Posted by ajenkins on March 24, 2011 under Good News, Jesus, Just A Thought, Reformation, Regeneration, Repentance | 
In the Bible the offer of pardon on the part of God is conditioned upon intention to reform on the part of man. There can be no spiritual regeneration till there has been moral reformation. That this statement requires defense only proves how far from the truth we have strayed.
In our current popular theology pardon depends upon faith alone. The very word reform has been banished from among the sons of the Reformation!
We often hear the declaration, “I do not preach reformation; I preach regeneration.” Now we recognize this as being the expression of a commendable revolt against the insipid and unscriptural doctrine of salvation by human effort. But the declaration as it stands contains real error, for it opposes reformation to regeneration. Actually the two are never opposed to each other in sound Bible theology. The not-reformation-but-regeneration doctrine incorrectly presents us with an either-or; either you take reformation or you take regeneration. This is inaccurate. The fact is that on this subject we are presented not with an either-or, but with both-and. The converted man is both reformed and regenerated. And unless the sinner is willing to reform his way of living he will never know the inward experience of regeneration. This is vital truth which has gotten lost under the leaves in popular evangelical theology.
The idea that God will pardon a rebel who has not given up his rebellion is contrary both to the Scriptures and to common sense. How horrible to contemplate a church full of persons who have been pardoned but who still love sin and hate the ways of righteousness. And how much more horrible to think of heaven as filled with sinners who had not repented nor changed their ways of living.
A familiar story will illustrate this. The governor of one of our states was visiting the state prison incognito. He fell into conversation with a personable young convict and felt a secret wish to pardon him. “What would you do,” he asked casually, “if you were lucky enough to obtain a pardon?” The convict, not knowing to whom he was speaking, snarled his reply: “If I ever get out of this place, the first thing I’ll do is cut the throat of the judge who sent me here.” The governor broke off the conversation and withdrew from the cell. The convict stayed on in prison. To pardon a man who had not reformed would be to let loose another killer upon society. That kind of pardon would not only be foolish, it would be downright immoral.
The promise of pardon and cleansing is always associated in the Scriptures with the command to repent. The widely used text in Isaiah, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18), is organically united to the verses that precede it: “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow” (1:16–17). What does this teach but radical reformation of life before there can be any expectation of pardon? To divorce the words from each other is to do violence to the Scriptures and to convict ourselves of deceitfully handling the truth.
I think there is little doubt that the teaching of salvation without repentance has lowered the moral standards of the Church and produced a multitude of deceived religious professors who erroneously believe themselves to be saved when in fact they are still in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity. And to see such persons actually seeking the deeper life is a grim and disillusioning sight. Yet our altars are sometimes filled with seekers who are crying with Simon, “Give me this power,” when the moral groundwork has simply not been laid for it. The whole thing must be acknowledged as a clear victory for the devil, a victory he could never have enjoyed if unwise teachers had not made it possible by preaching the evil doctrine of regeneration apart from reformation.
A.W. Tozer, The Root of Righteousness
Posted by ajenkins on February 24, 2011 under Devotionals, Good News, Jesus, Sermons and More, The Parish |
During Lent we will continue our study and sermons on the fundamentals of life and the Christian Faith. We will be using a small book entitled, What Is The Gospel, by Greg Gilbert.
Why will we ask and investigate such a fundamental question as this? Surely, everyone knows what the Gospel is? Why even non-Christians know what the gospel is. We use the expression, “That’s the gospel truth” all the time. Everyone knows what the gospel is.
Sadly, this is not true.
The gospel is being challenged today at almost every major point. When it comes to God, people no longer think of Him as holy and righteous, and it has become almost axiomatic to reject the idea that He judges. What we have instead is a sort of affable, but kind of clueless grandfather who wishes we’d do better but understands that of course nobody’s perfect. Not only so, but people also shy away instinctively from the understanding that we are sinners who are liable to God’s judgment and condemnation. We tend to think of ourselves as more or less good people, with a relatively minor infraction here or there. Even many evangelicals have, deliberately or not, started to shy away from talking about sin as rebellion against God, instead saying that the human problem is really one of disintegration, meaninglessness, and broken relationships. The biggest challenge to the gospel, though, I think, is a strong tendency to make its center something other than the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross cannot be shoved over to the side or replaced with something else (like cultural transformation, or the promise of a new heavens and new earth, or social justice). As Paul said, the gospel that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” is not just important. It’s not even just very important. It is of first importance.
Have We Lost The Cross?
As I look around at books being published by evangelicals, even books that claim to be explaining the gospel, the more I see authors getting exciting about things other than the death of Jesus on the cross in the place of his people, taking the punishment for their sin. There are two things that are particular dangers for evangelicals in this area. First, there’s a tendency simply to shove the cross out of the center of the gospel, to say something like, “Yes, yes, of course the cross is important. But we need to understand that what the gospel is really about is…” It could be “God’s purpose to remake the world” or “God’s invitation to us to join him in bringing about his kingdom” or “a declaration that Jesus is Lord over all” or any number of other things. So the center of the gospel becomes something other than the cross. That is a misunderstanding of the gospel. Second, there’s a tendency to re-think or re-understand the cross as something other than Jesus dying in the place of his people, taking the punishment they deserved for their sin. So, often you’ll read or hear someone saying something like “At the cross, human culture and human systems reached their lowest, most evil point. All the oppression and violence that humans could muster was flung at Jesus, and he absorbed it all and defeated it!” What’s missing there, of course, is any understanding that what Jesus really absorbed on the cross was God’s wrath for our sin. It’s why Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” and not, “O culture, O culture, why have you turned against me?”
We will use the Gospel, the Cross, Jesus’ Substitutionary sacrifice and God’s Word to answer some of our questions of God and life. “Why did God allow this to happen?” “Now, what do I do?” If God is good, why ______?” “If God is all-knowing, why should I bother to pray?”
Why not take another look at the Cross? Why not take another look at Jesus? Why not take another look at the Gospel? It might just change your life – eternally.
Posted by ajenkins on April 1, 2010 under Devotionals, Just A Thought |
Never before have I lived a Holy Week like this. My back injury has forced me to a very different role during this most important week of our Faith. For those of you who were part of our journey through James’ letter, I have found comforting wisdom in James 1:2-4. I have had to constantly look deeply into that mirror which is my Lord’s Word and His Life. And yes, I have found joy there and new revelation of what “Holy” means and more importantly, what it produces.
What has this pain, this helplessness, this Holy Week produced in me? It has comforted me in the arms of unconditional love. This week, this unbelievably important week I have been unable to do anything for the people I love, for the ministry I love, for the faith moments I love to celebrate, and for the Lord I love to serve. I have been helpless and worthless and yet, I have experienced afresh the love of my crucified and risen savior for this helpless and worthless person. For that I can “count it all joy.”
To the many of you who are praying, loving and offering me help, thank you. Please know that my salvation is purchased by my Lord, but my soul this week has been purchased by your prayers. Numbers 6:24.
Posted by ajenkins on February 12, 2010 under Anglican Events |
The story continues.
This post by the grace of the Rev’d Dr. Kendall Harmon.
1. There is currently a decision by South Carolina’s highest court which holds that the Dennis Canon is not self-executing (i.e., no trust was created on any parish property in South Carolina when it was enacted — if indeed it ever was — in 1979).
2. The Episcopal Church (USA) did not see fit to request a review of that decision by the United States Supreme Court. Instead, its Presiding Bishop and her chancellor have left that function to the dissident parish members who lost their claim in that case to be the true vestry of All Saints Waccamaw.
3. Notwithstanding its failure to seek review of the adverse South Carolina decision, the Episcopal Church (USA) is apparently asking the Diocese for proof that it intends to enforce the Dennis Canon against certain parishes in the event that they try to leave.
4. The unspoken threat — which has caused Bishop Lawrence to postpone his diocesan convention while he plans a response to ECUSA’s provocations — is that if Bishop Lawrence fails to sue any departing parish under the Dennis Canon, he could be charged with “abandonment” in the same manner as was Bishop Duncan.
If this is a correct representation of what is going on in South Carolina, then I have to say that it boggles the mind….
Read here very carefully
Posted by ajenkins on February 10, 2010 under Anglican Events, The Parish |
Bishop Mark Lawrence, our Bishop released this letter today
Full Text of Letter
Posted by ajenkins on February 4, 2010 under The Parish |
On Wednesday, February 17, 2010, we will enter into one of the most important seasons of the church year—the “40 days” of Lent. The word “Lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘lencten’ or spring, the time of year when the days begin to lengthen. Lent is one of the most important seasons of the church year because it is a time of penitence, an introspective period during which we take stock of our lives and our relationships to discover and change what we must to prepare for Easter and experience the spiritual renewal that comes when we engage in this type of activity of faith. So, during Lent we each follow the example of Jesus by sacrificing our own will to the purpose of God. We sacrifice, not to win God’s favor, but to gain the attention of our soul, our body, and our spirit. What will you sacrifice?
During this season one is encouraged to make a special effort in one’s piety and faith life. We often do this as we give up something or add some spiritual discipline. Often what one surrenders is a physical sacrifice, i.e., chocolate, smoking, sugar, over-indulgence of any sort and more. Also, I pray you have heard me invite you to give up something eternal, i.e., gossip, anger, blame, or retribution. You may remember that last year I committed to give up sarcasm. I failed terribly and at the same time I succeeded wonderfully. I fell into my default habit of sarcasm daily, but I was certainly made sensitive to it. Dear God, help!
The spiritual discipline of sacrifice or giving something up for Lent is useful and commendable. This year may I also encourage you to add something to your life, your daily routine for this season. I encourage you to add THE TRIANGLE, THE TRINITY OF LIFE. This year, just for a season to try it out, add the Trinitarian lifestyle, Jesus’ lifestyle of UP, IN, and OUT.
UP – LOVE GOD – BY WORSHIP & PRAYER
There are several opportunities to live UP with God. Sunday worship, daily prayer, prayer groups, and more are just a few of the ways to live in acknowledgement of God’s authority over your life. In addition to theses opportunities consider joining the group that will focus on “creative worship arts.” This will be a time for us to explore our creativity and discuss how we can worship God though our artistic gifts, and then practice them! Come all you who sew, knit, paint, draw, carve, photograph, scrapbook, etc. The first meeting will be used to decide an appropriate meeting time and what project(s) we will accomplish in this season of lent. Now this may even be fun. Joy.
IN – LOVE PEOPLE – BY FELLOWSHIP, DISCIPLESHIP and ACCOUNTABILITY
There also are several opportunities to live IN with fellow disciples. There are Sunday equipping groups, Home Life Groups,
OUT – BUILDING COMMUNITY – BY SOCIAL OUTREACH, EVANGELISM and MISSION
If God is nudging you to add on “reaching out” for your Easter preparation, then join this group. The OUT Group will form to find a place of love and service to our neighbors on Ferguson Road. We don’t have a project for you. We expect that as you join these folks and maybe the Bible Study that Amy Case and Paul Mitchell attend every Tuesday on Ferguson Road, that God will make it evident how Saint James may participate in their life and they in ours. There are lots of ideas. Come and add yours.
SHROVE TUESDAY or MARDI GRAS (Fat Tuesday)
Tuesday, February 16, is the final day before the Lenten fast. This day is variously recalled in the celebration of Carnival (“farewell to meat”) that is concluded on “Fat Tuesday” or Mardi Gras, and in Shrove Tuesday’s pancakes (consuming the eggs, milk and fat not allowed during the fasting of Lent). “Shrove” Tuesday refers to the ancient practice of being “shriven” (confessing and receiving absolution) in order to begin and keep a holy Lent. Don’t miss the famous Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper offered by our Men’s Groups. It is terribly hedonistic and indulgent, a fine confrontation to the need of a simpler time such as Lent.
Posted by ajenkins on under Devotionals, Sermons and More |
First Sunday in Lent (February 21, 2010) James 1:9-15
The readings: James 1:13-18 will provide us with spiritual insight into desire, temptation, sin, and death. Don’t you want to get out of the rut?
Second Sunday in Lent (February 28, 2010) James 1:1-8
Continuing with the intersection of life and faith on this Sunday we will read about trials and suffering. Do you undergo trials? Do you suffer? Of course you do. These are inevitable for everyone, even Christians. This Sunday we will look at the benefits of facing trials and the power to do it. Don’t miss this.
Third Sunday in Lent (March 7, 2010) James 3:1-12
Taming the tongue. Can you imagine never saying anything critical? That’s not just not saying something critical about another person, but not saying anything critical about any THING. Wow! That means you won’t complain about the stop light at Camp and Folly Rd. The theme is: Self-mastery, only by faith. Okay, it’s time for the prayer again. Dear God, help!!
Fourth Sunday in Lent (March 14, 2010) James 3:13-18
By this Sunday we’ll be ready to deal with our relationships. Our theme this week: Wise Relationships. It will help us deal with the most difficult thing in life: other people.
Fifth Sunday in Lent (March 21, 2010) James 5:7-11
We conclude our five weeks of readings by looking at something everyone wants but no one wants to work at it: Patience. We will prepare for Easter by planting the seeds that bear spiritual fruit.
Palm Sunday (March 28, 2010) Luke 23:1-49
Our Lord’s Triumphal Entry, the Last Supper , the Trial and the Crucifixion will be our focus. Remember, there must be a death before there can be a resurrection.
Posted by ajenkins on under Anglican Events |
Repost from Virtue OnLine
WILL THE U.S. SUPREME COURT OVERTURN THE DENNIS CANON?
All Saints Pawleys Island case could liberate church property for the entire country
SPECIAL REPORT
By David W. Virtue in Greensboro, NC
www.virtueonline.org
January 29, 2010
If the U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear the All Saints Pawleys property case, The Chancellor of All Saints Pawleys Island believes the Dennis Canon will be overturned freeing thousands of church properties from the clutches of The Episcopal Church (TEC) (as well as the Presbyterian and Methodist churches who have their own “Dennis Canons”).
Dr. Ross “Buddy” Lindsay, 59, a trust attorney and canon lawyer, told VOL in an interview that the recent SC Supreme Court decision in favor of All Saints Pawleys insures, once and for all, that neither TEC nor the Diocese of South Carolina have any claim to their property or to the property of any other Episcopal Churches in South Carolina.
Lindsay, a trust lawyer who also holds a master of laws degree (LLM) in canon law from Cardiff University Law School, studied under the distinguished Anglican Communion lawyer, Norman Doe, in Cardiff, Wales. Lindsay said that most church property cases take ten years to reach the Supreme Court.
Read more of this article »
Posted by ajenkins on January 15, 2010 under Editorial Response, Just A Thought |
Editor’s Note: This repost is from Dr. Albert Mohler’s blog. This is Dr. Mohler’s response to a statement made by the Rev’d Pat Robertson that the Haitian earthquake is God’s judgment of them. Dr. Mohler is president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas.
Excerpt: “Why did no earthquake shake Nazi Germany? Why did no tsunami swallow up the killing fields of Cambodia? Why did Hurricane Katrina destroy far more evangelical churches than casinos? Why do so many murderous dictators live to old age while many missionaries die young?”
Does God Hate Haiti? Full article…
The images streaming in from Haiti look like scenes from Dante’s Inferno. The scale of the calamity is unprecedented. In many ways, Haiti has almost ceased to exist.
The earthquake that will forever change that nation came as subterranean plates shifted about six miles under the surface of the earth, along a fault line that had threatened trouble for centuries. But no one saw a quake of this magnitude coming. The 7.0 quake came like a nightmare, with the city of Port-au-Prince crumbling, entire villages collapsing, bodies flying in the air and crushed under mountains of debris. Orphanages, churches, markets, homes, and government buildings all collapsed. Civil government has virtually ceased to function. Without power, communication has been cut off and rescue efforts are seriously hampered. Bodies are piling up, hope is running out, and help, though on the way, will not arrive in time for many victims.
Even as boots are finally hitting the ground and relief efforts are reaching the island, estimates of the death toll range as high as 500,000. Given the mountainous terrain and densely populated villages that had been hanging along the fault line, entire villages may have disappeared. The Western Hemisphere’s most impoverished nation has experienced a catastrophe that appears almost apocalyptic.
In truth, it is hard not to describe the earthquake as a disaster of biblical proportions. It certainly looks as if the wrath of God has fallen upon the Caribbean nation. Add to this the fact that Haiti is well known for its history of religious syncretism — mixing elements of various faiths, including occult practices. The nation is known for voodoo, sorcery, and a Catholic tradition that has been greatly influenced by the occult.
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Posted by ajenkins on January 8, 2010 under Anglican Events, Devotionals, Faith At Home, Just A Thought |
If you need inspiration:
Lately in the Prayers of the People you may have heard us praying for Paul and Cheryl Minor of All Saints, Belmont. They are the Reverends Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Cheryl Minor, the Co-Rectors of All Saints Episcopal Church in Belmont, Massachusetts. We are praying for this couple and their church as we begin to create a Resolution #3 relationship with them and All Saints. Resolution #3 was one of the resolutions passed at our Diocesan Special Convention back in October of last year. That resolution encouraged us to form pastoral relationships with parishes and dioceses, both domestic and foreign to aid and support them as God forms a new Global Anglicanism. Many are paying a high price to defend and proclaim the orthodox faith, the Good News of Salvation bought for us by the Blood of Jesus Christ. Just as some are dying for their faith in parts of the world, Paul and Cheryl are paying a high price to proclaim Jesus as Savior and Lord. Paul has just been restored to active sacramental ministry after being inhibited for two years by Bishop Shaw of the Diocese of Massachusetts. The power of the church has always been built on the blood, the hardships of the martyrs. I pray the hardships the Minor’s are enduring may inspire you in your own faith and growth. Acts 7:55,56
If you need information:
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