A Quotable Worth Reading

A church that does not exist to reclaim heathenism, to fight evil, to destroy error, to put down falsehood, a church that does not exist to take the side of the poor, to denounce injustice and to hold up righteousness, is a church that has no right to be. Nor for yourself, O Church, do you exist, any more than Christ existed for Himself.


Charles Hadden Spurgeon

Rugged Old Roads

It is broad and rugged terrain that separates the present from the past. It's often difficult to even see the way clearly, let alone travel it's pathways. The work, the sweat, the pain and, sometimes, the blood that is necessary to embrace the ancient is more than most wish to sacrifice. It's less demanding to grasp and follow that which is trendy and novel. Newer is better - or at least easier. There is much current talk about the 'emerging church' and 'New Wineskins' and 'reengineering worship' - and while there is surely a need for this kind of innovation, and while there may be great intention and passion in the heart of the innovator, it does seem that we do a large disservice to this generation by separating and shielding them from the past.

Personal hunger of late has been related to that of historical and community connection. There have been several things feeding this recent hunger for connecting with things old, and I'd like to share them with you.

My family made a recent pilgrimage to Williamsburg, VA. This was a connection to things past in relation to our national heritage that was refreshing. Perspective is gained and insight attained on a trip like this that is invaluable and appreciated.

Recent study of ancient Celtic spirituality has transformed my daily rhythm of prayer and devotion. It has also given me a greater understanding of community and evangelism. I've written about this in previous blogs that can be read by going here and here.

Preaching through Isaiah's Salvation Song (Chapters 40-66) has, oddly enough, helped to connect with the past, as well. Through this study, the gospel that I am commissioned to teach is becoming a clearer vision in illuminating life and an intensified passion of my soul. Isaiah lays it out in the most God-soaked way. God's plan and purpose existed before time. We are part of this timeless plan for Glory.

Finally, this study has led me to a re-reading of Abraham's story. Genesis reminds me of a spiritual lineage foretold to an old man on a clear, pre-historic, desert night. God told Abraham to count the stars. Abraham couldn't do it. There were too many. These blazes of light are the innumerable descendents of Abraham. I can look at the night sky tonight and know that I am in that lineage. It's breathtaking.

So many people walk through broken and wounded lives with severely dysfunctional and disjointed heritage. Nevertheless - and in spite of the fractures and woundedness - those of us who live and walk by faith are of holy and ancient decent. A chosen race. A royal priesthood. A holy nation. A people possessed by the Holy One - who thus speak loudly of the greatness of the One who called us from the darkness into his glorious light. (See I Peter 2:9)

Feel free to respond to bernie@fccfranklin.com