Evening Prayer (1662 Book of Common Prayer)

LECTIONS. John Calvin on the Psalms. ISBE: Genesis. Keil: Genesis. Keil & Delitzsch: Joshua. Matthew Henry: Isaiah. ISBE: Matthew. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown: Gospels. Romans: Prof. Hodge. Matthew Henry: Revelation. Prof. Hodge: Systematic Theology. Dr. Robert Reymond: Systematic Theology. Prof. Berkhof, Systematic Theology: Soteriology. Dr. Philip Schaff, Apostolic Christianity, Medieval Christianity, Swiss Reformation and Creeds of Christendom. EDT. CCC. Westminster Larger Catechism, 112.

For Psalm 18, Prof. Calvin again comments on the weather; the sun shining for God’s gracious favors, as it were, and clouds, rain and hail as metaphors for divine disfavors.

ISBE on Genesis: Prof. R. K. Harrison emphasizes the early linkage of Exodus to the past and the patriarchs according to the covenanted promises.

For Genesis 1: Prof. Keil comments on plant life and vegetation in the creation.

For Joshua 19, Joshua describes land allotments to Dan.

For Isaiah 5.8-17, Prof. Henry again notes that God’s armies aren’t delayed but come as “sinners punishing sinners,” e.g., Habakkuk 1. Prof. Schaff makes a similar note from Archbishop Trench that Islam was God’s punishment on eastern Christians. Or, the Crusades on the Islamists. Or, the Civil War and WW2 for depravities in several directions. Or, the coming wave over abortion, profuse lying, pan-sexualities, and more. Not sure when or how, but God always does what He does.

ISBE on Mark: Dr. R. P. Martin notes that 20^th century scholarship has given a renewed emphasis to Mark’s Gospel. It’s unconvincing.

For Mathew 4.12-25, Prof. Jamiesson spends more time on demonology in Christ’s time, a last-ditch effort before the destruction of any legal claims or accusations they might render. The Prof. says there was an uptick in demonic activities in Christ’s times. We learn more of that in Revelation.

For Romans, Prof. Hodge observes that the self-righteous Jew is under judgment as well. No bragging. All have fallen short of the glory of God.

For Revelation 14.1-5, Prof. Henry again outlines the majesty of the supernal heavenly realm with the Effulgent Lamb of God as central.

In the Global Anglican, Dr. Foster unhelpful talks about the “hermeneutics of Pentecostalism.”

For Systematic Theology (locus 2), Prof. Hodge reaffirms “faith” that rests with confidence on the “authority of God and His Word,” not reason. He notes that one philosopher comes and goes as seriatim, the latter replacing the former with renewed views, etc. Think of varied iterations of Kantianism, Hegelianism or Process Theology, etc. The list is long.

For Theology Proper (locus 2), Prof. Reymond hits another homerun on God’s transcendent holiness dealing with Isaiah, something that humbles.

For Ecclesiology (locus 6), Prof. Berkhof wanders around on the term “ekklesia.” TNDT is, of course, a fuller handling of the term in classical, Septuagintal, and Biblical uses.

For Apostolic Christianity, Vol. 1 (0-100) Prof. Schaff gives his schedule of dates of Christ’s chronology: 4 BC for birth, 27 AD for the baptism, 27-30 AD for the public ministry and 30 AD for the cross.

For Medieval Christianity, Vol. 4 (590-1073), Prof. Schaff notes astutely the devasting impact of Mohammedanism amongst African tribes—and the brutality and hostility to the Christian message.

For the Swiss Reformation Vol. 8 (1519-1605), Prof. Schaff outlines some movements of William Farel.

EDT on Process Theology: more philosophic mumbo-jumbo in attempts to fly with the earth-bound squirrels and pigs rather than the divine heights of the Eagles above—the Law, Prophets and Apostles (Eph.2.20). But hey, it’s so cool to get rid of those ancient views of God. Sign up at ProcessTheologians@CoolBros.com.

For the Creeds of Christendom, Prof. Schaff outlines the basic “draft” of one session re: pantheism, rationalism, Scripture and Tradition, revelation, faith and reason, the Trinity, 2 natures of Christ, redemption and the supernatural role of grace. More later.

1994 CCC: affirmation of the dual-sources of authority: God’s Word and the Magisterial Diktats.

Westminster Larger Catechism 112:

Q. 112. What is required in the third commandment?
A. The third commandment requires, that the name of God, his titles, attributes, ordinances, the word, sacraments, prayer, oaths, vows, lots, his works, and whatsoever else there is whereby he makes himself known, be holily and reverently used in thought, meditation, word, and writing; by an holy profession, and answerable conversation, to the glory of God, and the good of ourselves, and others.