A Book Review of "John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology"

To many people, the name of John Calvin brings forth negative connotations. Some view Calvin as the cold-hearted man behind the theological belief system that bears his name. Others even percieve the doctrines of Calvinism to be dangerous, both spiritually and emotionally. The majority of people who espouse these negative views of Calvin are either ignorant, or seek to slander the name of a man who, according to the authors of John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology, was a humble servant of God. Most people do not understand the positive effects that Calvin and his writings have had on the world. D.G. Hart, a contributer to the book states, "Calvinism played a crucial role in transforming the West and creating the modern world" (p.52).

The book contains 19 chapters, each written by a leading Reformed thinker. Contributers include Sinclair B. Ferguson, Keith A. Mathison, Michael Horton, and John MacArthur. Each chapter revolves around one aspect of Calvin's minstry and life, including his heart for God, his ability to preach God's Word, and his doctrinal beliefs. The book is edited togather by Burk Parsons, editor of Tabletalk devotional magazine by Ligonier Ministries.

The book promises to be an excellent resource for those who seek to learn more from this man of God. It also helps to quell some of the ignorance regarding his life and doctrines.

Hardcover: 246 pages

Publisher: Reformation Trust Publishing (November 28, 2008)

Price: $19

A Thought About Shepherds and Angels

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." Luke 2:8-10

It struck me, after reading this passage, that the shepherds quivered in fear upon seeing the angels in the sky. These shepherds were used to being in dangerous situations. They were the survivalists of the day. The shepherds lived in the fields with their flocks. They braved the elements of nature and weather. They were used to coping with cold, heat, rain, and other elements. The shepherds were not old men, as they are often portrayed in movies, but were young and physically fit.

Not only did the shepherds live in the fields and were forced to brave the elements, these shepherds also had to fight off bears, lions, snakes, and other creatures that would want to eat one of their animals. I am sure that they also had to fight off bandits and rustlers who attempted to steal from the flock. These men were grizzled, fearless, veterans of the outdoors. But yet, when they saw the heavenly beings, they quivered with fear. The fact that these shepherds were scared to death of these heavenly beings, attests to the greatness and glory that these angels brought forth, which of course was given to them by God.

However, the Angels reassured the shepherds that they did not need to be afraid. The angels did not come to bring judgement and fear, but they came to bring the good news of the coming of Christ. Just like the angels, Christ did not come to bring judgement and fear. He came to save His people from their sins. Let us take comfort in the peace that Christ brings.

A Book Review of "Counterfeit Gospels"

How do you identify a precious stone from a cheap imitation? You have to know what the real thing looks like. There are many cheap imitations of the Gospel. But there is only one true Gospel: the good news of Jesus Christ. Trevin Wax discusses and compares the true Gospel to the fake ones in his book "Counterfeit Gospels: Rediscovering the Good News in a World of False Hope". Wax exposes six common counterfeit gospels that are common in churches today.

The "therapeutic gospel" teaches that human beings have failed to reach their full potential. But if they accept the truth about Christ's death, their full potential can be reached. This gospel uses the church as a mode for our quest for happiness and fulfillment. Wax notes, "We make 'pursuing happiness' the central goal of life" (p.45). We can spot this counterfeit when our decisions are based on our own personal happiness. The therapeutic gospel stresses man's worth, while the biblical gospel stresses God's worth.

The "judgementless gospel" focuses on God's goodness, rather than His response toward evil. This counterfeit gospel sees Christ's death as a victory over Satan, instead of the quenching of God's wrath and the need for a sacrifice. Personal evangelism and outreach is seen as unnecessary, since God does not judge. According to Wax, "the judgementless gospel alters the gospel story, diminishes the need for the gospel announcement, and eventually changes the make-up of the the gospel community as well" (68).

In the moralistic gospel, "Our sinful condition is seen as the individual sins we commit" (115). This fake gospel focuses on what we can do to win God's blessing. The church is seen as a place that helps keep the moral standards of the community. This gospel calls people out on their sins, but does not give them a reason why they need to repent. Wax notes that "life transformation is not the cause of God's grace, but the result of God's grace" (121). Wax suggests two ways to tell whether or not one has fallen for this counterfeit. First, how do you react to suffering? Second, check your own heart when someone benefits from God's grace.

When the gospel is seen as a personal and private message that is only applicable to individual hearts, not society or politics, this is what Wax calls the quietist gospel. Proponents of this gospel do not engage with different aspects of culture, but instead surround themselves with like minded thinkers. Wax encourages evangelism by stating, "When we share the gospel, we are not just inviting people to try a new religious experience. We are proclaiming news about something that has happened" (144). We, as Christians, should not hide behind the gospel, but should stand up for it.

The direct opposite of the quietist gospel is what Wax calls the activist gospel. This counterfeit gospel sees the kingdom of Christ advanced through a just society. The Gospel of Christ is seen through political, social, and cultural transformation. Churches of the activist gospel find unity through just causes. Wax suggests that the activist gospel can be overcome if preachers continue to preach on the doctrine of hell. Instead of uniting around a cause, the church should be active, but united around the gospel.

Charles Spurgeon once said, "The church is not perfect, but woe to the man who finds pleasure in pointing out her imperfections." Thus, the churchless gospel sees the community of beleievers as unnessessary. The Gospel of Christ is seen as an individual announcement. The church is viewed as an obstacle to spiritual growth. Proponents of this gospel typically state that they would like the church to be more like the early churches. Wax argues, "Which early church do you want to be like? Corinth? The church took pride in a man's incestuous relationship...Galatia? Paul was shocked to see that this church church so quickly abandoned the gospel. Thessalonica? This church was grieving in a worldly way, without hope that their loved ones would take part in the coming restoration and resurrection" (197). Every church has its problems. Wax emphasizes that the Gospel is for people who recognize their sinful condition. We need the church.

Trevin Wax goes to great lengths to explain why these counterfeits are so appealing, both to beleivers and to unbelievers alike. Time after time, he notes that only the true Gospel of Jesus Christ can bring salvation, happiness, and life transformation.

"Counterfeit Gospels: Rediscovering the Good News in a World of False Hope"
Trevin Wax
240 pages, Moody Publishers
$13.99

Reformation Day

Everyone realizes that October 31 is Halloween. But you may not be aware of another important celebration on that day. October 31 is the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in Europe. On October 31, 1517 a German priest named Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the church in Wittenburg, Germany. Luther was protesting, among other things, the sale of indulgences. According to Roman Catholic theology, salvation could not be attained through faith alone, but through works of charitable deeds, such as purchasing indulgences. Luther's reaction became known as the spark which ignited the Reformation.

Not only did the Reformation have major theological and religious implications, but practical and cultural implications as well. Up until this time, very few people in Europe knew how to read and write. Those skills were mostly reserved for those involved with the Catholic church. The church intentionally kept its parishioners in the dark so they could have more control over them. All works of literature were published in Latin, including the Bible. Luther translated the Bible from Latin into German, making it easily accessible to commoners. The Reformation brought the people of Europe out of the Middle Ages. More people had a desire to read the Bible, and this led to a major jump in the literacy rate.

 

The Catholic church, of course, was not pleased with Luther. Luther was accused of heresy. He was asked by Pope Leo X to recant or else risk excommunication and possibly even death. When Luther would not recant, it was suggested that he be burned at the stake. Luther's Theses were banned from publication and he was ordered to appear before the Diet of Worms, a general assembly of the Holy Roman Empire, in 1521. During this assembly, Luther was noted as saying, "Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason...I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything". Luther was declared an outlaw, his works were banned, and he was arrested.

 

Martin Luther, priest, theologian, author, and reformer, strongly taught the doctrine of salvation by faith through Christ alone. Although Reformation day is not as exciting as Halloween, it is very important and should be remembered. The positive effects of the Reformation transcend 16th century Germany, Lutheranism, and even Christianity in general. We have all positively benefited from the courage of Martin Luther, as well as other reformers after him.

 

The World Race

The World Race

The Transforming Effect of the Gospel

A couple of months ago, I drove past a well-known Christian church on the South side of Indianapolis. The church had a sign out by the road that read "Transforming lives, one at a time". I was curious as to what this church meant by "transforming lives". Who does the transforming? How does the transforming occur? What happens after the transforming? So I decided to call the church and ask them what is meant by "transforming". The church secretary answered the phone and told me that the transforming "means lots of things". I pressed her about what she meant by "lots of things". She again replied that the transformation can mean many different things. I replied, "My wallet needs transforming. Can you help me with that?" She chuckled and said that they have programs that can help me financially. She asked me if I was interested in filling out a form for financial help. This church secretary had an awesome opportunity to share the Gospel with me. She could have told me about the life transformation that comes through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. She also could have explained the transformation that occurs though the sanctification process of the Holy Spirit. But instead, she asked me to fill out a form. The fact is that she had no idea what is meant by transformation.

I heard a commercial on the radio this morning from a Baptist church. It talked about the physical way Steve Jobs changed the world. Then, it descibed the spiritual and emotional changes made by Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, and the Apostle Paul. The commerical discussed the positive changes made by these leaders and rightly described how the changes made by these people were greater than those made by Steve Jobs. The commercial was headed in the right direction, but then it stopped. It never even mentioned Jesus Christ, the ultimate earth changer.

Life transformation and change does not involve conferences, workshops, how-to-books, motivational speeches, or paperwork. According to Romans 12:2, we are "transformed by the renewal of your mind". This begins by studying God's Word. We are to meditate on His Word, applying it to our own lives. Everything in the Bible is applicable to our lives. Second Timothy 3:16 says, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness".

Transformation can also occur by getting rid of sin in our lives. When we rid ourselves of sinful habits and behaviors, our steps toward Christlikeness become stronger.

Finally, transformation occurs through the Holy Spirit. God chooses us for salvation, Christ cleanses us, taking away our sin, and the Holy Spirit sanctifies us and makes us holy. The Holy Spirit is our conscience, giving us the ability to recognize right from wrong, and convicting us when we engage in sin.

These two churches have the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to thousands of people, one through a sign on a busy road, and another through a commercial on a secular radio station. I pray that the Lord will open their eyes to show them the true transforming and life changing Gospel that only comes through Jesus Christ.

Children Should Hear the Gospel

I remember the first time I ever heard the gospel. I was probably three or four years old. It was during a family devotional, led by my Dad. I remember him talking about how Jesus Christ was mocked, beaten, and killed. He described how Jesus was righteous and that He was innocent of any wrongdoing. When my father described how the soldiers mocked and beat the Lord, I remember feeling angered that they would do such a thing to someone so righteous. I remember wishing that Jesus had called angels to get Him out of this evil. (I realize now that He could not and I'm glad that He didn't.) It was then that I believe I first felt love for the Lord.

Again, I was a pre-school aged child when the gospel was presented to me. I thank the Lord that He gave me parents who appreciated the importance of the gospel. Of course they taught me other Bible stories, but it was the gospel story that they stressed as most important.

We live now in a day in age where Christianity has been feminized. Too many parents are afraid to discuss the importance and sufficiency of the gospel with their children. Believing that their children may not understand, or that it might be too violent,  parents forgo the gospel message. Parents might teach other biblical stories, such as David and Goliath. Or worse yet, they might only teach their children moral lessons, such as not stealing from others. While these moral lessons and biblical stories are no doubt important, the gospel of Jesus Christ should be of first importance. We should not fear discussing the details of Jesus' death because His death and resurrection is so important. Other biblical stories should be explained in light of the gospel. For example, after telling the story of David and Goliath, reinforce it by equating David with Jesus, and Goliath with Satan, for all scripture centers around the gospel message.

Remember that young children learned at the feet of Jesus. I doubt, when Jesus was teaching the children in Mark 10, that he was teaching them moral lessons. He was no doubt teaching them the fundamentals of the faith.

Whether you are a parent, or you teach a Sunday School class, strive to present the gospel to your children in every way possible--For it is the gospel of Jesus Christ that saves.