by Jack Roberts | Dec 12, 2012 | Uncategorized
The gift of time is second only to the gift of Life itself. To have time, to use time, is a treasured privilege given to the children of the Timeless One-in-Three. The Beginning and the End has intersected Earth’s timeline, drawn and directed by Himself alone, and so given infinite significance to each tick of man’s measurement.
“This Is The Day…” is more than a pep song; it is a profound theological statement giving worth to each moment, each life. There is time…time to love, time to serve, time to give, time to receive, time to speak, time to listen–time to do everything our Lord has given us to do. The Giver of time, of our time, will also give us wisdom to utilize it wisely.
originally written December, 1989
by Jack Roberts | Nov 27, 2012 | Uncategorized
When we entered the Federal Court building last Monday to hear the oral arguments in our case with the DOE, we were met with an impressive figure, presumably representing “Justice.” Holding the scales of justice in her hand, she is blind-folded to ensure the message of the courts’ neutrality is clear for all to see. This building, built in 2000 A.D., was the product of the expertise of a technologically advanced society and this statue is the expression of a philosophically enlightened culture. The belief in the innate goodness of man, and his ability to be above any bias, following only the best results of science, informs this modern testament to man’s self-adulation.
I was immediately reminded of another statue of “Justice,” but from another era and another place, before the accelerating de-Christianization of our culture. The Bronx Supreme Court building on 161st Street and the Grand Concourse stands guard over “The House that Ruth built” just a few blocks down the hill. Its massive white limestone walls and imposing columns are impressive landmarks which have housed the halls of justice for almost 80 years. However, the casual observer may miss a subtle but telltale feature emblematic of our cultural decline during its watch. Between the portico and the long incline of steps, facing each other across the portal through which all visitors must pass, are two larger than life statues. On the west is “Justice,” holding a scale balance in her hands. She is looking straight across at a bearded figure with stone tablets under his arms: Moses.
Unlike the Enlightenment’s anthropocentric ideal of “blind justice,” this view is rooted in the biblical truth that justice must be informed by the Law of God. No looking within the mind or heart or experience of humanity to find a basis for equal treatment under the law: reliance must be on the revealed standard of truth which stands apart from and above man for there to be any hope of an approximation of justice. The myth of an unbiased perspective is rejected for the manifestly obvious truth that all judgments are made from an unproven and unprovable perspective. Pure neutrality is an illusion that only justifies bias in the name of objectivity. God’s Word, his perspective, protects man from himself by standing over all humanity, the educated and uneducated alike, and provides a standard independent of man’s ideas and prejudices.
by Jack Roberts | Nov 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
Listening to the oral arguments before the Second Circuit last Monday afternoon was an experience in conflicting emotions. In the first half, the three judge panel seemed to criticize the DOE’s arguments at every level, eliciting a heart-felt delight that they seemed to be getting it right. However, the second half erased all jubilation and produced a sense of dread as two of the judges leveled their front-loaded verbal cannons at Jordan Lorence, our counsel from ADF (Alliance Defending Freedom).
Judge Calabresi, in particular, seemed determined to filibuster the time allotted to Jordan by his constant interruption of his attempted answers. The judge would finish his question-statement, and before Jordan could complete a sentence he would interject another statement-question. This tactic consumed more than half of Jordan’s time and seemed designed to prevent Jordan’s erudition and persuasive, rational arguments from influencing Judge Leval, the swing vote on the panel of three. Judge Walker again displayed a reasoned, even-handed approach to the issue and gave Jordan some respite from Judge Calabresi’s barrage.
The consensus from the three ADF lawyers present was that the decision is probably going to go against BHOF. We were disappointed but not surprised. There is more going on than just the professed fear that Christianity would somehow be perceived as the favored religion if allowed to continue worshiping in schools.
Underneath all the arguments, there is a real fear that fuels this effort, although probably not identified by our detractors: fear of the real God. The heart of man has a memory of the God Adam knew; it’s stamped into the DNA of our humanity, a faint trace of what our first ancestor experienced in the presence of his Creator. If this fear is to remain dormant, every effort must be made to silence those who have faced that fear and now promote His worship.
by Bob Hall | Nov 20, 2012 | Uncategorized
A Growing Threat?
On November 19, 2012, the Bronx Household of Faith was once again before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The city is seeking to overturn the injunction handed down from the Federal District Court earlier this year. The opening argument from the New York City Department of Education lawyer was extraordinary! Here is a summary of what she said: “Eighty churches are now renting schools. This is a five-fold increase from 2003!”
I’m struggling for the major premise here but it has to be something to the effect that that is a bad thing. The inference, apparently, is obvious (but not to me): if this trend should continue, New York City is surely on the road to degradation.
Neglected Facts
Never mind that the injunction under which we and other churches are renting the schools, applies to all religions not just to Christian churches. Never mind the fact that we pay the same rate to use the school facilities as everyone else, meaning that it is not a subsidy. Never mind the fact that Muslims at Nottingham High School, Syracuse, New York, are conducting Friday Prayers at 2:40PM each week, which is nothing less than the weekly Muslim worship service (The Post-Standard, Wednesday, 14 November 2012). Hmmm. I wonder why the reporter said, “More often than not, the service is led by one of their own.” Student led it must be–but apparently it is not always the case. Who else would lead the prayers if not a student–an Imam?
Now, when Christians worship at a time when the building is most likely to be empty, somehow this is a very dangerous trend and it must be nipped in the bud. Something funny’s going on here.
Check out this letter from Redeemer pastor Tim Keller about the issue:http://www.redeemer.com/news_and_events/newsletter/?aid=321
And follow the case here:
http://blog.speakupmovement.org/church/category/equal-access/
by Bob Hall | Nov 14, 2012 | Uncategorized
Luke 19:1-10
Zacchaeus was someone whom nobody liked. He was a collaborator, a person who had enriched himself by having his hand in the pockets of his fellow countrymen. To befriend him in table fellowship was to be in league with an enemy of God. Who would dare risk reputation for the slightest nod towards him? But Jesus did.
Zacchaeus sought out Jesus–but actually it was Jesus who was seeking Zacchaeus. In Jesus’ own words, “the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Something extraordinary happened after Jesus went to his home for dinner. Zacchaeus went into his house a son of Abraham by circumcision and came out a true son of Abraham by circumcision of the heart.
I have often wished for the details of the exchange between the two, but no. The Holy Spirit has given us just the right amount of information. There is no doubt in my mind that the experience of having the sovereign Lord of the universe as a dinner-guest was forever etched in his memory. That is not the point to be made here. He had obviously embraced our Lord as the long-awaited Messiah. The result was a changed life. That is always the effect of true saving faith.
The story presents Zacchaeus as “getting it.” He would make restitution where he had defrauded people. Here is a beautiful, unfettered picture of the Gospel. Jesus sought Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus repented and believed. The effect of his faith brought forth the fruit of repentance.
by Jack Roberts | Nov 7, 2012 | Uncategorized
The results are in: voters have empowered many people in the executive and legislative branches to carry out public policies clearly abhorrent to God – abortion and gay ‘marriage.’ Although many who voted for these candidates may not agree with their views on these moral issues, their votes nevertheless have positioned them to promote these evil practices.
The exit polls indicate that matters other than those important to God were apparently of greatest concern to voters: the ‘right’ to abortion and contraceptives, the rich paying their ‘fair share,’ charisma and empathy. We’ve known it for a long time, but this election drove the point home: those who consider the Word of God authoritative and apply it to the value of life and the definition of marriage are in the minority in America.
Our calling and our message remains unchanged: “we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” II Corinthians 5:20
by Jack Roberts | Nov 6, 2012 | Uncategorized
The Rule of Law
The United States was founded by people who believed in the rule of law. Many of them believed that the God of the Bible is the ultimate law-giver and that he has ordained that all people, kings or presidents, are to be subject to his law. This perspective influenced the founders to include checks and balances within the formation of the government to protect against anyone standing above the law. The Constitution, reasonably and faithfully interpreted, was to be the final authority.
Since it was formulated, this commitment to the rule of law has been at risk–and never more than it is now. I believe our American society has been uninstructed in the value of the rule of law and there is mounting evidence that many people want to trust generous, intelligent, charismatic leaders to make policies that will benefit them even if the rule of law is neglected.
Christianity and the United States
The United States is not and never has been a “Christian nation.” For it to be that, I think would mean that the Word of God would be unashamedly acknowledged as the ultimate authority; all, or the over-whelming majority, of the leaders would be born-again Christians; and slavery would have been out-lawed in the Constitution. Nevertheless, America has benefited immensely from its Christian influences and has been blessed as a “Christianized” nation. However, we are rapidly losing that Christian influence.
Voting Power
The election on Tuesday is an opportunity for ordinary citizens to vote for their leaders. When we vote for someone, we are giving them power to carry out their policies; if we know their policies are against the clear moral standards of God’s Word and yet we vote to give them power to carry out those policies, we are complicit in their evil.
Although economic policies do have moral principles behind them and do have moral implications, one man does not have the power to change the financial structure of our nation single-handedly and there is not one clear-cut, biblical economic policy.
However, the president does have the power to affect profoundly for generations the moral and legal standards for the sanctity of human life and of the definition of marriage. Judicial appointments are critical in these issues as the courts rule on the constitutionality of our laws; we need men and women who believe in the rule of law and the fundamental principles of God’s moral code.
The Voting Church
Our goal as the church of the King of Kings is to exalt him before all people by bringing the good news by all means at our disposal to the people in our community. Our goal as pilgrims temporarily residing in a land not our final home, is to make this place as livable as we can, as reflective of God’s truth as we can and as gospel-friendly as we can.
I’m voting for people I think will slow the slide of the de-Christianizing of our culture. I’m voting for people who I think believe in the rule of law, who respect the moral code of the Word of God, who respect life (born and unborn), who respect the institution of marriage as God ordained from the beginning as between one man and one woman.
by Bob Hall | Nov 6, 2012 | Uncategorized
I do not look for a political savior. I have no king but Jesus. But Jesus tells me to submit to governing authorities and, therefore, I will vote in this election.
Here is the basis of my vote:
No man has the right to rule over another; yet we need to be governed. James Madison said in Federalist 51, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.” We live in a fallen world and we must give the power of the sword into the hands of somebody. We must, however, take into consideration the reality of original sin.
Alexander Solzhenitzen, who certainly knew something about tyranny, said that evil cuts through every one of us. We are not angels; we are inherently prone to evil according to Genesis 6:5, “Every thought and intent of his [every person’s] heart was only evil all the time.” How then do we give someone the right to rule over us without that person becoming an oppressor? By limiting that person’s power in an agreement between the magistrate and the people, typically called a constitution.
But that, in itself is not enough. That relationship must be presided over by a higher authority, namely, the God of this universe, the One who speaks and it is so. He is the source of justice. That magistrate-citizen relationship places obligations on both. Both leader and citizen have an obligation to abide by the mutually agreed upon relationship–under God! It is called the rule of law. Without it, we face two dangers: the tyranny of the leader, and the tyranny of the mob.
In a word, I shall vote for the person who most closely believes in a government limited by the constitution. That said, I pray, most of all, for leaders who will “kiss the Son.”
by Bob Hall | Oct 29, 2012 | Uncategorized
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14 ESV)
This story is about two sinners and the universal human need for justification.
Make no mistake, the Pharisee believed that he was a sinner (after all, nobody’s perfect)–but he was also confident that his religious diligence made him acceptable to God. He had (with the help of God, of course) lifted himself above the bar of acceptability. Yes, although he gave credit to God that he was not like other men, he had, in his own mind, justified himself.
By contrast, that “scumbag” publican saw no hope, in and of himself, to be accepted by God. His only recourse was to cast himself on the mercy of God, the means of which would be shortly revealed in the Cross.
His prayer, “God be merciful to me, a sinner,” commonly called “The Sinner’s Prayer,” are not the magic words by which someone gets saved. No, it was a cry of the heart that actually said, God propitiate me, that is, in mercy turn your wrath away from me, one who justly deserves it.
How is that wrath turned away? Through Christ—who, through His death, reconciles us to the Father and who alone can justify us.
Indeed, this wrath-deserving sinner “went down to his house justified before God.”
by Jack Roberts | Oct 19, 2012 | Uncategorized
Renewal, for a Christian, is taking place not in spite of difficulties and troubles, but because of them. Difficulties and disappointments and sufferings, even the deterioration of our bodies, are loosening our grip on the things of this world. They are causing our hands to lose the desire to grasp, to hold on to the things of this world, to get some security here. Our security must be in God himself. Our focus must be on that which is eternal, not on that which can be taken from us and will be taken from us soon.
The Lord uses troubles to turn us from loving the world and the things in it. He is committed to getting rid of the idols in our lives. He must be and He wants to be and He insists upon being the center of our lives–the one for whom we have the most affection, the one in whom we delight the most. He has commanded it. Even our stranglehold on good things, like family relationships, our jobs, even things that we do in ministry, helping other people–things that are not evil in themselves–may claim more of our affection than Christ Himself. And so He sends difficulties and trials to take the glitter off of them, to scrub off the facade so you can see: these things are not really all that after all. He does this so that He may fill up our desires and increase our longing to be with Him. Get a hold on this now! You will save yourself a lot of unnecessarily wasted time in your life!
