Reprise: The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards

Back in 2013, I first posted these, but I continue to refer to them in my teaching and mentoring, and thought that it would be worthwhile to repost this very helpful piece (thanks to Edwards, not me).

Jonathan Edwards was, perhaps, the greatest Christian thinker ever produced in North America.  But equally marvelous is the record of his personal devotion.  As a New Year is upon us, let me share with you the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards.  These, taken from his writings, are a set of 70 resolutions that he created and re-read every week for over 35 years.  With each resolution, you will a date that it was written or edited.  What a list it is, yet notice how he begins--acknowledging that no good thing can be done without God's help.  Thus, he asks the Lord to help him achieve what he sets out to do for God's glory.

The following Resolutions are quoted in their entirety from volume one of The Works of Jonathan Edwards.

“Being sensible that I am unable to do any thing without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him, by his grace, to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.

Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

1. Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general.Resolved, so to do, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.

2. Resolved, To be continually endeavouring to find out some new contrivance and invention to promote the forementioned things.

3. Resolved, If ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, Never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God, nor be, nor suffer it, if I can possibly avoid it.

5. Resolved, Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, To live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, To act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings, as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God. Vid. July 30.

9. Resolved, To think much, on all occasions, of my dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, When I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder.xxi

12. Resolved, If I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, To be endeavouring to find out fit objects of liberality and charity.

14. Resolved, Never to do any thing out of revenge.

15. Resolved, Never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.

16. Resolved, Never to speak evil of any one, so that it shall tend to his dishonour, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, That I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, To live so, at all times, as I think is best in my most devout frames, and when I have the clearest notions of the things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, To maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.

22. Resolved, To endeavour to obtain for myself as much happiness in the other world as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigour, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

23. Resolved, Frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs, and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the fourth Resolution.

24. Resolved, Whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then, both carefully endeavour to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, To examine carefully and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and so direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, To cast away such things as I find do abate my assurance.

27. Resolved, Never wilfully to omit any thing, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

28. Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, Never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession which I cannot hope God will accept.

30. Resolved, To strive every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

31. Resolved, Never to say any thing at all against any body, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of christian honour, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said any thing against any one, to bring it to, and try it strictly by, the test of this Resolution.

32. Resolved, To be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that, in Prov. xx. 6. ‘A faithful man, who can find?’ may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, To do always what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace, when it can be done without an overbalancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.

34. Resolved, In narrations, never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity.

35. Resolved, Whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.

36. Resolved, Never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call to it. Dec. 19, 1722.

37. Resolved, To inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent,—what sin I have committed,—and wherein I have denied myself;—also, at the end of every week, month, and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.

38. Resolved, Never to utter any thing that is sportive, or matter of laughter, on a Lord’s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.

39. Resolved, Never to do any thing, of which I so much question the lawfulness, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or not; unless I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

40. Resolved, To inquire every night before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.

41. Resolved, to ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month, and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.

42. Resolved, Frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism, which I solemnly renewed when I was received into the communion of the church, and which I have solemnly re-made this 12th day of January, 1723.

43. Resolved, Never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s; agreeably to what is to be found in Saturday, Jan. 12th.Jan. 12, 1723.

44. Resolved, That no other end but religion shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan. 12, 1723.

45. Resolved, Never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12 and 13, 1723.

46. Resolved, Never to allow the least measure of any fretting or uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved, to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eye; and to be especially careful of it with respect to any of our family.

47. Resolved, To endeavour, to my utmost, to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate and generous, humble and meek, submissive and obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable and even, patient, moderate, forgiving, and sincere, temper; and to do, at all times, what such a temper would xxiilead me to; and to examine strictly, at the end of every week, whether I have so done. Sabbath morning, May 5, 1723.

48. Resolved, Constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or not; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.

49. Resolved, That this never shall be, if I can help it.

50. Resolved, That I will act so, as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.

51. Resolved, That I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.

52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, That I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.

53. Resolved, To improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.

54. Resolved, Whenever I hear anything spoken in commendation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, that I will endeavour to imitate it. July 8, 1723.

55. Resolved, To endeavour, to my utmost, so to act, as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven and hell torments. July 8, 1723.

56. Resolved, Never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

57. Resolved, When I fear misfortunes and adversity, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it and let the event be just as Providence orders it. I will, as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13, 1723.

58. Resolved, Not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness, and benignity. May 27, and July 13, 1723.

59. Resolved, When I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 11, and July 13.

60. Resolved, Whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4 and 13, 1723.

61. Resolved, That I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it—that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, &c. May 21, and July 13, 1723.

62. Resolved, Never to do any thing but my duty, and then, according to Eph. vi. 6-8. to do it willingly and cheerfully, as unto the Lord, and not to man: knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall be receive of the Lord. June 25, and July 13, 1723.

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true lustre, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, To act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan. 14, and July 13, 1723.

64. Resolved, When I find those ”groanings which cannot be uttered,“ of which the apostle speaks, and those ”breathings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the psalmist speaks, Psalm cxix. 20. that I will promote them to the utmost of my power; and that I will not be weary of earnestly endeavouring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and Aug. 10, 1723.

I actually own a shirt with this picture

65. Resolved, Very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness of which I am capable, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him, all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance, according to Dr. Manton’s Sermon on the 119th Psalm,. July 26, and Aug. 10, 1723.

66. Resolved, That I will endeavour always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking, in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

67. Resolved, After afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them; what good I have got by them; and, what I might have got by them.

68. Resolved, To confess frankly to myself, all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

69. Resolved, Always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.

70. Let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723.”

Pastors, Pay Attention to Details in Your Sermon!

I would be the last person to suggest that I am the model of what a preaching pastor should be--when I hear myself from time to time, I honestly wonder why anyone keeps coming back to hear me. It is an amazing privilege to preach God's Word, and I do not take it lightly--may I never do so! But I continue to work at it, and I trust that you do, too.

When I listen to a sermon, I sometimes find that little mistakes stick out and distract me. This is more of a problem for those of us who are more familiar with the text, and it's certainly not like sharing wrong theology. But, we ought to do all we can to minimize confusion and distractions.

So, can I just encourage all of us preachers, teachers, and those who aspire to do the same to be attentive to the small (and perhaps not so small) things that can cause a mind seeking to follow us not to be distracted or misled through carelessness in the details. Here are three examples I would encourage you to consider.

1. Know your Bible names and books as your people should know them. Jesus lived in Nazareth growing up, and he raised Lazarus from the dead, not "Lazareth." Every time I hear a preacher say the latter, I cringe. It happens in the story of the rich man and Lazarus, as well! The final book of the Bible is not "Revelations" but "Revelation." The Old Testament book is Psalms, but when we look up one we say "Psalm" as in "Psalm 23" never "Psalms 23."

2.  Practice Bible names and places if you are going to read or use them out loud. But be careful about trying to give a common Bible name or place the "right"original pronunciation, though. Yes, the Hebrews would have called him "Shaul," but he is Saul in English. Jesus is our Savior, and while "Y'shua" is the Hebrew/Aramaic name, we sound pretentious when we do that. At the same time, there is genuine room for variety with an "Epaphras" (is it EPaphras, ePAPHras, or epaPHRAS--the Greek would favor the last, but I hear the first two more often) so choose and stick to it! Generally, it's best to use whatever has become the commonly accepted pronunciation, if there is one.

3. Keep your Bible characters and stories straight. Recently I heard a great speaker refer to Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (he got that right!) as having anointed Jesus' feet with her tears and then drying them with her hair. It's a wonderful story, but it's not Mary! Mary anointed Jesus with valuable ointment and dried his feet with her hair just before his burial, in her home in Bethany (Matt 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, John 12:2-11), not in Galilee where the other woman, a notorious sinner, entered a Pharisee's house to do this earlier (Luke 7:37 ff). Oh, and this wasn't Mary Magdalene either--many suggest it was. While she might have had a sinful background (after all she had seven demons cast out of her) she isn't named here. And one more thing, the woman taken in adultery in John 7:53-8:11 was not Mary Magdalene either--although that is an error that goes back over 1500 years, it isn't true, as that woman (a resident of Jerusalem, not Galilee) is not named. Mary Magdalene loved the Lord, but no anointing by her is ever recorded.

The Day Christ Died: Right On Time

There are a number of times in the New Testament narratives of Jesus' earthly ministry when his enemies were ready to kill him. Whether it was the hometown crowd in Nazareth trying to throw him over a cliff, the Pharisees who were angered at his devastating critiques of their pseudo-holiness, or the religious and political leaders of the Jewish people who actively sought to capture and execute him, his life was regularly in danger. At various times, it is recorded that their anger and their attempts to kill him were stymied because it wasn't his "time" or his "hour." Jesus knew this, and his sense of timing was always present.

It was after Peter's confession of him as Messiah that Matthew 16 records that "at that time" Jesus began to tell them over and over of his going to Jerusalem to be betrayed, executed, and to rise from the dead. They didn't really understand, and even fought against this knowledge, but perhaps they didn't worry too much because it wasn't his time yet.

And then, it was his time. His message on Thursday as preparations for Passover began was, "My time is at hand" (Matthew 26:18). In the Garden of Gethsemane, as Judas approached and his friends slept, he said "See, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand" (Matthew 26:45-46). Arrested, bound, led from one trial to another before Jewish leaders, the darkness before morning most likely found Jesus held prisoner in the dungeon under the palace of the High Priest. As they waited for the earliest moment they could take him to Pilate, Jesus languished in the pit that served to hold prisoners, and may have rehearsed the psalm that foreshadowed this moment, its pain, and its purposes--Psalm 88, written a millennium before.

Reading Psalm 88 in the pit used to hold prisoners under
the house of the High Priest in Jerusalem

¹     O Lord, God of my salvation;
I cry out day and night before you.
²     Let my prayer come before you;
incline your ear to my cry!
³     For my soul is full of troubles,
and my life draws near to Sheol.
⁴     I am counted among those who go down to the pit;
I am a man who has no strength,
⁵     like one set loose among the dead,
like the slain that lie in the grave,
like those whom you remember no more, 

The hole through which prisoners would have been
lowered by a rope into the dungeon. The cross was
added later when this site became a church

for they are cut off from your hand.
⁶     You have put me in the depths of the pit,
in the regions dark and deep.
⁷     Your wrath lies heavy upon me,
and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah
⁸     You have caused my companions to shun me;
you have made me a horror to them.
I am shut in so that I cannot escape;
⁹     my eye grows dim through sorrow.
Every day I call upon you, O Lord;
I spread out my hands to you.
¹⁰     Do you work wonders for the dead?
Do the departed rise up to praise you? Selah
¹¹     Is your steadfast love declared in the grave,
or your faithfulness in Abaddon?
¹²     Are your wonders known in the darkness,
or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
¹³     But I, O Lord, cry to you;
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
¹⁴     O Lord, why do you cast my soul away?
Why do you hide your face from me?
¹⁵     Afflicted and close to death from my youth up,
I suffer your terrors; I am helpless.
¹⁶     Your wrath has swept over me;
your dreadful assaults destroy me.
¹⁷     They surround me like a flood all day long;
they close in on me together.
¹⁸     You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me; 
my companions have become darkness. 

(Psalm 88, ESV)

The Place of the Skull

Outside, the crowds were assembling in Jerusalem and would soon awake to make their way to the Temple where their Passover lambs were being slain at such a high rate that the Kidron Brook's waters ran deep red as it drained away from the city--it was as if the city was bleeding. Israel's Passover was being celebrated, and in just a few hours the greater Passover lamb would be slain at exactly the same hour.

This was the moment--the time that had been determined in the counsels of eternity, and announced only yesterday. This was how Jesus' "Good Friday" began according to his own orchestrated timing--in a pit, alone, in pain, abandoned. We (and he) know what is coming: the trial before Pilate, the scourging, the grisly procession to Golgotha, the cross, the darkness, and the death.

This was the time.

This was the price to be paid if his sheep were to be rescued.

And in this moment of his choosing, he continued to choose to suffer, to to go forward, and to bear this all... for you and for me. 

Why NOT Support Donald Trump?

RANT ALERT: The following is an expression of personal opinion, and not to be taken as representing anyone other than me as an individual.

Sigh. It has become obvious that too many "evangelical Christians" (as elastic as that term has become) are supporting Donald Trump for the Republican nomination for president. Frankly, I think too many people with brains are supporting him and I cannot understand why. Two posts ago, I gave my perspective as a Christian on the upcoming election and candidates. It was less pointed than this is going to be, as time has passed that makes heightens my concern for my fellow Christians in particular and our nation more generally.

To hear some talk, Trump's nomination is a "done deal" and now we have to consider whether we vote for him in the general election, vote for either Hillary Clinton (who has proven to be allergic to truth) and get more of the same as we have now or Sanders (whose single greatest qualification is that he is not Hillary) and get the same as now on steroids, vote for a third party candidate, or stay home.

I don't think we are there, yet. But let me offer a few thoughts about why I am hoping we don't get there.

When people say "evangelical Christians" are supporting Trump, take that with a grain of salt. There are plenty of such "evangelical Christians" who are duped by the prosperity gospel, so I can't be surprised that a rich guy would appeal to them, especially when he seems to know about the same amount of Bible as they do. But more importantly, more evangelicals are supporting Cruz, Rubio, and Carson (perhaps even Kasich) when their numbers are added together, and yes, there are evangelicals who are Democrats and aren't in this fight. The most alarmed voices I hear about Trump are coming from Christians, like Max Lucado (read his piece here) or Matt Walsh (click to read one of his many pieces). The president of Biola University (one of my alma maters), Barry Corey, has weighed in here, and Russell Moore of the SBC's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission did so here, way back in September, 2015.  Yes, I know Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr., endorsed him, and I think he should be embarrassed by that (so should alumni). I'd much rather commend such men as Dr. Thomas White (president of  my first alma mater, Cedarville University), Wayne Grudem (professor at Phoenix Seminary and my favorite systematic theologian), and others who are serving on Marco Rubio's Religious Liberty Advisory Board.

Trump supporters like his theme, "Make America Great Again." But, by what measure? Does he mean as the most powerful nation? I believe we still are. Does he mean economically? Again, I think we have amassed enough wealth for first place. Does he mean as a moral beacon to the world? It doesn't sound like it, and his personal record of boasting in immorality would not equip him to lead that charge. Is he wanting everyone to be afraid of us? I think so, but he has also argued against intervening in foreign wars where American interests may be involved. It seems to be a line designed to make people long for something past, without explaining what "greatness" is. Back in the 1920s, Mussolini promised Italy a return to the grandeur of the Roman Empire, and in the 1930s, Hitler won on a campaign of making Germany great again, and we know how that went, So, "greatness" isn't necessarily something we can rally around unless and until we know what it is, and how it is to be achieved (and no, I am not calling Trump "Hitler,"--I'm pointing to the naked "nationalism" that his appeals have that are what Hitler and Mussolini appealed to. Nationalism is distinct from patriotism, but that is a discussion for another time). Greatness is not just having your name on big buildings, or associated with flamboyance and greed.

He wants to build a wall on our southern border and make Mexico pay for it. His companies build buildings and then can't figure out how to pay for them--see the numerous corporate bankruptcies they have taken. His buildings have been built by the labor he says he wants to keep out, and that he plans to deport. Does anyone think that this will happen? I'm a strong supporter of border security, but not dreams that another government will pay for it.

He has no clear plans for carrying out his pronouncements. He wants to repeal and replace Obamacare, and he wants a system that covers everyone, but other than allowing interstate competition among insurance providers (a genuinely good idea that most Republican candidates have endorsed), he is very short on details. He says he'll defund Planned Parenthood because of "the abortion business" but says they do "wonderful things" for "millions of women." Could he actually support that statement? Over and over he says he'll bring jobs back from China, Mexico, and other places, but not tell how. He acts as if the President of the United States has the power of "Deal Maker in Chief" and will just "do" these things. Is that realistic? As an historical reality check, Barack Obama had, for his first 2 years in office, a super-majority in both houses of Congress and still had to rely on a parliamentary trick to get his Affordable Care Act passed. For the past six years, he has had little legislative success and only been able to make large changes through court decisions going his way or executive orders. I don't say that to be "political," but it is true, and it has been the sad story of many presidents in both parties--Congress doesn't always play along. The Donald has never had to deal with people who could stop his plans simply by ignoring them.

Trump is appealing to those who feel that life has gone wrong, and that the country is being "beat up." He is acting like a combination miracle worker/benefactor/avenger--an American Messiah. He'll build that wall. He'll fix the economy, He'll bring good jobs back, and get rid of the new healthcare system and bring us a different new healthcare system so everyone will be covered and it will cost less. He'll beat up on China, and he knows how to make deals with Putin. And he'll "tell it like it is" about all those losers and wimps who don't agree with him. I think his supporters like having the bully on the street be on their side. And Trump's talk and demeanor certainly seem similar to a street bully.

The legions of Trump followers are right about life going wrong. It has--the gospel tells us that. But Christians who believe the gospel know that life doesn't get better by politics but by repentance and faith, and it doesn't get all better now, but later. Christians can (and should) look to biblical truth to guide the shaping of civil morality and the size and scope of governmental influence. Trump claims to be a Christian, and takes umbrage whenever his profession is questioned. He says he's being audited so much by the IRS because he's such a strong Christian, and NOBODY reads the Bible more than he does. But Trump's Christianity is the kind where he says he never asks for forgiveness but just tries to do better, and where he says his favorite Bible verse is "private."That has little resemblance to anything we find Jesus and the apostles teaching or encouraging.

That a candidate like Trump can get support should not surprise us. The rich, demagogues, and political radicals have often gained followings in American politics--names like Huey Long, Strom Thurmond, Henry Wallace, George Wallace, and Ross Perot come to mind (you who don't like American history can google them if you want). Christians has often been just as complicit in their rise then as they are now with Trump.

Will he win? I don't know. I hope not. But the Bible makes clear that God is in control of who's in control (I heard Larry Osborne say that recently, and I like it), and if he wins, God has not somehow been either defeated or hoodwinked. Perhaps God is looking at a nation that has squandered more gospel knowledge and providential blessing and protection than any nation around it during its entire history: a nation that kills its young for personal pleasure and convenience, that chooses to call evil "good" and vice versa, and celebrates many of the things that Romans 1 says are the results of being under God's wrath, and is deciding to simply give us the government we richly deserve. We shall see. What we get does not change our calling or diminish our hope--both are anchored in Jesus Christ, not politics.

Ashes, Ashes...

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40 days of Lent leading up to Easter Sunday. Ashes that are from the palms used the previous Palm Sunday are used to mark the observant on this day. My friend Arby up at the Presbyterian Church in Clifton invited me (perhaps a bit tongue in cheek) to come up and receive "the imposition of ashes" today. I don't think I'll make it. But I know that many of us who did not grow up with Lent wonder what it's about, or whether we should be observing it (I don't say "celebrate," because it is a fast, not a feast, and meant to be a time of self-denial). If you grew up, like I did in my elementary years, in a predominately Roman Catholic town, you may have seen people with ashes smudged on their foreheads, and heard people talk about what they were "giving up" for Lent--it could have been a significant fast-type sacrifice (no meat other than fish was not uncommon), or it could have been much less ("no chocolate," "no TV," and "no booze" were three I remember hearing from people).

Why observe Lent? Or why not? While thought of as belonging to the more liturgical traditions, more evangelicals are choosing to use Lent as a part of their church calendar--some use it only "devotionally" (with a focus on the end of Christ's earthly ministry) while others include the self-denial/fasting aspects as a means of focusing one's thoughts and heart on the upcoming remembrance of the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ.

Where did Lent come from? According to Irenaeus and Tertullian (church fathers from the later 2nd century) there was fasting before Easter for periods from one day to forty hours (believed to be the amount to time Christ was in the tomb). This Easter fasting grew to include the whole of the week from Palm Sunday (often called Holy Week) and after the Council of Nicea, a growing trend took hold to extend the fasting out 40 days before Easter (there were variations over time and geography, but often modeled after various 40 day fasts in the Bible, including that of Jesus in the wilderness). It was also common to fast before one's baptism, and Easter was a popular day for being baptized, so that also may have figured in to the observance. By the end of the first millennium after Christ, all Christians observed Lent. Only in the Reformation did the issue begin to be re-examined, as questions of church traditions were examined in light of Scripture.

Luther and Calvin both saw Lent as something that could be used well when it sprang from a heart of gratitude toward God, when it was not practiced superstitiously as a "work" to earn God's favor, and when it was following the Lord's example of fasting for spiritual purposes. Zwingli felt the same, but is noted for supporting those in his congregation who chose not to fast (exercising Christian freedom) in an environment where everyone fasted out of a sense of obligation and under what was then church law.

As Reformers of a more radical bent came along, practices that were not explicitly spelled out in the Bible came to be rejected. For these later Reformers (including English Puritans and early Baptists) all church feasts and fasts were seen as unnecessary and superstitious, and were eliminated (including Christmas and Easter celebrations). Only Sunday as "the Lord's Day" and church ordinances/sacraments were kept. Even the church's liturgical calendar, that had guided regular readings of Scripture in all churches, was widely abandoned.

Over time, however, many Protestants who came from such radical roots began to moderate their objections over these once-rejected "Romanist trappings." The use of Christmas and Easter as both celebrations and witnesses to gospel truth became accepted and now preferred. Advent (the season of preparation for Christmas) has had a resurgence, as has the use of various church calendar holidays (Pentecost Sunday for example). And even Lent has made a comeback among those among whom it was once mocked.

As one who has a great appreciation of church history, I welcome a closer examination of ancient practices that many used for spiritual edification and growth. There were some important reasons why the early church encouraged fasts and feasts, and why they took seriously the need for both self-discipline and corporate expressions of devotion. Our contemporary approaches to spiritual growth could benefit from both as well. However, I also know that there were some incorrect ideas that show themselves early in church history (like all the confusion over who should be baptized and how) that reminds me that old errors are still errors, and many things that are "ancient" in their origins were rejected for a reason.

My conclusion? If something can be Gospel centered, Christ exalting, biblically faithful and informed, and profitably used, then whether ancient or contemporary, it is available to us for personal or corporate edification. But here I would also agree with the earlier Reformers that either banning or legislating such things would be unwise and might strike at the heart of Christian freedom.

So, if you choose to use Lent as a personal time of reminder and reflection in preparation of celebrating Christ's resurrection--may the risen Lord bless you in it. Today is the day to get started! And if your church does this as a corporate experience, may your congregation be strengthened together in your faith and devotion to Jesus. And if, like me, you (and your church) do not observe it, may each day still be a day when the risen Christ's life and power are your focus and your strength.

Christians and Politics--the 2016 Remix

It's only January, but I'm late to the party commenting on the race to be the next President of the United States. I have waited to see what might develop before commenting publicly, because as pastor and teacher I know that I am held to a higher standard with public statements than the masses filling Facebook, Twitter, and the blogosphere with the latest posts and memes. And frankly, trying to explain to a public that doesn't necessarily want to weigh such decisions carefully and thoughtfully sometimes feels pointless. "What? You don't like MY candidate? How dare you!"

My support and vote are driven by:

Absolutes: I will not support a candidate who takes stands supporting moral evils that not only call for God's judgment, but undermine the fabric of human society. This includes support for abortion and approval of redefining marriage beyond the union of one man and one woman. I want a candidate whose views coincide with God's plans for human flourishing as revealed in Scripture and creation. I wrote a post before the last election about how I prioritize when candidates and parties offer differing views of what is most moral or "pro-life" here. Please read it.

Convictions: "Liberty and justice for all" is not just the closing line of the Pledge of Allegiance, but the goal of our constitutional government. Because I am acting as an American and exercising the rights provided by the Constitution, my candidate should support the original meaning of the Constitution and the duties of the President, including effectively serving as Commander in Chief, favoring the constitutional limitations on federal power, and allowing greater state and local influence on governmental decisions and directions. I will not actively support a candidate whose character is questionable or worse, and whose positions and behaviors fail to reflect integrity and consistency.

Preferences: I believe that people will do best in a society where judges follow the constitution instead of seeking to reinterpret it, where tax policy creates an equal burden for all rather than having some who pay nothing and some who pay half their income (this is a biblical pattern),  where immigration is well regulated and monitored and also growing, and where military intervention is rare, principled based on national security, and always well supported to be successful. A proven track record is preferable to inexperience in leadership.

Pragmatism: I want a candidate that has a good chance of both winning and governing in accord with his or her stated positions, and who is an able thinker and articulate advocate for those positions. And in a case where I have only bad choices, I will vote for the "lesser of two evils" rather than abstain and allow the worse evil to come.

That said, it is very easy for me to weigh in now, based on what we know.

Democratic candidates: there are none that pass any of my first three tests. Secretary Clinton is, as

one person has said, "an ethical train wreck," someone with no leadership success, who actively supports morally reprehensible (according to the Bible) policies. What we know of her character should exclude any serious person from voting for her to be president. Senator Sanders may be acceptable as a person, but is a self-described "democratic socialist," which means he does not support a Constitution that upholds and values individual liberties. He believes the government can take care of people if given enough of the people's money. And Governor O'Malley is a non-factor whose policies are also ruled out by my first three tests.

Republican candidates: In a field with a number of qualified and acceptable candidates with these tests, I find that Republicans seem to be moving toward a candidate I do not favor. Donald Trump has recently endorsed all the "right" views in some form for my first test, but until he became a candidate he was articulating the opposite. He reminds me of the long-gone Groucho Marx, who used to joke, "These are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others." His character includes openly bragging about his past immorality, praising an evil enemy (Vladimir Putin), and a pettiness toward insult that leads to responses beneath a leader.  He loved the Clintons before he was running against one. He brags of buying influence, but offers no real substantive proposals, other than saying he'll get things done and "win." His opponents are "losers." In my book, America would be losing if he were chosen as his party's candidate.

And the others? Frankly, I could accept any of the other major candidates and some who've already

bowed out. Let's get down to pragmatism. I personally favor many (not all) of the positions of men like Santorum, Huckabee, and Paul, but they have no real chance. Fiorina has much to commend her but has failed to generate enough support to be seriously considered any more. And while I have the highest respect for Dr. Carson, his clear lack of answers dealing with economic and international questions have hurt his candidacy. I think he could come up with good answers, but I'm not sure he would have the time to do so in a national crisis--on the job training for a non-executive or non-military leader has not proven a good course for our nation. And he is not effective in giving clear, concise answers. So I do not support his candidacy, though I would happily vote for him if he was the nominee of his party.

That leaves Cruz, Rubio, Bush, Christie, and Kasich. I could easily support them all. All pass the first three tests. Their differences are much less than their similarities. The three governors have all shown they can get things done, some in more difficult circumstances than others, and each with political compromises that some consider unacceptable, but I view as decisions made based on the realities they faced--they may not have been my decisions, but I understand their reasoning. The two senators
are so similar in substance that it is hard to separate on policy. Cruz has a better tax plan in my view. Rubio is more honest about his support for immigration (Cruz supported in some measure, but now does not). I happen to be closer to Rubio on that point. Both are less experienced in leading something.

Let me give you my assessment, and just take it for what you consider it to be worth:

• Bush--a good man, a good governor, but one who does not inspire and who has proven to be a much less effective candidate than I imagined. Sadly, the last name that gave him entry into politics could be enough to keep him from going further. 
• Christie--has governed a heavily Democratic state with success. He has not appointed judges that reflect his espoused views, but if they have to be confirmed in New Jersey, he may have selected what he could get through. He is an "in your face" political opponent, but Trump seems to have cornered the market on abrasiveness there.
• Cruz--I can agree with nearly all his positions. He shares my faith and is unashamed of its impact on his positions. He is seen as abrasive and is apparently disliked by almost all elected Republicans in Washington, D.C., which might be a problem but was where Ronald Reagan was in 1980 and especially in 1976. He's been in the Senate four years, and held a state elected office in Texas before that. The "truest" conservatives are most passionate about him.
• Kasich--I have lived under his governorship in Ohio, and I think he has done an excellent job in a tough time. It has helped that he had his party in control of the legislature the whole time. His decision to expand Medicaid in Ohio is abhorred by conservatives, but may have been bowing to reality--and in any case does not diminish his overall effectiveness, in my opinion. A bigger issue is the strange campaign he has run: little of substance and terrible style. 
• Rubio--last in the alphabet, but the top of my list. His political positions are nearly identical with my own (I wish he were bolder on taxes). He is the best orator in the field, and the most likable. He has been unashamed to identify his personal faith, even as his Catholic/Evangelical identity confuses both sides. Six years in the Senate were preceded by time in the Florida legislature (including time as Speaker of the House there). He's the candidate that, in my view, should have been the natural and wise choice, but his position on immigration has offended many (it is the same as Reagan's and perhaps even less "open" than the Gipper). 

So, there you go.

Let me repeat something I wrote just before the last presidential election about how we as Christians should approach the responsibility and privilege of voting:

First, we bow before God's sovereign will, knowing that He will guide events according to his plan for the ages and while we must exercise our responsibilities and will be held accountable for our free actions, He is bringing all of history to its God-glorifying, justice-rendering, mercy- and grace-filled, conclusion.  And we are to preach the Gospel of Jesus to the ends of the earth to hasten that day!

Second, we acknowledge that Christ is King over His kingdom, and while it is not here in its fullness, we who are its citizens are to live as such and demonstrate the difference it makes in our choices and in where our confidence lies.  

Third, we recognize that in a fallen world, we must often choose the lesser of two evils.  No one we could respect would argue that one candidate in our national election for president is God's man, while the other is the forerunner of the Antichrist!  They are both flawed men who hold positions and beliefs that do not reflect righteousness fully.  But we must still choose and should choose the lesser of the two evils (also known as the better of two alternatives).  I read a great post on that subject here.  The best reminder there: "Not only are the choices imperfect, but so also is the chooser."

Sermon Follow Up: "The Romans Road"

I mentioned yesterday the "Romans Road" as a plan of sharing the gospel that was popular in my youth. Of course, that means many of you have not heard of it. So, here it is.

As with any plan, it isn't perfect, but has been very helpful for many over the years in finding a way to share the main points of the gospel. It has a few variations, but here is the most complete version I can offer you.

The Romans Road (the full version)

God the Creator of Life:  Romans 1:20-21

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

²¹ For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

The Fact of Our Sin—Romans 3:23

            for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Man’s Inability to Be Right with God—Romans 3:10

            As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one…”

The Penalty of Sin—Romans 6:23a

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God’s Plan of Salvation—Romans 5:8

            But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God’s Promise of Eternal Life—Romans 6:23b

 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Man’s Proper Response—Romans 10:9-10, 13

⁹ because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

            ¹³ For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The Results of Salvation—

No condemnation—Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Peace with God—Romans 5:1

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.