Word4Women's Blog

Thanksgiving to the Glory of God

word4women — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:31:02 +0000

by Jonathan Parnell | November 23, 2011

Since 1863, on the fourth Thursday of November, families and friends in the United States have gathered to commemorate an old tradition linked back to the early European settlers.

You know the story: The pilgrims and Native Americans came together for a happy feast to celebrate the harvest and forge new friendships. A few hundred years later, this event became a legislated holiday and got Norman Rockwelled into the fabric of American life. We call it Thanksgiving.

The Aim of Paul’s Ministry

It’s interesting that we name a national holiday after an emotion — a very good emotion. In fact, an emotion for which the apostle Paul aimed his ministry. He tells it like this in 2 Corinthians 4:15:

It is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

“It is all for your sake.” What’s he talking about? In short, “it” refers to Paul’s gospel proclamation along with its accompanying ethos of suffering and persevering faith (2 Corinthians 4:13–14). Or, said a little longer, “it” refers to Paul’s gospel proclamation flowing from an ethos in continuity with the Old Testament writer of Psalm 116 — an ethos that perseveres in the midst of affliction by faith in the resurrection.

This is Paul’s character. This is how he does it: afflicted, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). He went about as a missionary, taking the gospel from one city to the next, carrying in his body the death of Jesus, looking to the eternal weight of glory. And he did it for our sake.

He did it for our sake so that as the gospel continues to advance among all peoples, it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. As grace extends to more and more people, it makes more and more people grateful. And this whole act of extending grace and responding in gratitude glorifies God.

Specific Gratitude

And it’s a particular kind of gratitude. There is nothing generic about it. It is thanksgiving for the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God incarnate, who came to save his people from their sins. This is the kind of thanksgiving that the apostle is aiming for. The kind that no holiday can manufacture.

While we do have some writings from the early pilgrims, we don’t really know the full details of the “thankfulness” present when the original attendees huddled around that now-famous meal. Were their hearts inclined to God in some vague sense? Did they call him Providence or Jesus? Were they just glad to have some food? We don’t know, and for our purposes it doesn’t really matter.

But what does matter is how we will huddle around our meal tomorrow.

More Than Food and Football

Here’s a plea that we look along the beams of delicious turkey and good football to see Jesus, crucified for us, dead and buried for us, raised for us on the third day. For his grace has been extended to us. We’ve heard the good news. Paul (or one of the apostles) told someone who told someone who told someone. And eventually one of these “someones” told us. This grace has extended to “more and more people.” It has extended to you and me.

So in the midst of our many thanksgivings, may we be mainly thankful for that — for Jesus and all that he is for us. And in so doing, may we fulfill Paul’s goal, the increase of thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

________

The above is from the Desiring God Blog

Women in Black Katherine Willoughby

word4women — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:15:30 +0000

This is the first blog post by guest blogger Emilee Johnson

When we think of the Reformation, many names may come into our minds. Names like John Calvin, John Knox, Martin Luther, and William Tyndale. After digging deeper you may run into more names like George Gillespie, John Hus, Patrick Hamilton, and Samuel Rutherford. We hear much about the men of the Reformation, but what about the women? What role did they play?

In my studies of history, I’ve observed that we hear more about men than women. Why is this? God made us women with a different role than men which is equally important but definitely different. Think about it; Calvin had a mother and so did Luther. Though we don’t hear about these women, I think these must have been godly women. God gave men the dominion mandate. They are the ones God has appointed to subdue the earth for His glory. The role of women is to help them in that calling. We are the supporters of God’s tools. One of our roles includes the crucial job of bringing man-kind into the world and bringing them up.

I would like to talk about a woman of the Reformation who beautifully lived out this role much to the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. Her name was Katherine Willoughby. Katherine was the wife of first Charles Brandon then Richard Birdie and lived in Grimsthorpe Castle during the English Reformation. She was a noble lady formally known as the Duchess of Suffolk.

Katherine was a woman of hospitality. 1 Peter 4:9-10 says “Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” She took this seriously and welcomed many great men including Hugh Latimer, Thomas Cranmer, Martin Bucer, and others into her family’s home. These men found Grimsthorpe Castle to be a haven of rest. They would talk and plan of how to continue the Reformation. Friendships were formed between these men and together they worked to spread the truth of the Scriptures. We can see in the example of the Willoughbys that hospitality can change the world. The people that you invite into your home and have meaningful conversations with over supper can potentially affect thousands, just as it did in England.

Katherine did not only welcome these men of God into her home but she also ministered to them and helped them in their work. For example, when Bucer, who was John Calvin’s mentor, lay sick in her home, Katherine acted as his scribe and copied down what he wanted to spread from the word of God to the English people. Currently the history of Europe is printed on the internet. During the Reformation however, books were widely distributed and read. The publishing and passing out of literature spurred on the Reformation. Because of this, it was extremely important that the Bible and its teaching were passed out to the people. Katherine knew this and so funded the publishing of the famous Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. This book has and continued to inspire Christians to stand firm in the faith because of those who have gone before.

Katherine was also a godly mother. She diligently taught her children the Scriptures and reformed faith. She also taught them to love and honor the reformers whom frequented their home. At ages 13 and 15, two of her sons wrote poems honoring these godly men at their deaths.

Richard and Katherine Birdie’s youngest son, Peregrine Birdie who was better known as Lord Willoughby was a man of God and fierce warrior. He once defended the French Huguenots against a Spanish army which was 25 times his size. His incredible courage came only from God and in the middle of the battle, Lord Willoughby kneeled and prayed to God for His will to be done and deliverance. The Lord answered his prayer and the Spanish were routed.

At this time, there was a 16 year old boy by the name of John Smith who was enchanted by the courage of Lord Willoughby. He visited Grimsthorpe Castle as a boy and was under the Willoughby’s influence. Later when John Smith had helped by the grace of God to establish the first permanent English settlement, he acknowledged that all of his courage and determination had come from Lord Willoughby.

Isn’t this amazing! A godly wife who loved Jesus Christ and the Scriptures with all of her heart invited godly men into her home and built friendships which spurred the English Reformation. She also diligently taught her children the Scriptures who went out and lived out their faith boldly and defended Christians. This in turn influenced John Smith who was one of the instruments God used to establish America.

So maybe this is the very first time that you have ever heard of Katherine Willoughby. For all she did, she is not very famous. This brings up one last point I would like to make. Matthew 6:20-21 says, “Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Our goal should not be to be great in the eyes of men. Man’s opinion is nothing compared to God’s. Our names may be remembered for a while, but most of the time they will be forgotten. Our name is never forgotten to God. This is what we see with Katherine Willoughby. Her name is unknown to many but God used her mightily for his kingdom because she joyfully lived in the role He laid out for her.

So what can we learn from Katherine Willoughby? First of all, search the Scriptures for our role as women. The Scripture is not only inerrant and infallible, but it is also all sufficient. That includes revealing to us how we are to live our lives. We must also diligently serve our fathers and husbands whom God has put over us. We must furthermore cheerfully exercise hospitality because it is commanded of God. Our family has enjoyed having many families to our home over the years. It has been such a blessing! The Lord has taught us much through these families and hopefully we have been a blessing in return. We may not see any fruit from God’s work through us immediately or in our lifetime, but He has a plan. He knows exactly what He is doing and will accomplish His will no matter what. He will take our feeble attempts and use them for His glory in ways we can never imagine, just as God did with Katherine Willoughby.

Welcome Emilee our new Guest Blogger!

word4women — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 03:27:23 +0000

At Word4Women we are excited to welcome Emilee Johnson our new guest blogger! Her first entry…. her biographical sketch. Please offer comments for this young author and visit her family blog also. Thanks Emilee

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Emilee Johnson is the 16 year old daughter of Kurt and Vicki and big sister to four brothers and a sister. She is very thankful to God for her godly family and is blessed to be educated at home. The Lord drew Emilee to Himself at the age of nine and has continued to grow her in Him since then. Emilee enjoys studying Church history, American History, reading, home-making, and participating in Apologetics. She also enjoys playing the piano, harp, and violin with her family. Emilee is looking forward to what God has in store for her life and would love to be a wife and mother someday. She organizes her family’s blog which is www.raisingarrows4him.blogspot.com.

Women In Black I Wives of the Reformers

word4women — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 03:24:49 +0000

The first in our two part series entitled Women in Black:

The Wives of the Reformers

Kathrina von Bora was a former nun who married Martin Luther in 1525. She was one of eleven nuns who had read and been influenced by Luthers teaching and reached out for his help in leaving the convent. Hidden among herring barrels they made the trip to Wittenberg. A local student wrote to a friend: ‘A wagon load of vestal virgins has just come to town, all more eager for marriage than for life. God grant them husbands lest worse befall.” It was not long before Luther found them all positions or spouses… all but Katie. Kathrina had offers but declined all and suggested to Luther that they marry! They were married for a total of 21 years and had six children. She possesed a quick mind and tongue, was very humorous , and her stubbornness was said to match Luther’s —no small feat. As a wedding gift Frederick the Wise gave the Luther’s the Augustinian Monastery where Luther once lived. With many rooms and much space Katie opened their home to many students while tending a large garden caring for the livestock, fishing, farming and brewing.

Luther would refer to her as the morning star as she arose at 4 AM to set about her day including all the chores previously mentioned as well as managing their finances and caring for their children. Martin Luther was said to refer to her as “My Lord Katie”.

Aside from the many day to day tasks Katie was a true soul mate to Luther. She was there with him through his bouts of depression and spiritual unrest.

Kathrina von Bora Luther was indeed Luther’s help meet and “rib” in the truest sense of Genesis 2:

21 But for Adam no suitable helper was found. 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman, ‘ for she was taken out of man.” 24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Katharina Zell was married to Matthew Zell of Strasbourg. Though included here as a wife of a reformer, she made her own mark as she ministered along side her husband. She organized women towards mercy ministries and published a book of Psalms for women to sing.

She was prolific in her writing for women as well as defending her protestant beliefs. Publishing Briefe an die ganze Bürgerschaft der Stadt Straßburg… a letter to the entire citizenry of Strasburg.

As part of her ministry to exiled reformers she wrote scriptural encouragements to their wives and children. Her energy and zeal were amazing.

“Katie…my rib”

word4women — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:15:39 +0000

The quote above was made by Martin Luther in reference to his wife Katarina von Bora Luther…Katie. As I read this quote I had to smile as it was such a good example of,

”bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh” Genesis 2:23

In working with women over the years on the issue of male headship and biblical submission this verse has come up many times. In almost every case women who were resistant to male headship and biblical submission have said, “if my husband “sincerely” said this me, then I could submit.” These women were saying they could “submit” to a man that loved them in this manner ….in Ephesians 5 Paul teaches…

Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

Earlier in the same chapter Paul states marriage in more detail…

So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church^, because we are members of His body.

Women must not WAIT for their husbands to love them like this BEFORE they submit… we must obey the scripture even if our husband does not. I say this with full knowledge of how hard and hurtful this seems. None the less it is the word of God.

This was brought home to me many weeks ago when a friend recounted a conversation she had with my husband. She said, “I saw your husband at church Sunday and when I asked him where you were, he lifted his right arm as if he were hugging you at his side.” She said it took her a moment to understand his gesture.

Now does this mean I ALWAYS submit as I should…NO, does this mean he ALWAYS loves me as he should… NO. But it means that we have hidden this chapter in our hearts and try in our fallen state to be true to the word of God….

Luther had amazing love for his “Katie”… she was bone of my bone to him!

If you are a man reading this, I pray it will open the Word of God to you in a way that you may see your wife….future wife as God desires and that as such you will live the abundant life the Lord desires.

If you are a woman reading this, I pray it will open the Word of God to you in a way that you may see your role as wife or future wife as God desires and that as such you will live the abundant life the Lord desires.

May you each have a blessed Reformation Day.

“Katie…my rib”

word4women — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:14:53 +0000

“Katie…my rib”.

Women in Black

word4women — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:50:40 +0000

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:18

As Christians we are but sojourners, aliens if you will of life here on earth. It is towards this end I wold like to speak today.

Recently while reading, The Reformation…how a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World.. I came upon two interesting chapters. Chapters 7 & 8 are entitled

Men in Black
Women in Black too

This immediately led me to the scripture reference above and to the scenes from the movie “Men in Black.”

http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/meninblack/

This movie is about a secret government agency created to monitor alien life form on planet earth. Having watched each version several times… I do not remember viewing any “alien” that was not totally science fiction… We however are aliens of a realistic kind… Over the next few days leading up to Reformation Day on October 31, I will be posting about some Reformation Aliens and how they have changed the earth!

For more on the book mentioned please see:

http://books.google.com/books/about/The_Reformation.html?id=F7iqzuXhx_EC

With a review: by Brian Chang where.the.roots.grow

Book Review: “The Reformation” by Stephen J. Nichols

In Book Reviews on January 11, 2011 at 12:01 AM

Recommended. Stephen J. Nichols (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is research professor of Christianity and culture at Lancaster Bible College and Graduate School. He has written several books, including Heaven on Earth, the Pages of Church History, and Ancient Word, Changing Worlds.

If you’re not a church history scholar but are interested in the main players of Christian ecclesiology, this is the book for you. Progressing from the 1500′s and on, Dr. Nichols traces the rapid movement of Christian doctrine through history without boring the contemporary church member to death. This book captures the main characters in Reformation history covering everyone from Martin Luther to Thomas Cranmer and even including people like Johannes Oecolampadius. Without going into too much detail about the intricacies of theology but just enough to give general ideas, Nichols conveys a clear picture of the historical events that brought about certain doctrinal pillars that still stand today.

Each chapter gives insight into a specific time period and geographical location of the Reformation. Starting with Luther in Germany, Nichols moves to Zwingli/Calvin/Anabaptists and the Swiss Reformation, and then to the Anglicans/Puritans and the British Reformation. Within each chapter, there are spotlights with more information on certain people or events that stand prominently in church history. Though these spotlights can be somewhat distracting when reading straight through the book, they are helpful nonetheless.

The part of the book that I appreciated the most was Nichols’ focus on the women of the Reformation, found in the last chapter of the book. I felt this chapter shed new light on the progress of Christianity through history, breaking away from the stereotypical patriarchal image that most Americans gather about the Reformation. As the Reformers championed the institution of marriage and family, there was a need to develop a theology of marriage. What does a minister’s family look like? was one of the questions that ran through the minds of the Reformers. But as Nichols writes, “They had formidable wives to help them figure it out.” Women like Katherina von Bora (Martin Luther’s wife) and Lady Jane Grey (who was persecuted Bloody Mary) were pillars and defenders of correct theology and faithful women in the life of the church. One of the book’s strongest points, Nichols does a great job of capturing the loyalty of strong-minded women during the chaos of the Reformation.

To begin to understand the sacrifices, martyrdoms, and persecutions that our Christian brothers and sisters had to go through in order to stay faithful to God’s word is humbling at the very least. In a world where most American Christians live comfortably without demand to be decisive about our theology, this book made me wonder whether I would have been so loyal to such doctrines, which therefore makes me examine my convictions more thoroughly. If our goal as Christians is to stand firm upon the truth of God’s word, then it is only fitting to be encouraged by those who sacrificed for the truth in centuries past. Though a short and concise book, The Reformation will give you a clear picture of the men and women who did just that.

where.the.roots.grow

Martin Luthers Ninety Five Theses

word4women — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:25:26 +0000

A popular Post on Martin Luther’s 95 Theses…

Posted in Christian Holidays by word4women on October 31, 2009 Edit This
Tags: 95 These, Christ, Grace, Martin Luther, Salvation, Sin, The Reformation, Wittenberg, Word of God

Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg, under the presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and Lecturer in Ordinary on the same at that place. Wherefore he requests that those who are unable to be present and debate orally with us, may do so by letter.

In the Name our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, when He said Poenitentiam agite, willed that the whole life of believers should be repentance.

This word cannot be understood to mean sacramental penance, i.e., confession and satisfaction, which is administered by the priests.

3. Yet it means not inward repentance only; nay, there is no inward repentance which does not outwardly work divers mortifications of the flesh.

4. The penalty [of sin], therefore, continues so long as hatred of self continues; for this is the true inward repentance, and continues until our entrance into the kingdom of heaven.

5. The pope does not intend to remit, and cannot remit any penalties other than those which he has imposed either by his own authority or by that of the Canons.

6. The pope cannot remit any guilt, except by declaring that it has been remitted by God and by assenting to God’s remission; though, to be sure, he may grant remission in cases reserved to his judgment. If his right to grant remission in such cases were despised, the guilt would remain entirely unforgiven.

7. God remits guilt to no one whom He does not, at the same time, humble in all things and bring into subjection to His vicar, the priest.

8. The penitential canons are imposed only on the living, and, according to them, nothing should be imposed on the dying.

9. Therefore the Holy Spirit in the pope is kind to us, because in his decrees he always makes exception of the article of death and of necessity.

10. Ignorant and wicked are the doings of those priests who, in the case of the dying, reserve canonical penances for purgatory.

11. This changing of the canonical penalty to the penalty of purgatory is quite evidently one of the tares that were sown while the bishops slept.

12. In former times the canonical penalties were imposed not after, but before absolution, as tests of true contrition.

13. The dying are freed by death from all penalties; they are already dead to canonical rules, and have a right to be released from them.

14. The imperfect health [of soul], that is to say, the imperfect love, of the dying brings with it, of necessity, great fear; and the smaller the love, the greater is the fear.

15. This fear and horror is sufficient of itself alone (to say nothing of other things) to constitute the penalty of purgatory, since it is very near to the horror of despair.

16. Hell, purgatory, and heaven seem to differ as do despair, almost-despair, and the assurance of safety.

17. With souls in purgatory it seems necessary that horror should grow less and love increase.

18. It seems unproved, either by reason or Scripture, that they are outside the state of merit, that is to say, of increasing love.

19. Again, it seems unproved that they, or at least that all of them, are certain or assured of their own blessedness, though we may be quite certain of it.

20. Therefore by “full remission of all penalties” the pope means not actually “of all,” but only of those imposed by himself.

21. Therefore those preachers of indulgences are in error, who say that by the pope’s indulgences a man is freed from every penalty, and saved;

22. Whereas he remits to souls in purgatory no penalty which, according to the canons, they would have had to pay in this life.

23. If it is at all possible to grant to any one the remission of all penalties whatsoever, it is certain that this remission can be granted only to the most perfect, that is, to the very fewest.

24. It must needs be, therefore, that the greater part of the people are deceived by that indiscriminate and highsounding promise of release from penalty.

25. The power which the pope has, in a general way, over purgatory, is just like the power which any bishop or curate has, in a special way, within his own diocese or parish.

26. The pope does well when he grants remission to souls [in purgatory], not by the power of the keys (which he does not possess), but by way of intercession.

27. They preach man who say that so soon as the penny jingles into the money-box, the soul flies out [of purgatory].

28. It is certain that when the penny jingles into the money-box, gain and avarice can be increased, but the result of the intercession of the Church is in the power of God alone.

29. Who knows whether all the souls in purgatory wish to be bought out of it, as in the legend of Sts. Severinus and Paschal.

30. No one is sure that his own contrition is sincere; much less that he has attained full remission.

31. Rare as is the man that is truly penitent, so rare is also the man who truly buys indulgences, i.e., such men are most rare.

32. They will be condemned eternally, together with their teachers, who believe themselves sure of their salvation because they have letters of pardon.

33. Men must be on their guard against those who say that the pope’s pardons are that inestimable gift of God by which man is reconciled to Him;

34. For these “graces of pardon” concern only the penalties of sacramental satisfaction, and these are appointed by man.

35. They preach no Christian doctrine who teach that contrition is not necessary in those who intend to buy souls out of purgatory or to buy confessionalia.

36. Every truly repentant Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt, even without letters of pardon.

37. Every true Christian, whether living or dead, has part in all the blessings of Christ and the Church; and this is granted him by God, even without letters of pardon.

38. Nevertheless, the remission and participation [in the blessings of the Church] which are granted by the pope are in no way to be despised, for they are, as I have said, the declaration of divine remission.

39. It is most difficult, even for the very keenest theologians, at one and the same time to commend to the people the abundance of pardons and [the need of] true contrition.

40. True contrition seeks and loves penalties, but liberal pardons only relax penalties and cause them to be hated, or at least, furnish an occasion [for hating them].

41. Apostolic pardons are to be preached with caution, lest the people may falsely think them preferable to other good works of love.

42. Christians are to be taught that the pope does not intend the buying of pardons to be compared in any way to works of mercy.

43. Christians are to be taught that he who gives to the poor or lends to the needy does a better work than buying pardons;

44. Because love grows by works of love, and man becomes better; but by pardons man does not grow better, only more free from penalty.

45. 45. Christians are to be taught that he who sees a man in need, and passes him by, and gives [his money] for pardons, purchases not the indulgences of the pope, but the indignation of God.

46. Christians are to be taught that unless they have more than they need, they are bound to keep back what is necessary for their own families, and by no means to squander it on pardons.

47. Christians are to be taught that the buying of pardons is a matter of free will, and not of commandment.

48. Christians are to be taught that the pope, in granting pardons, needs, and therefore desires, their devout prayer for him more than the money they bring.

49. Christians are to be taught that the pope’s pardons are useful, if they do not put their trust in them; but altogether harmful, if through them they lose their fear of God.

50. Christians are to be taught that if the pope knew the exactions of the pardon-preachers, he would rather that St. Peter’s church should go to ashes, than that it should be built up with the skin, flesh and bones of his sheep.

51. Christians are to be taught that it would be the pope’s wish, as it is his duty, to give of his own money to very many of those from whom certain hawkers of pardons cajole money, even though the church of St. Peter might have to be sold.

52. The assurance of salvation by letters of pardon is vain, even though the commissary, nay, even though the pope himself, were to stake his soul upon it.

53. They are enemies of Christ and of the pope, who bid the Word of God be altogether silent in some Churches, in order that pardons may be preached in others.

54. Injury is done the Word of God when, in the same sermon, an equal or a longer time is spent on pardons than on this Word.

55. It must be the intention of the pope that if pardons, which are a very small thing, are celebrated with one bell, with single processions and ceremonies, then the Gospel, which is the very greatest thing, should be preached with a hundred bells, a hundred processions, a hundred ceremonies.

56. The “treasures of the Church,” out of which the pope. grants indulgences, are not sufficiently named or known among the people of Christ.

57. That they are not temporal treasures is certainly evident, for many of the vendors do not pour out such treasures so easily, but only gather them.

58. Nor are they the merits of Christ and the Saints, for even without the pope, these always work grace for the inner man, and the cross, death, and hell for the outward man.

59. St. Lawrence said that the treasures of the Church were the Church’s poor, but he spoke according to the usage of the word in his own time.

60. Without rashness we say that the keys of the Church, given by Christ’s merit, are that treasure;

61. For it is clear that for the remission of penalties and of reserved cases, the power of the pope is of itself sufficient.

62. The true treasure of the Church is the Most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God.

63. But this treasure is naturally most odious, for it makes the first to be last.

64. On the other hand, the treasure of indulgences is naturally most acceptable, for it makes the last to be first.

65. Therefore the treasures of the Gospel are nets with which they formerly were wont to fish for men of riches.

66. The treasures of the indulgences are nets with which they now fish for the riches of men.

67. The indulgences which the preachers cry as the “greatest graces” are known to be truly such, in so far as they promote gain.

68. Yet they are in truth the very smallest graces compared with the grace of God and the piety of the Cross.

69. Bishops and curates are bound to admit the commissaries of apostolic pardons, with all reverence.

70. But still more are they bound to strain all their eyes and attend with all their ears, lest these men preach their own dreams instead of the commission of the pope.

71. He who speaks against the truth of apostolic pardons, let him be anathema and accursed!

72. But he who guards against the lust and license of the pardon-preachers, let him be blessed!

73. The pope justly thunders against those who, by any art, contrive the injury of the traffic in pardons.

74. But much more does he intend to thunder against those who use the pretext of pardons to contrive the injury of holy love and truth.

75. To think the papal pardons so great that they could absolve a man even if he had committed an impossible sin and violated the Mother of God — this is madness.

76. We say, on the contrary, that the papal pardons are not able to remove the very least of venial sins, so far as its guilt is concerned.

77. It is said that even St. Peter, if he were now Pope, could not bestow greater graces; this is blasphemy against St. Peter and against the pope.

78. We say, on the contrary, that even the present pope, and any pope at all, has greater graces at his disposal; to wit, the Gospel, powers, gifts of healing, etc., as it is written in I. Corinthians xii.

79. To say that the cross, emblazoned with the papal arms, which is set up [by the preachers of indulgences], is of equal worth with the Cross of Christ, is blasphemy.

80. The bishops, curates and theologians who allow such talk to be spread among the people, will have an account to render.

81. This unbridled preaching of pardons makes it no easy matter, even for learned men, to rescue the reverence due to the pope from slander, or even from the shrewd questionings of the laity.

82. To wit: — “Why does not the pope empty purgatory, for the sake of holy love and of the dire need of the souls that are there, if he redeems an infinite number of souls for the sake of miserable money with which to build a Church? The former reasons would be most just; the latter is most trivial.”

83. Again: — “Why are mortuary and anniversary masses for the dead continued, and why does he not return or permit the withdrawal of the endowments founded on their behalf, since it is wrong to pray for the redeemed?”

84. Again: — “What is this new piety of God and the pope, that for money they allow a man who is impious and their enemy to buy out of purgatory the pious soul of a friend of God, and do not rather, because of that pious and beloved soul’s own need, free it for pure love’s sake?”

85. Again: — “Why are the penitential canons long since in actual fact and through disuse abrogated and dead, now satisfied by the granting of indulgences, as though they were still alive and in force?”

86. Again: — “Why does not the pope, whose wealth is to-day greater than the riches of the richest, build just this one church of St. Peter with his own money, rather than with the money of poor believers?”

87. Again: — “What is it that the pope remits, and what participation does he grant to those who, by perfect contrition, have a right to full remission and participation?”

88. Again: — “What greater blessing could come to the Church than if the pope were to do a hundred times a day what he now does once, and bestow on every believer these remissions and participations?”

89. “Since the pope, by his pardons, seeks the salvation of souls rather than money, why does he suspend the indulgences and pardons granted heretofore, since these have equal efficacy?”

90. To repress these arguments and scruples of the laity by force alone, and not to resolve them by giving reasons, is to expose the Church and the pope to the ridicule of their enemies, and to make Christians unhappy.

91. If, therefore, pardons were preached according to the spirit and mind of the pope, all these doubts would be readily resolved; nay, they would not exist.

92. Away, then, with all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, “Peace, peace,” and there is no peace!

93. Blessed be all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, “Cross, cross,” and there is no cross!

94. Christians are to be exhorted that they be diligent in following Christ, their Head, through penalties, deaths, and hell;

95. And thus be confident of entering into heaven rather through many tribulations, than through the assurance of peace.

Sarah’s Husband….. Jonathan Edwards

word4women — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:25:35 +0000

Sarah Edwards, nee Pierpont,was the daughter of James Pierpont, one of the principal founders of Yale, was reportedly a very pious woman. In 1728, she married the Rev. Jonathan Edwards. Edwards is credited with initiating a spiritual revival in Northampton, Massachusetts. History would later refer to this period as First Great Awakening. Though many have sought to explain the relationship between Sarah and Jonathan Edwards, this we know. They were married for 31 years and together raised 11 children. From these children a list of descendants numbering about 1394 by the turn of the 20th Century.

Let us look to one of their contemporaries for a “birds eye” view of their marriage:

A sweeter Couple I have not yet seen … She … talked feelingly and solidly of the Things of God, and seemed to be such a Help meet for her Husband that she caused me to … [pray] God, that he would be pleased to send me a Daughter of Abraham to be my wife. George Whitfield on visiting Northampton in 1740.

The final estimation coming from Jonathan Edwards himself on his death bed:

‘Give my kindest love to my dear wife, and tell her that the uncommon union which has so long subsisted between us has been of such a nature as I trust is spiritual and therefore will continue forever’ Jonathan Edwards 1758.

Today is the two hundred and fifty second anniversay of the death of Jonathan Edwards. As we read through the biographical sketch and information below let us remember that is his personal life he sought to maintain his marriage in a manner honoring the state of marriage as reflecting the union of Christ and His Church.

Below you will find a Brief Biographyof Edwards written by Leonard Ravenhill:

Jonathan Edwards, 1703 – 1758, achieved greatness as an American preacher-evangelist, principal of a college, mystic, and revivalist.

“Jonathan Edwards is not only the greatest of all American theologians and philosophers but the greatest of our pre-19th century writers as well.” So writes Randall Stewart in his book American Literature and Christian Doctrine.

Here is a concise summary of the life of Edwards from the able pen of Perry Miller: “Jonathan Edwards was one of America’s five or six major artists-who happened to work with ideas instead of with poems or novels. He was much more of a psychologist and poet than a logician. Though he devoted his genius to topics derived from the body of divinity (the will, virtue, sin), he traced them in the manner of the very finest spectator. . . .”

For us to see Jonathan Edwards ascend his pulpit today, a candle in one hand and his sermon manuscript in the other, would cause a titter in the congregation. From our
m o d e r n foam-cushioned church seats, with carpeted aisles and soothing background music, we can scarcely capture the old-time dignity of the unpretentious church where Edwards and others held captive the hearts and minds of their hearers.

When Jonathan Edwards “uttered” in the Spirit, the expressionless face, the sonorous voice, the sober clothing were forgotten. He was neither a dullard nor a sluggard. His was a devoted heart intent on rightly dividing the word of truth. But in doing it, Edwards flamed. Yet to him, sensationalism was anathema. To make an impression was never the thought behind any of his preaching. Scholarship on fire for God is to my mind the eighth wonder of the world. Edwards had it.

The tongue of Edwards must have been like a sharp two-edged sword to his attentive hearers. His words must have been as painful to their hearts and consciences as burning metal on flesh. Nevertheless, men gave heed, repented, and were saved.

“Knowing the terror of the Lord” (a thing seemingly forgotten in our day both by pulpit and pew), Edwards smoldered with holy wrath. Impervious to any consequences of such severity, he thundered these words from his pulpit:

“The bow of God’s wrath is bent, and His arrows made ready upon the string. Justice points the arrow at your heart and strings the bow. It is nothing but the mere pleasure of God (and that of an angry God without any promise or obligation at all) that keeps the arrow one moment from being made drunk with your blood.”

To utter truth like that with tears and tenderness takes an anointed and therefore fearless and compassionate man.

But in the hearts and minds of the hearers there must also have been some prevenient grace at work. Apart from this, men would have rebelled at this stern sweep of power on their souls. As it was, before Edwards’ spiritual hurricane, the crowd collapsed. Some fell to the earth as if pole-axed. Others, with heads bowed, clung onto the posts of the temple as if afraid of falling into the nethermost depths of hell.

Edwards w e p t as he preached. In this he was a kinsman in soul of the mighty Brownlow North of the revival that occurred years later in Ireland in 1859. The divine law of Psalm 126:6 never has nor ever can be abrogated: “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

As pastor of one of New England’s largest, wealthiest, and most socially-conscious congregations, Edwards had a rare perception of the needs of his flock. He also had a heart of great tenderness for their spiritual health.

Let’s go to the woods where Edwards is alone with his God. Let’s creep up behind that old gnarled tree and listen to his broken prayer:

“I feel an ardency of soul to be . . . emptied and annihilated, to lie in the dust and be full of Christ alone, to love Him with a holy and pure love, to trust in Him, to live on Him, and to be perfectly sanctified and made pure with a divine and heavenly purity.”

Edwards was also a soul kinsman of George Whitefield, his contemporary. Was the mighty American, Jonathan Edwards, sparked by the English apostle, Whitefield? Did the thunderings from the vibrant soul of Whitefield, then storming through New England, disturb and challenge the normality of Edwards’ preaching life? This is not a rhetorical question. It cannot be answered fully, but it contains more than a grain of truth. We do know that after meeting young George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards changed his style of sermon notes.

It pleased the Lord to sideline Edwards to a small pastorate at Stockbridge, Mass. This banishment came because of his difference with a Mr. Stoddard, who had administered the Lord’s Supper to some who had not made public confession of their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. But in his seclusion, Edwards’ brilliant mind took wings. His long incubated thinking came to the birth. Thus he might have said to Mr. Stoddard what Joseph said to his brethren: “Ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” The Lord again turned the wrath of man to praise Him, for at this time Edwards’ soul got the measure of “words.” From his pen flowed the best of his writings. Edwards sleeps, but his message still speaks.

When the voice of Milton had long been silenced by death, Wordsworth cried,

Milton, thou should’st be
living at this hour:
England hath need of thee;
She is a fen of stagnant
waters.

We could paraphrase those words thus:
Edwards, thou should’st be
living at this hour:
America hath need of thee:
She is a fen (spiritually)
of stagnant waters.

A thin crust, a very thin crust of morality, it seems to me, keeps America from complete collapse. In this perilous hour we need a whole generation of preachers like Edward

“O Lord of hosts, turn us again; cause Thy face to shine upon us, and we shall be saved.”

Contrast this great man of God with his contemporary. I quote from Al Sanders in Crisis in Morality!

“Max Jukes, the atheist, lived a godless life. He married an ungodly girl, and from the union there were 310 who died as paupers, 150 were criminals, 7 were murderers, 100 were drunkards, and more than half of the women were prostitutes. His 540 descendants cost the State one and a quarter million dollars.

“But, praise the Lord, it works both ways! There is a record of a great American man of God, Jonathan Edwards. He lived at the same time as Max Jukes, but he married a godly girl. An investigation was made of 1,394 known descendants of Jonathan Edwards of which 13 became college presidents, 65 college professors, 3 United States senators, 30 judges, 100 lawyers, 60 physicians, 75 army and navy officers, 100 preachers and missionaries, 60 authors of prominence, one a vice-president of the United States, 80 became public officials in other capacities, 295 college graduates, among whom were governors of states and ministers to foreign countries. His descendants did not cost the state a single penny. ‘The memory of the just is blessed’ (Prov. 10:7).”

To us this is the conclusion of the whole matter.

COPYRIGHT/REPRODUCTION LIMITATIONS:
Used by permission of Bethany House Publishers. This article by Leonard Ravenhill appeared in DAYSPRING copyright (c) 1963 by Bethany House Publishers, a ministry of Bethany Fellowship, Inc. All rights reserved. For further information about the missionary outreach of Bethany Fellowship or for a complete listing of Ravenhill titles and others, please contact the publisher at 11300 Hampshire Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55438; ph: (612) 829-2500; FAX: (612) 829-2768.

Leonard Ravenhill (1907-1994) was an English Christian evangelist and author.

The Jonathan Edwards Center is a ministry of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Located on the campus of TEDS (Deerfield, Illinois), it exists to promote and serve the conversation unfolding on Edwards, America’s preeminent pastor, theologian, and philosopher. It has a special concern to support scholarly work on Edwards and his international influence, but will also play a role in making Edwards more accessible to pastors and church people.

Visit the Jonathan Edwards Center at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School by linking to:

http://jecteds.org/

Third Anniversary of Word4Women Blog…

word4women — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:15:32 +0000

On Novemeber third Word4Women.Wordpress.com will celebrate our third anniversary…

Looking towards our anniversary I have recently been reflecting on the “traffic/views” for each blog post and will be sharing the favorites over the next few weeks. Not only will we be posting some of these favorites, we will also be welcoming a new guest blogger… a godly young woman 9under 20) of God who will share how the Word of God speaks to young women of her generation.

Thanking all of you as you have been faithful to this blog and offering comments as you speak the truth in love.

Stay tuned …..greater things are still to come in this blog!