“The English Reformation was a biblically based movement that took as its motto the right of each Christian to read …the Bible in one’s native language. Luther had first given this theory its definitive expression: “We have never yet desired anything else…than the liberty to have the Word of God, or the Holy Scriptures, to teach and to practice it” English Protestants echo the sentiment. Whereas the Roman Catholic powers wished to have people memorize and recite select portions in Latin, under their purview, never understanding true salvation. Puritan William Tyndale, a multi-linguistic genius, was more ambitious, and became a martyr for translating much of the Bible, at the moment of his death praying “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.” By 1560 the Geneva Bible was produced in English including the Puritan and Calvinistic interpretation notations in select passages. And for the first time Scripture was divided into numbered verses, making it readable by ordinary people. Christians of the Reformation era knew the Bible better than their evangelical counterparts today. We need to heed to many Puritans, one such godly man such as Richard Baxter begged his readers “love, reverence, read, study and obey the Scriptures.” “After reading this book today, it is a solemn reminder to all Christians, to rejoice in your freedom, and seek today and everyday to read the Holy Bible!” Let us praise God for the hard work being done which brings us gifts to our study such as the 28th Ed. Nestle Aland, Greek New Testament, and excellent clear versions such as the E.S.V. and N.A.S. All of which are testaments of years of labor by people who have been working for years in their perspective scholastic fields, verifying, validating documenting manuscripts, physical evidence, archeology, christian historians, all who authenticate exactly what our first century brothers and sisters were reading themselves. In fact we have more evidence of the Holy Bible than anything else in history. Pray to our Lord God for an insatiable unending desire and love to study the Holy Scriptures daily, seeking to become more obedient each day, glorifying our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by every thought word and deed. Spread the Gospel to all~ Amen, and may God bless you! [excerpts from “Worldly Saints The Puritans as They Really Were” – Leland...
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Should Musicians “Set-Up” During Final Prayer? There has been a disturbing trend that I have witnessed occur with increasing frequency at the conclusion of many Christian church services, or theological conferences. It happens when a pastor, theologian, or Bible teacher is ending his sermon or lecture with an impassioned prayer to our Heavenly Father, and there is noticeable disruptive activity. There is a distraction which takes place, by the musicians who provide the concluding worship music. Many of the musicians seemingly appear oblivious to the final supplication to God on behalf of the entire assemblage. They amble into their positions and employ that “closing” prayer time to set-up for the final worship song, and unlike everyone else in attendance, who actively prays along with the beseeching man of God, are missing that spiritual nutrient vital to feeding their souls. In almost every situation when there is a gathering of believers, the worship band usually misses part, or the entire closing prayer orated by the pastor or lecturer. It is as if they are exempt or excluded from that particular prayer and are not part of the unity of all believers in attendance. Do our musicians not need prayer, especially the final blessing from a man of God, who implores everyone to pray along with him? Are they not equally valuable as all believers? Are church leaders so concerned with keeping rigid “time schedules” that they insist on having their musicians employing the final prayer time preparing for the last song? Is the rational that of, therefore the musicians should be excluded from participation in the final congregational prayer? That form of practice may not be appropriate with the ways of God (Isa. 55:8-9), and it does give the appearance of church polity or orchestration transcending God and mitigating absolute and total reverence of Him. I think it is safe to say, that a pastors or theologian’s closing prayer is intended for ALL attending believers, therefore participation by everyone should be the norm; a unified holy reverence. It is my belief, that God does not receive complete reverence and honor when the musicians do not partake in the final corporate prayer. If we believe there is power in corporate prayer, and trust that God hears every supplication made from every one of His praying saints, it is essential for every gathering believer to pray in reverence. Pastors or theologians of our churches, seminars, or conferences, should Biblically evaluate and discern the propriety of this modern day trend. All musicians desperately need prayer just as any finite, fallen and sinful creature, who constantly requires Gods’ intervention (through prayer)...
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