Christian Living Today

Having looked at the supposed disagreement between Paul’s teachings and James’ teachings, we are going to dig a bit more into the background of this book to set the foundation for our studies in the book.

About the Author:James’ author gives us little personal information. Everything revealed about the author is included in the first sentence. “James, a bondservant of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, Greetings.”

What can we learn from the author’s own words?

One: His name was James.

Two: He serves God and our Lord Jesus Christ

Three: He is writing to the twelve tribes scattered abroad

Four: He uses a salutation unusual to the gospels, “Greeting”

Let’s look at each of these points and see what we can discern.

Point One: James is a common Jewish name. It is an English derivative of Jacob. There are four potential candidates with this name mentioned in the New Testament.- James the son of Alphaeus who was one of the twelve. We know very little about this James other than he was possibly Matthew’s brother (see Mark 2:14). However, this is all we know about him. He is not mentioned in any later accounts, and there is no reason to believe he penned this epistle.

- James the father of Judas who is mentioned in Luke 6:16. This is not Judas Iscariot but the other disciple named Judas. This is the only reference we have to this James. Due to his extreme obscurity (and the fact the writer of James feels no need to introduce himself - which implies he was well known), it is highly unlikely he is the book’s author.

- James, the apostle, the son of Zebedee and John’s elder brother. While we know much more about this James than the other two, we also know he was martyred very early on in the church’s history. In fact, he was the first apostle to be martyred and the second martyr for Christianity, Steven being the first. Thus he, also, could not have written this book.

- James the brother of our Lord appears to be the best candidate. Let’s see what our other points do to increase the likelihood of his authorship.

Point two: “He serves God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” This tells us a couple of things about the book’s author. One, he served God. This seems, most likely, to indicate a Jewish connection, i.e. ‘The God of his fathers’. Two, he served our Lord Jesus Christ. This indicates he was a Christian - a follower of Christ.We do know a few things from James’ history which appear to collaborate these points. There is reason to believe James is Mary’s second son, the eldest among Joseph and Mary’s offspring, because the eldest son’s name was usually listed first when the offspring were listed (Mar 6:3). We also know none of Jesus brother’s believed in Him (Jn 7:5) before His resurrection. However, Jesus showed James great mercy by appearing to him, personally, after His resurrection (1 Cor 15:7). Jesus had a special role for James to fill.

James was clearly converted either when Jesus appeared to him or shortly thereafter. We know this because we find James in the Upper Room with the disciples in Acts 1:14. He was one of those empowered by the Holy Spirit after Jesus’ ascension.

As Pastor MacArthur said, James went on to “become senior pastor of the first church at Jerusalem”, if you will. We see him serving in an important role (Acts 12:17; 15:22; 23:17). James was an important and well-known member of the early church. This clearly concurs with the book’s introduction.

James is a Jew. James is a Christian. James is well known, thus he needs no further introduction.

Point three: “He is writing to the twelve tribes scattered abroad.” This tells us he is writing to Jews scattered outside the boundaries of Judea. What can we learn from this clue?James is a Jewish epistle. The more one studies the book, the more obvious this becomes. Furthermore, the book is written in some of the finest Greek in the New Testament. This tells us two things about the author:

One - He was intimately familiar with Judaism. Furthermore, he personally understood Jewish characteristics, particularly, perhaps, Jewish Christian characteristics. Two - He was familiar with not only the Jewish language of his day, Aramaic, but he was also extremely well acquainted with Greek. This supports the presupposition the author did not grow up in Jerusalem where Aramaic was the primary language. In fact, it suggests he spent quite a bit of time where Greek was common.The most logical place where he could have gained this experience and exposure is in Galilee. Galilee was the cultural cross-roads; the focal point for Gentile commerce. Jesus and his brothers grew up in Galilee.

Point four: “He uses a salutation unusual to the gospels, ‘Greetings’.” This one word is even more conclusive evidence pointing to James, the brother of Jesus, as the book’s author. This particular word is used rarely in the New Testament, only twice by a Christian leader - in James 1:1 and in Acts 15. This seems to confirm James, Jesus’ brother, as the books author. Why? Read Acts 15. You will find a record of the council of Jerusalem.The Council of Jerusalem was a meeting of church leaders where Paul defended his outreach to the Gentile churches. After Paul makes his speech, we see someone responding. Who? James (Acts 15:13). Thus we know James was in attendance. In his response, James suggests those gathered put into writing their collective conclusion (vs 20). At the beginning of their ‘letter’ we find our word, “Greeting” (vs 23).

Thus not only does tradition support James, Jesus brother, as the book’s author, many points within the New Testament support his authorship as well.

The book of James could be called a ‘salvation test’. Certainly James seeks to show us real living faith. “His chief aim is to impress his readers with a conviction that true Christianity is always a great moral power and will, therefore, reveal itself through growth in the energies and beauties of holiness.” ~ Robert Johnstone

While some, including Martin Luther (at one point Luther called James, “an Epistle of straw, and destitute of an evangelical character” - he later came to understand the book’s value), have defamed the book, these defamations were based on a false conception of a doctrinal conflict between James and Paul. However, this could not be further from the truth.

As John MacArther said, “To Paul the question was, ‘How is salvation received?’” This is the question Paul answered in Romans. “But to James,” MacArthur continues, “the question is, ‘How is salvation verified?’” The two go together hand-in-hand. One focuses on salvation; the other on sanctification.

To take this a little further:

Paul’s point: Justification comes by faith. The basis for justification is the atonement of Christ. Good works will never merit justification. Faith alone, in Christ alone, is the onlymerit for justification. As Barnes NT notes say, “The aim of Paul is not to demonstrate good works are not necessary or desirable in religion, but that they are not the ground of justification.” (emphasis mine)

Paul’s point of view: Pre-conversion with a focus on a person’s standing before God.

Paul’s question: On what ground can a man be justified before God?

James’ point: Good works and holy living are evidences of justification. Again we turn to Barnes NT notes. James’ “aim was to show, not that faith is not essential to justification, and not that the real ground of dependence is not the merit of the Savior, but that conformity to the law of God is indispensable to true religion.”

James’ point of view: Post-conversion with a focus on how to determine if a person’s faith is genuine. More specifically, a person’s testimony before men.

James’ question: What does a justified man look like? How does he act?

Each writer’s focus fits their audience. Paul is writing primarily to Gentiles (new converts and seekers) who were basically unfamiliar with Christianity. James is writing to Jewish Christians, most likely some of the members of the early church described in Acts, who had been dispersed throughout the known world by persecution and other events. As a general rule James’ recipients, therefore, had a basic, fundamental understanding of salvation. Most likely, as suggested in James 1:1, 2:1, and 5:7,11,14, they were believing Jews.

Furthermore, examining both books reveals many similarities between the book of James and Paul’s writings which suggest they did not oppose one another in their teaching, and they were also aware of and in full agreement with one another. Compare the similarity between these passages:
James 1:2,3 with Romans 5:3
James 1:4 with 1 Cor 1:17
James 1:6 with Eph 4:4
James 1:12 with 2 Tim 4:8
James 1:15 with Romans 7:7-8
James 1:18 with Romans 8:23
James 1:21 with Col 4:8
James 1:22 with Romans 2:13
James 2:5 with 1 Cor 1:27

I belabor the point only to make it clear there is no contradiction between these two men of God. In a day when skeptics seek to discredit the Scriptures from every side, it is important we understand the continuity between the Gospel writers. Thus, it is important we see James and Paul as united in their understanding of salvation. Their supposed difference is due, entirely, to the particular ‘facet’ of salvation upon which they focus.

With uncanny similarity to The Sermon on the Mount, we will find James prodding his readers to test the ‘title’. In other words to practice ‘real Christianity’. As we dig deeper into this book, I expect we will find ourselves challenged on many fronts, for, as a general rule, Christianity in America is ‘a mile wide and less than an inch deep’.

Less than 50% of professing Christians attend church on a consistent basis. Many who attend switch churches regularly. In fact, a recent Gallup poll showed most church attending Americans believe they “should arrive at their religious beliefs independent of any church.”

The church, however, is the place where God invites His people to feast on the sacraments, prayer, and His word. These are to be the Christian’s regular diet. These are the means God has given to provide for our salvation and our sanctification.

Few would argue the church has followed culture. It is a sad fact which explains much of the church’s problems today. A brief perusal of Acts reveals three distinctives of the early church.

1) The early church was a gathering of those committed to their faith.

2) The early church was not a place designed to make unbelievers comfortable.

3) The early church’s goal was to develop responsible Christians.

Today the church has lost its direction. In many churches, the primary directive is, ‘whatever feels right’. Thus we major on programs, music, entertainment, and feelings. We focus on the non-offensive because doctrine is offensive - in other words, the gospel offends. Jesus told us that.

Sadly, many of our churches are driven by a people-pleasing mentality. However, it is impossible to please both unsaved man and a holy God. Still “rather than summon the people to the word of God. . .we have converted the church to a commodity that solicits the patronage of customers, offering therapeutic sanctuaries of relaxation and relevance. . .”

What have we done? Filled our churches with unsaved people who ‘think’ they are going to heaven because they raised a hand or walked an aisle? Become so seeker friendly we are no longer biblical? Lost our ability to bring believers to a mature faith?

While each church is unique, the general direction of American churches does not bode well for the future of Christianity in America nor for the general state of our country. If Christians are to be light and salt, they have to be different. Have our churches lost the ability to produce ‘different’ people?

“A child without a family is an orphan to be pitied. A man without a country is a refuge to be welcomed. A Christian without a church is, well, a typical American evangelical.”

God help us. When our churches become irrelevant, Christianity, itself, is not far behind. Thank God there is always a cure. In addition to repenting, humbling ourselves, and praying, we also need to seek to:

1) recover and exercise the keys to the kingdom

2) be courageous and committed to God, not to man

3) recognize and resist the lies of our culture

4) commit ourselves to a local bible believing and teaching, committed church body

5) recognize the church is God’s idea and under His command

(Quotes above from “Knowing His Voice, The Authority of Christ’s Church” by John R. Muether ~ published in the March 2009 issue of Table Talk Magazine)

It seems few Christian parents put much stock in their Christian heritage. However, a growing interest in learning about our Christian history has led to more parents exposing their children to our rich Christian heritage. Corresponding with the increasing interest, several publishers are coming out with quality biographies about key figures in the church’s history. Reformation Heritage Books has produced several biographies to children ages 7 to 10. This quality books are colorful and well written.

Are you in need of a good daily devotional? Christian Audio offers free podcasts of Charles Spurgeon’s morning and evening. This twice daily devotional is an excellent tool and a great encouragement. Check it out.

Today’s Christian suffers from a lack of relevant understanding of God’s word. Were we to understand, our lives would change. Because we remain ignorant (by choice or situation) to the doctrines contained in Scripture - the gospel - Christianity only lightly impacts our lives. Josh Harris is recommending the book, “The Biblical Gospel” by D.A. Carson as an educational source to fill in the gaps in our understanding. For a taste of the book’s contents, check out this link to Amazon’s peak at 10 pages from the book’s interior.

Here is a valuable treat for those who, like me, have benefitted greatly from the teaching and ministries of Ligonier Ministries and R.C. Sproul. This link will take you to a list of videos from Ligonier’s most recent conference.

Since we are taking an indepth look at William Wilberforce’s book Real Christianity, I thought it only appropriate we take a look at the man behind the book.

William Wilberforce was born into a wealthy English family. His father died when he was but a lad. In response his mother sent him to live with an aunt and uncle.

His aunt was a devote follower of Wesley and enrolled William in a strongly “Christian” school. When his mother learned of this, she feared he would be converted to a ‘radical Christianity’. Thus she brought him home and enrolled him in a public school. As a result, William grew up thoroughly pagan.

A bright young man, William did well in school. While at university, he spent his spare time partying and enjoying licentious living. During this sojourn he began his lifelong friendship with William Pitt. The two young men, as something of a lark, decided to run for Parliament.

William spent liberally to fund his campaign, and as a result, the two young men were elected to the House of Commons in their early twenties. Parliament’s schedule, however, only aided and abetted their loose and immoral lifestyle. Each parliamentary season was followed by a long recess which they filled with all time wasting and money consuming entertainments.

While William had forgotten God, God had not forgotten William. Thus, one winter holiday as he planned his annual trip to the French Riviera, he decided to invite a childhood friend, Isaac Milner. Wilberforce, however, did not know Isaac was now an evangelical Christian.

During their holiday, together, William and Isaac talked about many subjects, finally settling on Christianity. Day after day they discussed many issues surrounding evangelical Christianity. At the end of the holiday, as they prepared for their return to England, William came across the book, “Rise and Progress of Religion” by Phillip Dodridge.

Isaac highly recommended the book so William read it on the way home. In addition, the two men continued their ongoing conversation. Eventually, the ‘great change’, a phrase William coined to describe his conversion, occurred.

Lest one think William was merely converted to a higher level of morality, many well-documented, dramatic changes occurred in the man’s life. The first to occur was his response to his wealth. Prior to his conversion, William lived as a playboy. After his conversion, his feelings changed dramatically. He began to bemoan his idleness and loath his wealth. Finally, seeking some direction, William sought the counsel of the ‘radical Christian’, John Newton. We will always be indebted to John Newton for advising William to continue in politics.

Hungry to grow and learn, William began to spend his recesses studying. He spent nine to ten hours every day giving himself a thorough theological training. His lifelong commitment rested on the reformation of morals which occurred during this time in his life.

In May 1789, William Wilberforce began the war against slavery which was to be not only his legacy but also his lifelong fight. It took 18 years to win the first phase: making slavery illegal. However, it took nearly 50 years, many setbacks, and withstanding much criticism to finally achieve his goal: the abolition of slavery in England.

This is just one example of Wilberforce’s persevering character. While we can imagine the perseverance required to continue such a long fight, we gain more insight as we look at the obstacles he faced.

1) Wilberforce’s opponents had a massive stake in the slave trade. In fact, William was said to be pushing to ‘injure our economy and destroy our national security’.

2) On a more personal front Wilberforce faced public criticism and vicious slander. In fact, William Corbett gave Wilberforce a strict dressing down on the floor of the House of Commons accusing William of fighting to free slaves and, according to Corbett’s unfounded attacks, ignoring the plight of the poor English workforce.

3) Even more personal were William’s family trials. While Wilberforce stood strong under great trial and personal attack, his wife worried herself into poor mental and physical health. Furthermore William’s oldest son left the faith. After watching his son use his allowance to fund his licentious lifestyle, William finally withdrew the allowance and banned him from the family home. In addition, he lost his daughter, Barbara, to Tuberculosis at age 32.

4) And, most personal of all, William fought with serious health issues enhanced, rather than helped, by the medical treatment of his day. His diary reveals some of his physical trials:

- In 1788 he developed a serious eye problem which made it nearly impossible for him to read

- In 1788 he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis - only known treatment: opium

- Shortly thereafter he developed a lung problem

- By 1814 he had developed a severe curvature of the spine which resulted, eventually, in his head drooping to his chest.

How, then, did the man face so many trials and challenges and yet maintain his perseverance? Wilberforce not only assented intellectually to the doctrines of the faith, they completely impacted his life. He found his joy in his relationship with God. He knew whom he served and could move ahead regardless of the criticism he faced if his conscience was clear before God. Several quotes from his contemporaries not only give us a glimpse into the life of this persevering saint, they also reveal the ‘joy’ which kept him from following in his wife’s footsteps in spite of amazing lifelong obstacles.

Miss Sullivan, a contemporary, wrote in 1815, “By the tones of his voice and expression of his countenance, he showed that joy was the prevailing feature of his own mind. Joy springing from entireness of trust in the Savior’s merits and from love to God and man. His joy was quite penetrating.”

Robert Southe, the poet, wrote, “I never saw any other man who seemed to enjoy such a perpetual serenity and sunshine of spirit. In conversing with him you feel assured there is no guile in him, that if ever there was a good and happy man on earth, he was one.”

In 1881, Dorothy Wordsworth, William Wordsworth’s sister said, “Though shattered in constitution and feeble in body, he is as lively and animated as the days of his youth.”

Mary Ann Thoriton, daughter of his best friend, Henry, remembered, “Wilberforce would interrupt his serious talks with my father and romp with us in the lawn. His love for and enjoyment in all children was remarkable.”

Wilberforce’s love for children is even more exceptional when one realizes the rarity of the prevalent attitude among the men of his day. As one biographer wrote, “Most fathers of his wealth and position rarely saw their children. Servants and a governess took care of the children. They were to be out of sight most of the time.”

James Stephenson penned the following after William’s death, “As he walked about the house he was generally humming the tune of a hymn or psalm as if he could not contain his desirable feelings of thankfulness and devotion.”

Perhaps no statement, however, sums up Wilberforce more succinctly than this statement by Joseph Guerney written in 1816. Joseph said, “Being himself amused and interested by everything, whatever he said became amusing and interesting. His presence was as fatal to dullness as to immorality. His mirth was as irresistible as the first laughter of childhood.”

What a man! What a tool in God’s hands for the good of humanity. What will they say about you after you die?

In part one we looked at the basic doctrines Wilberforce believed most Christians know but take for granted as well as the three widespread inadequacies which plague Christianity. Now we will delve into the ‘meat’ of his premise.

Wilberforce focuses much of the chapter on three key points. One, Christianity and stoicism are not mutually supportive. Two, the Spirit plays a key role in our Christianity. Three, Scripture is clear about what God requires of us.

Are emotions valid in religion? Some suggest emotions are degrading to Christian worship because they are unreasonable and misplaced. While our emotions must be subject to reason and conscience, real Christianity affects the entire man.

God is God not only of our minds but also of our emotions. Love. Zeal. Gratitude. Joy. Hope. Trust. The Bible commands all these emotions as our duty and as our acceptable worship. Furthermore, the Bible condemns as highly criminal a cold, hard, unfeeling heart. Scripture makes two things clear: God despises lukewarm Christianity, and God takes our hearts of stone and gives us a heart of flesh.

The Bible is full of examples of warm, zealous, and affectionate Christians. We see saints with souls on fire for God. We see believers whose hearts are kindled in rapture for their God. Even the heavenly examples do not show intellectual, cold, unemotional worshipers but those who delight in a service of love and gratitude. Yet, the emotions God desires is NOT an act. It is not a cloak we where which remains external and non-impacting.

Scripture teaches real Christians are to have a deep, not superficial, love for God which motivates us to obey Him. This is to be a permanent, not an occasional emotion. Our actions (our obedience) should support our ‘words’.

The Bible gives some clear evidences which are visible in a mature Christian. Mature Christians exhibit a constant, rational, glowing love toward their Redeemer. They operate under a strong impression of His worth. They have an abiding sense of their great, merited, continually accumulating obligations to their God. Their lives are marked by growing acts of diligent obedience or patient suffering.

Not only are Christians confused about the place of emotions in religion, we often do not understand the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. We see nominal Christians formulating their own religious system which is not based on Scripture. Yet the Bible is clear the Spirit is given to lead us into all truth. Thus Christians are to seek the Spirit’s work in their life:

- to enlighten our understanding

- to dispel our prejudice

- to purify our corrupt minds

- to renew us in God’s image

- to awaken us from sleep

- to enlighten us in darkness

- to quicken us in our deadness

- to deliver us from the power of darkness

- to draw us to God

- to translate us into His kingdom

- to create us in Christ’s image

Wilberforce’s final point was Christians have mistaken conceptions of the terms of acceptance with God. Not only do we undervalue the Spirit’s sanctifying operations, our thoughts of our Savior are confused and faint, and our affections are dull and lukewarm.

Sadly many Christians are plagued with a vague and general persuasion of what God requires of man. Instead of relaying of God’s unqualified mercy, they place false reliance on their personal ‘goodness’ or ‘merit’.

This misconception is based on several fallacies, each one leading into the next. We see ourselves as exempt from gross vice. In other words, we aren’t really as bad as the other guy - the unsaved guy. Our sins are just not as ‘sinful’.

Instead, we tend to balance the scales in our favor using the excuse of human frailty. We believe God’s mercy will moderate His justice causing Him to try our sins on a more lenient scale. Thus we believe we just have to be ‘mostly good’ to merit heaven. This leads us to rely on our own ability to ‘fulfill’ God’s requirements and not the merits of Christ’s work on our behalf.

Perhaps the most amazing of all, we fail to see the pride in these actions We do not comprehend justification, nor do we see any need for it. We fail to see our ‘morals’ are purely a work of God’s grace which results in works of sanctification rather than flows from our good works. Our misconceptions even effect our evangelism. Instead of urging sinners to ‘flee to the cross for pardon and grace’, we urge them to ‘amend their ways’.

Having looked at the errors which inundate modern Christianity, Wilberforce focuses on our proper response to God’s work on our behalf. He lists eleven appropriate responses:

- Ask myself: Have I fled for refuge and consolation to Christ?

- Strive to comprehend my need for a Redeemer

- Work to comprehend the value of His mediation on my behalf

- Seek God with humility pleading for His pity and pardon

- Pray earnestly for God’s joy and peace

- Cultivate my love for Christ

- Labor to increase my knowledge of God and the doctrines of Scripture

- Remember my state before Jesus rescued me

- Practice daily prayer and praise

- Set my mind on Him - on the things above rather than the things of the earth

Wilberforce closes with the following convicting statement, “The title of Christian is a reproach to us if we turn ourselves away from Him after whom we are named. . .Instead we should allow the name of Jesus to be engraved deeply on the heart, written there by the finger of God Himself in everlasting characters. It is our sure and undoubted title to present peace and future glory.”

This chapter entitled, “Inadequate Conceptions of God and of Christian Behavior” continues to support Wilberforce’s premise that many so-called ‘Christians’ do not take their Christianity seriously. While we have seen many correlations between William’s day and ours, I have also wondered if the American church is not farther down the slippery slope of degeneration. Wilberforce’s opening statements in chapter three further support my concern.

Chapter three begins with a list of doctrines the author says most Christians know but take for granted. Review the list which follows and see if, like me, you are not left wondering how many ‘Christians’, today, even give mental assent to all of these Scriptural truths. For that matter, how many churches accept and teach all of these doctrines?

1- God loved and gave (Jn 3:16)
2 - God willingly became man
3 - Jesus was despised and rejected (Is 53:3)
4 - He was wounded and bruised for our sins (Is 53:5)
5 - He bore our guilt (Is 53:6)
6 - His death purchased our life (Phil 2:8)
7 - He is seated at God’s right hand interceding for His people (Rom 8:34)
8 - Through Christ we come boldly to the throne (Heb 4:16)
9 - God gives the Spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13)
10 - If the Spirit does not dwell in us, we are not God’s child (Rom 8:9)
11 - The Spirit impacts and changes our lives (Col 3:10; Phil 1:11)
12 - Being in Christ we are eternally changed (Col 1:12)
13 - Heaven is our home because of Jesus

If we truly believe these statements, as number eleven affirms, they will impact and change our lives. How can you tell if you really believe this? Ask yourself, are you experiencing joy - not necessarily happiness which is based on your circumstances, but joy which is based on your relationship with God?

Wilberforce said most Christians scarcely believe these truths because we don’t see our need - we don’t sense our sin. Because we do not apprehend our need, we do not value the cure. As long as we do not value the cure, grace is meaningless.

Again the author looks to our lives to prove his point. What do you talk about? Where do your conversations head? When you sit down to dinner? When you gather with friends for a pleasant evening or a day at the beach or in the woods? Evaluate! Are you discussing trivia or do your conversations turn to the things of God? Wilberforce contends, as a general rule, we do not talk about God.

William goes on to further reinforce his point by pointing to three widespread inadequacies. He says we have an inadequate appreciation for Christ, an inadequate appreciation of the Holy Spirit, and an inadequate conception of Christian behavior.

Our inadequate appreciation for Christ stems from our treatments of Scriptural truth. Instead of seeing it as impacting our lives, we treat truth like a legend of little consequence. Furthermore, many so-called Christians are ‘Sunday Christians’. We live like pagans Monday through Saturday then put on our ‘Christian’ outfit for an hour or two on Sunday.

Because we have an inadequate conception of the Spirit’s work we do not make use of the Spirit’s power to grow in our sanctification. Instead of striving diligently to ‘work out our own salvation’, refusing to be controlled by our feelings, and seeking to implant and cultivate moral virtues, many Christians tend to be confused about the Spirit’s role in their life.

Our inadequate conception of Christian behavior has led to many false professors. These false professors bring shame upon Christ’s name with their hypocritical behavior. Taken to the extreme, these people have been the leading persecutors of the world and the church. Nonetheless, the actions of false professors does not negate Scriptural truth.

In part two we will delve further into the author’s premise, looking at his three key points.

I was convicted recently upon hearing a sermon by Pastor Al Martin about Christians and the economic ‘crisis’ - or any other crisis. His point, in a nutshell, was, as Christians, we have an opportunity to shine as brilliant lights when times are dark. However, if we act like everyone else, we are NOT acting like Christians (I will be posting more in an upcoming blog). When I ran across this article by Michelle Singletary in the Washington Post, I immediately thought of Pastor Martin’s sermon. Here, my friends, are some practical ways to ‘act’ like Christians!

If you are like almost every other person walking the planet, you probably find criticism hard to take. However, how can ‘iron sharpen iron’ unless we talk openly and honestly with one another? While this certainly is no license to attack each other, open and honest discussion invariably uncovers areas where people disagree. This wonderful article by Dr. Albert J Poirier, chairman of the board for Peacemaker Ministries entitled “The Cross and Criticism” deals with issue quite succinctly.

A March 19^th post on Pastor Chris Anderson’s blog, “My Two Cents” has some timely words. We are a self-conscious people! I almost gag when a Christian says, “I have low self-esteem.” While they probably don’t realize it, that statement flies in the face of biblical theology. However, the biggest danger here is when we are so self-absorbed (thinking we are looking to find our ‘self-esteem’) we become wide open to flattery. Pastor Anderson’s blog post on “Recognizing Flattery” hits that issue dead center.

Psalm 19:7-9 - “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.”

God’s law is for man’s life. It reveals to us how we are to live for maximum blessing in time and eternity.

These six statements contain concise statements about Scripture. They are laid out in a repeated pattern which makes them easy to break down. Each statement begins with a statement about Scripture; each statement says “of the Lord” lest we not get the point. In each were are told God’s word is something. This declaration is followed by the result. Let’s look at each statement.

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul:”

1) Scripture is God’s law. In other words, it is not an option. It is not a book of good suggestions or wise sayings. It is God’s words to man on how to live.

2) Scripture is perfect. This is not perfect as opposed to imperfect, but perfect as opposed to incomplete. In other words, God’s word is all sided. It is totally comprehensive.

3) Scripture restores the soul. In other words, God’s word has the power to transform the whole inner person. In this we see a picture of salvation.

“The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”

1) Scripture is God’s self-declaration. He has told us about Himself in His word.

2) Scripture reveals to us a trustworthy and reliable testimony of the one true God.

3) Scripture makes the simple wise. God’s word teaches us discernment. It teaches us how to be skilled in all aspect of life. In other words, God’s word has the power to bring us to sanctification.

“The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart:”

1) Scripture contains all the doctrines, principles and precepts which reveal God, Himself.

2) Scripture shows us the ‘right’ path. This is not right as opposed to wrong, but the ONLY way.

3) Scripture brings us joy. As Jeremiah 15:16 says, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”

“The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

1) Scripture contains God’s commands. These are not God’s suggestions!

2) Scripture reveals God’s commands with clarity. It eliminates our confusion and thus leaves us responsible to obey.

3) Scripture allows us to see the world as it really is. It opens our eyes to real reality.

“The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever:

1) Scripture is our manual of worship. The word ‘fear’ here means ‘awe, reverence’. Thus the God of heaven has told us, in His word, how to rightly worship Him.

2) Scripture’s teachings are pure, without error, and faultless. We never need to doubt whether what we read within its pages is correct.

3) Scripture will endure forever. Things die because of corruption, yet Jesus said, “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matt 5:18) Scripture will never be out-of-date. Scripture is never irrelevant.

“The judgments of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.”

1) Scripture reveals the adjudications of the Judge of all. He has made His decision and written it for all to see.

2) Scripture produces comprehensive righteousness in the life of a believer.

God has not left us to find our way to Him on our own. He has given us His word, wherein we find all we need to become wholly pleasing in His sight. May we not take this means of grace lightly or use it sparingly.

I absolutely hate those “Are you Mary?” or “Are you Martha?” tests. Not only do they make me feel guilty for being service minded (something I usually admit), I also suspect they make those ‘Mary-types’ feel much more justified for what (here’s the part I rarely admit) appears at times to be little more than laziness.

However, if we have a little better understanding of the Jewish treatment of women, I believe we can better understand what Jesus is saying when He chides Martha.

Look again at the passage: “Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”" (Luke 10:38-42)

Here we see Martha busy serving while Mary is busy soaking. Martha is ‘distracted’. This term means more than just taking care of her hospitality duties. It is defined as, “over-occupied, too busy”.

Martha had gone beyond hospitality. I can just imagine her finishing the dishes, wiping the kitchen spotless, grabbing the broom and sweeping the floor (possibly around those seated at Jesus’ feet), then noticing a few weeds popping up in the garden and rushing out to pull them. As she comes back in, sweaty and dirt-streaked, she voices her complaint.

Jesus rebukes her so gently. Yet there is no mistaking His point. Martha had let the ‘cares of life’ (that is what worried means), take hold. Her focus was very material - to the point she was troubled (disquieted - she had no peace) about them. Mary, on the other hand, had made the choice to focus on Christ.

To fully understand this, however, I think we need to comprehend a bit of Jewish culture. In Mary’s and Martha’s day, women were treated as little more than possessions. We still see this thought prevalent in many eastern societies. The Jewish Talmud taught it was better to burn the Torah (the law) than to teach it to a woman.

How degrading! No wonder Jesus made such an impact on the women who entered His life. He didn’t chase them away. He didn’t withhold the truth from them. Far from it. He taught them - as He was teaching Mary while Martha ‘fussed about’.

As John MacArthur put it, “He also taught Mary and, when admonished by Martha, pointed out the priority of learning spiritual truth even over “womanly” responsibilities like serving guests in one’s home.”

First, we know Martha went beyond the service point. She had gone into ‘fussing’ about little material things. Second, I have little doubt Mary also helped serve and probably, at least to a point, helped in the clean up (what needed to be done). Why?

Because, Mary, too, had been raised in this culture. She knew her role. She had been performing it since she was a child. In fact, her duty to serve and wait on her guests was probably just as ingrained in her as it was in Martha. Furthermore:

1) Remember the parable of the servants and the talents in Luke 19? Who was commended? The lazy servant or the diligent servant? The diligent one. Thus we are to be diligent in our work. BUT, we are not to put worldly matters above spiritual matters. In other words, we must keep our focus on eternity.

2) While Jesus is the one who chided Martha, He is also the one who said, “. . .but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” (Mk 20:26). Serving others is part of our calling here on earth. To sit around and expect to be served is the wrong attitude - but it is prevalent today. And, I sometimes wonder how many pat themselves on the back thinking they are justified in what they consider to be a ‘Mary-attitude’.

3) Laziness is sin. Sitting at Jesus’ feet must not equate with laziness. We are not only called to learn and seek and desire to know God more and more, we are called to work with our hands. To not be sluggards. To avoid laziness. Thus, a ‘Mary-attitude’ should never equal a lazy attitude.

God help us to desire Him above all. May we walk circumspectly and wisely down the road between being overly concerned about worldly matters and being lazy. May we be wise and pleasing servants - seeking first His kingdom while being good stewards of what He has placed in our care!