1988 Issue 4-5
The third and last thing I propose to consider is this: the means that must be used by those who desire to grow in grace. The words of St. James must never be forgotten: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights." (James i. 17 .) This is no doubt as true of growth in grace as it is of everything else. It is the "gift of God." But still it must always be kept in mind that God is pleased to work by means. God has ordained means as well as ends. He that would grow in grace must use the means of growth.
In this issue we are publishing a sensitively-written public call to repentance to Gary North, a superior brother in Christ. Lest we be misunderstood, we want to assure our readers of our deep appreciation for the major contribution Gary continues to make toward the Christian Reconstruction of the United States. God has given him an incisive mind, a colorful gift of communication, and an all-consuming desire to see the Kingdom of Christ triumphant in the hearts of men and women. We recommend his writings as a gold-mine for those who want to understand their times, and how to apply the Bible to the issues of our modern world. Carefully read his books and dig out the valuable ore. Melt it down and mold it. It will be wealth and ammunition to you. We earnestly pray that God will give Gary a long life of faithful usefulness in bringing Him glory and praise.
The most important knowledge that any human being can possess is clearly understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how one can become a Christian. Part of this understanding is accurately grasping what is entailed in being a Christian. A very common evangelical belief is that professing Christ is equal to being a Christian. For some, the walking down the aisle during an evangelistic plea and professing Christ in front of a church congregation is an absolute guarantee that they are a Christian. Though a person may be truly saved during such a service, the mere act of professing Christ in this manner is no guarantee of salvation. The Bible does not equate profession of Christianity with genuine salvation. There are several biblical instances which clearly demonstrate that it is possible to make a Christian profession and yet still be spiritually lost and doomed to an everlasting destruction in Hell.
On March 12, 1988, 4:35 A.M., I became the proud father of a brand spanking new, 83 pound, 5 ft. 1 in., teenage daughter. I thought of telling her that she was still only twelve, but I didn't think that I could get away with that for the next seven years. I looked in the yellow pages under Teen Incubation Services to no avail. All means of avoiding teenagism out, I realized I would have to face this head on. I was forced to begin to think seriously about teens and their particular needs and concerns. Also, as a church, we have enough children to provide the cast for a remake of The Exodus. At one time I counted about a hundred children in our church. Many of our parents have become or are fast becoming the parents of teens, and we are having to address their needs, their concerns, their desires from a biblical perspective.
What is this article about, and why does it need to be written? The Reconstruction movement is in great need of some constructive criticism, and this article is intended to start the process. I hope that other writers will soon join in the effort.
I am writing because I do not know of any criticism of the movement, in print or otherwise, that even comes close to the mark. The criticism either contains factual errors, or the Reconstructionists are criticized where they are strongest, i.e. where they are right.
The Mission of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1-19)
I. (1:1-3) The Identity and Time of Jeremiah
II. (1:4-19) The Divine Call of Jeremiah
A. (1:4-5) The Predestination of Jeremiah
1. (1:4) The Origin in the Call
God does not look for his material, he himself creates it to suit his own purpose. He was determined to have a prophet to the nations, as long as nations existed on the earth, so, with that in mind, he formed and shaped Jeremiah, spiritually and physically.
What is Calvinism? Or the Confession of Faith in Harmony with the Bible and Common Sense. In a series of dialogues between a Presbyterian minister and a young convert. Dialogue XV, Perseverance.
The Reduction of Christianity: Dave Hunt's Theology of Cultural Surrender, by Gary DeMar and Peter Leithart. Published jointly by The American Vision, Atlanta, GA and Dominion Press, Ft. Worth, TX, 1988. 403 pp.
