boston commoner.

welcome home

The other day I was sitting in a Border’s Cafe in New Hampshire with my pastor’s son, Dave, waiting for his sister to get back from a school ski trip so we could head back to Boston. I’d visited their school’s Christian bookstore that day looking for a copy of DISCIPLINES OF A GODLY WOMAN by (I think) Barbara Hughes. I’ve heard good things about that book recently, and thought I’d give it a read. Unfortunately they didn’t have it; they did, however, have a large selection of similar books, and I bought three: A WOMAN’S HIGH CALLING, by Elizabeth George; CREATIVE COUNTERPART, by Linda Dillow; and WOMEN’S MINISTRY HANDBOOK, edited by Carol Porter and Mike Hamel. At the cafe, I started leafing through the books and checking out the chapter headings. I laughed at one point when I mistook a title about loving one’s husband for leaving one’s husband, and told Dave. He laughed too, but then raised his eyebrows and said, “Getting a little ahead of yourself there, aren’t you?”

I guess. (more…)

What I’m about to tell you is scarcely intended to boast of anything. I say and do enough stupid things in a week to know that I am not an unusually bright or intelligent person (note: I’m not begging compliments, either). But, for reasons yet unknown, I graduated second in my class at my public high school, received a book award from Brown University, and all in all had at least a decent shot of getting into one of these high-brow north-eastern institutions of supposedly higher learning. I didn’t go. I’m not saying it would have made me a heathen if I had opted to go; nor am I denegrating by any means people who opt to attend secular universities. In fact, a Christian who is strong in both faith and intellect might do a world of good at a secular, liberal university. Think, “Salt” and “Light.” Someone firmly grounded in Scripture and properly motivated by the love of the gospel message will certainly face some difficulty and opposition in a very leftist academic environment, but will probably come out the other end with even more faith and understanding, not to mention a prestigious degree which he in turn can use to further glorify the Lord. (more…)

My reading today took me through Titus. There are many passages on which I could comment, but this one struck me particularly:

Titus 3:1-7: Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (ESV; emphasis mine)

Which among us can claim that we deserve God’s grace? Not one; grace is by definition unmerited. Aside from symantics, we need only look at our own lives – probably only the last five minutes of our lives – to find instances of unrighteousness, or self-righteousness in our hearts with which to convince ourselves that, no, we do not save ourselves and that, no, God doesn’t save righteous people. He didn’t save us on condition of any past goodness, nor on condition or anticipation of future perfectness on this earth. He simply saved us from and despite ourselves.

Pay attention to verses 2 and 3. (more…)

2 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (KJV)

I came upon this familiar verse this morning in Starbucks. It got my mind rolling. “The affairs of this life…” What does that mean? Does it mean we ought to shun the reality of existing in an actual world in favor of some esoteric hermitage? For cloistered living? Impossible; in this passage, Paul exhorts Timothy to act like a soldier in his life and ministry under his Commander, Christ. Can one be a good soldier and never set foot on the battle field? Can one be a good soldier by refusing to confront the Enemy? (more…)

My Pastor’s mission recently sent out this note in response to those wishing to donate relief to tsunami victims through a reliable agency. I thought I’d share the opportunity with you:

To the Baptist Mid-Missions Mission family and supporters:

The following information is concerning the needs in Asia due to the recent tsunami disaster. We have received numerous inquiries about our intended response. This is an official and urgent communication that we ask you to forward to your supporters and churches. (more…)