Lent Sucks

One of the dangers of adopting the Church calendar is that you might start to take it seriously. You just might begin to think through the meaning of the seasons in the life of the Church. Take Lent as just such an instance. Now, I didn't give anything up for Lent; not because I'm opposed to it mind you, it just sort of crept up on me. That's the kicker, how does Lent sneak up on you? Well, you don't pay much attention. I have had, however, a wake up call. Since attending an Ash Wednesday service, I find myself becoming more aware of my sin and need of Good Friday. I recognize more things about myself that I don't particularly like. I'm not patient with Kirsten or Aiden. I jump to conclusions and am easily frustrated. I don't forgive as I ought or repent as I ought. Ah, but then there's the Gospel. It's the good thing, the thing I keep in mind; it's the reminder that Lent always ends with Easter.

Chiasm in Romans 12.14-21

I think there is a chiastic structure to Paul's instructions to the Romans in their dealings with persecution. My pastor preached on this passage this morning and pointed out that the entire portion is devoted to dealing with unbelievers. I've always thought of it as teaching how believers are to deal with other believers.

A. Bless those who persecute; bless and do not curse them (v. 14).
B. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep (v. 15).
C. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited (v. 16).
D. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all (v. 17).
D'. Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God...(v. 19)
C'. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all (v. 18).
B'. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.... (v. 16).
A'. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (v. 21).

Since Paul brackets the passage with commands about how to handle persecution, the point he seems to be making is in D and D', namely, when you are persecuted by unbelievers, leave it to God to handle. This trust in God's all encompassing and sure justice and vengance frees the believer to love and feed and live peaceably with those who are seeking to do them harm.

The Great Debate

James White notes that is was 20 years ago tonight that Greg Bahnsen debated Atheist Gordon Stein. It is one that I've gone back to listen to over and over again. It is full of the folly of atheistic thought and the glory of the wisdom of God.