Morning Prayer

LECTIONS. John Calvin on the Psalms. ISBE: Genesis. Keil & Delitzsch: Joshua. Matthew Henry: Isaiah. ISBE: Matthew. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown: Gospels. Matthew Henry: Revelation. Dr. Robert Reymond: Systematic Theology. Prof. Berkhof, Systematic Theology: Soteriology. Dr. Philip Schaff, Apostolic Christianity, Medieval Christianity, Swiss Reformation and Creeds of Christendom. Westminster Larger Catechism, 167-168. For Psalm 15, Prof. Calvin notes that the terms “reprobate” and “rejected” are useful. Objection: but that seems so mean! Counter-objection: think Hitler and other imperialists in history. Think abortion. Who's being mean? ISBE on Genesis: we are introduced to Mr. Astruc’s 1753 thesis on Yahweh and Elohim as two source documents. That will carry a lot of OT scholarship in the 19th century who will follow this master's tail. It still is put forward, but it was always a battered barque with a hole in it and is not on the ocean floor. For Joshua 15, Joshua still is discussing land-deals with Caleb and Judahites. For Isaiah 3.16-25, Prof. Henry continues the dressing down of the women dressing up as showboats. Wonder what Prof. Henry would think of the Anglican trinkets? Trinkets, Tonka trucks, LEGOs and teddy bears at AnglicanTonkaToys4Boys@CoolBros.com? ISBE on Matthew: Prof. Hagner continues to irritate with his “might-be-possibly-bes” in regard to Papias, logia, and Matthean authorship. Hey, he’s a 20th century NT Prof so he must get it about Papias and his “maybes” are pretty infallible. Not. A tad irritating to watch a 20th century fella impose him “maybes” as “definites.” For Mathew 3.1-12, Prof. Jamiesson continues to discuss John the Baptist as the bridge from the Old to the New Testament. For Revelation 9.13-21, Prof. Henry cites the text and the 6th angel with the trumpet. For Theology Proper, Prof. Reymond continues the choke-hold on Ligonier apologists. For Soteriology, Prof. Berkhof discusses the virile view of faith in Calvin’s writings alongside the Heidelberg Catechism. For Apostolic Christianity, Prof. Schaff continues his romance over Greek literature and Alexander the Great while missing the ball on middle eastern affairs. He writes like a Romantic too. For Medieval Christianity, Prof. Schaff discuss Adelbert and Clemens, Celtic missionaries in Germany fighting the same issues in Germany that the Celts fought against the intrusions of Gregory 1. It’s more about Roman power and dominion than theology. Pope Zacharias condemned both in 745: at issue: haircuts and tonsures, dating of Easter, and Roman jurisdiction. See where this is going in the next few hundred years? Hint! Hint! Hildebrandian supremacy. On the road to Canossa. So apostolic and loving. For the Swiss Reformation, Prof. Schaff us more about the situation of Cappel, 1529. The more one looks at the religious dimension here, Reformed v. Rome, the less on sees about religion. More like power, money, greed, pride and the like. For the Creeds of Christendom, Prof. Schaff tells us about Giovanni Perron, Theology Professor at the Jesuit in Rome and his dogmatics. Westminster Larger Catechism, 167-168. Q. 167. How is baptism to be improved by us? A. The needful but much neglected duty of improving our baptism, is to be performed by us all our life long, especially in the time of temptation, and when we are present at the administration of it to others; by serious and thankful consideration of the nature of it, and of the ends for which Christ instituted it, the privileges and benefits conferred and sealed thereby, and our solemn vow made therein; by being humbled for our sinful defilement, our falling short of, and walking contrary to, the grace of baptism, and our engagements; by growing up to assurance of pardon of sin, and of all other blessings sealed to us in that sacrament; by drawing strength from the death and resurrection of Christ, into whom we are baptized, for the mortifying of sin, and quickening of grace; and by endeavoring to live by faith, to have our conversation in holiness and righteousness, as those that have therein given up their names to Christ; and to walk in brotherly love, as being baptized by the same Spirit into one body. Q. 168. What is the Lord's supper? A. The Lord's supper is a sacrament of the New Testament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine according to the appointment of Jesus Christ, his death is showed forth; and they that worthily communicate feed upon his body and blood, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace; have their union and communion with him confirmed; testify and renew their thankfulness, and engagement to God, and their mutual love and fellowship each with other, as members of the same mystical body.