are not scientifically demonstrable, but without them we would not be human.
I Corinthians 13: 1, 13
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. . . .
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Monday, March 5, 2012
A Risk Worth Taking
When we speak from conviction, we risk conflict. God grant us grace to speak the truth in love.
"What in me is dark
Illumine, what is low raise and support;
That to the height of this great argument
I may assert eternal Providence,
And justify the ways of God to men."
John Milton, Paradise Lost.
“When principles
That run against your deepest convictions
Begin to win the day,
Then the battle is your calling
And peace has become sin.
You must, at the price of dearest peace
Lay your convictions bare before friend and enemy
With all the fire of your faith.
In short, contemporary idiom,
Clarified and cleansed by the word of God,
Cries out to be reconciled to truth and ultimate meaning!”
Abraham Kuyper, 1837-1920
Free download: http://www.reformationalpublishingproject.com/rpp/index.asp
biography: http://www.opc.org/new_horizons/NH99/NH9901d.html
Romans 12: 14-18
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
"What in me is dark
Illumine, what is low raise and support;
That to the height of this great argument
I may assert eternal Providence,
And justify the ways of God to men."
John Milton, Paradise Lost.
“When principles
That run against your deepest convictions
Begin to win the day,
Then the battle is your calling
And peace has become sin.
You must, at the price of dearest peace
Lay your convictions bare before friend and enemy
With all the fire of your faith.
In short, contemporary idiom,
Clarified and cleansed by the word of God,
Cries out to be reconciled to truth and ultimate meaning!”
Abraham Kuyper, 1837-1920
Free download: http://www.reformationalpublishingproject.com/rpp/index.asp
biography: http://www.opc.org/new_horizons/NH99/NH9901d.html
Romans 12: 14-18
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
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