An Observation on Americans and Predestination/Election

Here is an observation whether or not you believe in reformed doctrine:

One of the reasons why Americans find it difficult to accept the reformed doctrine of predestination and election is that it goes against everything that Americans inherently hold dear in our nation. We do not live by an allowing or accepting someone else’s choices for us without our consent. We reject to rule over us a despot, dictator, or monarch based on their particular choices. We make our own representatives, senators, and Presidents to deal for us in our nation. And if they do not do what we want, we throw them out of office. Even our rights we chose and wrote into our foundational documents be they good or bad.
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By way of illustration, in the 1700s, America was “the great experiment” in the history of mankind’s government. Alexis de Tocqueville, a French aristocrat in the early 1800s, wrote a book called “Democracy in America.” He came from France and investigated what America was and could it be a continuing form of government. Out of the hugely magnificent work, (I suggest you read it but only if you chose to) one quotation lays claim to support this suggestion that Americans have a most difficult time with inequality and so therefore, the accepting of the doctrine of predestination/election. The reason? It is because of our inherent love of equality between men. Tocqueville writes about our forefathers, “Liberty is not the chief and constant object of their [Americans] desires; equality is their idol: they make rapid and sudden efforts to obtain liberty and, if they miss their aim, resign themselves to their disappointment; but nothing can satisfy them without equality, and they would rather perish than lose it.”

A little later he concludes with this statement, “They [Americans] have been allowed by their circumstances, their origin, their intelligence, and especially by their morals to establish and maintain the sovereignty of the people.” And so in our present world, we will have no one oversee us without our consent. We must allow it as individuals for it to be accepted. And in kind, everyone has freedom to speak his mind and be the captain of his own personal ship because we demand equality.

The problem is that God is not a God of equality. He gives to some blessed weather to grow crops and to others he gives harsh atmosphere that brings desserts. To some he gives health and to others disease. To some He gives long lives and to others only a few years. To some He gives wealth and to others poverty. So if I define equality as fairness, God is not fair. He treats people differently. He gives to some what He denies to others. But without doubt, He is just. His good pleasure is both just and merciful but mostly it is absolutely sovereign, and so as Americans we struggle.

A Tribute to John MacArthur

I read this post on another pastor's (Dan) blog and thought it worthy for your read.

"On June 5th 2011, pastor John MacArthur finished preaching verse by verse through the New Testament. This is an extremely rare accomplishment given that no preacher over the past century has achieved such a feat. Those of you who are familiar with MacArthur’s preaching will know that he doesn’t rush in his preaching (it took him 10 years to preach through the gospel of Luke). This makes his accomplishment even more impressive.

While preaching has always been the focal point of his ministry, it has never been the only facet of his ministry. MacArthur is a prolific writer, with dozens of titles to his credit along with his New Testament commentary series, which is also nearing completion. He is also the president of the Masters College and Seminary, which continue to produce Christian leaders year after year. MacArthur also keeps a busy speaking schedule, which takes him all over the world. And perhaps he is best known for his excellent radio ministry, Grace to You.

Safe to say, God has graced and gifted this man in incredible ways. He could not have accomplished all this were it not for the grace of God. God raised up John MacArthur for such a time as this, and Christians the world over have been the beneficiaries."

Not a Winner

Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me by Ian Morgan Cron

I appreciate what Mr. Cron is seeking to do but I did not find it. Learning his pursuit of peace and joy is admirable but the stories did not touch me as they did him and that is because he lived them, not I. His strength of character is displayed throughout the book and I learned much from his determination to preserve and become a man of steel and roses. Past memories are difficult to deal with but it may be wiser to discuss or remember them in private. If you want to see a man interact with his past in dignity, you may like it.

I received this book for free from BookSneeze in exchange for a review.

Refresh Yourself

I am sitting here listening to the majestic song “Worthy is the Lamb” again. It is the last song of The Messiah and my favorite one. I usually play it at decibels that confront the ears in exuberating power. My office neighbors across the hall have heard it many of times. Usually when I turn up the volume they are not in, good for them. If you have not listened to it in a while, take a minute, actually 6 minutes and 54 seconds, and listen to it. Your day will be better for it.

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory and blessing. Blessing and honor, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, forever and ever. Amen.”

But that is a side note, pun intended. The main point is if we let a day or a week go by in which we do not just sit and contemplate the worthiness of Christ, we miss a major reason we are on earth. God has presented Himself to us in many forms and one of them is in song. Of course, walking in a “creation spot” (a place unattached to man’s construction) and listening to the voice of God in declaration of His glory refreshes the soul. Song or sight, spend time just considering God’s glory and goodness. You will find yourself uplifted and encouraged. It can be no other way because as we are confronted with God, our hearts bow and beg for more. Enjoy it and let me know how it is.