IT IS THE PSALM OF THE ATHEIST
WHO SAYS IN HIS HEART
THERE IS NO GOD
BUT WE ALSO SEE, AS THE PSALM PROGRESSES,
THAT WE ARE ALL FOOLS UNTIL HIS LOVE BREAKS THROUGH.
IN KEITH GREEN’S SHORT TIME ON EARTH, HOW I REMEMBER HIM
SELLING HIS RECORDS FOR “WHATEVER PEOPLE COULD PAY”
STIRRING THE LUKEWARM CHURCH WITH HIS PASSION
SINGING FROM HIS TRANSFORMED HEART:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h89-3_kIRDA
WHAT I AM PRAYING FOR EACH OF US THIS LENT,
IS THAT WE WILL NOT LIVE LIKE FOOLS,
BUT SEEK HIM WITH ALL OUR HEARTS,
FOR AS THIS PSALM PROMISES,
HIS LOVE WILL KEEP BREAKING THROUGH.
FOR GOD IS PRESENT WITH HIS FORGIVEN CHILDREN.
There is justified anger in this psalm against those who lead others astray. I see so much poison coming from the media, but also from pulpits — sheer lies about how the Bible was formed, about the cross, and about our Lord. I remember sitting next to a young man on a plane who was reading Christopher Hitchen’s book: God Is Not Great and trembling at Hitchen’s lack of fear of God. When you pray this psalm, remember Bonhoeffer’s exhortation to hear the voice of Christ in the background — His anger, His pain at the rebellion against God, His compassion for those who are oppressed and neglected, which is the fruit of those who are fools. Their thinking is twisted, therefore, so are their hearts. Hitler tore down the cross in the churches to have his twisted cross put up. Hitler reasoned, “Nature is cruel, therefore we can be as well.” And how inhumane he was. Remembering this, hear the voice of Christ in this psalm.
Psalm 14, like Romans 1, shows the root of unbelief. They want to follow their own will so they refuse to believe. Blaise Pascal (one of the keenest intellects who ever lived) believed that the evidence for Christianity was overwhelming, but that men resist Christ because they resist giving up control of their lives. I know that was true of me. Pascal wrote:
Men despise religion. They hate it and are afraid it may be true. The cure for this is first to show that religion is not contrary to reason, but worthy of reverence and respect. Next make it attractive, make good men wish it were true, and then show that it is.
This is also what we have been hearing from a contemporary intellect: Michael Reeves. We have reduced Christianity to a formula instead of showing people how beautiful Jesus is. I am finding when I show how beautiful Christ is, and the beauty of the gospel, walls come down. One woman said to me recently, “I don’t know why I keep crying when you talk, but something is happening in my heart.” His love, as Keith Green sang, is breaking through.
Sunday Icebreakers:
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
2. If His love has broken through to you, share one thing you remember about when it did.
Songs to Prepare Your Heart:
In the wonderful sermon you will hear next week, Dick Lucas says a real hymn must reveal something about God. These two do. The Psalm project caught the heart of Psalm 14 — God’s anger against the fool, but also His compassion for the poor, and His knowledge that one day the captive will be set free and there will be a great reversal of fortune. The second song was by one of the first women hymn-writers, and made contemporary by Indelible Grace. This world is hard, and the lies of the fool can make it hard to trust in times of trouble, but as the second part of the Psalm shows, God is a refuge to the oppressed, and one day there will a great reversal.
Monday-Friday Bible Study and Sermon (Pace yourself so you finish — I’ve given a guideline, but do as you feel led.)
Monday
3. Read Psalm 14 out loud as an overview.
A. What do you learn about the fool in verse 1?
B. Verses 1-3 shows how fools rebel against the law of God. Derek Kidner says the essence of sin is believing we know better than God.
C. Verses 4 shows the fruit of fools. What metaphor is given? The verb is “devour.” How did HItler devour God’s people?
D. What causes the fool concern, according to verse 5? Can you think of an example from Scripture or life?
E. What promise is there to the poor in verse 6?
F. Describe the end of the story, according to verse 7.
4. Bonhoeffer urges us to hear the voice of Christ in these psalms — His anger, His compassion. How do you hear His voice in Psalm 14?
Tuesday-Wednesday: Some Lies of The Atheist and The Response of a Wise Man
Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. In the wildly popular song by John Lennon, Imagine, see how beautiful people, beautiful settings, and beautiful music are used, like an angel of light. Yoko and John look very serious — as if doing away with God, heaven, and hell would solve our problems and we need to know this. This is what so many of the books from atheists say. It can seem plausible when you realize wars are so often a result of the clash of religious beliefs. But there are huge holes in this argument which Keller skillfully uncovers. In order to dismantle the lie, we must first see what it is, what people are hearing, and what can even penetrate our souls if we are naive:
5. How is the lie set up with beauty? What are the lies that are articulated?
Listen to Tim Keller’s response to these lies in this free sermon (download it first) and share your notes: LINK
6. Share your notes to Keller’s sermon:
Thursday-Friday: Lies Against Christian Missionaries and The Response of Research
I was in a secular book club for twenty years. Though we read many well written books, some very good, we also read several books against Christianity. One that particularly angered me was Poisonwood Bible which told the story of a legalistic missionary who was completely insensitive culturally. Indeed, I know there are missionaries like that, but do they represent the norm? I’d like you to read one of the best articles I think Christianity Today has published in my lifetime and share your notes: Click below:
7. What did you learn from the article?
8. In contrast, what does Psalm 14:3-4 tells us is the fruit of ignoring God?
9. In your own life, when you were cool toward God, what was the fruit? How about when you were passionate?
10. As we will see more next week, though this psalm is about the atheist, it is about all of us, for we can all live like fools. Pray for your own heart, that God will rekindle the flame. Indeed, that is what Lent is all about. Then pray the same for your loved ones.
Saturday
11. What is your take-a-way and why?
315 comments
More thoughts on 3C. In regards to devouring people as men eat bread. There is no remorse in eating bread. In fact it can be quite casual and of no consequence in the consumers mind. Eating bread can also be done hungrily with no satiation of appetite, needing more and more. Eating bread is done day after day, meal after meal, continually. Eating bread can also be justified, it is something needed. Hitter felt justified in his devouring people in order to make the world the way he thought it should be, he had no remorse (I think his suicide was an escape from shame and punishment rather than remorse), he devoured continually, etc.
E. What promise is there to the poor in verse 6? The Lord is their refuge.
F. Describe the end of the story, according to verse 7. Salvation will come! The Lord will restore their fortunes.
4. Bonhoeffer urges us to hear the voice of Christ in these psalms — His anger, His compassion. How do you hear His voice in Psalm 14? This was the first Psalm that the voice of Christ jumped out at me without having look for it. He desires to find those that seek Him. He did not create us to watch us fail. He desires to find the ones that understand, but finding none He initiates the Rescue Plan (as Sally Lloyd-Jones puts it). “Will evildoers never learn?” I see as compassion, a desire that they would learn and turn to Him. But I also see righteous anger at those who do not learn and act against God’s people.
Good insight into bread metaphor
Just listening to this and thought some of you may enjoy, Rock of Ages, Sandra McCracken: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YO4fZUCQAw&list=PLBHj_ld24Btt6KfcMnermKh2FLMD_X2dO
3. Read Psalm 14 out loud as an overview.
A. What do you learn about the fool in verse 1?
‘in his heart’ he says there is no God-the fruit of that is that he is corrupt and does horrible deeds.
C. Verses 4 shows the fruit of fools. What metaphor is given? The verb is “devour.” How did HItler devour God’s people?
They eat up God’s people like they eat bread. and I noticed two times God says, “There is none who does good.” So this must mean when they do abominable things to God’s people they think they are doing good? They are so deceived because at their core is themselves-trusting in themselves and not in God so they believe the lies. Hitler devoured the Jews by emphasizing to the Germans over and over the false ideas about Jews that were already out there. So he built up support which led to the holocaust.
D. What causes the fool concern, according to verse 5? Can you think of an example from Scripture or life?
That God is with His people and that He is his people’s refuge. Right off the top of my head is when Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh asking him to release the Isrealites. Also, after Jesus rose from the dead the pharisees and the priests feared what would come of it as well as the soldiers at the tomb-I think perhaps they feared that if Jesus really was God and God’s son what God would do to them.
E. What promise is there to the poor in verse 6?
That God is their refuge.
F. Describe the end of the story, according to verse 7.
That God will restore His people, will restore everything and we will rejoice!
Rebecca, this is true, I think!
I see so many that think they are doing good (abortion comes to mind, they think they are helping women) but they have distorted thinking!
also, I like what you said in D I was thinking that the fool is afraid of God but now I see the fool is also afraid of Gods people because they have God as refuge and resource.
I’m thinking that “there is none who does good” also is true because there is no righteousness apart from Christ. i.e., believers and unbelievers may be doing the same “good deeds,” but the good deeds are good for only for believers because they are in Christ — yet it is not the deeds themselves that make them good, but Christ’s righteousness. I know atheists who do “good things” (e.g., some are pro-life). If “doing good” or being good is only based on behavior, I’d be worse than some atheists.
Such good examples, Rebecca!
Aren’t you loving having Isaac here? We are!
OH yes Dee I am excited! I hope his desire to be on the blog lasts but it is in God’s hands. 🙂 He can tend to be hot then mild but regardless I know God is moving in His heart with each season and he is only 13. God has this and that is the sweetest kiss to me. It really is funny how I feared when he was diagnosed that he wouldn’t understand the Gospel but Isaac is the only one of my four at this time who is really on fire and reads his Bible and has insight-THAT IS SO LIKE GOD! :))
Tim Keller’s teaching in his sermon is amazing; his precepts starkly contrast and expose the worldview/lies accepted by so many as illustrated by the lyrics of ‘Imagine”. What a blessing his words are, it made me want to hear more! The video that accompanied ‘Imagine’ is such a graphic portrayal of the lies/magical/ethereal plane atheists/unbelievers occupy. It makes me want to break that imaginary, surreal mirror they are looking into that only sees themselves as the center of their universe. Thank goodness we have the Gospel and the Gospel message still dominates ‘religion’ and has only gained momentum and gotten stronger as the centuries have gone by. No matter how man has tried to squash the Light of the Gospel, it burns brighter now than ever! All praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ!
Oh Brenda — you are a women after my heart – a kindred spirit!
Thinking this morning about part of the Pascal quote “Next make it attractive, make good men wish it were true” and Imagine. The music and presentation are attractive — and do make me wish it were true, especially when I want life to be easier. So thankful that God brings his promises to my mind to counteract lies with truth.
Good observation. Makes me think how Jesus said that we need to learn to be as shrewd as those in the world…
4. Bonhoeffer urges us to hear the voice of Christ in these psalms — His anger, His compassion. How do you hear His voice in Psalm 14?
The fool says in his heart “There is no God.” This reminds me of the parable Jesus told of the man whose ground produced abundant crops. The man decided he would tear down his barns and build bigger ones, and then he could kick back and be set for life. Jesus says “God said to him, ‘You fool, this very night your life will be demanded of you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'” The foolish farmer felt his profits were self-made, and that he was providing his own retirement. He was acting as though there was no God.
Psalm 14:5b reads “God is present in the company of the righteous.” Then those who are attacking the righteous are also attacking God. I find this reminiscent of Jesus saying that when we feed, give drink, tend the sick, or visit the imprisoned that we are also doing it for Him.
Then, of course, there is the reference to “bread.” Jesus mentions bread in some of his teachings, and he multiplies the bread to feed the 5,000. Finally, at the Last Supper, Jesus referred to the bread as emblematic of His body which was about to be broken by crucifixion.
5. How is the lie set up with beauty? What are the lies that are articulated?
The lie is pedaled easier by a good melody (sorry, Laura! :)) and a famous performer.
The lies that are articulated:
–That the world would be better off without religion and without any notions of heaven or hell — what difference would it make?
–That there are ways to peace without faith. In fact I think it is implied that man’s natural state, if religion left him alone, would lead him to peace.
–That if there were no countries (governments) or religion, people would give up their possession and share with one another openly.
–The chorus “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one…” implies that there are a lot of people who think that way (therefore it might be right!). However, this philosophy needs more people — so “I hope someday you will join us, and the world will live as one.”
Obviously, I am appalled at all of the above! And actually this is mild compared to some of the lies circulating in our society.
Good at identifying lies, Deanna
You are funny Deanna! Thank you for identifying the lies 🙂 I guess I’m a picky person when it comes to piano music since my dad was a musician; specifically a pianist!
Keller notes. Can any religion claim to lead to peace on earth? In general, religion leads away from peace on earth. Religion sets up a slippery slope, tells you that you have the truth, leads to superiority, caricaturizing, separating from people, etc
3 things that are being done not working
1) 1) Hoping religion will thin out and go away. Secularization thesis: the more scientifically advanced a society gets, the more it understands how to control, religion will die off. The thesis has been dropped: religion is here to stay, growing in Africa & Asia, religion is permanent conditions of human being.
2) 2) Experiments where we forbid or control it. That led to more oppression. Alistar McGrath: those experiments created more intolerance and violence than was there before (e.g., communist countries)
3) 3. Urge that we privatize religion. We can have peace on earth if people keep beliefs private, hidden. In public, we should all be pragmatists. Stephen Carter says that is naïve and inequitable. Religion is a set of unprovable faith assumptions about the nature of things, everyone has a set of these things just to function: Can’t leave those behind, can’t find solution that works for everyone. E.g., divorce laws: First, have to agree on the purpose of marriage: TO RAISE children/family? Or Happiness of individual? It is inequitable that people that go to mosques, synagogues, churches can’t bring in their faith views to discussions but others can.
Individual secularism/enlightenment tends to make people selfish, but organized, formal (thick?) religion tends to make people tribal.
Christianity has resources for explaining and expunging that natural slippery slope that grows in every human heart toward oppression and division.
Moral narrative (good person): has to set up superiority
Christian gospel is opposite of moral narrative: everyone is sinful, only way we can get out of that is Jesus Christ coming into world and did opposite of what we do – he put himself in our place.
GRACE NARRATIVE: believe I am not better than everyone else; gospel explains why religion causes Never assume that I am better than atheists, Jews, Muslims.
In NYC, people believe fundamentals cause violence.
We can’t avoid fundamentals/truth claims. Which fundamental truth claims help people care for, want to serve others, learn from them? If the fundamental of your life is someone who died for his enemies, the more you reflect on that, the more it destroys slippery slope that causes division. Maybe Christmas carols are right. May Christmas does actually bring peace on earth.
Dee……My husband and I both really appreciate Blue Like Jazz. He just re-read it this winter. I gave copies to both of my kids several years ago. I wonder if they read it. Thanks so much for the prayers.
I pray they read it. Maybe they’d watch the movie — not nearly as good, but not bad…
4. Bonhoeffer urges us to hear the voice of Christ in these psalms — His anger, His compassion. How do you hear His voice in Psalm 14?
He sounds desperate but as if He knows a secret; something that will eventually happen for good.
3. A. What do you learn about the fool in verse 1?
The fool doesn’t acknowledge the Lord’s existence; his/her actions are evil and corrupt.
C. Verses 4 shows the fruit of fools. What metaphor is given? The verb is “devour.” How did HItler devour God’s people?
The metaphor is the evil fool eating people up like bread.
In Hitler’s mind, there was no stopping him…his actions of evil would be carried out to the extreme however he desired. Anyone Hitler viewed as inferior was treated as such, horribly and without thought for their humanity. Hitler and his Nazi regime inflicted terror and brutality.
D. What causes the fool concern, according to verse 5? Can you think of an example from Scripture or life?
When it is obvious that the Lord is with those the fool is tormenting.
Moses and pharaoh come to mind…it was only after successive plagues that pharaoh finally recognized that the Lord was truly on the side of the Hebrew people and pharaoh became frightened of what the consequence of this might be. It was in this fright that he allowed the Hebrew people to leave Egypt.
E. What promise is there to the poor in verse 6?
The Lord will provide protection.
F. Describe the end of the story, according to verse 7.
The Lord rescues…He will being restoration and His people will rejoice.
4. Bonhoeffer urges us to hear the voice of Christ in these psalms — His anger, His compassion. How do you hear His voice in Psalm 14?
Evil will shake my world…evil will exist that is beyond my comprehension, but even in the darkest moments of life, the most violent of shaking, most importantly, the Lord will have the last word…the Lord will bring restoration and joy to His people. It is very much about trust…despite what we see with our eyes in the worst of circumstances, believing, knowing, trusting that the Lord is with us, for us, and the ultimate victor.
Nanci–so good to have you back. This is good “It is very much about trust…despite what we see with our eyes”
Deanna, what a wonderful story of your camp experience as a youth. Such a sweet, sweet memory.
Susan, I loved the stories of your Dad in the ER touching your hand as you prayed and the story of his bringing you flowers. Your Dad’s mellowing reminds me of my Dad…after retiring, my Dad is so much more relaxed. As a kid, I cannot remember my Dad being as overtly loving as he has been over the last 20 years…always a hug, a “I love you”.
Wanda, I’m so sorry about your children falling away from faith/the Lord…oh the ache of a Mother’s heart. Know that your blog sisters (including me) will be in prayer that our holy Lord will woo them back into His fold, that they might be aware of His presence and continuous love and come running back to Him.
So good to have Nanci back. I’m so glad we were able to meet — I do feel like I know you (and Renee from the week before) better — thanks so for coming.
Thank you, Dee…it was truly my delight and pleasure to meet you face-to-face, chat for a bit, and listen to your talk on idols…so glad I got it on CD. Your talk, “The Three Love Stages in Our Journey with the Lord” is very good too…the Lord is using you mightily…:)
Last night, when I was too lazy to take notes on Keller’s sermon, I started searching for a transcript of the sermon instead. I didn’t find one, but I did run into an anti-Keller website that affirmed some of what Keller was saying. It seemed as if he was being attacked (as well as quoted out of context) for what he has called a Grace Narrative.
His identification of how religion has set up a slippery slope leading to divisions not only would help him connect with a broader audience, but also would put those who think they are superior on the defensive. The differentiation between a moral narrative and a grace narrative makes sense; yet those who live by a moral narrative may be offended by a message of grace (as I saw on the anti-Keller website).
I appreciated that Keller was “equal-opportunity” in identifying tactics which have not led to “peace on earth!” He nailed scientific, social control, and individual-happiness philosophies. After listening to this message, I better understand that he doesn’t publicly side with one political party. The Grace Narrative transcends political parties, whereas the superiority and underlying beliefs of both parties leads to division.
Good point Renee. Thanks for putting the moral narrative and grace narrative into perspective.
I read this quote today by T. Austin Sparks,
When I read this quote I couldn’t help but think of David. He was called of God, anointed of God to be King but knew intense suffering. But as we read and pray the Psalms we see he also had real knowledge of the LORD. I remember years ago saying to the LORD, “I don’t just want to read the words of David from the Bible, I want to know you and experience you LORD like David did”. Well, he’s been answering that prayer ever since.
As I take time to read the comments I can see the fragile vessel of clay but also know “this beautiful treasure is contained in us—cracked pots made of earth and clay—so that the transcendent character of this power will be clearly seen as coming from God and not from us”.
Cindy, I love this “this beautiful treasure is contained in us—cracked pots made of earth and clay—so that the transcendent character of this power will be clearly seen as coming from God and not from us”.
The Keller sermon was profound. I am sure I paused the sermon 20 times, so I could write down nearly every word. Renee….If you still want a transcript, I think I just created it 😉
When I heard him explain the ‘enlightenment’ values some things I’ve been struggling to understand became more clear to me.
The biggest take away I have is this: It’s what we’ve all heard a million times, but in these words, it stands out in such stunning clarity.
“Most who say there’s a God, believe that we meet that God by working hard, being good parents, doing good things, the 10 commandments etc. This we’ll call The Moral Narrative. I know God accepts me because I am: good, hard working…etc. But the Christian gospel is not just a little bit different than this. It is totally the opposite. In the Christian gospel, we believe that we are self centered, we put ourselves in the center of the universe, we put ourselves where only God deserves to be. It’s sin. It’s what makes the world in the mess its in. And the only way to get rid of it is that God came into our world, as Jesus Christ, and did the exact opposite of what we do. We put ourselves in His place. He put Himself in our place. We put ourselves first. He put Himself last. He died on the cross for our sins. The only people who receive that salvation, in the Christian understanding, are not the people who say ‘I’m good enough for God’ but those who say ‘I’m bad enough to need a Savior.’ ” This we call The Grace Narrative. And then with that as the backdrop, he explained how if we follow the Moral Narrative, we just set ourselves up to feel and act superior to others. And with the Grace Narrative, we focus on Jesus. “Which fundamental truth claim makes the bearers of them see themselves beneath, as servants to people who deeply differ with them? Which truth claims make you look at those who don’t have your truth claim and make you care for them, love them, consider them, serve them, learn from them, hear their narratives? That previous question is pretty convicting. This is the basis for why a lot of young people I know personally, who grew up in the church, don’t want anything to do with it any more. As a whole, they do not see Christians as people who want to get to know those who don’t believe as they do. They don’t see Christians as people who want to hear the narratives of others. And here’s a relevant example, I think, that happens all the time. I find myself getting very frustrated by people from my own church who ‘clump together’ at community events….to the exclusion of others. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at a town gathering, school event, basketball game or even running into a couple church members at the grocery store and then another person from church walks up and many times, someone in those settings says, …’oh, so is this where the (name of my church) people are sitting?’ or ‘we’re all here….I guess we could have a church meeting now.’ as if to confirm that we belong together. We’ll stay with each other…..and there appears to be no interest in mingling with those we don’t know as well. So….now that I’ve said that, I know it sounds like I am completely lacking in grace for those fellow church members. And perhaps I am. But I’m trying to say that I think those outside the ‘fold’ see that exclusiveness. I know for a fact, that there are community members who feel like we are elitist. It was refreshing (and convicting) to hear Keller explain how we who follow the Christian gospel should be seriously involving ourselves with those who don’t. “If the fundamentalism of your life is a man who died for His enemies… If the fundamentalism of your life is a man who died asking God’s forgiveness for people who opposed Him…the more you reflect on that, the more that will destroy the slippery slope of the human heart that turns religion into division.” Wow.
Good job Wanda & Renee. My notes are a bit choppy, REALLY good sermon though, of course, I always say that on Keller 😉
Can any religion claim to bring peace on earth? In general religion does not lead to peace on earth. It sets up a slippery slope. It sets us up to think you are better than others.
3 things being done in response to the fact that religion does not bring peace.
1. Hoping and expecting religion will thin out and go away.
Every major religion is growing. It is not going to die out.
2. Some try to forbid and control religion. This does not bring peace, it leads to oppression. Alistair McGraff “The 20th century gave rise to one of the greatest and most distressing paradoxes of human history: that the greatest intolerance and violence of that century were practiced by those who believed that religion caused intolerance and violence.”
3. Urge that we privatize religion. All people with religious beliefs should keep them away from work, politics, public discourse. This is naïve and inequitable. Religion is a set of unprovable faith assumptions about the meaning of life, about who we are, and about what is really important for human beings to spend their lives doing. Some people call it a worldview or a meta¬‐narrative. Even if you are not part of an organized religion, everybody has an implicit set of these religious faith assumptions.
Christianity is the one religion that says people are not saved by being better people, more disciplined, or by praying more, people are saved by sheer unmerited favor.
If your narrative identity is a moral narrative, you’ve got to be good enough, superior to others, God loves me because I am conservative, traditional—it sets up the slippery slope. But if you are a sinner saved by grave, your narrative identity is a grace narrative, you never feel superior to others. Therefore the gospel explains why religion creates division. You can’t avoid fundamentals or truth claims. Which fundamental truth claims make the bearers of them servants, caring for others—whose fundamental is the Man who died for sinners—this will destroy the slippery slope.
Renee…I too, appreciate your point that if we live by a moral narrative, we (of necessity) become defensive of a grace narrative. Good example.
5. How is the lie set up with beauty? What are the lies that are articulated?
Just as I am slow to understand poetry, I am equally as slow to “get” that this song is about giving up your belief in God. I suppose there are other “stupid” people out there as well….was he actually an acclaimed atheist? I did notice they seemed to “need” each other in the video; he puts his arm around her, she opens curtains for him. I guess in the end I asked myself, who cares that you would imagine there’s no heaven, hell, war, etc. ? what do you have after that imagining? Nothing, emptyness. How depressing.
He wrote the song so the lyrics came from his heart — I’d say that’s atheism. And naivety!
4. Bonhoeffer urges us to hear the voice of Christ in these psalms — His anger, His compassion. How do you hear His voice in Psalm 14?
Jesus’ anger at the loss of intimacy-the fall. I see his anger that the wicked are oppressing His beloved and being treated wickedly. He is angry at the deception, the pride-the hypocrisy of the wicked who think they are god yet deep down inside fear that God is on the side of those they are oppressing-yet they still won’t turn to God.
Yet his compassion shows in that he looks down to see if there are any who understand who seek after God-yet he sees none-but He is looking and to me that exposes who He is-he so desires restoration and intimacy that is who he is-He is redeemer, Savior and Holy.
His compassion shows when He says He is with the righteous generation and that He is their refuge. His compassion shows with His passion to restore Israel-His captive people for with Him in the end they will be complete, free and fully restored. I can sense His delight in the last few verses.
Notes on Tim Keller’s sermon: Religion is a set of unproven human assumptions that guide the way you live, who we are, what live is about, a master narrative or world view, what one believes it takes for human flourishing. I love how others here have pointed out that we all have fundamentals but we have to have fundamental claims that cause us to live as our Jesus did here on earth, as He died on the cross He asked the Father to forgive those who had crucified Him. Our fundamentals need to be those that cause us to serve, care, love, consider others. The Moral narrative has been an idol in my heart that was revealed to me as I read Idol Lies this past year. The Lord is rescuing me from the slippery slope.
Good morning! The previous comments are all wonderful in reviewing the Psalm and the sermon by Tim Keller.
I will comment on verse 5: “There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.”
My thoughts go back to the Egyptians who pursued the Israelites into the Red Sea, and were consumed in the waters. Today I wonder
about the fear of God being shown. I am concerned also that sometimes in our churches we grumble and complain and consider works instead of
the beauty of Christ and the gospel. My desire is to reach out to those who are searching, yet I need to get out of my comfort zone and be
vulnerable.
In the Keller sermon the topic of privatizing is so key to our time. It is the way that the fools do try to confine the truth.
I am so inspired by Bonhoeffer and so amazed at the strength he had to oppose the false church in Germany.
I do take comfort in verse 6, “You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge.”
Christ is breaking through to me each day through the Psalms studies.
3. Read Psalm 14 out loud as an overview.
A. What do you learn about the fool in verse 1?
He says to himself, “There is no God.” The fool is corrupt, his deeds are vile.
B. Verses 1-3 shows how fools rebel against the law of God. Derek Kidner says the essence of sin is believing we know better than God.
I can see the “essence” as denying that there is a God. Or, some people kind of believe in “a god” or a higher power, but they choose to live as if God is totally irrelevant to their lives. Then it spirals downward from there. I know there are plenty of “good”, tax-paying, law-abiding people who are not Christians – they are not out stealing or killing, yet according to God, they are living in rebellion toward Him.
C. Verse 4 shows the fruit of fools. What metaphor is given? The verb is “devour”. How did Hitler devour God’s people?
A hungry man devouring bread – that’s not the picture of “mannerly” eating-taking small bites, chewing with your mouth closed. That’s tearing into it, stuffing it in as fast as you can – with no consideration for the piece of bread…no appreciating its taste, texture, aroma. Hitler “devoured” the Jewish people by systematically dehumanizing them. The end result was that their humanity was stolen and they were looked upon as less than human and therefore, to some, they had no worth, no value, were unworthy of being treated humanely, with dignity, or honor. That is why some were used like guinea pigs in medical experiments. It is astounding that one human being could look at another human being and not even identify in any way with him, not see that “he is just like me”. The horrors of the concentration camps and the ovens that literally devoured the bodies of men, women, and children…
D. What causes the fool concern, according to verse 5? Can you think of an example from Scripture or life?
The mere mention of God or evidence of His presence fills the fool with dread. The example I think of is how “concerned” the religious leaders were at how Jesus was setting people free from their endless rules, regulations, and obligations. The “sinner” was also a social outcast, yet Jesus hung-out with them and gave them the greatest honor and dignity by eating with them. The religious leaders wanted to keep people oppressed and following their rules or else they made them outcasts, and they were angry when Jesus upset their system and people learned that God wasn’t angry at them and would accept them. I see an irony in “for God is present in the company of the righteous” in that I wonder if the Pharisees and religious leaders would have believed that Jesus was the Son of God if He had kept company with them exclusively because they considered themselves the righteous ones…but they were filled with dread because God was present in the company of the righteous – the sinners who were believing and receiving righteousness.
E. What promise is there to the poor in verse 6?
No matter how hard the evildoers try to frustrate and oppress the poor, God is on their side – He is their refuge.
F. Describe the end of the story, according to verse 7.
David cries, “Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!” He looked forward to it, and we know today that salvation did come out of Zion, for Jesus came to truly restore the fortunes of His people…the ones who believed in Him could truly rejoice and be glad.
4.Bonhoeffer urges us to hear the voice of Christ in these psalms – His anger, His compassion. How do you hear His voice in Psalm 14?
I “hear” Him in the verse that says the Lord is looking down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. It angers Him when He is forgotten, ignored…just like in the OT where it seems like God is lamenting about how His people have forgotten Him for days without number. He hates evil and sin and what it does to people. I hear His voice of compassion promising to be present with those who belong to Him, a refuge for the poor and oppressed, and His promise to restore what has been lost, stolen, and ruined in this world.
On a personal note, I hear the Spirit’s voice asking me…are you seeking God every day in every situation, or are you determining to be your own god over your life? Is there someone I am devouring…with disrespect, criticism, refusing to honor the image of God in them? Treating them carelessly without regard?
Beautiful, Susan. I surely am seeing how these psalms tie together…
3. Read Psalm 14 out loud as an overview.
A. What do you learn about the fool in verse 1?
we learn in verse 1 that the fool says there is no god. we also learn of the deeds of the fool; that they are corrupt and abominable
C. Verses 4 shows the fruit of fools. What metaphor is given? The verb is “devour.” How did HItler devour God’s people?
the metaphor given is that they devour his people like bread. how i see hitler devours gods people is he sends them to concentration camps and convinces them that jews were bad
D. What causes the fool concern, according to verse 5? Can you think of an example from Scripture or life?
the fool gets his concern from the fact that god is with his people. if you’ve been on the internet as long as i have than you are bound to see an image macro or poster making fun of god, i think the reason they do that is because they are too consumed with lies that they don’t need god
E. What promise is there to the poor in verse 6?
the promise is simply this, “the lord is his refuge”
F. Describe the end of the story, according to verse 7.
it just goes to show that in the end god restores everything
4. Bonhoeffer urges us to hear the voice of Christ in these psalms — His anger, His compassion. How do you hear His voice in Psalm 14?
i see it around verses 1-3 i see his anger at the nations rebelling earlier in the psalms because of the deeds of the wicked. i see compassion probably towards the end of this psalm when god says he’ll restore everything.
Isaac–I love having you here, you are wise beyond your years. Love your fresh perspective and depth…so like your Mom 😉
“if you’ve been on the internet as long as I have then you are bound to see an image macro or poster making fun of god…” it’s so good to have your youthful perspective, Isaac (I grew up without the internet) I am sure we are all going to benefit from seeing these verses through your eyes!
“There is no one who does good.”
I often think of the lie that we must “do good” for ourselves. Many people do wrong to others in order to do good for themselves. I am very guilty of this. Nanci and Renee spoke of withdrawing and I see that I do that, too. I would say I struggle in finding the balance…but in all honesty I suppose I just don’t trust God enough to put myself in situations where I might be hurt. I see myself more and more in this Psalm. I would like to sit with Jesus, lamenting that there is no one who does good! But I cannot, obviously, for I am with those He laments about. I lean on His compassion as I continue to learn….Lead me where my trust is without borders, God.
5. How is the lie set up with beauty? What are the lies that are articulated?
Cinematography does wonders for inciting that deep part in us that longs for more. The misty landscape, two people walking in love, a roomy mansion with plenty of light. The ideal that we all have what we want, that others think as we do, that we have someone that loves us unfailing (which is ironic given Yoko’s history), that somehow if we get rid of all the borders and rules that we could all live at peace. (Which doesn’t work because even then you have a set of “rules.” There is always a standard being followed even if your standard is not to have a standard.)
The lie: If I didn’t have to do what anyone told me to do I would be happy. If I could just live life the way I wanted and noone would get offended or hurt, I would be happy, we all would be happy! This is funny because essentially we are saying – Y’all shouldn’t have rules except mine.
The truth: We need the gospel. “Rules” are not about rules. The things that Christ did, and changes our hearts to do (or not do) are an outflow of His love in us, His change in us, love being reflected out, not an increased self-discipline that leads to better choices. It all comes down to the “Why?” Why are am I doing it? I am embarrassed to admit that the answer is a lot of times fear, not love. Oh, God, help me. ='(
Jill, So good …
“Lead me where my trust is without borders, God.” I put the song on my cell phone now! What a prayer.
I don’t think I “get” a lot Psalm 14 (and it might be that I just don’t like some of it!):Looks like the fool includes any who “don’t seek after God,” not only those who claim to be atheists. And I am foolish when I don’t seek God, too. I’m thankful that he woos me back to himself. I also see that God cares for the poor; “the Lord is his refuge.” WHAT I DON’T GET: there are many poor who don’t seek God. So, is God the refuge of ALL the poor AND those who seek him? (or am I being too Western in my logic?) It certainly doesn’t seem smart to oppress the poor!
What I wasn’t liking is equating atheists with doing evil (although I know some certainly do); it seems that just as many church people as atheists do bad stuff. Keller’s GRACE NARRATIVE (those who seek God) helps me make sense of this. But if this Psalm is supposed to paint others (atheists, other religions) as worse than I am, it doesn’t sit right. It just doesn’t seem that Christians have a corner on “niceness,” and I have seen some Christians who are opposed to the idea of helping the poor (“it’s mine, I worked hard to earn it, and I deserve it”). Unless I view righteousness as righteousness that comes from being in Christ — and his goodness and care for the poor, some of this chapter doesn’t make sense to me.
i think the reason behind atheist doing good and Christians doing evil is the same. Regardless of what you do it is why you do it (or don’t) that Christ sees. ?? The Psalm starts with the atheist but then goes on to include “all mankind. Like Tim Keller said a few weeks back the root of all our problems is forgetting who God is or misunderstanding who He is, even if just in the moment.
I had those thoughts about the poor too — it does seem God rallies for the oppressed, the broken-hearted, whether they love Him or not — interesting to ponder
Good thoughts, Renee. I’m wondering what was going on in David’s lifetime that inspired him to write this particular psalm…its says that the evildoers are devouring God’s people…were other nations bothering the Israelites, or was there social injustice within Israel…were the poor, the widow, the orphan, being mistreated? Also…could the poor also refer to those who are “poor in spirit”?
Hmm… now I’m even more curious, Susan! I wondered about the “poor in spirit,” too.
Renee- & Susan–I have been pondering this today since reading Renee’s post… I was thinking about how we define “poor”. In my mind, I don’t think of poor as those without material wealth–but more those who do not feel they have anything of their own–merit, or righteousness…they feel utterly dependent. I think I read it as He offers Himself as a refuge for those who know they have nothing…hmm, hard to articulate thoughts…one of those times I wish we were all sitting around a circle in a room and could have a face to face chat 😉
More thoughts about Grace Narrative & Moral Narrative:
This way of framing Christians helps me see how God used some very difficult times in my life. I easily could have been trapped in a Moral Narrative — and always trying to do more and be better led to some significant problems. What drove me into God’s arms & what Keller called the “Grace Narrative” was being judged by standards of the Moral Narrative. It was made very clear to me that I wasn’t good enough for God to work through me — and I knew I could never live up to “evangelical standards;” my weakness was and is apparent. And if I have to “fit the mold” or be healthy, wealthy, and wise (the Moral Narrative), I cannot be a Christian. (I’m not innocent; I probably would have MADE the mold during the first part of my life). God had me in his grip, and I knew Scripture well enough to know that he was giving and had given me HIS STRENGTH in my extreme weakness. But that didn’t soak in deeply until I was at the point where I didn’t/couldn’t trust many Christians and I also knew that I couldn’t do anything in my own strength.
My bristles do go up when I feel threatened by the Moral Narrative because I KNOW I can’t be good enough. Although I still withdraw in many Christian settings when I get hints of the Moral Narrative, I can see that the same experiences that led to my fear of Christians also planted my story firmly in the Grace Narrative — and the sermon helps me see that I fear the Moral Narrative more than I fear Christians, in general (I hope that’s not wishful thinking. I’m a shaky writing this!). That’s also why I can cut more slack to “nice” atheists & agnostics than to “mean” Christians (and why Psalm 14 is confusing me). I see hope for atheists to come to Christ. I guess I should feel more sympathy for those who feel threatened by the Grace Narrative; it’s probably fear that has prevented that. God is moving me in that direction.
Shirley Hodges, you wrote: “Christ is breaking through to me each day through the Psalms studies.” Me too, me too!
Can relate to everything you said about your life, Renee…wow.
Mary, wow is right! Glad I’m not quite such an odd duck, but I’m sorry that you can relate. Wasn’t always easy 🙁
No, it has not been always easy! 🙂 But I’m glad we are both beginning to come out on the other side of it. I’ve not been posting much this week b/c I have had such a rough time of it (emotionally) for about a week now! Some things going on with church and some with work and it’s just had me a little beaten down this week. Hope to do a little more next week.
Praying for you, mary e. Sorry you are having a rough week emotionally. Cling to Jesus. Let him soothe you.
Well, I don’t know what I am doing even trying to post sermon notes after Renee and Wanda so completely nailed it! For what it is worth, here are my sketcy notes:
Christmas is about peace on earth. But can any religion claim to bring peace on earth? Don’t religions erode peace on earth and lead to strife, conflict, and division? Religion sets up a slippery slope: You feel you have got the truth — you are right — superior. Others are excluded and are marginalized. Religion leads away from peace on earth.
Three things being done about this, but none are working:
1. Hoping and expecting religion will thin out and eventually go away. Intellectual class in the west have believed in the “secularization thesis.” The more technologically and scientifically advanced society becomes, the less it needs religion. So religion will thin out, become more generally loving spiritually, and then just die. However, every major religion in the world is growing. Christianity is growing 7-10 times the population rate in Africa, Latin American, and Asia. Religion is a permanent condition.
2. Experiment where we forbid and control religion. This was tried in Russia, China, Cambodia, Nazi Germany — but it did not lead to peace on earth. It led to more oppression. By trying to get rid of intolerant, violent religion, it caused more intolerance and violence than before.
3. Urge that we privatize it. Particularly this is prevalent in New York right now. Everyone is to keep their religious beliefs hidden/private. Don’t bring religion into public discourse. Don’t try to convert anyone. We should just work on great moral issues like AIDS, poverty, education, etc. We should become pragmatists and just do what works. Stephen Carter says that this is naive and inequitable. What is religion? Not belief in a god or in the supernatural. It is a set of unprovable faith assumptions about the nature of things and what life is about and about who we are and what is important for us to do in life. You just find out what makes you happy as long as it doesn’t get in the way of others’ happiness. However, what you think works depends on your beliefs.
Keller used the example of divorce. If you think raising children is the most important thing, then you will want to make divorce hard. If you think individual happiness is most important then you will want to make divorce easy. If family is more important than individual happiness — that is based on faith such as Christianity, Confuscianism, Judaism, etc. All have individual ideas of what human flourishing is. So we can’t agree on what works.
Here is where we are: Religion is a permanent condition. Religion can’t be stamped out. It can’t be privatized. Individual secularism makes us selfish, but “enlightenment” makes us tribal. Christian gospel says that every human being is sinful (self-centered). We make ourselves the center of the universe. The grace narrative says I’m bad enough tht I need a Savior. If I see myself as sinful but saved by Christ, that keeps me from feeling superior to other people.
In New York there is a strong sentiment that fundamentalism breeds violence. If the fundamentalism of your life is a man who died for His enemies — If the fundamentalism of your life is a man who died asking God’s forgiveness for people who opposed Him. Then the more you reflect on that, the more that will destroy the slippery slope of the human heart that turns religion into division.
Ernema & Natalie Claire–you both have come to mind the last few days, just wanted you to know I am praying for you
Ran out of replies above. Regarding idea of a face to face chat: LIKE LIKE LIKE!!!!
Elizabeth, We ran out of replies above. Regarding idea of a face to face chat: LIKE LIKE LIKE!!!!
This isn’t really an answer, sorry–but some thinking out loud here…Every time I have read this Psalm 14 this week, what jumps out to me is “heart” in verse one. Rather than say, the fools says in his mind there is no God, it uses heart. Maybe there is not much significance, but it feels like there is to me. The heart is our deepest core, it is where our passion lies, it is made for God. Yet Proverbs instructs us how important it is to guard our hearts—“with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Prov. 4:23) My son, keep your father’s commandment…Bind them on your heart always.” (6:21) Also in Proverbs 6, the warnings of what happen when we do not guard out hearts—“ a wicked man,…with perverted heart devises evil… the LORD hates… a heart that devises wicked plans”.
I keep thinking of Calvin saying that our hearts are “idol making factories.” To say “there is no God”—is to desire to defy His authority in my life. I think of the religious leaders who set out to kill Jesus—they were threatened by His authority and wanted to declare He was not God. Clearly their fear, their pride, their desiring to rule themselves led to wanting to kill Jesus, though they were unsuccessful, because our acting as if there is no God cannot un-do the fact that there is one God. He does not depend on our faith to exist as Lord of all. When my heart turns to idols, wanting to run in and try to fix a situation instead of prayerfully waiting on God to act, I am saying ‘there is no God’. It’s hard to admit that, not my sin, but the depth of what it says.
This lesson is causing me to pause more and more in those moments. I will say I still have a default mode of control, but the red flags seem to come up quicker, and they seem really often, which is probably just more recognition, and for that I am thankful. And when I see this in my heart, and acknowledge that turning to my idols is being the fool of verse 1, I feel more motivated in love to turn away from my idol and say in my heart “Yes, there IS a God!”
I really like your thoughts on “heart” in verse one.
“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked”. We need to be constantly vigilant for our heart’s making idols.It is not enough to love the Lord with our minds; we need to love the Lord with all your “heart”, soul and mind. We must be motivated with our hearts as well as our minds.
I’m desperately behind this week in the study. I hope to catch up a bit tomorrow.
Diane–SO often when I feel like all I’ve said is mixed-up-mush, you come and understand my heart! You truly are such a blessing here Diane. I have your name on my note pad right beside me, praying for you daily.
I love your sweet heart, Elizabeth. Thanks for your prayers. God is messing with my heart in a really “good” way these days, though I am blogging here very sporadically.
I am slowly pouring through a really great book to help me contemplate Jesus’ sufferings through His trials and crucifixion. It tears my heart up seeing what He went through in order to “carry my sorrows” (Is. 53:4) and heal my soul. His love for me is so vast that it is almost incomprehensible. I do love Him so, yet know my love needs to go much deeper in and higher up. (The name of the book is “Contemplating the Cross” by Rhodes.)
Such good soul talk — when running to idol, I am saying, “There is no God.” So talk to that swirling soul, Dee — “Yes, there is a God!” Thank you, Elizabeth!
“…and acknowledge that turning to my idols is being the fool of verse 1…” painful, but so true. I know it to be so.
Everyone has done a great job with notes on Keller. I will not add my own to eliminate redundancy but I will add my vote that it was a great sermon and he articulated so many things that I observe but lacked the definition for. I always so appreciate his ability to encompass so many worldly opinions and approaches and yet always bring it back to Christ and the gospel and why we are different, why HE works and all else doesn’t. I really appreciate his logical and intelligent approach, though you can fully hear his passion and heart in the concepts as well.
Lots to ponder since I was last here. The queries and thoughts shared about the poor and the way God commands us to care for them (however they are defined) drew me back to a verse that I only became aware of a couple of years ago. I don’t believe I have ever heard a sermon or study that addresses it. Ezekiel 16:49 & 50: ‘Now this was the sin of your sister, Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore, I did away with them as you have seen.’ I confess that I don’t know the whole context here, except that it is Ezekiel’s prophetic words of judgement against unfaithful Jerusalem. It completely intrigues me that, as recorded here, Sodom’s sin and the reason God destroyed her is not the sexual sins recorded in Genesis, but her indifference to the poor and needy. I don’t know what all of this means except that we can be sure God commands us to be neither passive nor greedy in our dealings with the poor. Much to think about indeed.
That is a profound verse in Ezekiel, Wanda. Yes, we need to ponder it and ask God to show us where we too are guilty of arrogance, being overfed and unconcerned for the poor. And indeed we are guilty in many ways.
7. What did you learn from the [CT] article? (Uh, this probably isn’t what you were asking!)
I remember scanning this article before — and was interested because I respect the work of Christian Smith and was curious what the Templeton Foundation had funded. This time, I read it more carefully. However, I always am at least a little skeptical when research is reported in “popular” magazines. After reading the original research (this tapped my geeki-ness), I am amazed at how well the research was represented and how much was crammed into the CT article. The following sentence is what piqued my curiosity enough to look up the original research:
Say what??? Even where few people converted? How did that happen? What I was expecting (and should have learned by now from Psalms that it wouldn’t be the case) is that people were converted, hearts were changed, and people lived happily ever after — or at least democracy moved in. But the research seems to say that in order for people to be converted, they needed to be able to read, and abuses needed to be stopped. Thus, these missionaries were unintentional (and sometimes intentional) social activists. Further, no one in my world uses the phrase “conversionary Protestants.” I could guess, but… The following footnote from the article (Woodberry, 2012) both describes “conversionary Protestants” and provides a brief explanation why movements toward democracy took place even when there were few converts:
For example, if the missionaries started schools (whether elementary or universities, depending on how educated the society already was) so that people could read/understand the Bible or if they started printing religious materials, the opposition started doing the same so that they wouldn’t lose people to Protestantism. So, even if there were few converts, the activity of missionaries encouraged other groups to also educate, print, have public forums, etc. And 🙁 that could happen even if missionaries weren’t “orthodox.”
Because they contributed to social changes which would facilitate the opportunity for the Gospel to be shared, they left a strong legacy even where there weren’t converts. But there always is a cost to going against the current culture, and many did take on established local/regional/national systems. Considering the times, these missionaries sacrificed A LOT. It is likely that many of them left family and friends to move to another country for the rest of their lives.
The journal article also addresses the places in which some missionaries might have harmed democracy. It definitely was thorough. After reading it, I still had a couple questions about the research. I also agree with the cautionary statement by Bollen, near the end of the CT article. The research is very well done, but “it’s too bold to claim as an established fact.” (because that’s the way research works 🙂 ).
Two topics I wanted to know more about were 1) Indigenous populations; and 2) What happened in China? (and because China is so big, regional differences related to missionary presence there).
Love your thoughtful musings
I, too, love having you here for your “thoughtful musings”, Renee.
5. How is the lie set up with beauty? What are the lies that are articulated?
The beauty of Love-that Yoko and John seemingly have a beautiful loving, open peaceful relationship without God-that people can love one another and live in peace without God-or really the lie is that we can create the Garden before the Fall but without God.
When he is playing the piano in the white room..all white signifying peace, serenity, purified-then Yoko opens the windows and the light comes in brighter and brighter -we can relate to that beautiful feeling when you open all the windows and let the light in-like everything is new, and right with the world. Then she sits dressed in all white with a peace head band on giving the impression that man can accomplish total peace-total restoration-then they look at one another in solidarity and love-i mean all men can love one another like John and Yoko love one another-they have arrived on their own without God it seems so follow them.
The truth is that their desire for no more war and peace will happen in the future but not by man’s hand..by God’s hand in the new heaven and the new earth. It also hit me as I watched this video that God has given all of us this longing because we were made to be intimate with Him in the garden where there was no death, no war before the fall..it is just that because they don’t know Him and have bought into other humanistic lies it is twisted.
Love your answer to 5, Rebecca, about how the lies of John Lennon and Yoko Ono are set up with beauty. I so appreciate how Dee has juxtaposed Keith Green’s song and John Lennon. John’s fantasy is appealing. He wants love and peace. However, we can’t get “peace” on our own. Lennon’s means are mixed up. As Keith says, John needs for God’s love to break through. Here is the first verse and chorus of Keith’s song, “Your love broke through”. It almost seems as if this is Green’s answer to “Imagine”. He even uses the curtain imagery.
Oh how those lyrics penetrate — thanks for writing them out, Diane.
WOW! I finally got the time to listen to Tim Keller. I listened twice because it was so good and convicting. Lord, forgive me for feeling superior to others who do not believe as I do. I thought I wasn’t but as I listened more to Tim Keller, your Spirit convicted me of my sins. I have distanced myself from certain people in the pretense (a twisted lie from the enemy) that I do not want to be like them and therefore be a bad “Christian” rather than seeing them as you would. I want to be an agent of grace and not to live life based on a moral narrative only. I am asking for you to open my eyes, help me write the words as I practice what grace I have received from you in relation to a disciplinary issue at school. Guide my actions today and please intervene in this situation. Help me not be a coward for you and clarify my thoughts. Let them not be vindictive, resentful and punishment motivated but for the betterment of this particular student. Help us, Lord including my 2 supervisors know what to do. Let me lean on your wisdom and not my own and let your timeliness be mine as well. Thank you, Lord that I live in your grace. Thank you Jesus, Amen.
Praying for you right now regarding your disciplinary issue at school. Oh, Lord, amen to Ernema’s prayer for wisdom and a heart like Yours.
Diane and Renee and others who are praying for my student issue: God made His presence and His work evident the last few days regarding my student! He intervened in a way I did not expect and I did not even have to lift a finger or say words that would have probably proven unnecessary. Lord, you are so good. Thank you for working behind the scenes. You are showing me that you DO lead step by step if I wait on you and stay tuned to your promptings. Reveal your power in my life that I can live out humility and “consider others better than myself”. (Philippians) This is such a hard thing to do especially in a world where independence, being looked up to and being at the top is popular. Show me/us how to be like your Son. Use this situation to draw this student and her family to you and may I see them in the light of your grace and grace alone. Help me to be bold and to give credit to you for the working out of this situation. You are worthy of all praise!
Ernema, so glad the student issue is resolving and that God is evident in the matter. Amen to your prayer for the student and her family.
Ernema, You articulated this so well: ” I have distanced myself from certain people in the pretense (a twisted lie from the enemy) that I do not want to be like them and therefore be a bad “Christian” rather than seeing them as you would.” God convicted me of using a “moral narrative” against those who use “moral narratives” — but I wasn’t finding the words to explain — so deleted it. Yet, that — entwined with fear of people who use specific moral narratives– is one of the most challenging sins/lies I struggle with. Thanks for wording it well.Praying for your student issue, too.
Such a good prayer — I can make it my own too.
4. Bonhoeffer urges us to hear the voice of Christ in these psalms — His anger, His compassion. How do you hear His voice in Psalm 14?
I see his anger because of everyone that has rebelled. I see his compassion for the people who he saved-the godly.
Wonderful, Isaac.
I read the article concerning missionary impact globally and all I can say is that the ways God uses the people He sends is phenomenal. It’s mind-boggling how cultures, governments and community advancement benefited not only from the Gospel message but from the presence of those spreading it. It brings to mind Andrew Murray and his impact as a missionary. His belief was if God put a desire into your heart, He will fulfill it. Some of these people did not set out to do these great feats, many of them had no desire to be a missionary. God used people, circumstances and the still soft voice of His Spirit to plant His desire in their hearts and they didn’t turn aside, they followed His leading and look at how the world has been impacted. Simply amazing!
Brenda, I was amazed, too. What blew me away — and convicted me is that these results weren’t true of Protestants in general, but of Protestant missionaries. Do I respond to my community as I would if I were an “official” missionary here? (not always)
I’m so glad you read and were impacted by the article — I too thought it was amazing.
9. In your own life, when you were cool toward God, what was the fruit? How about when you were passionate?
This is the single most challenging question I’ve answered since being on the blog. I’ve thought about it for hours. The only consistent answer I’ve found is that when I am cool toward God, I believe lies from myself, from people around me, from the evil one. And it happens gradually enough that I may not catch it until the lies have escalated.
My life isn’t necessarily “better” when I am more passionate toward God (not even sure how I would define passionate because my heart could be in sync with his and I could be completely numb emotionally). Sometimes circumstances might be far, far worse when I am warmer toward him. I might not be “nicer” when my heart is softer toward God; having my heart beat with his may mean exposing lies, and often that doesn’t seem very nice. I may be less happy even when my heart is softer toward him. And the spiritual battle with the lies may be 1000 times stronger and the lies may be more destructive — even though I know he has me. That’s been the key: the deep down knowledge that he is good, and the decision to trust him no matter what, knowing and believing the Truth. With that, there is a deep down peace that may not necessarily be reflected on the surface due to various factors (physiological ones are coming to mind).
During the past several months, I’ve also come to accept (SoS study!) at a much deeper level that he loves me ( that still could sink in further 😉 ). I did think about the fruit of the Spirit, but the real fruit is part of thet deep down knowledge of knowing who God is and who I am in him. That knowledge goes so deep that it may not involve thinking because I may not be able to think (and it may mean immersing myself in very intentionally selected music — not selected because I can think, but selected because He brings phrases to my mind). God is faithful, and all the Bible verses I memorized — even as part of a moral narrative 😉 — are there when I need them.
Though SOMETIMES what appears to be the fruit of the Spirit might indicate the temperature of my soul, my battles get intense enough that I can’t tell what is the fruit of the spirit vs a masquerade. Is it love & kindness or courtesy/niceness based on habit or fear of what others will think? Is it patience or not having the wherewithal to respond to anything?
An indicator that I am believing specific lies is that I quickly get sucked in to “cultural” lies around me: e.g., I have to do xyz for work (implying that a certain aspect of work is the most important thing in my life). Another indicator that I am believing lies is that I think I need to fix and/or control “everything” (e.g., that world hunger is entirely my fault — I actually did believe almost that at one time). When I am so burdened with responsibility for the world (global or personal) that I think that the world will come to an end if I can’t fix it, I’m believing lies, chasing an idol. That’s been soaking in more during the past year as I faced very unethical stuff at work.
An example of a battle when my heart was passionate toward God: Last week (on the road when I had time to think), I was questioning God’s existence. In some areas, I’m very all or nothing (understatement). God has been working in my life, and I thought if this is going any farther, I need to know he is real. I was asking an “atheist” or at least agnostic question at the same time I was saying, “God, go deeper.” Sure, I know atheist reasons, but I also know enough apologetics to respond to lies, and I didn’t believe the lie that there is no God (timing of this week’s Psalm was amusing at first)Soooo… Whether or not I believe lies or Truth. That’s my final answer! (Is there a right answer based on this passage?)
Sorry for length. I was going to whack more & ran out of time. I’m glad we are looking at this Psalm next week, too, because despite my lengthy thinking/posting, I think I am missing something.
Renee–never apologize for your length. I mean it, your thoughts help me process so much. You are a wise one, and a gift here! 😉
Love your processing in front of us 🙂
7. What did you learn from the article?
Wow, this was SO interesting. “Areas where Protestant missionaries had a significant presence in the past are on average more economically developed today, with comparatively better health, lower infant mortality, lower corruption, greater literacy, higher educational attainment (especially for women), and more robust membership in nongovernmental associations.”
My very simple take-away is that what strikes me most reminds me a bit of Reeves’ anti-formula approach. The missionaries, not financed by the state, were simply focusing n showing the natives Jesus. That was their first priority–show them Jesus, conversion rather than trying to fix everything else. And the fruit of that was profound. Reminds me of first clean the inside and the outside will also be clean (matt 23:26). I did find Woodberry’s site with the more articles and research, strange he’s a professor at my rather liberal public alma-mater ;). If anyone is interested http://www.prec.com/en/publications/articles/index.html
He’s in Singapore now — didn’t get tenure … University politics are so complicated/such a pain (in the CT article, he was described as stubborn and independent — which can be good for research, bad for tenure.). That together with conservative beliefs in a liberal university potentially might explain why he is in Singapore. Thanks for website! When I searched for the research mentioned in the article, I did see find more of his work — Just read the one mentioned in the article, but some of the rest sounded interesting, too. I had the impression from the CT article that the article I read was based on his dissertation, and it did have a dissertation “flavor.” Not sure that I am motivated to read a dissertation that the job doesn’t require, but I think it might answer my questions 🙂
I need to read the missionary article more meticulously, but before I forget some thoughts, I wanted to write a few things. First: regarding The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. I totally understand the Christian’s response of anger toward the message of the book and yet, when I read it, (maybe because I have such a generally good opinion of missionaries), I never thought of Nathan Price (the culturally insensitive missionary and abusive father) as the norm as I suppose someone who had not had any positive, personal experience with missionaries might have. I read the book as though Price were the exception. And I certainly would like to hope he is the rare exception. Since Kingsolver spent quite a bit of her young life in Belgium Congo, I do wonder if she based his character on anyone she did know or have first hand knowledge of some like him. I did read that the book is not autobiographical though. I would like to have read the book with a group because it warranted discussion. I was fascinated by her writing style in this book and also some of her reflections of the people of the Congo. Also…for what it’s worth, the only other book I have read by Kingsolver, The Bean Trees, which is her first novel, paints Christians in a positive light. Interesting.
I got bogged down in some of the descriptions of Woodberry’s research and techniques. Appreciate Renee’s questions about it. Nevertheless, it’s very clear that there are so many individuals and missionary groups that have made profound positive impact on society. In addition to those listed, Amy Carmichael’s rescue of temple prostitutes in India and Gladys Aylward’s work to stop foot binding in China (as well as the rescue of Chinese orphans) come to mind.
At the same time, we can’t ignore the abuses and negative impacts that have come about as a result of a minority of ill directed missionaries I found it really traumatic to read the article A Candle in the Darknessby Compassion’s founder, Wesley Stafford as he, after decades of silence, described the torment and abuse he suffered in missionary boarding schools as a child……unknown to his missionary parents. God redeemed that pain as it became the catalyst for him to begin a ministry to reach and protect children. The article was written in Christianity Today in 2010 if anyone wants to find it.
Clearly, I need to read this article again and work on looking at it’s findings in light of the scriptures. There is much to be thankful for and to defend as we consider the centuries of selfless, Christ centered ministry and sincere love and service of missionaries. Just needed to capture a few of the roaming thoughts in my mind before they get too far ahead of me.
Wanda, Which of Kingsolver’s two books do you think is better, more interesting reading? (Haven’t read either)
8. In contrast, what does Psalm 14:3-4 tells us is the fruit of ignoring God?
Ignoring God leads to corruption, foolish thinking.
9. In your own life, when you were cool toward God, what was the fruit? How about when you were passionate?
When I think of being “cool” towards God, I think of times when I let fear wash over me. The fear usually progresses to some sort of futile attempt to control a situation. And me, in controlling mode, is not a good thing. It is an ugly, spoiled, rotten apple.
When I think of times I am most passionate towards God, it is when seeking Him in prayer, releasing all my burdens, sensing that He is there, carrying me, shielding me with His wing (always think of Joyce’s bird picture—me, the little on with my eyes closed). I am safe, I trust, I rest.
Other times are times of praise—when He opens my eyes to what He is doing—when I see fruit of prayer, when I am reminded of the simple gifts He has showered me with daily—a husband who gets the Scrabble board ready just when it sounds so good but I haven’t said a word, a dear friend at work who I can tell anything to and never feel judged or misunderstood. Children that can be my greatest source of trials and hugs in the same day. To live in a nation where we are free to live our faith out loud. I so quickly MISS seeing these things when I act the “fool” and my eyes are closed.
I think what I am seeing is that the fruit of being close to God continues to grow—prayer begets prayer, praise begets praise. The more I draw near, the more I want to stay. Oh Lord, help me remember to take the first step when I hear You call—that’s always when I am tempted to do other things and I miss the fruit of time with You.
I don’t think I answered this”right”–but no time to re-do 😉
Love your post, Elizabeth…you as the little bird with its eyes closed:))) And definitely your paragraph on praise…when we are grateful, thankful, it does warm us up towards God, whereas ingratitude cools us.
“Here’s the Gospel – Jesus went to the Cross with your name. He knew in advance that you would be a messy person, and that your life of faith would be marked by sin and doubt and weakness – but He still went! There is nothing that could be exposed about you that Jesus hasn’t already taken care of, and if you are child adopted by the God of the universe, you have every reason to live with courage, honesty, humility, and approachability.” – Paul Tripp
This is a good quote by Paul Tripp, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, When I read this quote, the first thought that popped into my head was “but I wonder if he knew HOW messy?” Then I grinned because I know the answer. So encouraging!
🙂
7. What did you learn from the article?
I was truly enlightened, I never heard that missionaries would have misbehaved. I always thought they had it in them to do good works and to be open to all people.
Being in a scientist, I was quite intrigued by Woodberrys’s work and research. I would love to read that study but it sounds like it’s quite intensive; no time. It makes sense to me though, because missionaries do teach others how to read. I have a friend who lives in Africa right now in the Comoros, who is helping the people of her island create an alphabet of their language. They have been translating several books of the gospel into that new language. Very cool!
I always tell my own students if you can read you can do anything. Apparently it’s quite true because the more educated countries seem to develop better than the less educated countries.
Aaagh – I feel so behind! Just getting to comments about Ps 14 –
I looked at the NEB version again –
VS 1 – The impious fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’ (I had made a note in the margin, meaning-God doesn’t make a difference)
How vile men are, how depraved and loathsome; not one does anything good!
VS2 – The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if any act wisely, if any seek out God
VS3-But all are disloyal, all are rotten to the core; not one does anything good, no, not even one.
VS4 – Shall they not rue it, (never learn) all evildoers who devour my people as men devour bread, and never call upon the Lord?
VS5 – There they were in dire alarm; for God was in the brotherhood of the godly.
VS 6 – The resistance of their victim was too much for them, because the LORD was his refuge.
VS 7 – If only Israel’s deliverance might come from Zion! When the Lord restores his people’s fortunes, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
You could almost make another chiastic case for this Psalm as well if you could examine the Psalm, like this
VS1 The ..fool says in his heart – There is no God….———————Vs 4 Shall they not rue it (Shall never learn)
VS2 The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind—————-VS 5 They were in dire alarm….
VS3 But all are disloyal, all are rotten to the core————————VS6 The resistance of their victim was too much
VS 7 Israel’s deliverance and restoration is, the “hope” message of the Psalm.
Psalm 53 speaks of the same things
What do I learn about the fool in verse 1? They think there is no God, or that God does not matter-they will go on with their life of being evil doers.
I can see where Kinder thinks the essence of sin is thinking we know better that our creator-the definition of sin, is ‘missing the mark’.
Marie, I know the feeling 🙂 If I don’t get started on Sunday — or Monday at the latest, I sometimes am so scared off by the number of comments that I don’t even try to read them. Because of my schedule, I often am able to dig in early in the week. But even then, I don’t always read all the comments — and there is nothing methodical about which ones I read other than that I usually see the few above the comment box. Don’t feel obligated to read all the comments. You’re doing the most important part by doing the Bible Study — and sometimes I get long-winded, so you can skip my comments 😉 It’s good that you come back and post something when you can. One time I gradually just dropped off and then sorta lost the nerve to come back for a few months. I don’t recommend that you do as I did!!
Marie…so glad that you are here…I too know the feeling of getting behind…I can relate to your “arghhhh”…:) Hang in there friend…read comments as you can; they are definitely rich, but as Renee mentioned, the bible study is the most important thing.
Elizabeth: Your observation of ‘heart’ vs. ‘mind’ with the additional proverbs is helpful to me. Thanks.
Nanci J.: I certainly appreciate your concern and prayer for my son and daughter. Thank you so much.
I joined this blog at the beginning of Lent and know that many of you have been a part of it for a long time. The longer I am on it, the more I think I am missing some over-arching principles that many of you refer to: those regarding lies and idols of the heart. I know this is the focus of Dee’s recent book and her conferences. (I registered and tried to get to the conference in Litchfield, MN in Feb. but had a foot of snow in my driveway that morning and roads were not d0-able for me to get there.) I did hear the video interview with Dee and have some ideas of the teaching, but think I really need to read the book to feel a bit more in sync with some of this.
Ok, so I bought Idol Lies for you in Litchfield — and Dee signed it. Will get my tail to the Post Office this weekend. Feel free to get on my case!
Renee, I just love you. :))))
🙂 Thank you, Rebecca — that helps God’s love sink in deeper, too 😉
Awww, Renee…what a sweet friend you are…:)
Wanda, “Idol Lies” is a life changing book.
Renee: The two Kingsolver books are quite different in content, style and length too. I’d say The Bean Trees first. It’s short and an easier read. (I know you said your ‘to read’ pile was high 🙂 If you decide to read Poisonwood Bible, let me know. I’ll read again. We can discuss.
Wanda, I’ve got a ton of credit at used book store and often can’t find anything I want — so I’ll keep my eyes peeled the next time I unload boxes of books there!