Hymn of the Week: Great is Thy Faithfulness

This is one of my all-time favorites. I encourage you to meditate on these words. The words are by Thomas Chisholm; the music was written for these words by William M. Runyan.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain

Thinking Like a Christian, Week 10: History

How Should We Interpret Human Events?

Consider carefully the difference between these two phrases:

• Christ died for our sins and rose again.
• Christ died and rose again.

The first one is a statement of Theology. The second one is a statement of History. Both, of course, are true.

The Historicity of the Bible is an important matter. If the Bible is not factually accurate, how can it be the Word of God (1 Cor. 15:13-19)? If the Bible is not accurate, God is not Truth. If the Bible is not accurate, our faith as Christians is in vain, and we will be miserable.

Thankfully, the Bible has been accurately copied down throughout the centuries. For example, the Dead Sea Scrolls, which when found were a thousand or so years older than any known manuscript of Isaiah, were found to be nearly identical to the later copies which were already possessed. Copies of Scripture written down in different centuries are virtually identical.

The Bible makes an effort to place its message and its major figures in their historical contexts (See Luke 3:1-2, 3:23-28). In short, the Bible is a reliable, historical document in harmony with the known facts of history.

The Bible is also accurate historically. Its author is God (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Tim. 3:16), Who used inspiration through men to guarantee the Scripture's truth and accuracy. The men whom God used were, for the most part, eyewitnesses to the events they recorded (Acts 4:20; 1 John 1:1-3, 4:14); the New Testament writers all wrote within the first several decades after Christ's return to heaven.

Archaeology also supports the Bible, showing consistent consistency between the Bible and history and supporting a myriad of details found in Scripture. Secular history also supports the Bible in many ways. Non-Christian historians have learned much about many of the people in the Bible, and were writing about Christ in the century following His death, resurrection, and return to His Father.

Jesus Christ is a real, historical figure. Certainly, if the Bible is a historical book, He must have lived according to the record given in it. Christ's impact on the world, from the early Christian times to the present, is unfathomable if He were not a real, historical person. Eyewitnesses to His life, death, resurrection, and ascension were many (see 1 Cor. 15:3-8), and many who saw Him had incredibly changed lives.

"The early non-Christian testimonies concerning Jesus, though scanty, are sufficient to prove (even without taking into account the evidence contained in the New Testament) that he was a historical figure who lived in Palestine in the early years of the first centruy, that he gathered a group of followers about himself, and that he was condemned to death under Pontius Pilate. Today no competent scholar denies the historicity of Jesus." Bruce Metzger, The New Testament: Its Background, Growth, and Content, p. 78.

The Bible also provides an accurate framework for all of history. It is worth noting that those who believe in non-Christian worldviews want to promote their own views of history. But why? If God is in control of all of history, then every day and every action of our lives will and must have meaning and purpose. Furthermore, understanding how God works in our individual lives helps us to understand how God directs the course of history.

"Either human history was ordained by God and is directed by Him toward an ultimate conclusion, or human history began due to a random spark in a prebiotic soup and has only chance to thank for its present course." David Noebel, Thinking Like a Christian, pp. 152-153.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ provides the keystone in the framework of history. If it is historical, it gives hope, meaning, and purpose to every individual—and it reminds us that we cannot save ourselves. God is active throughout history and will see His will done. History is the unfolding of His ultimate plan. All of history works together for good: Sin will be conquered and Christ will rule and reign triumphantly forever.

The Bible gives a "linear" interpretation of history. History had a beginning (creation), and is being directed toward a specific end: Judgment. History is neither cyclical nor random. It is purposeful and goal-directed.

The Bible has also provided an accurate foretelling of history. It is already grounded in historical facts and many of its prophecies have already come to pass. The outcome of world history is already certain. History is moving toward a climactic day of judgment. Although the unsaved will begin an eternity of damnation, Christians will spend eternity with Jesus Christ, sharing in the triumph of His victory over sin and death.

Some More Enjoyable News

This one, like the G.I. Joe article just mentioned, comes from Foxnews.com; but this one is much more enjoyable to read:

Here's the link; the text of most of the article is copied below.

ESCATAWPA, Miss. — A man trying to call a news station to complain about not getting a FEMA trailer after Hurricane Katrina accidentally dialed 911 and was charged with making methamphetamine after police arrived, authorities said.

Curtiss Randall Coleman was trying to get the number for Biloxi's WLOX-TV on Wednesday just before the 6 p.m. newscast, investigators said. He misdialed when trying to reach directory information and called 911 instead of 411.

When he hung up on the emergency dispatcher, the Jackson County Sheriff's Department was sent to the home to see if anyone was in need of assistance.

Deputies said that when they arrived at Coleman's house, no one answered the door. Officers broke in and allegedly found a methamphetamine lab.

Coleman, 53, and four others were arrested, including Coleman's son, Christopher, 30. A fifth suspect remains at large.

"It was a calamity of errors on Mr. Coleman's part," said Sgt. Curtis Spears, commander of the Narcotics Task Force of Jackson County.

Say It Ain't So, G.I. Joe!

Today's nauseating dose of political correctness:

Apparently Paramount is going to be making a new G.I. Joe movie sometime in the next year or two. (Read the article here.) Instead of the lead character being a tough, macho, American soldier, he is to be morphed into G.I.J.O.E., Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity, "an international, coed task force charged with defeating bad guys." A "wider, more international audience" is sought, because, after all, in today's international political climate, a real-looking U.S. soldier might not fly.

I'll let you read the article if you want (here's another link). I have never been a particularly strong fan of the G.I. Joe action figures; but if you, like me, consider American soldiers to be honorable figures worth promoting on the national and international stage, you will not enjoy this article too much. It is sickening to see the disrespect shown toward American soldiers by such a portrayal.

I don't attend movies. But if I did, I and my family would boycott this one. I wouldn't buy any of the inevitable toys/games/paper plates/action figures/clothing/junk/knockoffs of it at my local Wal-Mart (or any other retailer). I cannot imagine myself supporting a movie that does such disrespect to what everyone in America ought to recognize as a wholesome figure: The American soldier, doing good.

Support and pray for the American military.

Humor for my fellow BJU Alumni...

I graduated from Bob Jones University in 1993 and promptly joined their Alumni Association, with which I have achieved life membership status. Because I joined before graduation, I received a wallet-sized, laminated miniature of my diploma. Many of us carry them in our wallets to this day.

A couple weeks ago, when I started working a temp job, I had forgotten to take my Social Security card with me...so I had to stop by their office and have them make a copy of it. Not a problem. Then the receptionist asked me, "Did you bring a copy of your diploma?"

I remembered at that moment that in the paperwork I received, it did say that for this job, the person had to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma. No one had told me to bring a copy of my high school diploma so that it would be on file.

Guess what I offered her? She took it, made a copy, and all is well.

Hymn of the Week: Come, Thou Almighty King

This hymn reminds us of the Trinity of Father, Son, and Spirit; of our duty to call upon them throughout the events of life; and of the greatness of each. Meditate upon God, in His three Persons, today.

The authorship of the words is anonymous.

Come, Thou Almighty King

Come, Thou almighty King,
Help us Thy Name to sing, help us to praise!
Father all glorious, o’er all victorious,
Come and reign over us, Ancient of Days!

Come, Thou incarnate Word,
Gird on Thy mighty sword, our prayer attend!
Come, and Thy people bless, and give Thy Word success,
Spirit of holiness, on us descend!

Come, holy Comforter,
Thy sacred witness bear in this glad hour.
Thou Who almighty art, now rule in every heart,
And ne’er from us depart, Spirit of power!

To Thee, great One in Three,
Eternal praises be, hence, evermore.
Thy sovereign majesty may we in glory see,
And to eternity love and adore!

What was wrong with I-A and I-AA?

In watching these first early college football games (generally, mismatch blowouts) and reading the results, I keep getting reminded that I-A and I-AA are no longer the "official" designations; they are the Bowl Subdivision and the Championship Subdivision. Does anyone know why this was done? I do not.

And speaking of Championship Subdivision teams:
Appalachian State 34, @ Michigan 32.

Thinking Like a Christian, Week 9: Economics

What Produces a Sound Economy?

We shall begin by looking at some biblical assumptions concerning economics. The first two are that man is inherently sinful and that justice and the protection of property are important; these were discussed in previous lessons in this series.

Private property ownership is a biblical right, and proper stewardship of that property is our duty. There are a number of Bible passages which speak to this topic. Exodus 20:15 may be the most important: "Thou shalt not steal." This command gives an implicit recognition of private property, and, furthermore, Exodus 22 speaks at length about restitution of property after it has been stolen. In Proverbs 31, the woman described makes many economic decisions which, again, imply that her property is hers to steward and use. Isaiah 65:21-22 and Jeremiah 32:43-44 contain prophecies which mention that people will have their own individual lands and property in God's Millennial Kingdom. Luke 12:13-31 speaks both about property and sin—but the sins described are selfishness and greed, not ownership. Likewise, in Acts 5:1-4, where Ananias sells a property, gives part of the money to the church, and lies about it, he is not punished or even criticized for his economic decision—he was punished for lying.

There are a variety of other passages in the Bible which indicate that private ownership of property was the normal situation of God's people, and will be normal in His kingdom (Deut. 8; Ruth 2; Micah 4:1-4; Isa. 65:21-22).

Work is a duty commanded by God, beginning with Adam and Eve. Adam was given work to do (Gen. 1:28), he did it (2:15), and was further commanded that he would have to work after he sinned (3:19). Other well-known passages on this topic include Eph. 4:28 and 2 Thess. 3:10. Work may bring wealth—and that's OK, according to Prov. 10:4 and other passages. But wealth is to be the servant to God's will and the needs of others (Matt. 25:14-30; James 2:14-16); it is not for our own selfish consumption. Last of all, God is ultimately the Owner of all property (Ps. 24:1-2).

It is also important to define and describe free enterprise. It certainly involves private property ownership. It also involves individual responsibilities (often called "stewardship" in Scripture), and allows for the individual's initiative and creativity to be used at the individual's discretion. It is, at its very essence, the opposite of the essence of socialism. Here are some differences between the two:

• Individual freedom to make economic decisions (free market) vs. Centralized control
• Private property vs. Collective or governmental ownership
• Requires less government to implement vs. Requires more government to implement
  
• Incentives to have a work ethic vs. Disincentives to work
• Individual responsibility vs. Lack of individual responsibility
• Competition vs. Lack of competition
• The worth of the individual vs. The worth of the state/community
• Wealthy generate more wealth vs. Wealthy hide and hoard their wealth

The lessons of history also tells us that free enterprise is much more amenable to the production of wealth, and is more helpful to the poor, than socialism in any of its forms.

"One dominant feature of capitalism is economic freedom, the right of people to exchange things voluntarily, free from force, fraud, and theft. Capitalism is more than this, of course, but its concern with free [and peaceful] exchange [of goods and services] is obvious. Socialism, on the other hand, seeks to replace the freedom of the market with a group of central planners who exercise control over essential market functions." Ronald Nash, Poverty and Wealth: The Christian Debate Over Capitalism, p. 63

It is now a simple matter to see how free enterprise is in harmony with biblical teachings. Only the private ownership of property allows using our property to serve others, as the Bible frequently commands. In a biblical system, ownership of private property causes people to focus on the need to work and serve others, rather than accumulate possessions for themselves (the fact that many people do the opposite in no way diminishes the biblical teachings on the subject). Stewardship of property, also a frequent command in Scripture, is much easier when the property is privately owned.

The Bible also teaches us that poverty is sometimes the result of laziness (Prov. 6:6-11, 10:4, 13:4, 24:30-34), although God may allow our possessions to be taken away in order to further our spiritual growth, or for other reasons in His providential plan.

Neither the rich nor the poor is to be preferred in matters of justice (Lev. 19:15; notice the quote below, too). As David Noebel says in Thinking Like a Christian, "Justice requires equality before the law, not equality of incomes or abilities." (p. 140)

[After quoting Lev. 19:15] "God is not 'on the side of the poor,' despite protests to the contrary. Any law, therefore, that gives an advantage in the economic sphere to anyone, rich or poor, violates Biblical justice." E. Calvin Beisner, Prosperity and Poverty: The Compassionate Use of Resources in a World of Scarcity, p. 52.

There will always be poor people in society (Matt. 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8). Although not everyone has equal skills or comparable social contacts, everyone should be granted the opportunity to do something legitimate in the marketplace.

Let us also remember that no economic system ever can or ever will save mankind. Our salvation is by grace through faith, and our Saviour's gift is available to all.

Let us conclude with some final reasons why Free Enterprise is most compatible with a Christian worldview. We should also remember the truism that those who own property are more likely to take care of it than those who do not own the property. Free enterprise and private property ownership give people the freedom to obey God where their property and money are concerned, especially in the area of stewardship. Capitalist competition encourages cooperation with, and "service" to, others; for example, a business must be a "servant" to its customers, or else those customers will go elsewhere. Individuals have the freedom to choose how they can be successful in a free market; therefore, they can employ their God-given abilities and talents in productive ways. They can also gain property with which to serve God and others.

A final quote from Frederick Engels, friend of Karl Marx and champion of communism:

"If some few passages in the Bible may be favourable to Communism, the general spirit of its doctrines is, nevertheless, totally opposed to it."

Book Review: "John Adams" by John Patrick Diggins

Most of the volumes in the American Presidents Series have an emphasis on the biography of the subject: What he did, his major life events, significant accomplishments, etc. Adequate background of the time and context of the presidency is usually provided.

John Patrick Diggins's book on John Adams is somewhat different. It is by far the most philosophical of the seventeen books that I have read in this series. Of course, when studying John Adams, philosophy is a major component. Adams was a deep thinker, more a philosopher and statesman than a politician. Some biographical information is given, but as I read the book, it seemed more like an analysis (and a very favorable one) of his philosophies and presidency than a typical biography.

If you are looking to read a good biography of John Adams, I would highly recommend David McCullough's book—although it is a lot longer than this book. McCullough, like Diggins, shows Adams in a very positive light. Considering all of Adams' accomplishments as a founder of our country, that is appropriate. If you are looking for an analysis of where Adams stood on issues and why, this is your book.

This biography is one volume in The American Presidents Series, published by Times Books (Henry Holt & Co.). This is now the 17th book I have read in the series. Most, but not all, of the presidential biographies have already been written, each by an author who is well acquainted with the subject. Perhaps 1/4 remain to be published. The overall series of books is great. Each biography averages about 150 pages of scholarly, yet readable, writing. Each assumes that the reader knows a little of the background of the period of history during which the president served. I have been collecting them for four years and now have eighteen of the books (I have not yet read the volume on Washington).

Most portray the subject in a positive light, yet do not overlook the foibles and mistakes the executive may have made. Even relatively obscure presidents like Van Buren, Arthur, or Harding get their due. If you enjoy biographies and you enjoy American history, I can heartily recommend that you find the volume on a favorite president (or even one you know little about) and enjoy yourself.