I finished chapter 16 today! I also read one of the multiple appendixes attached. I started to read the second and my brain disappeared via the escape hatch... To continue, then, from three weeks back...The Invincible Call of God to Salvation--otherwise known as "effectual calling". The Biblical truth of the invincible call of God to salvation, known also as effecual calling, answers these questions: Why do some people believe in Jesus, while others do not? Is it because some people are more prone naturally to spiritual things while others are less prone? Is the answer in man or in God? Is our salvation initiated by us or by God? Does our eternal destiny rest in our hands or in the hands of God? Why is it that some receive Christ early in life and others very late in life? (661) What is the nature of this call? The Bible presents us with two kinds of “calls”—The EXTERNAL call and the INTERNAL call, also referred to as the GENERAL call and the SPECIAL call, or the call of the gospel and the call of God the Father. (664) Who is the author of this call? God alone is the origin of the internal, invincible call: “Walk in a manner worthy of THE GOD WHO CALLS YOU into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12; emphasis added)....No human being has the power to call himself out of his spiritual darkness so that he actually comes to Christ on his own. “Salvation is of the Lord!” God alone must accomplish and apply, as well as plan our salvation; and He has perfectly done so....In one sense, it is God who also issues the external call through His servants, so that to refuse the general call of the gospel is to refuse the offer of God Himself, which refusal amounts to death (Prov. 1:20; 8:36)....But God does not always back the general call of the gospel with omnipotence, which means that the general call can be resisted and rejected. (669) The objects of this call: If in the external call of the gospel we are to present the gospel to all people indiscriminately, to whom does the internal call of the Father come?...The Bible is unmistakably clear that the invincible call of God comes ONLY TO HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE, all of them and only them....God effectively calls to salvation those whom He has predestined to receive salvation in Christ. (670) What are the characteristics of this call? FIRST, it is ALMIGHTY and therefore INVINCIBLE and IRRESISTIBLE. Because it comes to God’s elect sinners, still dead in their sins, God’s saving call must come with irresistible resurrecting power, if it is actually to save those sinners. The means of this call: He has chosen to use His Word and Spirit, who convinces us of the divine authority of the written Word and who applies that Word to the hearts of the elect. (674) The effects of this call: FIRST, the invincible call of God convicts us of our sin and misery. Dr. Morecraft's conclusion: If our understanding is not clear on this gracious aspect of the gospel, we will not be correct on any other aspect of it. For the material out of which the gospel is made is not woven but knit material— pull out one thread and the whole garment falls apart. (679) And, real briefly, a run through of the first Appendix: The Free Offer of the Gospel: The same Bible that teaches us to believe in Divine predestination and the priority of regeneration to faith, also teaches us to believe in the free offer of the gospel. The Bible recognizes no conflict between them. Predestination is the guarantee that many will receive the free offer of the gospel. Regeneration and effectual calling enable sinners to receive the free offer of the gospel in faith and repentance. The free offer of the gospel is God’s way of maintaining His claims on the hearts and consciences of human beings, as well as being a constant reminder of man’s total accountability to God. The external, general call of the gospel to the world includes the free offer of the gospel to the world. (685) Lord willing, we shall pick up with the second of the appendixes next week. RachealSeeing the lateness of when we got home amongst other things, I opted not to attempt delving into the next section of Authentic Christianity today. Instead, I'd like to redirect you to an interesting little article by a friend of mine (and go ahead and read the rest of his blog too!) It just so happens to be on one of my "pet" topics (which I admit, I am a wee rusty on since I 've done very little recently along these lines): https://thetruebadour.wordpress.com/2015/01/14/twenty-four-theses-on-jurisdiction-and-lawful-resistance/ Standfast! RachealThe fully title of this chapter is, Union and Communion with Christ and the Invincible Call of God. This afternoon, I got through (as far as I can tell, sometime Dr. Morecraft fools me) the part covered by the first portion of that title. I would have gotten a little further, but my sister's and mother's singing in the other room yanked me away from my reading...not that I regret it. :) Daddy joined us after a while and got a lesson on singing parts (he doesn't read music, so it's strictly by-ear). I think we all had an enjoyable time...but I digress. Back to communion and union with Christ and the benefits that flow from it... These benefits are union and communion with Christ in grace and glory. These two classifications: (1) Union and communion with Christ in grace; and (2) Union and What is the significance of our union with Christ? ...believers in Jesus are “in Christ,” i.e., inseparably, representatively, vitally, and consciously united to Christ. This saving union is not due to our own efforts or wishes or prayers. We are united to Christ “by His doing.” God Himself created this union by His grace. We enjoy this relationship, not because we are wiser or better than others, but because of the sheer grace of God. (639-640) The nature of our union with Christ? First, it is like the union of a vine with its branches (John 15:5) or the trunk of an olive tree and its limbs (Rom. 11: 16–24)....It is only as the branches are connected to the stock of the vine or tree that the life-sustaining, fruit-producing sap flows What are the results of our union with Christ? Union with Christ establishes a LEGAL UNION between Christ and those who belong to Him: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are IN CHRIST JESUS” (Rom. 8:1). By virtue of our close and vital union with Christ, we have His righteousness credited to us and we are “accepted in the Beloved.” This is justification. There are two sorts of benefits which result from our union with Christ: 1) Communion in Grace (WLC #69) and 2) Communion in Glory (WLC # 82,83,86). First, Communion in Grace: Our communion in grace means that, in fellowship with Christ, and by virtue of the accomplishments of His work as the Mediator of the Covenant of Grace, redeeming us from our sins and reconciling us to God, believers are justified (Q. 70), adopted (Q. 74), and sanctified (Q. 75). Because of our union with Christ, we commune, fellowship and participate in all those saving benefits which He purchased for Second, Communion in Glory: The communion which believers have with Christ in glory is the highest honor we are capable of receiving from God. Our communion in glory (Q. 82), begins in And finally for today, what are the implications of our union with Christ? The point is that, whereas all human beings have a craving for community, their efforts at creating it are self-destructive because of their spiritual schizophrenia. And more importantly, community is impossible without communion; and communion between human beings is impossible apart from communion with Jesus Christ. (659) Hopefully, I will cover a little more ground next week, but until then, that's it! RachealI regret to say that I did not get very far today. I got started late and then had trouble concentrating for whatever reason. Anyway, the main topic I read of today was the Invisible church. This particular section caused me to sit back on my heels (mentally) and scratch my head. Dr. Morecraft's presentation of the subject was, I will admit, different from what I was expecting. I must apologize if the notes come across rather disjointed. We begin with Question 64: "What is the invisible church?" A.: The invisible church is the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ the head. Dr. Morecraft starts out by making this rather startling (to me) statement: "The point that is being made here is true and well-taken, but the manner in which the point is expressed by the Westminster Standards is imprecise and misleading. Therefore, we must consider the doctrinal truth set forth, and the imprecision in the way that truth is stated." Having been raised on the Confession and Catechism, this visible-invisible church distinction is part of my vocabulary. Once I read a little further, I understood why he would call it "imprecise and misleading", and while I do agree with him, it took a few minutes to sink in. (It also helped when I recognized that he is addressing, though not by name, the Federal Vision. I am a more sketchy on their beliefs than I should be, but I do know they have some aberrant notion about the invisible church.) First, the church of Jesus Christ has both the attribute of visibility, as we have seen, and the attribute of invisibility. In some aspects it is visible—profession of faith in Christ, congregational worship, the marks of a true church, its government and organization; and in some aspects it is invisible to the human eye, in that it cannot be fully, totally and perfectly comprehended and identified. (548) Who is a member in the "invisible" church (properly understood)? The definition of “the invisible church” in the Larger Catechism is, in reality, the definition of the church in its idea and complete sense. (554) The next section has a rather long heading, but it clearly delineates the next issue: the relation of the whole body of the elect under Christ and the visible church. "All that hear the gospel, and live in the visible church, are not saved; but they only who are true members of the church invisible." (WLC, Q. 61) What, therefore, are the privileges of the invisible church? The Larger Catechism Q. 65 says simply that the members of the invisible church by Christ enjoy union and communion with Him in grace and glory. It then gives its Scriptural support (John 17:21; Eph. 2:5, 6; John 17:24). However, several further Questions grow out of this Answer. Question 66 explains the union and communion believers have with the exalted Christ. Questions 67–68 explain effectual calling as the method by which God brings us into vital union with Christ. Question 69 explains the communion in grace which believers have with Christ. Questions 70–81 explain the ingredients of this communion in grace with Christ as justification, adoption, sanctification, faith, repentance, eternal security, and assurance of salvation. Question 82 explains the communion in glory which believers have with Christ, in this life, immediately after death, and at last perfected at the resurrection and day of judgment. Question 83 explains the nature of our communion in glory with Christ which believers enjoy in this life. Questions 84–85 prepare the way for the answer of Question 86 by explaining death; and The following subject is the Mission of the Church; I do believe I got through what could be considered the preamble, ceasing my reading at a section heading "The Great Commission". Anyway: Although the Larger Catechism is regretfully silent regarding the mission of the church of Christ, the Westminster Confession of Faith (XXV, iii), sets forth in clear, although abbreviated language, the mission of the church, the spiritual power making that mission effective, and the divinely-ordained means by which that mission is to be carried out: First, gathering the elect from the world: ...an essential aspect of our evangelism in bringing people to Christ, is bringing them into His visible church, to gather these converts together in the Christian Synagogue under the headship of Christ. Biblical evangelism is the presentation of Jesus Christ boldly and “in the power of the Holy Spirit, that men shall come to put their trust in God through Him, to accept Him as their Savior, and serve Him as their King IN THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS CHURCH.” 350. J. I. Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God (Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1961), 37–38. Emphasis added. (565) Second, the perfecting of the saints: Christ has also commissioned His church to perfect those who have been gathered together out of the world into one under Christ. (567) Thus endth today's reading... RachealI did not manage to finish the chapter today...but as it is the Fall time change, perhaps I may be excused for feeling like it's really after five instead of just past four? Anyway, I did get through the section about the visible church and decided to pick up again next week with the invisible church. Therefore, with no further ado...The Privileges of the Visible Church: Q. 63 What are the special privileges of the visible church? A.: The visible church hath the privilege of being under God’s special care and government; of being protected and preserved in all ages, notwithstanding the opposition of all enemies; and of enjoying the communion of saints, the ordinary means of salvation, and offers of grace by Christ to all the members of it in the ministry of the gospel, testifying, that whosoever believes in Him shall be saved, and excluding none that will come unto Him. First then, the special care and protection of God: He cares for His church and protects her as her “good shepherd,” leads her to rest, safety, nourishment and healing, gathering her, leading her, protecting her through all the hazards of life, John 10. He cares for her as a “father” cares for his children with tender and compassionate concern for their safety and welfare (Deut. 32:7). (523) Second, the government and defense of God: The church enjoys the personal, liberating, preserving government of God in Christ by which she is distinguished from the world: The Lord Jesus, as king and head of his church, hath therein appointed a government in the hand of church-officers, distinct from the civil magistrate (WCF, XXX, i). (524) Third, the enjoyment of the communion of the saints: The Westminster Confession of Faith has an entire chapter (XXVI) explaining the meaning and implications of the communion of saints, in which chapter we are given a definition of this communion and its basis in Christ (XXVI, i), the responsibilities of the saints to each other (XXVI, ii), and a clarification of the nature of this communion, (XXVI, iii). Fourth, the enjoyment of the ordinary means of salvation: God-ordained aids to faith are often called “the effectual, or effective means of salvation” or “means of grace.” These “external” means or instruments of the saving grace of God include the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, the reading and preaching of the Word of God and prayer. They are the instruments which Fifth, the enjoyment of the offers of grace by Christ: In the reading and preaching of the Word of God Jesus Christ is offered to sinners...Or, as the Catechism has it: The visible church hath the privilege… of The final topic under the discussion of the visible church, is the vital importance of membership within that visible church. The Westminster Confession of Faith (XXV, ii), makes the statement that the church is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, the house and family of God, out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation. This is quite a statement. ... And there is the conclusion of this day's reading... RachealI was hoping to finish up this chapter today, but I guess it didn't happen. I didn't even get entirely through the part discussing the visible church. Anyway, we begin with the unity of the visible church, starting with it's historical unity. “There is only one people of God, the church, established in the Old Testament and brought to maturity in the New Testament.” 250. Randy Booth, Children of the Promise: The Biblical Case for Infant Baptism (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co., 1995), 82. (484-485) Dr. Morecraft goes through 10 passages (or sets of passages) demonstrating this: Hebrews 3:2-6: In this text, the unity and continuity of the church in the Old The spiritual unity of the visible church: The Holy Spirit is the creator of this spiritual unity of the church in Christ. This “one Spirit” forms “one body” and calls God’s chosen people to “one hope of your calling.” In the church there is “one faith” in “one Lord” signified and sealed by “one baptism,” where we worship and serve our “one God and Father.” (490) Unity in Truth: The concreteness of this Spiritual unity of the church is seen in the church’s united commitment to and confession of “the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3), i.e., that completed body of revealed truth in the Bible which all true Christians believe. (490-491) Division in the visible church: "Evil as well as good is included in the divine purpose. It is purposed not as evil, but for the sake of the good which infinite wisdom evolves from it.… By the prevalence of disorders and other evils in the church, God puts his people to the test. They are tried as gold in the furnace, and their genuineness is made to appear. It is a great consolation to know that dissensions, whether in the church or in the state, are not fortuitous, but are ordered by the providence of God, and are designed, as storms, for the purpose of purification." 263. Hodge, A Commentary on the First Epistle to the Corinthians, 218. (493) The Catholicity of the Visible Church: In the Apostles’ Creed, we confess: I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints…There is nothing suspicious about the word “catholic.” It means “universal, supra-national, transcending national, racial and all ethnic boundaries.” (494) Dr. Morecraft asks the question: "Can there be such a thing as boundaries to a catholic church?" First, there are no boundaries to the proclamation of the gospel of salvation in Christ. He concludes: Therefore, if the church is to experience a continuing reformation by the Word and Spirit of God, and thus be truly catholic, she must repent and learn (and practice) the meaning of these five words: “control, continuity, concern, contrition and commitment.”279 From here we take a brief look at the membership of the visible church. The membership of the visible church in the Old Testament and the New Testament is comprised of all those who profess the true religion, and of their children. (511) Here we close until next week. Maybe I will finish the chapter then! RachealOh and where to begin??? What a glorious, joyful weekend! I suppose, for the sake of coherence, I probably ought to start on Friday and the trip over to Illinois. It was, thankfully, uneventful and we did not arrive late, even though we got out a little later than we intended. One of the first things I noticed was that Providence Church did not have the usual castle wall facade up...things seemed to be a little more loosely organized in general this year, but it really didn't detract from the lectures and fellowship, so I am not complaining. :) Unfortunately, we did not get very many pictures, so I haven't any pictures to show you of our dear S's. They were already in Illinois visiting family and came to RefDay for Friday and half of Saturday. They came on over here Saturday afternoon and just left this morning, taking my elder sister with them...but I'm getting ahead of myself. I was standing in a doorway talking with my 'brother' Andrew H. when I spotted the S's. I rather unceremoniously blurted, "Oh!" or something like that and left off in the middle of a sentence to dash the fifteen feet to where they were sitting. I'm afraid I was really quite rude and I must apologize for it. However, minutes later, I grabbed Andrew by the elbow and propelled him over to meet the S's...and then R and L...I think, were roped into the group to meet them. There was so much talk and laughter and joy that I cannot remember everything that happened...or what order it happened in. Friday there were three lectures. Two by Phil Kyser and one by Douglas Bond. The topic of this years Reformation Day was the Huguenots--of whom I knew practically nothing. Dr. Kyser first spoke in a general overview sort of way about the theology and orthopraxy of the Huguenots. One could say that they were the "Christian Reconstructionists" of their day; with the same kinds of total-life view of the application of Scripture. (By the way, I do classify myself among the 'Reconstructionists'...there is of course, some variation within that categorization because of human nature.) Dr. Kyser's second talk (after Mr. Bond's) landed right down my alley--the Huguenot just war theory. He referenced a book "Vindiciae Contra Tyrannus" (or something like that) by a Frenchman named Mornet (I believe; and it's probably not spelled correctly) that I put on my "must-read" list. I agreed...and I nodded...and I took notes...and I grinned...suffice to say, I thoroughly enjoyed that talk. Douglas Bond's three talks (one on Friday, two on Saturday) were really rather like one, just split into three parts, in which he told stories about different persons and event that took place during the Reformation in France: he spoke of Calvin, Verit, the queen of Navarre, Renee of France, Gaspard Coliny, and others. (There is a bit of story that goes with that, but I'll get there in the chronology.) Anyway, Mr. Bond is an engaging speaking, though, rather like Bill Potter (also a story-teller) not someone I am able to take notes from--so I didn't; I just listened. Friday evening, the Josties did the concert. I enjoyed it more than I expected too. For some reason, I assumed that they did gospel music--and a lot of gospel is rather well...not my cup of tea (partly because of the theology of the words and partly because of the way people sing.) I was pleased to hear that they actually know how to sing. (Sound like a snob, don't I?) Saturday is always the most particularly exciting day...we girls got up and got decked out in our outfits: We had a little time to spare, so we goofed around a little...the above mentioned attempt at opening the window was part of that. Turns out, I had actually locked it when I was trying to unlock it. (In other words, I did get it open eventually.) Katherine thought I looked so funny tugging on the window that she had to get some pictures...and they did come out funny, so I thought I'd share them for your amusement. We got to the church a little early, so took a brief reconnaissance drive around to locate the school were the dance was going to be that evening. (I knew where it was, but we thought we'd familiarize ourselves with the route.) Well, we got back, pulled into the parking lot, and parked next to a silver car with an NRA and AOPA sticker on it. We made a few remarks about it...(NRA's a good thing!) without knowing who it belonged too--turns out as we found out that afternoon, it belonged to none other than our adopted brothers R!! It was hilarious that we unintentionally parked right next to them! So, we go into the building, not knowing the R's were there yet, trot up the steps and who do I see across the foyer but Caleb! In a matter of minutes, three sisters and three brothers were greeting each other and talking 90 miles an hour, across this little circle. The S's arrived and were dragged into the circle by yours truly. I don't know exactly whose idea it was to sit together, but we ended up in a single row like this: Andy, Caleb, Katherine, Racheal, Savannah, and Dan. The S's were in the row ahead of us since we all wouldn't fit in one row. My fingers went nearly ceaselessly during the three talks that took place that morning (Rev. McDonald's impression this year was of Gaspard Coliny's elder brother--the name I forget) and I got the entire cuff of Andy's second kilt sock finished! Yay! (I finished the first sock Friday on the way over.) Toward evening, I had Andy try on the completed sock and it fit perfectly! He seemed to really like it...and it appeared to me that he didn't want to take it off! I am going to make him and Dan both a set of kilt flashes to go with their kilts/socks. (Dan got himself a kilt...I forgot to ask what tartan it was, but it looked rather like Graham to me and Graham is my primary tartan claim.) I have also been commissioned to knit Dan a pair of kilt hose. :) However, you're not here to read of the Socketeer's business prospects... Let's see...we were to have a jam session between lunch and the Highland games (about an hour); so we gathered out in the cold wind and the slight sprinkle and waited....and waited...and waited while the poor over-taxed food vendors worked as fast as they could to feed the line of people. Both Dan and Caleb had already eaten by the time Savannah, Katherine, Andy, and I had gotten our food. (The H's would have already eaten, I guess, because their last name falls in the first half of the alphabet and we were assigned to eat according to last names.) Once we ate, we went in and jammed. As promised, Andy helped me on 'General Taylor' both during the jam session and later as we headed toward the Highland Games. (As of this afternoon, I'm doing terrible on it; but I do know what it is that I need to work on.) I still can't keep up with Andy's flying fingers, but I did a little better this year because I am in practice better than last year. I don't know exactly what it is, but my guitar's tone doesn't seem to blend overly well with his...even though I was in tune. We actually did a few of songs that we girls are proficient at--including "Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah"--which our brothers informed us was much too fast. Ha! ;) It's not a dirge, you guys! ;D (It was actually rather humorous, the banter about that...) But we did 'Salley Gardens', one of my favorites (me finger-picking to boot!)...'Be Thou My Vision'...oh boy...I can't remember the rest, but it sure was fun. Strumming, bowing, percussion, whistles, voices...I look forward to the next jam session. :) (Maybe I ought to practice a little harder too!) We moved on to the Highland Games with little ol' me trying to match my voice to Andy's and conquer General Taylor; by the time we got there, Andy told me he thought I had it...well, sorta, Andy...sorta. :) Caleb did not win the cabor toss this year; I think he came in second (or third at the least)...and someplace along in there in the rock toss. I went and bugged Andrew about getting in on the 'funn' but he didn't because he had a shoulder bugging him. I agree, it's not a good idea to stress already bothersome joints/muscles. I stayed over there instead of wandering back to where Savannah and Katherine were because I could see better (the announcer) had stepped in front of us three and I got busy hollering for all my "brothers" (the H's, the R's, and the B's). I figured I might as well get into it and have fun. Christopher, Thomas, William, and Joshua B. were being noisy in a different fashion and I vainly tried to get them to slacken their "war chant". Andy told me to ignore them and they'd quit--but they wouldn't have. I know those guys...they are so much themselves (which sounds weird). I heaved Christopher up at one point and he was squawking, "Put me down!" with a huge grin in his voice...and so I kept ahold of him until he asked sweetly if I would, "Put me down...please." What? PLEASE? From the Lion-hearted?? Yes, dear... I grabbed William around the shoulders at one point too...I forget what it was about...but he really doesn't mind the affection. (Those boys know that I love 'em--because I've told them so.) Thomas doesn't stick around as long for hugs. :D I'm doing good with Joshua just to ruffle his hair--he's never been as receptive to it anyway (he likes Katherine best of us three girls). Daniel B. did the cabor toss for the second time this year. He's such a scrawny looking young man, though tall enough, that the he doesn't look like he could handle it well, but he did pretty decently. Give him a couple more years and he may be giving the standing camps (Caleb and a feller named Matt [who plays a pretty mean piano, too!]) a run for their money. (Daniel doesn't talk to me much these days [he's 16 and too into football after church to want to stand around and exchange pleasantries with me], but we're still family, as his coming up Saturday evening to let us know his 'battle wounds' were not hurting anymore, showed. I'm pretty fond of that tall, skinny, blue-eyed kid.) Let's see...there were all kinds of humorous little situations, from one guy taking a head-first dive into the dirt right after his rock went flying, to joking about the Canadian running around in shorts and shortsleeves while everyone else was dressed a little heavier; even the guys in kilts had on more clothing with long sleeves and all. I did it...I really did. Whether or not I should be embarrassed about it is another question. I gave my last year's critique of Andy's sword play to him--and like a gentleman he listened to me...and even took it. I could see that he was defending himself a little tighter. In other words, he stayed in the fight a little longer! I mean, literally, there were a couple of times that I wanted to snatch a fallen boffer and chase some dude off from Andy last year. :D I do so enjoy a good bout of sword-play that it can be hard to "just watch" the boffer wars. The three R's fought shoulder to shoulder...and at one point, some guys in front of me encouraged themselves, "Let's get the Canadians!" and promptly descended upon the three of them. I was thinking: "But they're not Canadian!" Oh, well...odd. Let's see...I don't want to bore my readership with flash-tidbits of moments that either amused me or had significance to me...but would be "blah" to you all...so I'll just sum up the Games in this way: I had much fun watching them, talking to Andrew and Andy, teasing the B kiddos, yelling in support of my friends, laughing, and looking "goofy" (according to KT) with my shawl tucked on top of my head. After a while, I got cold and along with that, both my 'Lymie' wrist and hip started to ache a little, so when Savannah, Caleb, Katherine, and Andrew headed in, I went with them. Shortly after that, the other two R brothers came back from the wars. Andy with beat up hands (not good for a professional musician); he held his hands up to show me his swollen knuckles and his hands were still quivering. Dan had a goose-egg on his right wrist, though I didn't know that until we were dancing the Virginia Reel and he had to quit clapping because it was bothering him. (I stamped my foot so hard I make my knee hurt during that dance. :D) The discussion of "where are we going to go eat supper" started in earnest. No one wanted to see me out of sorts from food (me most especially!) and so we settled on a Bob Evans some 10-15 minutes away. The R's led the way in their car and I moved to the backseat to allow Andrew the use of the front seat (afterall, his legs are twice as long as mine!) and thusly we went, "Won't Caleb drive a little faster? I'm hungry!!" :D Turns out, he was driving so slowly because he thought Savannah was an overly cautious driver. (I.e. a duffer--like me.) Anyway, so we got to Bob Evans and I laughed something about only Caleb and Andy be the normal looking people amongst the seven of us, for Dan was kilted and Andrew was decked out in early 1800's styled finery, not to mention the medieval/Reformation style outfits of the ladies of the party! I really didn't feel as awkward as I thought I was going to. Some lady in the restroom asked me if we were with 'the show' (apparently there was some sort of Broadway-esque show playing in Peoria)... After we were seated, I cornered Dan to get some information concerning the voice over he is supposed to be doing for me and as soon as I said "Voice Over" he got this look on his face that really cracked me up. I swallowed his excuses (I have less excuse than he does for not being any further along than I am!) and proceeded to order my salmon. There was lively conversation and plenty of laughs over our supper. I'm afraid I looked askance at the blueberry pancakes that ended up in front of Dan...I could just imagine eating that and being so sick I couldn't walk straight. :D It was even more fun though to tell Andy "Eat!" every two minutes...he really only glared good-naturedly at me once. (We had a time limit because the ball started at 7:30.) Well, we made it (and many thanks to Dan for picking up the tab for the entire table!) and were there and ready when the dancing started. Mrs. B called this year and I think did a pretty good job for her second full ball. I was pleased as punch when Christopher strolled up and proffered his hand to me. I don't recall the little stinker ever asking me to dance before...that was the Waves of Tory...so we had short me and even shorter Christopher--but we managed the arches without over much trouble. :) As previously mentioned, I did the Virginia Reel with Dan, whose arm was hurting him. He kept clapping, then stopping, and then starting again. It's odd how somethings just "happen" even though you know it would be better if you quit doing whatever it is. (I've done that while playing spoons before; the blisters start coming and I just keep playing.) It's practically impossible not to clap during the Virginia Reel!! The Virginia Reel and the Gay Gordon (or Carolina Promenade, depending on who you are talking to) are my favorite dances and both were done. I started that one (it's a mixer) with Andy...likewise the Pattycake Polka (and of course, I had to mention how 7 lb.s of Bacon does it...and he quipped something about 7 lb.s of bacon sound good. Goofy! ;P) I think nearly all the dances were ones I had done before...since I am learning the ECD terms and steps, I'm getting to a point where I can just pick up and go with a dance after a real quick walk through. Remembering the names and which is which is the hard part! I love to dance! It was roundly agreed amongst ourselves that we could have kept dancing much past 10...but since we had to be out of the building by a certain time, we had to quit. I was sooo wound up that night that I didn't conk out very fast and then I woke up early. We wiled away the time before it was time to go to church by packing and loading the car. Oh, and 'peep ob-ing'. ;) Looking out our window, we could see the parking lot of the neighboring hotel--even from that distance, I recognized members of the J family (whom I don't actually know, but I know who they are). Minutes before we left, I spotted two heads bobbing along...as soon as they appeared from behind a tree, I knew who they were. Of course, the guitar case really helped, but I knew it was Andy and Dan without it. :D The sermon was edifying and interesting as Rev. McDonald spoke on verses 9-22 of II Timothy 4 (the end of the book). He was noting how this was, in a way, rather like Paul's last will and testament and how he was thinking about people, not possessions or position, as he neared the end of his life. I find that communion is a bit on the awkward side at Providence, but I appreciate being able to take it all the same. And that church sings. Not just robustly, but in parts. You can hear the sopranos, the basses, the tenors, and probably the altos if you're really listening (we tend to get lost, I think, between the sopranos and tenors). It is just a joy to sing at Providence because it is so beautiful. The church kindly provided people lunch on Sunday afternoon. I went downstairs with my sisters and Andy, but, because I offered to take Bibles and jackets upstairs, I ended up going through the line with Caleb and Dan (rather than cutting back in, I just joined the end of the line). Dan filled up a tray again this year, but not as much as last year...and once again, he ate practically all of it. :D I was full after a single plateful. During lunch (like last year) Savannah and Andy talked non-stop. Caleb interjected into whichever conversation he wanted to, and Dan and I probably spent more time talking about guns than anything else. :D Katherine was quiet for the most part and just ate while listening intently to Savannah and Andy; until R came over and slipped in between KT and I...there was some joking about me having enough room...which I assured her I had enough room and we'd know that I didn't when I fell off the end of the bench and hit my head on the brick wall beside me. ;) Before we left, we spent roughly another hour doing a hymn-sing in the sanctuary. Seth, someone I know who they are because of filmmaking, accompanied us on the piano. We concluded with "God Be With You Til We Meet Again" (which I did not know)...and it was so beautiful, I was beginning to choke up! Then, seriously right before we left, we had a little photoshoot where Katherine got to use the timer on her camera. Here's the results: It's really funny...because if you are scrolling through the pictures, we look like we're all swaying if you flip between them. :D (Obviously, we did not stand in age order, or height order or in any usual sense of photographic orderliness. We just lined up like siblings and waited for Katherine to dash back to the group.) And just one final picture...Andy, waiting for his brothers to return so they could start home: It was a grand weekend...and I look forward to seeing all the friends mentioned in this post "the next time" whenever that rolls around! God Bless Y'all! It's a joy knowing you! RachealI do believe we left off last week, just having concluded the fifth office of the church, that of Elder. We pick up then with the office of Deacon. The sixth office, that of deacon, is essential to the health of the church—physically, spiritually, and socially—for another reason. It is “the office of love” in the church. His [the deacon's] concern is love in that it shows Christians how to love one another practically and effectively. (443-444) As with Elders, there are both positive and negative requirements (found on pages 450-451). The positive requirements are that deacons should be a) men of dignity, b) of a clear conscience, c) beyond reproach, d) the husband of one wife, and e) a good manager of household/children. The negative requirements are that he should not be a) double-tongued, b) addicted to wine, and c) not fond of sordid gain. From all this above we can conclude: First, the greatest Deacon who ever lived, upon whom our lives and salvation depends is the Lord Jesus Christ. His deaconing work in our behalf is the basis for the forgiveness of our sins and our acceptance in the family of God. (453) The seventh office is that of "Teacher". (Personally, I found this one interesting because I had never considered it before.) Seventh, according to The Westminster Form of Presbyterial Church-Government, the New Testament church had the office of teacher (“doctor”) (1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11): “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers.” He, as a minister of the word, as well as the pastor, has the authority to administer the sacraments. (459) (I could not find a way to trim that without cutting the logical flow up.) The final office of the church is that of Evangelist. Eighth, the office of evangelist was an office in the New Testament church (Eph. 4:11, 12; Acts 21:8; 2 Tim. 4:5). The evangelist From here we move on into the nature and extent of church authority, or said another way, the jurisdiction of church courts. First then, what is the source of the church authority and jurisdiction? The authority of the church comes directly from God, “being exercised and enforced, not only or chiefly because of the permission or consent of its members, What is the standard of church authority and jurisdiction? The standard defining the nature and extent of church authority is the entire Word of God written—sola scriptura—not the laws of the state, the civil constitution of a nation, nor the will of the members or officers. (463) What is the nature of church authority and jurisdiction? It is multi-faceted, the first angle being ministerial. The authority of church officers and church courts is subordinate to Christ and His Word, and is, therefore, ministerial, The second facet is itself multi-faceted: Second, God’s authority is directly related to the exercise of church authority and the decisions of church courts. (464) Therefore, first, doctrine: As the pillar, guardian and custodian of the revealed truth of God, the church Second, worship: The church has the authority to put into effect the institutions, ordinances and laws appointed by Christ in His church, which does NOT involve the power to bind the conscience of its members to the observance of new and additional ordinances enacted by itself. (467) Third, discipline: The church has the power to apply church discipline, to admit and to exclude from the fellowship of the church, and to govern the conduct of members while they continue as members. (468) These last are more fully expounded: The one requirement for church membership is a credible profession of faith in Christ and the Bible (Matt. 16:16–18; Acts 2:41; Matt. 28:19). A credible profession of faith is a profession of faith in Christ and the Bible that is believable, that is in general conformity with the teachings of the Bible and that is demonstrated in a life of obedience to God in the one making the profession. (470) The following is the objective of church authority: First, the reception of members. What are the limits of church authority and jurisdiction? First, church authority is limited in that it is distinctly and exclusively What is the relation between church courts and civil courts? The church, under Christ her King, is an independent domain, even as the state is. The church is a separate institution with its own powers, functions and jurisdiction....Ecclesiastical constitutions have no authority in civil government; and civil constitutions have no authority in ecclesiastical government. To reject this limitation is political, cultural and ecclesiastical suicide....Its government is in the hands of the officers of the church and is distinct from the civil magistrate. I drew my reading to a conclusion at the end of this section. I will not be at home next weekend, so we will, Lord willing, renew our study of "The Church of Christ" in two Lord's Day's from this. RachealIt appears to me that I left off still in the section discussing the Presbyterian governmental system et al. Anyway, to continue, we will look at the Presbyterian government of the apostolic church as shown in Romans 15 and 16. In the New Testament history of the apostolic church we see three kinds of presbyteries: congregational presbyteries, or sessions of local churches; There are six lessons to be learned from the situation in Acts 15 and 16 namely, [1] The Standard of Christian Authority Christ is the head over His church. This is shown in the following points: 1) Christ is the head over all things for the Church (Eph. 1:20-23); 2) Christ is the Covenantal head of His Church (Rom. 5:12f); 3) Christ is the organic head of His Church (Eph. 4:15-16; 5:23, 28-30); and 4) Christ is the organizational head of His Church (Eph. 5:23-24). [see pages 380-384 for further discussion] Who are the officers of the Church and what are their roles? First, Christ is Head and King: The first office in the church is the office of Head and King of the Second, the offices of Apostle and Prophet in the New Testament: The second and third offices in the church were those of the apostles and prophets in the New Testament. The apostles and prophets, as vehicles of verbal and inerrant revelation from God, constitute the foundation of the church with Christ as the “cornerstone,” i.e., the principal support and cause of growth: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow-citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone” (Eph. 2:19–20). The Spirit-revealed, written teachings of the Christ-commissioned apostles and prophets are Third (or fourth, if counting identically to Dr. Morecraft) is the office of Minister of Word and Sacraments: The office of the minister of the Word is a permanent office in the church. We know this to be the case for four reasons. (1) Christ commissioned His church to disciple, baptize and instruct all nations to the end of the world by the preaching and teaching of the Word of God (Matt. 28:18–20). (2) The Spirit-inspired and Christ commissioned apostles made provision in the New Testament for this history-long mission with the institution of the office of minister to succeed the apostles after they passed off the scene....(3) Ephesians 4:11–13 tells us that the ministerial Here Dr. Morecraft takes a detour into the meaning of "preaches" and "preaching", but I will only barely touch on it. The text he mainly works from is Romans 10:1-21. As contemporary French Calvinist, Pierre Marcel has written: “the power of the preached Word is the very power of God… for it accomplishes the works which the Godhead alone is able to perform in the hearts of lost men; its effectiveness is divine.” 126 Pierre Marcel, The Relevance of Preaching, trans. by Rob Roy McGregor (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1963), 14. (393) Next is the office of Ruling Elder: In every organized church there should be three classes of officers: (1) At least one minister of the Word, or preaching elder, (2) At least two ruling elders, and (3) Deacons. The office of ruling elder is of vital and necessary importance in the church, because “the laws which Christ has appointed for the government and edification of his people cannot possibly be executed without such a class of officers.” 152. Miller, The Ruling Elder, 172. (422) There are both "positive" (that which he should be/have) and "negative" (that which he should not be/have) requirements for the office of elder: The Positive (pages 430-432): How should we respond to our elders? ...Jesus would have us obey, submit, appreciate, and esteem very highly in love those whom He makes ruling elders by His Spirit. We are to give to them loving submission as they work diligently overseeing us (“have charge over you”) and instructing/counseling us (“instruction”). We are to submit to their faithful, personal shepherding oversight of ourselves and our families in the church; There is a brief argument against "term eldership": The office of ruling elder is a permanent office in the church....Moreover, “term eldership” is contrary to the implications of election and ordination to office. We will return to this study, Lord willing, next week, taking up the office of Deacon. Racheal |
New post on The Bee Project! 04/26/18
The Middle KidI chose to title this blog "The Adventures of a Middle Kid" because that is exactly what I'll be detailing (mostly). I chose 'kid' over any other word, like 'girl' (I am the middle girl so it also would have worked) or 'child' Archives
April 2019
The anti-Christ will not overrun Christ’s church or kingdom. Categories
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