Avalon Chronicles #159: Champions of the Faith- Rev. Jonathan Edwards(1703-1758) American Colonist

 Reference: Vaughn, David. General Ed. A Divine Light. Cumberland House Publishing: Nashville, TN. 2007.

     In my studies of the evolution of my homeland of America, I have always been persuaded that an impetus of the American Revolution was the spiritual effect of the Great Awakening upon the population of the colonies. One of the principal pastors, who preached about true Christianity, was the Reverend Jonathan Edwards, who preached in the mid 1700s. He lived from 1703 until 1758 and his major place of influence was a Congregationalist church in Northampton, Mass. 

     In just a single page it becomes challenging to cover all the salient points to describe his life and ministry and its impact on our colonists. My first study of his life and ministry was in 2014 and I renewed my study of his teachings this year. I had underlined in the first reading the teachings of points that I believed were important for my own faith walk. "It is the spirit of a truly godly man, to prefer God, before all other things either in heaven or on earth." (17). By the time of Jonathan's birth, "The fire of his Puritan forefathers was cooling to a smoldering ember...There is no doubt that religion had sunk to a new low in the colonies" (19-20). His preaching and teaching became a renewal of spiritual vitality. In 1727 he married Sarah Pierrepont. "... you could not persuade her to do anything wrong or sinful, if you would give her all the world, lest she should offend this great Being. (45). The desire of his parents for Jonathan was "...(he) might be filled with the Holy Spirit; from a child know the Holy Scriptures; and be great in the sight of the Lord." (24). 

     One of his personal Resolutions written in 1722 while at Yale was, "Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind..." (33). 'Thus holiness is not a burdensome duty; it is the beautiful condition of the soul in communion with God...it made the soul like a field or garden of God." (35). He wrote of his desire to teach the people, "...not the opinions of men--of other divines or of their ancestors--but the mind of Christ." Personally, I pray that I would be bound to the mind of Christ and have imparted to me Wisdom, Insight, Discernment, Knowledge and Maturity.

     He brought his service in ministry to his community to where, "...the entire face of the town was wonderfully altered. The old patterns of backbiting and quarreling were put away, the taverns were deserted, family life was renewed, and every day resembled the Sabbath." (57). Would that our own communities be touched in such a manner? His impact was, 'The old story of the gospel took on a new beauty and power. Scales fell from their eyes. They beheld the wonders of the cross and the beauties of the Savior. (57). He taught that individuals should,"... attain a love for God's written Word...there was no book so delightful as the Bible...there was a genuine love for the brethren and for the lost." (59).

     A highlight of his ministry was the commencement sermon at Yale in September 1741. He chose as his text I John 4;1; relative to testing the spirits. He proclaimed, "...there were five 'distinguishing marks' of a true work of God's Spirit...greater esteem of Jesus...against the kingdom of Satan...greater regard to the Holy Scriptures...leads into truth...operates as a spirit of love to God and man. (77).

     Perhaps his most enduring preaching is reflected, "In fact, he preached on subjects that many pastors refused to address--the heinousness of sin, the awful judgment of God, and the horrible reality of hell--" We hear too many messages of the "Love of Jesus" and not enough of the "Wrath of God." It is a feel good emotion to focus on love rather than wrath, but, there is a Hell awaiting those, who do not repent from sin and go on their merry way, denying there is a God, Who sent His Son to die for us all! 

Avalon Chronicles #158: Champions of the Faith-William Wilberforce a Force For Freeing Slaves

 Resource: William Wilberforce Freedom Fighter by Betty Steele Everett. CLC Publications: Fort Washington, PA 19034. 2007 printing.

"A rising star in British politics, young William Wilberforce led a life of privilege and power. Then he turned to Christ, and the Lord changed the focus of his heart. As a newly converted Member of the English House of Commons, he spent the rest of his long and honored political career promoting the freedom and rights of slaves." (Back Cover). In my opinion this was one of the signal turning points in history to address a horrendous evil that had existed since the beginning of humankind!

     William Wilberforce was a very slight young man. He had been born in 1759, small and frail. Early in his education he learned about slavery and began to condemn it. Due to the deaths of relatives and the bequests to him, he became a wealthy young man and entered St. John's College at Cambridge University. Early on after graduation he was moved to public service. A significant figure in his life became William Pitt. Wilberforce was elected to the House of Commons and for the next 45 years he was committed to this career. Pitt and he became fast friends. William Pitt became Prime Minister of England at 24! A rising star! On a trip to France with his old teacher Isaac Milner, he discovered Milner was an "Evangelical." "These believers were interested in personal religion and living like Jesus. They did not believe that merely going to church was enough to be a true Christian." (31). Wilberforce was urged to meet John Newton, who had been master of a slave ship when he was converted. 

     "Newton kept William both shocked and spellbound with his stories of cruelty to the blacks. He told in detail how the Africans were branded, then jammed into the slave ships so tightly that they could barely move except when brought up on deck for exercise. He told about the beatings and other inhumane punishments, and of the deaths-and how the bodies were dumped into the ocean without any religious service or attention." (35). This encounter with Newton changed Wilberforce's life. He became a Christian and his life changed. He became an Evangelical, founded by the Wesleys, who had started Methodism. It had appealed to the lower and middle classes as contrasted to the upper classes and their Anglicanism.

     Slavery had been banned in England, but not in the colonies. Wilberforce began a crusade for moral improvement in England. He began to support a Slave Trade Bill. His life was threatened. He believed his cause was slavery and it was a religious cause. He continued to pursue his great cause of a law forbidding the slave trade. 

     On Feb. 23, 1807 the long and arduous path that Wilberforce had walked down was voted into law. "The bill was passed that would make carrying of slaves in British ships, anywhere in the Empire, illegal after May 1." (71). William Wilberforce's crusade took a giant step forward to end parts of this abominable human tragedy that was ended with the act. Be it known "Slavery itself was not outlawed; only the trading and the carrying of slaves were illegal--and, of course, only in the British Empire." (74). But, the slave trade was still alive and well in the United States!!!!  Every thing William did came from his deep Christian faith. (90).

Avalon Chronicles #157: Talking Back Thoughts of the Tormenters

 Reference: Talking Back A Monastic Handbook for Combating Demons by Evagrius of Pontus. Translated with an introduction by David Brakke. Liturgical Press Collegeville, Minnesota. 2009.

     Spiritual warfare is a topic little known or understood by most. This book is a real gem to describe very specifically methodology from the word of God to combat evil and dangerous thoughts that confront us to keep us from exhibiting the righteousness  of God. When Satan rebelled against God in Heaven and departed, he was followed by one third of the angels of Heaven and they have wreaked havoc on humanity ever since. It is their task to keep us separated from our faith in God the Father, Jesus the Son of God and the Holy Spirit. But we can fight back and this book presents a practical application from the Word of God to do so!

     "Sometime in the final decade of the fourth century, a monk named Loukios wrote to Evagrius of Pontus, one of the leading spiritual guides among the monks of the Egyptian desert. Calling him 'honored father,' Loukios asked Evagrius to compose for him a treatise that would explain the tactics of the demons that try to undermine the monastic life."...Talking Back concerns itself exclusively with the monk's combat with demons, a topic that has not interested many modern historians and theologians." (Introduction). The monk's struggle with "virtue, purity of heart, and thus for salvation" is not just something worthy of study from sixteen hundred years ago, but something topical and timely for all, who desire to pursue a life of nobility. The Name of Jesus spoken out, when addressing demonic attacks is the strongest deterrent and weapon for those, who trust in Jesus as Savior. Demons must depart from us, if they have obtained a foothold via entry to our spirit due to unconfessed sin or lack of forgiveness and we say, "Demon (identified), in the Name of Jesus, I command you to submit to me because I take on the authority of Jesus to overpower you."

     When spoken in that manner, often one coughs and it is the demon being expelled. My "Go To" website for education and information on spiritual warfare is www.delmin.org, a ministry site based in Oklahoma City. The founder of the ministry Everett Cox has become a personal friend of mine. 

     This book covers specific temptations of thoughts of gluttony, fornication, money, sadness, anger, listlessness, vainglory, and pride. Here is a specific example related to anger. "Against the soul that accepts thoughts of anger and collects against the brothers wicked pretexts and false suspicions." (pg. 121).

     "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not be anxious, so that you do evil. For the evildoers shall be destroyed, but those who wait for the Lord, they shall inherit the earth."

     This short book is power-packed to help us on our path each day to address the myriad of issues we face in daily living.

Avalon Chronicles #156: Champions of the Faith: Thomas a' Kempis-Withstanding Temptation

 Resource: of the Imitation of Christ Whitaker House. New Kensington, PA. 1981

     This writing from more than 500 years ago is a timeless classic! Authored by a German monk in Germany, the writings are important in reflecting this Christian's devotion and obedience to God. Both Catholics and Protestants may find significant insights and teachings to live more fully in one's life as a devout person of faith.

     "Everyone therefore ought to be full of care about his own temptations, and to watch in prayer lest the Devil find an advantage to deceive him. He never sleeps, but ever goes about 'seeking' whom he may devour." (1Peter 5:8). (pg. 28). We will all be tempted without end. We must recognize the attacks to get us to sin and walk out of strength in God and be overtaken. The Devil is relentless and has been on the attack to take us away from our Creator ever since the Fall. 

     "Yet we must be watchful, especially in the beginning of the temptation. The enemy is then more easily overcome, if he is not permitted in any wise to enter the door of our hearts, but is resisted without the gate at his first knock....(the process is) First...a bare thought of evil,...a strong imagination...delight,...evil motion,...consent." (30). However, "God...will vouchsafe...with the temptation also make a way to escape," Paul wrote: (I Cor. 10:13).

     Temptation to do evil and to sin is overwhelming. One must constantly be on alert to recognize evil ready to take one over and learn the scripture to repeat to withstand the temptation. . Matthew 6:13 "And don't let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Our Lord gives us a way out, but we must quickly pray for strength to withstand sinning. Our evil human desires lead us to sin. Our Lord leads us to repentance and forgiveness. 

Resource: Advanced Training Institute of America. A Comprehensive Course in Effective Counseling. Oakbrook, IL. "It is important to trace our surface issues to root problems and causes (5)." Main question for sinning relates to whether we maintain moral purity. "Counseling is helping a person resolve fear, depression, anger, lust and other destructive emotions by relating them to 'strongholds' which can be torn down with Biblical truth." (7). Sins of bitterness, greed or immorality gives up a part of us to Satan. Once that happens, there appears within us a "stronghold," wherein we become rooted until we recognize we have given territory to Satan over a part of our life. We accept false ideas, by which we make decisions, that are unwise. (9). Confession of our sin returns us to God's side of the equation and we are back on track for righteous behavior. Then the challenge becomes not to fall back. Daily Bible study becomes the reminder to turn us to God's truths for behavior. 

Avalon Chronicles #155: Champions of the Faith Andrew Murray-Part Two

     7. The Faith That Takes: "Therefore I  say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye have received them, and ye shall have them" (Mark 11:24). "There must be a certain amount of faith before there can be prayer, but greater faith is the result of prayer." (83). "You will train us to pray so that we will believe that we really have what we ask for." (88).

     8. The Secret of Believing Prayer: "Lord Jesus! Increase my faith! Teach me to take time to wait and worship in God's Holy presence until my faith absorbs everything there is in Him for me." (95).

     9. Prayer and Fasting: This is a most challenging type of prayer. Jesus' disciples were unsuccessful in calling out demons from an individual. Jesus said that one required prayer and fasting. "...prayer needs fasting for its full and perfect development." (98). "Fasting helps to express, to deepen, and to confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, (even food), ...to attain the Kingdom of God. (101).

     10. Prayer and Love: "Love of God and love of our neighbor are inseparable....The prayer from a heart that is not right with God or with men will not succeed." (104).

     11. The Power of United Prayer: "...if friends were aware of the mighty help two or three praying in concert could give each other; (114). "They (churches) don't know that God rules the world by the prayers of His saints, that prayer is the power by which Satan is conquered,...united prayer (can) cast out Satan and save souls." (114, 117).

     12. The All-Inclusive Condition: We must fulfill a condition for effective prayer. We must abide in Him and His words in us. "...abiding in Christ is his immediate duty....Obedience and faith must go together." (155). Will must be given up. There must be no infidelity, worldliness or heathendom.

     13. The Word and Prayer: We must be grounded in the Word of God and study the Word in the Bible!

     14. Obedience: The Path to Power in Prayer: John 3: 18-19, 22 lays it all out. "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight." 

     15. The All-Powerful Plea: One must always pray In the Name of Jesus, the Son of God. The Father God in Heaven answers the prayers, but Jesus Christ is the intermediary that transmits the prayers to Heaven.

     16. The Holy Spirit and Prayer: "The coming of the Holy Spirit indeed began a new epoch in the prayer world. (186). Through the Spirit, Christ's prayers become ours. (188). The Holy Spirit is the breath of God. 

Avalon Chronicles #154: Champions of the Faith: Andrew Murray on Prayer-Part One

      Andrew Murray (1828-1917) was born in South Africa, the son of Dutch Reform Church missionaries sent to South Africa from Scotland. He studied theology at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands and became a missionary in South Africa himself. 

     "Here was a Man...destined to become one of the best loved and most widely read writers on the deeper Christian life. In his eighty-eight years he wrote about 240 books and tracts which were published in fifteen languages....who worked for spiritual renewal within the established church and who reaped the results of his prayers and labors in a deep moving of the Holy Spirit not only in his parish, country, and generation, but even to the present day through his writings."

Choy, Leona. Andrew Murray the Authorized Biography. (CLC Publications: Fort Washington, PA. 2000).

     One of my favorite books in my personal library is Andrew Murray's With Christ in the School of Prayer published by Whitaker House New Kensington, PA, 1981. He was a minister, who believed in prayer, as do I, and his book is a classic! He taught much on how to pray!

     1. Alone With God: Our prayers may be in silence before our God. "All we have to do is entrust our lives on earth to God when we are in secret and alone with Him....Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask Him." (26, 27).

     2. The Model Prayer: This is the Lord's Prayer. "We thank you for these living blessed words You have given us....And we will bring our needs, our sins, and our temptations to Him in the confidence that the love of such a Father cares for all." (36, 37).

     3. The Certain Answer to Prayer: Our Lord proclaims He will answer our petitions. However, we must have a clean heart by having confessed our sins and forgiven all others. I have found the answer is yes, no, or wait.

     4. The Boldness of God's Friends: "There is a twofold use of prayer: one is to obtain strength and blessing for own lives. The other is the higher and true glory of prayer...on behalf of others....Teach me to know the power of persevering prayer." (61, 66).

     5. Prayer Provides Laborers: "...(we) must cry to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers....need of laborers in the fields of the world, so ripe for the harvest." (67, 69). We are members of the team needed for evangelism.

     6. Prayer Must Be Specific: "Our prayers must be a distinct expression of definite need, not a vague appeal to His mercy or an indefinite cry for blessing." (74).

Avalon Chronicles #153: Authority

      The word Authority is oppressive and scary to some for a variety of different reasons. I was subject to the authority of my parents throughout my youth. I do not recall boundaries needing to be set by them to establish their authority, it was just natural for me to desire to be pleasing to them and make them proud of me. I attended and graduated West Point as a cadet, preparing to serve my country as an officer and I can assure you I became accustomed to authority for 47 months as a cadet! Then submission over five years to more authority as a commissioned officer involved in Vietnam as an intelligence officer conducting clandestine missions. Especially as a soldier we are under the authority of the rules and regulations of our military and that of the overall authority of our nation, when we serve. I never questioned whether I should submit to the authority categories enumerated thus far.   

     Societal/family experiences for many constitute a decided denial of submission to authority for many. This is due to a variety of reasons: to an overarching authority imposed upon some due to excessive parenting; hurt from someone or a situation; legal issues due to bad choices; a general hesitation to accept direction and possibly just a rebellious spirit.

     With the polarity of positive submission to authority by me and several reasons for authority being repulsive in daily human interactions for many others, we come to the ultimate authority for which it is wise to submit. That is to our Heavenly Father. 

    In 1963 Jimmy Soul had a song titled "If You Want to be Happy for the Rest of Your Life." The lyrics are forgotten, but the title is a good one. Yesterday in my 83rd year I came to the realization that, if I did want to be "Happy for the Rest of my Life," there was something I needed to finally do. That is to submit to the Ultimate Authority. Finally, although I may have actually submitted eons ago.

     Maybe some of you readers know Who that is. It is God the Father, the Creator of all in the heavens and on earth. The One, Who sent His Son to die on that cross in Jerusalem two thousand years ago for the sacrifice that allows us all the privilege of getting our lives of sin cleaned up. The Son Jesus left earth, but He left the third part of the Triune God here as the Holy Spirit to indwell us, if we allow it. Acceptance of submission to God's authority seems very challenging. It is, but, once accomplished, it makes life happier, because we have an anchor for our lives, a guide, an example of daily living. Living by the authority of God's laws means peace each day. We do not need to have the burden of guilt when we submit. 

     If you are stubborn to have accepted some aspect of authority in your life, keep it up, but if you are SAT (Sick and Tired) of dealing with so much turmoil in your life and wish to accept the ULTIMATE AUTHORITY, your God in Heaven is awaiting the opportunity to bestow blessings on you. Ask what you can lose versus what you will gain!

Vaya Con Dios! Go With God!