The Glory of God's Grace in the Lord's Table

Ruth 2:14 (ESV)
And at mealtime Boaz said to her, "Come here and eat some bread and dip your morsel in the wine." So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her roasted grain. And she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over.




As we move through the story of Ruth it will become apparent that every turn of the events will unfold for us unmistakable glimpses of grace. Who would have thought that an obscure widow named Naomi from the town of Bethlehem should become the great-grandmother to a King. Out of desperate and impoverished times comes a time of unexpected favor and restoration. In Ruth’s story we see echoes of the Gospel. The story of rebellious prodigals coming home and the pagan Moabites welcomed into God’s family.

Old Testament scholar, Ian Duguid puts it so wonderfully:

“We who live in the New Testament era should see the constant faithfulness and glorious grace of this God even more clearly than Naomi did. In the Scriptures, we have written down for us the rich history of God’s longsuffering with his rebellious children. We know more fully that the Father stands with open arms and open heart, scanning the horizon for the returning prodigal, eager to welcome her home. He doesn’t just allow us grudging admission to glean in his fields: he invites us to his table to partake in his feast.”


Most scholars recognized the element of sacramental grace in the invitation extended by Boaz for Ruth to share in his bread and wine. It is a picture of people like us who do not deserve grace, but “just happen” by providence to find ourselves in the fields of God’s mercy and invited to come to the table. By faith we grab hold of this favor and cling like Ruth to the blessed hope of our salvation. This Sunday we will be invited to share in the meal which is a preview of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Take stock of your past and your present in honest repentance, and then come clinging to the mercy as offered to you in the Gospel. This is because the cost has been paid. Jesus paid the cost with his own life.

Again Duguid’s words point to the essence of Gospel truth:

“In order to receive home the wandering sinner, it would cost the Father nothing less than the death of his Son on the Cross. It would cost the Father the unthinkable agony of pouring out his wrath and anger against sin on Jesus, God the Son. No mere duty could force God to pay that price. Nothing less than his faithfulness to his covenant purposes, his overwhelming love for us, and his desire to have us as part of his people, could inspire such sacrifice. What Naomi and Ruth most needed was not simply a redeemer to rescue them from their earthly poverty and danger, nor even a husband for Ruth. Rather, they needed a heavenly Redeemer to rescue them from their sin…Out of his covenantal faithfulness, God willingly paid the price in full.”

Come to the Lord’s Table for the food that does not perish. Calvin spoke of this meal as “spiritual food that nourishes our souls” as we feed upon Christ by faith.

Isaiah 55:2 (ESV)
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.

Why would we look to other fields or other food when such a rich bounty has been provided for us? Do not take it lightly, or with presumptive hearts. Open hands, believing minds, and humble hearts are always welcome.

Do We Really Need Creeds?

6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6


What is a creed and why do we use them? This question is important because the understanding of Christianity as a creedal faith is under attack today. Creed means “I believe” in Latin. Most creeds like the Apostles and the Nicene Creed are drawn from the Bible and used to express in a summary way the core beliefs of Christianity. Throughout the history of the Church, these creeds were expanded in order to address various misunderstandings and outright attacks on biblical doctrine.

There are also creeds we find in the Bible itself. The first creed we find is known as the shema in Deuteronomy 6:4, which every orthodox Jew would recite everyday. “Hear O, Israel the Lord, our God is One God and you shall love the Lord your God – with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.”

David Zadok – of Christian Witness to Israel, a Jewish Christian living in Israel, recently translated the Heidelberg Catechism into Hebrew. Mr. Zadok writes: “We all agree that the word of God is and ought to be our only guide and source, yet we need to be able to express and summarize the truth of the Bible, both to those inside and those outside the church. We need to be able to teach, preach, and proclaim the whole council of God, and to defend its magnificent message from various errors and heresies…the first such confession and creed is the Shema found in Deut. 6:4 ..”Interesting this Trinitarian confession of the One God, has become for millenniums the confession of the Jewish people.”

The confessional statement of Israel was to mark itself as different among the pagan nations in their belief. They left Egypt- a land of polytheism and entered Canaan -a land full of local deities and idols. The monotheism of Israel was unique and also threatened not so much by the competing theologies of the times, but Israel herself was so prone to forget her faith – idolatry was so much a temptation.

Why do we confess our faith with a creed? Why are we confessional people, as Israel was confessional? Because, we need to express to the world and remind ourselves who God is and what we believe about God. .

There is a strong anti-confessional mood among evangelicals today and expressed in slogans like- “No Creed but Christ” – But, this is still a creed. It is an example of self-reverential absurdity.

The confession or creed in chapter 8 of 1 Corinthians is written in Hebraic poetry.
It is in chiastic form – parallel - each part mirrors the other. It is a strong affirmation of the Deity of Jesus Christ who in essence is equal with the Father.

A. yet for us there is but one God, the Father
B. from whom all things came
C. and from whom we live.

A. and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ,
B. through whom all things came
C. and through whom we live.

Everything we can say about God the Father – who he is – is eternal power, glory and pre-existent majesty – we can equally say about the Lord Jesus Christ. John Chrysostom an early Church father wrote, “The Son is in reality neither less than, nor inferior to, the Essence of the Father.”


St. Augustine in the 4th century said, “but if all things were made by the Father, and all things by the Son, then the same things were made by the Father and by the Son, The Son, therefore , is equal with the Father, and the working of the Father and the Son is indivisible.”

What we believe about God makes all the difference in the world – in the way we act, behave and the way we worship – our praise, because doxology is confessional.

Praise is simply telling God what is true about him. It cannot be done as it ought if we have wrong views about God. But, right views or being orthodox is not the goal. The goal is worship. The goal is a heart enraptured with the knowledge and glory of a God we cannot comprehend fully – but in mercy and grace, God revealed himself to us in the Word.

A Creed is a guardrail to guard the Mystery of who God is from those who would detract from his glory.

Without Creeds, we cannot worship – because we fall into idolatry. Without Creeds, we cannot live – because we will fall into loving our selves more than others.

The Game to Watch - NCAA

Tonight (opps, it is Sunday, which means I will miss it-) the match between Kansas and North Carolina is more than just a tournament game - it is a classic showdown between two schools where basketball is considered the only sport in town. You may think it is Indiana, but Kansas has the home base of the great founder of the game, Naismith (a presbyterian minister who developed the game at the YMCA as a ministry outreach to youth). This game tonight is between two old rivals. Kansas is the underdog and was never expected to do well this season. Would Naismith played on Sunday?

Fulfilling our Calling: Our New Sanctuary

The Vision Statement of First Presbyterian Church, PCA, Enterprise, AL
“To glorify God today by bringing people to Christ and his church, and by building them into effective disciples who will serve…”

The Vision Statement of the Presbyterian Church in America:

“The Presbyterian Church in America exists to glorify God by extending the kingdom of Jesus Christ over all individual lives through all areas of society and in all nations and cultures. To accomplish this end the PCA aims to fill the world with churches that are continually growing in vital worship, in theological depth, in true fellowship, in assertive evangelism and in deeds of compassion”.
… together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ro. 15:6

INTRODUCTION
Seeking to glorify God in our worship and to grow in vital and faithful service to Christ, our church is undergoing an extensive renovation and sanctuary expansion. The Session and the congregation is committing to a long term ministry of a Reformed expression of Gospel centered worship and service in the heart of this city. As we move forward in the 21st century to what God is calling us, we remain respectful of our past, but passionate about the truth. This has been prepared to help answer some questions you have about this project.

BACKGROUND

Why is First Presbyterian expanding our sanctuary now?
For years, we prayed and considered moving from the present location. Over two years ago the Session came to the decision after much prayer that we were to renovate our existing building and add needed space, restrooms and an inviting entrance. Moving to another location was too costly and our mission in the heart of this city was important to us.

Why does the Church need these new facilities? Aren’t the current ones sufficient?
The present sanctuary was built with the needs of people in the 1940’s. There are not adequate restrooms, handicap access or place to welcome first time visitors. While we were not maxing out the sanctuary on a week to week basis, the current capacity limited future growth. Research and practical experience shows that worship space does impact church attendance. But, these were not our primary focus for renovation. The present building was in need of capital improvements and upkeep. This became painfully apparent once construction began. While it raised the price tag, it also showed us that these repairs and expansion were not optional, but critical to maintain the present building. Left unattended this issue would affect the structural integrity of the building. We also need to build for the needs of the coming generations, to have adequate worship space, and to convey a sense of beauty and simplicity in our worship of God (Ps. 96:9).

Can Anyone See the Plans?
The floor plan of the new sanctuary has been posted in the fellowship hall. You are encouraged to look at it and see how the new addition will provide needed bathrooms, a cry room and a welcome space. The sanctuary is being expanded and redesigned according to a plan consistent with the Reformed emphasis on the preaching of the Word and the sacraments (1 Cor. 1:21; Acts 10:42). Elder Gerry Whitaker is the project manager, who has the detailed plans and can explain anything you might want to know or answer any questions.

What Will Be the Features?
1. The sanctuary will be expanded to provide seating for an additional 75 people. Having pews in the cross- sections will bring people closer to the pulpit and reflect a clear Reformed sanctuary (1 Cor. 1:21).
2. New clear colonial style windows with plantation style shutters.
3. The pews will be restored and refinished to match all the wood furniture.
4. A new addition will have a beautiful entrance, new restrooms and a cry room for nursing mothers.
5. There will be access to and seating in the church for those either semi- ambulant or in wheelchairs.
6. New central air/heating will replace the old system that was never evenly distributed.
7. Improve the lighting fixtures with a new designed ceiling.
8. Provide two rooms behind the sanctuary for a parlor and optional office space.
9. A new audio system with a video projector and screen for teaching purposes or mission presentations only.

Who is the Builder?
Kinn Pitman of Enco Construction is our builder. He is a local builder, with a strong record of quality work and is a believer. Kinn began meeting with us almost 2 years ago, praying with us and working countless hours before any contract was signed.

How long will the construction take?
We have been told it will take from four to five months to complete the project. This will mean we may be able to be in our new sanctuary in July or August.

Where will the services be held during the construction?
Services will be in the Fellowship Hall and we are not holding midweek dinners on Wed. night, to keep the setup at a minimum.

How will this affect other church activities?
The workers will clean up the area for the weekends and we will continue to have some Bible Studies and Sunday School.

Where will the stained glass windows go?
Those who would like to purchase any of the old stain glass windows, either by pane or window can do so. Please see Gerry Whitaker for information.

What will happen to the pews, the pulpit and the communion table?
The pews have been sent to Northern Alabama to a pew construction business for complete repair and refinishing. The pulpit and the communion table will also be refurnished, so that all the furniture will match.

What has happened to the piano and the organ?
Our piano tuner based in Panama City is storing our piano and will return it and tune it when the sanctuary is completed. Another company in Panama City, where we bought our organ is storing the organ and will reinstall it and revoice it when the work is done. The new design of the sanctuary will mean that the pianist and the organist will be partly hidden from the congregation to minimize the focus on music and to add support to the purpose of worship and our focus on God. The organ will also be newly fitted with speakers in the walls for better sound and beauty.

Will the new design have a place for a choir?
Our hope is that soon we will have a choir, and part of the design is that the new side sections are part of the congregation. New pews will be installed in the side sections that will be used for both worshippers and those who help with our singing. In the Reformed tradition, the choir is part of the congregation and not entertainers (Col. 3:16).

Will the Church launch a Capital Campaign to help fund this construction?
No. By God’s grace and upon complete dependence upon our Lord’s provision we are trusting that our church will meet this need. We will provide information in a timely manner about the financial picture of this project.

The Danger of Internet Social Connections

By Pastor Todd Baucum

Psalm 101:3 (ESV)
I will not set before my eyes
anything that is worthless.
I hate the work of those who fall away;
it shall not cling to me.

Job 31:1 (ESV)
"I have made a covenant with my eyes;
how then could I gaze at a virgin?

This is a pastoral response to many issues surrounding the use of the internet. I have been reflecting on these issues for many years and see increasingly the need for the church to address this. I share these guidelines not out of a legalistic mindset, but from a heart of a pastor who sees the wreckage of lives caught in a destructive use of the internet. I hope everyone will read this carefully and thoughtfully as they consider how to approach the issue of the internet, which is now shaping our world.

1. Treat emails as personal correspondence that is confidential unless the sender has given permission for public viewing. I know people who have been hurt or offended and relationships damaged because they took personal information and sent it out without checking the facts or getting permission.
2. Use good grammar as much as possible. This is still written communication and although technology helps us increase the speed of communication, we are still under certain restraints and rules for good communication. Grammar was established to help clarify one’s meaning to insure proper translation of thought. Badly written emails can mess up things quickly in jobs and relationships.
3. Think twice before you resend a forward sent to you. Is this worth someone reading? This does not apply to forwards sent to you for wide viewing – but it is good taste not to send these to people you like! I spend so much of my precious time deleting religious/humorous stories, pictures and poems, I wish I had a dollar for all the ones I get.
4. Don’t fall prey to gossip. Be very careful not to let your email “community” turn into a gossip forum. Scripture speaks strongly against the sin of gossip. Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. Proverbs 20:19 (ESV) What internet porn is for men, Facebook and the like is for women. It is a form of emotional and social porn. Men are drawn seductively into images, women are drawn seductively into juicy pieces of “news about people”, which the Bible condemns as heavily as murder, perversion and idolatry.
5. Watch what you write. Remember that in writing something down people are more apt to express feelings and sensitive things you would never say face to face. It is a simple fact that we have more courage with written words than spoken ones.
6. Blogsites and Face-books can be dangerous places. Don’t write anything, post any picture or give personal information that you don’t want millions of people to know. Blogs are great for spreading the Christian truth and ministry issues. Don’t use them for personal and private exchanges that you want confidential. If it is on the web it means millions can see it. Even with the safeguards that some blogs provide, it is still vulnerable to others getting into your private information. Also, these can become a substitute for real life communication. Don’t assume people know something just because you posted it. Not everyone sits up late at night reading your blogs. Some people have lives and are not attached to computers.
7. Internet communities are not real communities. Just because I buy something from L.L. Bean does not mean I am part of their community. (I just wanted a shirt without driving to Dothan). Chat rooms and the Face-books are not communities. Community happens when people interact with words, gestures, and eye contact and build relationships in real places (not in cyberspace). Christian philosopher, Douglas Groothuis puts it well, “Genuine community shines through the human presence of truth expressed personally. Cyberspace can only mimic or mirror these things (however convincingly); it cannot create them.” (The Soul in Cyberspace, Baker Books, pg. 143,
8. Don’t use the internet for dating. Finding a mate on the internet is problematic at best, at worst it can led to disastrous results. For every story of success there are probably ten examples of nightmares. I have counseled abused people who have gotten things messed up because of this. Why am I against it? Consider some of these reasons:
9. The problem of secrecy. Most people looking for a spouse or a date, use the internet in a secretive way. Their parents or friends rarely know about this activity. That is not good.
10. The lack of community (Christian) protection. It provides an unnatural network of suitors whose only qualification is that they have access to the internet. It is a dangerous and creepy world out there. I can’t say this enough!
11. You cannot know a person through emails and the internet. It is a fact. People can pretend to be anything on paper and through their computers. Remember intelligent people create whole new worlds on the internet and Hollywood gives them millions of dollars for it. Computers are wonderful things for what they can do, but don’t trust them to give you reality.
12. Parents need to know and act. Children, teenagers and young adults are the victims of increasing violence due in large part to the growing issues of internet usages. I don’t suggest that we throw out the computers, but I do suggest that parents set guidelines and give proper oversight of the use of computers. You will do this if you value their life. Take action now.
13. Save your marriage and your purity. Married couples need to watch out for one another and make sure you limit time on the internet. Spend more time talking to one another than surfing the internet or chatting to cyber friends. Wives make sure you have a Christian based internet blocker that keeps your husband from temptation. Husbands make sure you make a covenant with your eyes and flee from temptation (Job 31:1,1 Cor. 6:18). Having an internet without a blocker with strict controls is like having an adult XXX store in your spare bedroom and saying, “It’s ok we always keep the door shut and no one goes in that room”. Human nature suggest that at sometime or another that door will open, because it is so easy and we rationalize what we can handle and can’t. It is the old forbidden fruit story over and over again. I use Be Safe Online which is recommended by American Family Radio. There are other good Christian ones and don’t rely on the factory installed blockers. They are easily bypassed. Find some accountability to stay godly in this area of your imagination and thought life. Statistics show that over 80 percent of revenue for pornography comes today from internet usage. Internet pornography revenue is the highest money making industry today having bypassed the gambling industry. For more information and Biblical guidance on this issue read the article by Harvest USA (a ministry to sexually broken people) at http://www.harvestusa.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=56 .
14. Internet can save time and kill it. Determine how you use your time with the computer and use it wisely. Remember to “redeem” the time for the days are evil. You can easily squander away precious time in front of a computer when you could have called a relative, had coffee with a friend, been praying for the needs of others, or just having the ordinary joy of opening the pages of a real book in your hand.
15. I am convinced that future studies will show a connection between computer usage and the rapid decline of morality and community breakdown. Like anything else that can be used for good or evil, set boundaries and use with wisdom and discretion.

Books that Shaped Me

The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails--given by one Shepherd. 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Ecclesiastes 12:11

I have shared this list before as a biographical reflection on some of my influencies. Look into a person's library and you get a picture of ideas and conversations that have entered into the thinking of the person.

It caused me to reflect once again on the many books that have been used by God to put me in the company of wise and godly saints. I decided to share such a list, not to say these are the best books, nor are they all the ones that continually resurface as books to reread, although one would be greatly rewarded to do so. Moreover, these particular books are ones that shaped me in my early years of theological development. After years of reading widely across the theological spectrum and the traditions of other denominations, I find a sense of gratitude for having had such a good start. These have been good bronze pegs driven in the ground to stabilize a windblown tent (Ex.27:19). Of course, this is a just a few.

Knowing God, J.I. Packer
I first read this while at Liberty in my college years. I still have my worn copy of this classic in Reformed theology, which I was able to use again as I sat under the teaching of Packer in my doctoral work 20 years later. That was a dream come true. The wisdom and theological insight of this book is needed more than ever in today’s anemic evangelicalism.

The Cost of Discipleship, Bonhoeffer
I was 17 years old when I picked up a copy of this book at a Baptist bookstore in Dallas. It introduced me to what it meant to be a follower of Christ and not just a believer who had “fire insurance.” This Lutheran drove a wedge into my small provincial world.

Foundations of the Christian Faith, by James Montgomery Boice
My first year at Liberty (distinctly Baptist) a professor of theology assigned two volumes of this series by the Presbyterian preacher who served many years at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. After reading this, I knew was a Calvinist. Thanks Dr. Beck.

C.S. Lewis – Screwtape Letters, Mere Christianity, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Problem of Pain
I have been greatly challenged and blessed by the many works of C.S. Lewis. He stands out from among the crowd as one of the greatest influence on me. He helped me and continues to help me see and think like a Christian about all kinds of issues. One does not have to agree with a writer to be helped in reading their work.

Balanced Christianity, John Stott
Another evangelical Brit that has been among my favorites is John Stott, perhaps the greatest guardian of evangelical preaching in the 20th Century. His book on being a balanced Christian made me want to avoid the pitfalls of going to extremes in theological controversies, as well as practical matters.

Basic Christianity, John Stott
A concise and brief explanation of what it means to be a Christian. Very helpful to new believers.

The Life and Diary of David Brainerd, Jonathan Edwards
Brainerd was to be Jonathan Edwards’s son-in-law, but died of tuberculosis contracted while preaching to Indians in New England. He spent hours in prayer and gave himself body and soul, for the conversion of Native Americans. This book transformed William Carey and countless others in considering the missionary calling.

A Severe Mercy, Sheldon Vanauken
Vanauken was atheist and English professor helped by C.S. Lewis, who became a convinced Christian. Like Lewis, he lost his wife to cancer and wrote this book that tells the story of their young love while as pagans, then coming to Christ and the grief suffered in death, which Vanauken would discover was a “severe mercy”. I had the privilege of hearing him speak on a couple of occasions before his death.

Ephesians, Martyn Lloyd Jones
This Welch preacher and pastor of the Westminster Chapel in London until the early 1980’s had more of an influence on me and my preaching than I first realized as a young minister. Since, I am a preacher, the work of Lloyd-Jones keeps resurfacing in my labors and reading. I am always grateful for the good doctor.

Ligonier Conference

Mary and I attended the Ligioner Conference this past week in Orlando. It was so good to hear Sinclair Ferguson, both Sproul's, Al Mohler, Michael Horton among others. It was my first time to hear Horton in person and to hear Del Tackett. It waas a joy to listen and discuss the topics with Mary and have the interchange over this crucial issues facing the church and our culture. As we raise our children, the problem of the assault on the mind is front and center. We thank our wonderful church for sending us. Now back at home, great things are happening and the new sancutary is taking shape. How blessed we are.

I have to add a note about food. We ate authentic Cuban sandwiches at the "Black Bean Deli"- apparently a famous eatery in Orlando. Long lines at 2pm, but it was so good.