This book review by Terry Delaney appears on his website, Christian Book Notes (January 20, 2012). Used by permission.

Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn. Born of God: Sermons from John, Chapter One. Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2011. 482 pp. $29.00.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) is well known by many in the Reformed circles of Christianity. This is because of his love for the Puritans and his deep exegetical and expository style of preaching. My prayer is that he would be well known throughout all of Christendom. He has much to offer today’s Christian. You can download sermons for free at OnePlace.com. I highly recommend you check out that website.

Summary

Born of God is a 32 sermon compilation of messages delivered by the late Dr. Lloyd-Jones as part of his last sermon series preached on Sunday mornings at Westminster Chapel. He started preaching through John in 1962 but health prevented him from ever finishing. Another lengthy treatment from the Gospel of John is found in his work entitled Living Water which I reviewed here.

In this particular work, the Doctor concentrates on two doctrines found in the first chapter of the beloved disciple’s gospel: Law and Grace and the assurance of salvation. He began the series with the comment, “Do you know what is the matter with us? I will tell you. We none of us really believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!” From there he explains what he means and shows with pinpoint accuracy how this is truly the case for most believers in Jesus Christ.

Review

 With his warning shot fired, Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows how we need to better grasp the doctrines we believe and allow them to have the desired effect in and on our lives. What is better is his continuous pointing back to Christ in all that he says.

Chapter fifteen is an excellent chapter in that he lays out in plain language how we become children of God. In my personal estimation, it is one of his more articulate evangelical sermons we have. Chapters 21-25 are of great value in and of themselves as they explain the importance of mortifying (killing) sin within you.

After reading Born of God, you will have a far greater understanding and appreciation for the first chapter of the Gospel of John.

Recommendation

As with all of the materials by and about Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, I highly recommend this compilation of sermons. I do not hide the truth that he has been most influential on my ministry and in my walk with the Lord. If you have never read anything by the Doctor, then start here with Born of God and be blessed. You will also be “hooked” so to speak on the ministry of the greatest preacher of the 20th century.

What do we make of these numbers? Remembering that non-Christian groups are included (Mormons, Buddhists, Muslims, etc.) makes the percentage of those attending Bible believing churches much less. And then there is this development, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) grew by 50% in the past decade in our state. In 2000, there were only 49 Mormon congregations; that number has grown considerably since—they now have over 500. Muslims grew by 23% and Buddhists are also on the upsurge with close to 50,000 adherents. When you start peeling off some of the main-line denominations that play games with the authority of Scripture (endorse gay marriage, for instance) and are debating (and in some cases already denying) that Jesus is the only Savior—that 34.6% number is looking even more anemic. Should it be adjusted to single digits? Here is the cold reality, there aren’t very many evangelicals living in the state of Washington! Can you say mission field?

The local director of Associated Ministries also believes the 34.6% needs to be adjusted. He believes, however, it should be adjusted to include more. In his interview with The News Tribune (May 2, 2012), he said he believes the vast majority of people of faith in Pierce County have chosen not to join a faith community (and are therefore not included in the 34.6% figure). He goes on to say that these people experience their spirituality through personal devotions, in the environment, at book clubs or at the local coffee shop. “That’s the way it is here. People are looking for community. They’re just not looking for it inside a congregation’s door.”

What is troubling about the 34.6% number is that many included in it believe all is well with their soul because their “faith community” is included in the number. What is also troubling is that many not included believe their soul is well because they sip down a latte on Saturdays in a quaint coffee shop with friends discussing the most recent New York Times bestseller. It does matter that you belong to a “faith community”—but it also matters to which one.

The Lord answers the inquiry in the next verse. Zechariah over hears and records it for us: “[T]he Lord spoke kind and comforting words to the angel…” (verse 13). His “kind and comforting words” promised this: “[T]he Lord will again comfort Zion” (verse 17).

I was blessed devotionally a few days ago, when reading from Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening:

History shows us that whenever God uses a rod to chasten his servants he always breaks it afterwards, as if he loathed the rod which gave his children pain. He feels the smart far more than his people. ‘Like as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities them that fear him.’ God has not forgotten us because he smites. His blows are no evidences of want of love…You may fear that the Lord has passed you by, but it is not so: he who counts the stars and calls them by their names is in no danger of forgetting his own children. He knows your case thoroughly as if you were the only creature he ever made or the only saint he ever loved. (Morning and Evening, evening devotional for February 24)

None of His children are immune from difficult providence. There is a season for us all; for most there are multiple seasons. In Zechariah, the question “How long, Lord?” is asked—did you note that the question isn’t chastened? God is not offended by the inquiry. In fact, it is His angel who asks. In reply, God offers “kind and comforting” words. We would hear similar if we would ask and listen.

“Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning,” sings the psalmist (Psalm 30:5). The Christian is never told the length of his night; but he is always promised a morning.

Pastor Rich Hamlin

May 3, 2012

This past week, while on CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, Osteen was at it again. This time repeating what he has said before regarding Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith: Mitt’s a Christian and that Mormon’s are our brothers in Christ. Rarely does Osteen say anything with a straight face, the smiling pastor went on to say: “I hear Mitt Romney say that he believes that Jesus is the Son of God—that he’s the Christ, raised from the dead, that he’s his Savior—that’s good enough for me.”

But does Osteen even know that Mormonism rejects orthodox Christianity as the very argument for its own existence and that it clearly identifies historic Christianity as a false faith? Does he know that Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, claimed true Christianity did not exist from the time of the Apostles until he restored it in 1830? Does he know that Mormonism teaches that we are now what God once was (a man) and we are becoming what He now is (a God)?

But as a guy who Michael Horton describes core message as being “God is nice, you’re nice, be nice” isn’t likely to stand for truth—because as many have noted over the years, sometimes the truth hurts. It’s why Osteen has stricken the words “sin” and “judgment” from his sermons; one of his 50,000 sheep might not like it.

This blog isn’t about whether a Christian should vote for a Mormon this fall. It’s about whether a pastor should give legitimacy to a sect that is clearly not Christian.

Al Mohler wrote recently: “It is neither slander nor condescension to state clearly that Mormonism is not Christianity. Taking Mormonism on its own terms, one finds a comprehensive set of teachings and doctrines that are self-consciously set against historic Christianity. The larger world may be confused about this, but biblical Christians cannot make this error, for we are certain that the consequences are eternal” (www.albertmohler.com/2011/10/10).

It is especially why the pastor of the nation’s largest church cannot be confused or make this error, either. But maybe Osteen is the pastor of the nation’s largest church precisely because he’s good at saying nothing. Sometimes the truth hurts.

Pastor Rich Hamlin

April 26, 2012

I had risen around 2 a.m. to go to the bathroom (too much information?). But something happened when I walked by her door back to our room; my brain turned my heart on. You see, Claire will be heading for college in about four months. And when she does, it won’t be to a school on the other side of town or to one across the mountains. It will be to a campus 1,500 miles away—I know because MapQuest already told me when I pecked in the address. Cell phones and texting and Skype will help but it won’t do. The smile, the hug, the joke, the talk, the daily “stuff” of family life is about to change. The cheery pink bedroom at the top of the stairs with the radio that’s always on is about to go dark—it’s about to go silent.

I know this is the way things are supposed to be. Children grow up, they become young men and young women. This is the way He made the family and this is the way of His world. But the thought of it still makes my heart sink.

Thirty-two years ago, my parents and I made the trek from Eastern Washington to Tacoma. It was a nice trip, as I remember. We took our time. We had lunch at Ivar’s in downtown Seattle. Then we finished our journey, ending up at Pacific Lutheran University. We checked into the dorm, hauled my bags up the stairs to the room marked “211” on the door. As I recall, my mom asked if she could make my bed. Then it was time for my parents to leave. There was some emotion, there was some hugs, there was some “I love yous” and then the Chevy Suburban pulled out of the lot. I would come to find out later my mom cried all the way home. I may not have understood then, but I understand now.

We are excited for Claire. She is so happy. The Christian school she’ll be attending seems to be a good place. Her world is about to get bigger and her faith is about to be put to the test. We believe she is ready.

It’s just that I’m not sure I am. I like hearing her call me “daddy.” I like taking her to school and later hearing about the “drama” that sometimes is apart of her day. I like her friends. I even like proofing her papers sometimes. I especially like her smile from the pew when I am preaching. But that’s all about to end. It is supposed to, it has to—yet I don’t want it to.

I’m going to ask my mom when she stopped crying.

Pastor Rich Hamlin

April 19, 2012

Why go side-ways over a statement that is technically true? Because getting married, having children, or even getting a job promotion can calm our fears and provide direction. In other words, Jesus as Savior becomes smaller when a new girlfriend or a college degree can deliver the same result. And not wanting to rumble too far down a different road, in many parts of the world coming to Jesus can actually bring more fears and less peace—ask a Muslim or Hindu convert.

But back to the mailer, the wonder of Jesus as Savior is minimized when we don’t understand what we have been saved from. This statement will sound theologically odd but it is orthodox: Jesus saved us from God. Because God is holy, He hates all sin; and because He hates all sin, His anger burns against the sinner (Psalm 7:11). Yet Jesus rescued us from His coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10). No one else or nothing else can do that. We must communicate this. Jesus did: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him” (John 3:36).

And not only did Jesus save us from God; He also saved us from sin, Satan, death, and damnation. Those are some pretty big conquests—much bigger than any fear we might have about the economy, the deficit, or where we choose to send our kids to school.

The point is that when we try and make Jesus more appealing to a lost world by using words we think will connect (the goal of the mailer) we actually may be driving people away: “Fears? I’m good. I’ve got me a lady, a job, and 401K. Purpose? I’ve got plenty of that, too. Living life to satisfy me is a full time gig—and I’m actually pretty good at it.” You see, the Gospel becomes ho-hum when it is presented as a means to happiness, success, and even purpose. There are plenty of radio talk shows and self-help books about all that. But satisfying a God who is angry at me every day? Now you’ve got my attention!

Jesus said, “I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him” (Luke 12:5). What if we put that on a mailer instead? I doubt not too many of those have ever gone out. Maybe I should call our printer and get them working on a mailer?

Pastor Rich Hamlin

April 12, 2012  

Variations of, “Son, I know it doesn’t taste very good, but it’s good for you,” were uttered. That line (“It’s good for you”) was used on the occasion spinach and Brussels sprouts were on the menu, too. Most of the time, I knew my parents to be the wisest people on the planet; but every once in awhile, at dinner—I was tempted to re-evaluate.

In a few days, the church calendar will say “Good Friday.” We will gather as a church that evening. We will read Scripture describing betrayal (John 13:18-27). We will read Scripture foretelling rejection (John 15:18-25). We will read Scripture describing mocking (Matthew 27:27-34). We will read Scripture reporting crucifixion (John 19:17-24). We will read Scripture describing insults (Matthew 27:39-44). We will read Scripture telling of darkness (Matthew 27:45-49). We will read Scripture declaring death (Luke 23:46-49 and John 19:28- 37).

How can betrayal, rejection, mocking, crucifixion, insults, darkness, and death be good? They can only be so if they accomplish something good for you. “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18).

It was good for you that day, my believing friend. But maybe the word “good” shouldn’t be used. It’s much too small. Based on what was accomplished that day, words such as “great,” and “amazing,” and “awesome” are better. I’m going to change my church calendar. 

Pastor Rich Hamlin

March 29, 2012 

The editorial board was quick to point out that the more educated one was the more likely one is to believe in evolution. The Gallup Poll showed that 24% of those with a high school or lower education thought Darwin was correct; whereas 53% of college graduates and 74% of postgraduate degree-holders did. They also pointed out the opposite correlation among those who attended church regularly; just 24% of those who attended weekly said they believed in evolution compared with 55% of those who said they attended church seldom or never.

The Motor City editorial board showed their pro-evolutionary colors when they said, “Virtually everything biologists have discovered since either confirms or refines his [Darwin’s] theory of natural selection” and that there has been a “scientific consensus that has endured [for] more than a century.” I didn’t know that; and I went to graduate school, too! But I’m also one of those who attend church regularly—I guess that cancels out any “smarts” I may have picked up.

The editorial ended this way: “The good news, according to Darwin, is that nature favors adaptations that enhance a species’ survival…not only is our species’ eyesight improving, but also its capacity to acknowledge what our eyes see.” I guess the problem, according to them, is that we just don’t acknowledge what is readily apparent. Does that mean they believe more college degrees and less church will open our eyes?

“Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20), wrote the inspired apostle. Therefore, be careful if you go to college; be on your guard if you don’t go to church very often, too. You may be earning a degree in foolishness—one that actually believes great-great-great-great-great grandpa was an ape. And the Detroit Free Press thinks that’s wisdom?

Pastor Rich Hamlin

March 22, 2012

So when that first check came from the Bethel School District (I was a high school teacher), I scoured over every deduction. “What’s this, union dues? I didn’t join any union.” I would come to find out that every employee was in the union unless you opted out. And to opt out, you had to request a special “opt out form,” fill it out, send it via certified mail, and you could only do so during a one-week window during the summer. And as I recall, I had to snoop out all this information, too—no one provided it. The end result was that it was a really difficult process to get out of the union. The system was set up for you to be in it.

God has given directives to His church and to the believer. There are certain things we are told to do. The church is to preach the Gospel and administrate the sacraments, for example. The believer is to love, serve, forgive, and so on. The Bible is full of such commands. One that’s on the list is to take care of widows and orphans (Isaiah 1:17, Jeremiah 22:3, James 1:27). Jesus’ parable of the “Sheep and the Goats” (Matthew 25:31-46) with His instruction to take care of the “least of these” probably refers to widows and orphans, too.

Which gets to my point; we don’t need to be told to take care of the orphan—the command has already been given. Sometimes we wait for directives from God. But what if He has already provided it? As Christians, we are to be in the “taking care of orphans business” already. The number not caring for the orphan suggests, however, there’s an “opt out” available somewhere. I’ve never seen that “form.” How would you even fill it out if you secured one? “Memo to God, I’m asking for an exemption on the orphan ‘thing’—I don’t really have the resources. Sorry.” Does any Christian want to send that certified mail to God?

This is not a blog to incite guilt. It is one to take our responsibilities more seriously than we sometimes do. It is also to inform the members of our church that a couple hundred dollars each month of your tithes and offerings goes to the orphan care ministry of Youth for Christ.

But truth be told—we didn’t have a choice.

Pastor Rich Hamlin

March 15, 2012

Introduction

Dr. Philip Ryken currently serves as president of Wheaton College. Before that, he was senior minister at the Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. He has authored a number of books and is also a co-editor of one of my favorite commentary series, The Reformed Commentary Series.

Summary

This work is divided into thirteen chapters and includes a study guide. In essence, it is a biblical look at the life of Solomon, the most wise of all men in the Bible. Dr. Ryken follows the rise and fall of the son of David as he begins with a heart for God and is led astray by a life that looks to find joy in other areas of life. Most importantly in the areas of sex, money, and power.

Every chapter points the reader to the failure of man to keep covenant with God. Every chapter points to the One who was able to keep covenant with God. Each chapter will lead you to a deeper understanding of your need for Christ.

Review

It seems as though money, sex, and power are always the main culprits behind most crime (yes, the argument can be rightfully made for pride) and this work by Dr. Ryken clearly shows that this is not a new phenomena. On these pages, the reader will discover the necessity of trusting day by day (sometimes hour by hour) in the mercies of Christ.

While Solomon is known as the wisest man in the Bible, he did ultimately fail. Reading King Solomon will help you to see: 1) where he failed, 2) when the failure began, and 3) the means by which we can overcome failure in life. It has been said that the best defense is a great offense. In this case, the saying rings all the more true. If you are aware of your lifestyle and choices, from a biblical perspective, you will be better equipped to avoid the dangerous pitfalls that accompany most everything we do in life.

Recommendation

This work will serve two purposes in your life and for that reason, I recommend it to all. First, it will show you that there is truly nothing new under the sun (Eccl. 1:9) and that there is no temptation that is not common to man (1 Cor 10:13). It will also equip you to deal with these inevitable sins. For those reasons, pick up this book and be equipped.