My Heredity begins in Christ
One of my teachers used to say "our heredity begins in Christ." It is a powerful suggestion, and an effective counseling tool. Sadly, there are people who struggle for years, even decades, because of an unsavory heritage. I'm no psychologist, and clearly counselors and therapists play their part in bringing emotional healing to folks with troubled pasts. But there is a truth in this assertion that can overcome a host of evil. If we are "in Christ" we are members of God's family-- God is our father and Jesus is our brother! We have a brand new heritage!
I am always blessed when Pastor Tim speaks about his own father, as he did in yesterday's sermon. It seems to me that Tim's dad is an example of this idea that, in a true sense, our heredity begins with Christ. Mr. Shorey did not come from a Christian home, but the fruit of his salvation was passed on to Timothy M., and now the third and fourth generations are reaping the blessings of a wonderful inheritance in Christ.
I have a niece who lives in Minnesota. She recently changed her Facebook status to "in a relationship with..." She met a friend of her brother, who attended the same law school, and they are now taking a pre-marriage class at Bethlehem Baptist Church, where John Piper preaches. My niece is the dearest young lady! At 26 years old, she has her degrees, and has done a good deal of missions work overseas. She speaks of her Lord, and writes of her relationship with Him in wonderful ways. I know her love for God runs deeper than most her age.
But there is some concern on the part of some in her family. Why? Because the young man has only recently come to know the Lord, and isn't yet able to carefully articulate his theological positions. (At least, that seems to be the reason for concern). But he is an eager learner; very bright, and he's learning from the best there at Bethlehem Baptist.
And so, I do not share the concern that others have expressed. This young man is a part of God's family-- God is his Father, Christ, his brother! What more background do we need! And who knows... he may just turn out to be another Mr. Shorey!
I am always blessed when Pastor Tim speaks about his own father, as he did in yesterday's sermon. It seems to me that Tim's dad is an example of this idea that, in a true sense, our heredity begins with Christ. Mr. Shorey did not come from a Christian home, but the fruit of his salvation was passed on to Timothy M., and now the third and fourth generations are reaping the blessings of a wonderful inheritance in Christ.
I have a niece who lives in Minnesota. She recently changed her Facebook status to "in a relationship with..." She met a friend of her brother, who attended the same law school, and they are now taking a pre-marriage class at Bethlehem Baptist Church, where John Piper preaches. My niece is the dearest young lady! At 26 years old, she has her degrees, and has done a good deal of missions work overseas. She speaks of her Lord, and writes of her relationship with Him in wonderful ways. I know her love for God runs deeper than most her age.
But there is some concern on the part of some in her family. Why? Because the young man has only recently come to know the Lord, and isn't yet able to carefully articulate his theological positions. (At least, that seems to be the reason for concern). But he is an eager learner; very bright, and he's learning from the best there at Bethlehem Baptist.
And so, I do not share the concern that others have expressed. This young man is a part of God's family-- God is his Father, Christ, his brother! What more background do we need! And who knows... he may just turn out to be another Mr. Shorey!
Labels: Christian Heritage, Guest Post
posted by Petros at
9:31 AM
8 Comments:
Peter, I would think that the real concern would be to see some observable "longer" term evidence in this young man. Here's why, the scriptures speak of not letting a novice in the Lord become an established ruler/teacher in the church. The reason for this is that there is a doctrine of what I will call the "temporary believer". The parable of the sower or soils clearly teaches that there are temporary believers who look and sound and smell just like true believers. It is the heat of the day that chokes out this plant because it had no root down deep. At the time of Christ, new converts often paid with their lives. There was no doubt as to their commitment to Christ, they were willing to die for Him and not just in words but in reality. I have lived long enough to see many "love interest conversions". That is to say, they wanted the approval of the family of the one they were dating, so they feigned conversion. My point is that there is wisdom in waiting, to be sure. The consequences of not waiting and being decieved are lifelong and costly. Please understand that I do not pretend to know the couple involved. If it were my daughter, I would want to see much more than a recent profession of faith. The bottom line is that we should expect a "Christ tree" to bear "Christ Fruit". It takes a while for a tree to bear fruit. There is pruning, fertilizing, watering etc. that needs to go on. These things all take time. On a more practical note, I want to believe the conversion is real. I also would like to see some learning and descipling going on for more than just a season before I let my daughter marry a man. Perhaps this is what lies behind the concern of other family members. I understand this and agree with them. Again, I have no intimate details of this situation and I speak hypothetically. I would rather err on the side of caution.
Finally, I would think that this is in fact what is happening under Pastor Piper's see or oversight, that they are getting good counsel.
My thoughts...
JR
P.S. (did anyone really think I could respond in no more than 4 sentences?:-)
Thank you John. There is wisdom in what you say.
For the record, this young man was interested in the Lord before he was interested in my niece. Also, her maturity, good judgment, and prayer life, make me believe that she will be very cautious, and in the end, will weigh the voice of the Spirit God against the "conventional wisdom" of any advisers, and will follow the Lord in all of this, even before her own heart. Sometimes God asks us to do strange things. It probably was not the best idea for Hosea to marry a prostitute... except for one detail... God bade it.
If you knew this particular young woman, you would understand my confidence...
Peter, what John had to say was my concern too. John I thought you put it very well in the space that you used.
Peter I understand what you are saying about what God had Hosea do, but I don't think I would necessarily use that as a proof text.
I also understand what you are saying about your niece being trustworthy. But even the elect at times can be deceived if they are not careful. I am also reminded of one of the scariest scriptures recorded. Lord, Lord didn't we prophesy in your name, didn't we cast out demons in your name, didn't we do many wonderful works in your name. And I will say to them on that day depart from me you workers of iniquity, I NEVER KNEW YOU.
This may seem a little extreme but my only purpose in mentioning it was to emphasize John's concern.
I once heard it taught concerning relationships, that the couple may indeed have been brought together by the Lord but it may not be the right timing. It is clear from scripture that the man is to be the head of the household. For Christians this would mean the spiritual head also not just over everyday affairs. If the young man in question is that new to the faith and unproven then in my opinion the timing would be off.
As John ended, Just some thoughts.
I will be praying for your niece and the young man and the spiritual counselors in their life.
Hi Pete, No issues, just giving some general thoughts in response. Like I said, I don't know the parties involved. One thing is very positive, they are seeking marital counsel from some solid men with good experience. I can however, sympathize with those who would like to see a little more seasoning in the faith. You will no doubt soon be facing this issue for your children as well. May God protect us all and give us wisdom and grace as we make life altering decisions. I know I sure need it.
More thoughts....
(in only 7 sentences this time)
Pete, one last thought. I am not questioning the Christian character of your niece, but rather the ability of a young man (in love with a no doubt desirable young lady), who was recently regenerated, to really know his own heart and have enough experience in grace to know what it means to be a Godly husband. This is what is really behind my thoughts. There are always exceptions to the rule, and God is ever able to perform wondrous deeds in the hearts of men. I would just want to make sure for my own daughter or son.
Too many thoughts?.....
JR
No, not too many thoughts. I appreciate all the concern. I did not anticipate that the comments would follow this line.
This girl is 26, a missionary, her dad is a pastor, her mother is my godly sister... etc. It's not as though we were advising a 19 year old swept off her feet by some eager college sophomore.
Nonetheless, my real point was that someone can lead a dynamic, spirit filled life, who is brand new to the Faith, and Tim's dad is one such an example.
I have observed that there are certain advantages to coming to faith in Christ later in life. Sadly, growing up in the church can sometimes have a desensitizing effect. I know, it should not be so.
I used to question the advice (in my more cynical days) that new believers should immediately find a church, and get involved with other church folk. The last thing you want for a new convert, is for him to wind up like 90% of the congregation. Better to be sent off to the Arabian desert for 3 years, or to the land of Midian for some humble sort of isolation, or into the wilderness to live off locust and honey.
God knows how to train those he plans to use, and one way may be to spare them the deadening effect of rubbing elbows with other believers and learning to spout theological positions. Any one can become good at rhetoric.
Wow, it seems some of my cynicism is alive and well! Sorry about that.
Conventional wisdom is always worth of considering, and biblical wisdom is essential to consider-- and so, I thank you J.R. and thank you too Ernie. I appreciate you both!
PETROS
Peter, thanks for getting me back on your main point.
I don't want to pass up the opportunity to say that you are a vital member of God's family!
Because "we (you and I) are "in Christ" we are members of God's family (you and I are brothers!)-- God is our father and Jesus is our brother! We have a brand new heritage! (you are now a part of my heritage - awesome!) "
Thank you brother for your heart and for the insights you bring into my life!
Thank you Ernie, for your kind words, and good reminders!
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home