Dave’s Monday Blast – August 24, 2020
Back in July, J. I. Packer passed away at the age of ninety-three. Packer was without a doubt one of my favorite authors. He was a great theologian, professor and influential evangelical thinker. He is likely best known for his bestseller, Knowing God, which has sold more than one million copies. One of his first published works was Fundamentalism and the Word of God. In it he makes the case for the truthfulness and relevance of Scripture in every dimension of our lives and world.
Packer claimed that “Scripture conceives of the divine character of revealed truth as something which evidences itself to the sound mind as clearly as do light and color to the normal eye.” However, “man’s mental ‘eyes’ are blind through sin, and he can discern no part of God’s truth till the Spirit opens them.” Pastor Jim Denison translates this quote this way, “God’s word is as authoritatively true as its Author. If we disagree with its teachings or discount its relevance, the fault is not with Scripture but with us.”
The city of Somerville (Massachusetts) officially endorsed polyamory last month. In doing so they redefined the family in direct contradiction to the Word of God. They did so either because they do not know what the Scriptures teaches on this issue, or they do not consider its teachings to be relevant to today’s culture.
Men of biblical INTENTION align their lives with biblical truth so that they are able to influence their culture. We are called to “declare biblical truth; exhort and rebuke with all authority” (Titus 2:15a). All three verbs are present tense imperatives, ongoing commands from the Lord of the universe to us.
To “declare” is to speak
To “exhort” is to encourage or implore people to obey what they hear
To “rebuke” is to correct and call to repentance those who do not.
We are called to do this “with all authority,” regardless of the response.
Paul adds, “Let no one disregard you” (v.15b). “Disregard”
In these days in which we find ourselves, our secularized culture needs and deserves a host of Christians who will stand boldly, courageously, and, if need be, sacrificially, for the truth and relevance of God’s Word. Denison comments, “If you and I will decide right now to declare, exhort, and rebuke today, the Holy Spirit will lead us to the people He wants to influence, inspire the words we are to say, and use those words in transforming ways.”
Just remember, however, He cannot employ those who will not be employed. We can sit on the sidelines of this battle for truth and souls, or we can join the winning side.
Thomas Brooks, the seventeenth-century Puritan preacher and author, testified: “Where truth goes, I go, and where Truth is, I will be, and nothing but death shall divide me and the Truth.” That’s good isn’t it! Let’s join him.
