A Substitute for Sound Teaching--We might suppose that the goal of the Law of God is that we should become good.

Vaunt Not--It is unlawful not to use the Law of God.

No Righteousness but Christ’s--The righteousness of Jesus Christ is the basis of our salvation.

Not unto Salvation--Many contemporary Christians apparently cannot think about the Law of God apart from salvation.

Unlawful Not To--We begin a new series on the uses of the Law of God. We should note, first of all, that Paul says the Law is good if one uses it lawfully.

Things pertaining to salvation (6)

It's not enough to do whatever I do with all of my might.

When I was a kid, and a bunch of us wanted to get together to play football, usually there was no shortage of pigskins from which to choose. We all had footballs and, at certain times of the year, tended to carry them around with us much of the time.

But you didn't ever want to get in a game when there was only one ball. Particularly if that ball belonged to someone who was a jerk. Because if he got mad, or didn't get to be the star, or didn't like the way things were going in any way, he'd just take his ball and go home.

Not very sporting, I think you'll agree. And not the kind of kid you wanted to rely on in a pinch for anything.

Sort of like the state Democratic senators in Wisconsin. Knowing that by absenting themselves from the democratic process, and from their duty as elected officials, they could slow down and perhaps throttle a piece of legislation they simply don't like, they fled the state, denying the Senate a quorum, and throwing the capital into chaos and confusion.

This is not politics. Politics plays within rules, the rules of a democracy, rules to which the electorate and the elected agree before the game kicks off. These Democratic senators show that they actually scorn the democratic process because, if followed, it means a sure defeat for them and certain of their primary supporters - supporters who themselves are fairly scornful of democracy as well, denying the right to work to all but those who "join" their union and "contribute" their dues, dues which are funneled to Democratic candidates and office-holders.

The state Democratic senators of Wisconsin, off on a lark (on taxpayers' money?), are sending a message to the people of Wisconsin and the nation. The message is this: We love democracy, as long as it works for us. Otherwise, you can take your democratic principles and shove 'em.

Their behavior is beyond irresponsible. It is juvenile. It represents an attempt to become the law rather than to abide by it. They didn't like what they saw happening, they weren't going to be able to be the stars of the game, so they've taken their quorum ball and gone, not home, but to Illinois. It should make us wonder what else they do which shows such scorn for democracy and the law.

Christians should note here a violation of the fifth, eighth, and ninth commandments. John the Baptist wouldn't let Herod get by with violating the seventh commandment, and believers shouldn't give their state senators a pass on this, either. There are plenty of local newspapers, radio call-in shows, backyard fences, and coffee shops where Christians should be explaining, gently and reverently, that this is what you get when elected officials consider themselves a law above, not only the laws of a democracy, but the Law of God.

Additional related texts: Deuteronomy 17.14-20; Matthew 14.1-4 (cf. Lev. 20.21); Acts 23.1-3

A conversation starter: "So, how does it feel living in a state where the lawmakers can become a law unto themselves any time they choose?"

T. M. Moore

Things pertaining to salvation (5)

Spiritual Discipline/Prayer

Do not practice long-drawn-out devotions, but rather give yourself to prayer at intervals, as you would to food.

  - Comghall, Rule (Irish, 6th century)

Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.

  - Psalm 119.164

We are mistaken if we believe that the few minutes we spend in morning devotions will suffice to nourish and sustain our souls throughout the remainder of the day. Even if we increase our morning prayer and reading to an hour or more, still, we will need to be resupplied before the day is finished.

The saints of Scripture understood this, and we frequently find them praying at intervals throughout the day, as Daniel (chapter 6) and the apostles (Acts 3). Praying at various times, even set times, throughout the day can help us to approximate the idea of praying without ceasing, which Paul commands (1 Thess. 5.17).

But how shall we do this? Well, we should make appointments with God, to meet Him for prayer. Then, come to each time - no more than 5-10 minutes - with some specific prayer item to use: a psalm to pray, or the list of the people in your Personal Mission Field, or just random reasons to praise the Lord as the Spirit leads.

Use these prayer intervals also to thank God for the day thus far and to seek His will and help for the things that remain. Hang your day on prayer and you will know greater strength, joy, and sense of the Lord's presence with you.

The hard part of this is being willing to take the time, to interrupt whatever you're doing, or somehow, in the midst of doing it, find a way to focus your thoughts on God and to offer your prayers to Him. But it's a worthwhile discipline which will enrich your walk with the Lord and your awareness of the larger, unseen realm.

Try it for a week, and you'll see just how beneficial this discipline can be.

Today at The Fellowship of Ailbe

Please keep us in your prayers. Our Members meet next Monday night in The Gathering, and we have some important matters before us, as we consider more effective ways of serving the men in ministry to whom God has called us.

Thank you very much for sharing your prayers and gifts with us. Your support is greatly appreciated. If you'd like to contribute, simply use the donate button here or on the web page, or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 100 Lamplighter Ct., Hamilton, VA 20158.

T. M. Moore, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

There is glory to behold in His face.

I confesss that I have some trouble following the liberal mindset.