Book Review: The Letters of John Newton

 The Letters of John Newton

By John Newton

(Copyright © Monergism Books)

 

I love John Newton for the hymn “Amazing Grace,” especially a self-abashing statement like “That saved a wretch like me.” I am no stranger to the amazing grace of God, and so, is everyone. We just need to discover more and acknowledge it for our joy and the exaltation of God. It seems to me Newton knew more about it (or at least promoted more through his story and song) than anyone. So, I decided to read one of his books expecting to see the exaltation of God’s grace in the abasing of self in the spirit of John the Baptist – He must increase but I must decrease (John 3:30).

I chose to read the Letters of John because Letters are personal correspondence between two people, unlike books which are written to a wide personally unknown audience. I expected it to have a lot of letters, each one of them to be short, simple, pastoral, polemical, specific, and edifying; and indeed, it didn’t disappoint me.

This edition is made available by Monergism Books. It has 1502 pages, and a word count of over 6,05,150. That is almost the size of the Old Testament in the English version (KJV has 6,09,269 words in OT). I read it in 12 days making over 700 annotations on my pdf copy. If I were usually a deep reader, a patient thinker, and a good writer, I could have come up with a series of worthwhile blogposts; that’s seldom me, I will post only one.

It has hundreds of letters – to a friend, to a pastor, to church members, to leaders, to a daughter, to a wife, to specific individuals, etc. Some of the letters are like a sermon; a few of them also look like an essay, articles, or short books. This edition is, btw, not the same as Banner of Truth’s edition, which has 416 pages. The Monergism Books version included “Memoirs” published by Richard Cecil. I enjoyed this Memoirs (p1246-1365) and His letters to his daughter Betsy (p673-710), and his friend William Bull (p323-517) the most.

No doubt John Newton is a Calvinist, but I think the nature of this writing being letters to a specific person(s), he presented God as the sovereign Lord who we can rely on him in all circumstances. He comforted his readers to trust God and submit to His providence. He also wrote about affliction, indwelling sin, angels, and controversy with great insight.

I would like to republish here a few excerpts from this book which I have put up on my WhatsApp status update while I was reading through the book:

Desires Unrealized, 1772, (p.159)

Alas! How vain is man in his best estate! How much weakness and inconsistency, even in those whose hearts are right with the Lord! And what reason have we to confess that we are unworthy, unprofitable servants! It were easy to enlarge in this way, would paper and time permit. But, blessed be God--we are not under the law, but under grace: and even these distressing effects of the remnants of indwelling sin are overruled for good. By these experiences the believer is weaned from self, and taught more highly to prize and more absolutely to rely on Him, who is appointed unto us of God, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. The more vile we are in our own eyes--the more precious will Jesus be to us. A deep repeated sense of the evil of our hearts is necessary to preclude all boasting, and to make us willing to give the whole glory of our salvation where it is due. Again, a sense of these evils will, when hardly anything else can do it, reconcile us to the thoughts of death, yes make us desirous to depart that we may sin no more, since we find depravity so deep rooted in our nature, that, like the leprous house, the whole fabric must be taken down before we can be freed from its defilement. Then, and not until then, we shall be able to do the thing that we would: when we see Jesus we shall be transformed into His image, and have done with sin and sorrow forever!

 

Writing to his pastor-friend William Bull (p.440)

October 1, 1784.

Mon Cher,

I must decline all letter writing for a good while, except what is absolutely necessary. I have a writing project before me, purposing, if the Lord pleases, to treat you and the public with two volumes of sermons ("on the Messiah"], which I suppose will, in quantity, be equal to Cardiphonia.

God still gives me liberty in the pulpit, which is the chief thing; and I believe no minister can be more comfortable and happy with his people than I am. Mr. Whitfield used to call his pulpit, his throne. When I am upon my throne, I can look down upon the poets, philosophers, artists, archbishops, cardinals, popes, and kings of the earth — with pity. If they know not my Lord and Savior — they are to be pitied indeed. I would not exchange the honor of proclaiming his glory and grace, and preaching his gospel to sinners a single day — for a whole life of what they account the best and the greatest.

We join in love to you, to Mrs. Bull, and Tommy. Write if you please, and when you can; but whether you write or no, remember to pray for your truly affectionate friend and brother,

John Newton

 

4^th letter to a fellow pastor (p.547.)

January 26, 1775.

Dear Sir,

Were a stranger to judge of me by what I sometimes say in the pulpit, he might think that, like the angels, I had but two things in view—to do the will of God, and to behold his face. But, alas! would he not be almost as much mistaken, as if, seeing Mr. G. in the character of a tragedy hero, he should suppose him to be the very person whom he only represents! I hope Satan will never be able to persuade me that I am a mere hypocrite and stage-player; but sure I am, that there is so much hypocrisy in me, so many littlenesses and self-seekings insinuating into my plan of conduct, that I have humbling cause to account myself unworthy and unprofitable, and to say, "Enter not into judgment with your servant, O Lord."

 

John Newton wrote this in a letter to his young daughter, who wasn’t coming home, on August 10, 1783, (p.690)

If I could teach you a lesson, which, as yet, I have but poorly learned myself—I would teach you a way to be never be disappointed. This would be the case—if you could always form a right judgment of this world, and all things in it.

If you go to a bramble-bush to look for grapes—you must be disappointed; but then you are old enough to know that grapes never grow upon brambles. So, if you expect much pleasure here in this world— you will not find it. But you ought not to say you are disappointed, because the Scripture plainly warned you beforehand, to look for crosses, trials and hindrances, every day. If you expect such things—you will not

be disappointed when they happen!

 

There’s another interesting one, a letter to a single pastor about marriage, dated February 03, 1775, on p880-882. It’s over a 700-word letter, so I would not post it here.

 

A letter to a pastor dated January 21, 1776 (p896)

This is not always sufficiently considered. We are ready to expect that others should receive upon our testimony, in half an hour's time, those views of things which have cost us years to attain! But none can be brought forward faster than the Lord is pleased to communicate inward light. Upon this ground controversies have been multiplied among Christians to little purpose; for plants of different standings will be in different degrees of growth.

 

Other quoteworthy excerpts:

“The holiness of a sinner seems principally to consist in self-abasement, and in admiring views of Jesus as a complete Savior—these are the main principles from whence every gracious fruit is derived” (p925).

“Evidences, as you call them, are of use in their place; but the best evidence of faith—is the shutting our eyes equally upon both our defects and our graces, and looking directly to Jesus as clothed with authority and power to save to the very utmost.” (a letter to a pastor p.925)

But I tell you, my friend, God will sooner make windows in heaven, turn stones into bread, yes, stop the sun in its course, than he will allow those who conscientiously serve him, and depend upon him, to be destitute.” (p.1045)

And not afflictions only, prosperity likewise is a state of temptation; and many who have endured sharp sufferings, and came off honorably, have been afterwards greatly hurt and ensnared by prosperity! To this purpose the histories of David and Hezekiah are in point.: (p.1210)

"Ministers over-rate their labors, if they did not think it worthwhile to be born, and spend ten thousand years in labor and contempt, to recover one soul." (p.1345)

The rod had a voice; and it was the voice of the Lord. I understood the meaning no less plainly than if He had spoken audibly from heaven, and said, "Now contemplate your idol! Now see what she is, whom you once presumed to prefer to Me!" Even this bitter cup was sweetened by the patience and resignation which He gave her. When I have said, "You suffer greatly;" her answer usually was, "I suffer, indeed— but not greatly." And she often expressed her thankfulness, that, though her body was immovable, she was still permitted the use of her hands. (On his dying wife p.1482)

I would not pretend to believe that through this blog post I will succeed in encouraging anyone to read through this 1502-long book, nor do I think it is a compulsory read for everyone. It’s just too long. However, reading a selective portion like a letter to his wife, to his daughter, to his friend, to a pastor(s), memoirs, etc., I think, will edify every reader.

Review Of Pilgrim's Progress With Questions For Discussion.

Adapted version of Dick Worth

        I first read this edition twelve years ago. What impressed at the time were the incidents at the Slough of Despond and the Doubting Castle; they were so relatable to me. Four years ago while I was visiting a friend in Shillong, I befriended some teenagers. It seemed appropriate to me to help them cultivate the habit of reading books, particularly Christian literature. What would be the best book for teenagers who have never grown accustomed to reading books? Without competition, this edition of the Pilgrim’s Progress came into my mind because this edition is easy to read, simple to understand, inexpensive in price, and very pertinent in its contents. I went through all the Christian bookshops in Shillong, but I couldn't find it. Sorry! I wasn’t able to help them. As one of our famous Zeliangrong proverbs says, “Nimduakmeikha dai ran ne,” loosely translated, the fish that slipped your hand was the biggest, I was even more determined to get this book for the youngsters. Time went by, and when I was in Imphal, I went to all the Christian bookshops, hoping to find at least an old copy but it was not found.

        Time continued to pass, and I was in Punjab. There, I befriended other youngsters and increasingly felt the need to give this book away. I went to all the known Christian bookshops in Delhi just to return empty-handed. I sent an email to the online distributors and they said the book was out of stock and out of print. Last year, in December, I came across it online and ordered dozens of copies. The reason I am narrating this is to make it clear that this is a book that I want everyone to read and be rejuvenated. By now, I have read this edition 4 times. You may be young or old if you have not acquired the habit to read Christian books, I would submit to you that this edition of Pilgrim’s Progress is the best one to start with. Well, there are a lot of good Christian books, but my recommendation is this. 

        I have already mentioned some features of this edition of Pilgrim's Progress, and I will elaborate on them here:

1.     This is not an original version of the 1684 edition of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. That version is much longer, tougher to read as it was written in old English, slightly intimidating, and will cost you more money. Even if that version sounds perfect for you, this version will complement well, and vice versa. How about reading both? Or I would press further, why not read both again and again?

2.     This edition is a modern English adaptation by Dick Worth. It was published by Good Shepherd Books, 2019 Reprint, Indian Edition (copyright 1994). It doesn’t contain the author’s apology, which I am not sure is a good or a bad omission, but maybe the 236 rhyming apologetic lines would put off a naïve reader.

3.     It has a total number of 138 printed pages of which only 98 are readable pages. Indeed, a light reading, isn’t it? It is a very small book which you could tuck inside your pocket. Its dimension is only 18 cm in length, 12 cm in width and only 0.9 cm thick.

4.     Another great feature of this edition is that it contains 18 illustrations, 8 pages of Journey Chart and 4 pages of John Bunyan's biography.

5.     In fact, this is a combination of John Bunyan’s two books: Christian’s Journey (Part I) and Christina’s Journey (Part II). Part I has 52 readable pages and 10 illustrations. Part II has 46 readable pages and 8 illustrations. [I am giving this detail that you may know it is easily readable in one sitting.]

6.     At Christianstore.in it is sold for only rupees 79 without any shipping charge. Place an order now, and I hope you will be able to answer the following questions with ease.

PART I: Christian’s Journey

Q1. Who had a dream? p.9, 69, 73, What does that tell you about this story, novel? Literary Genre?

Q2. Who helped Mr. Christian to start his journey? p. 9 How does someone become a Christian? [Refer p.91 too.]

Q3. What was the message of Mr. Evangelist? p.9. 11. How must we preach the gospel?

Q4. What was the name of the gate? p.11. How must we live our lives? [Similar to Q14.]

Q5. What made Mr. Christian leave all his friends and the life he enjoyed before unlike Mr. Obstinate? [p.11] What comes with the good news of Salvation?

Q6. What is the name of the place where Mr. Christian first fell in? p.13. Why is that bog named like that? Also, refer to p.77.

Q7. What has been done to that bog in the last 2000 years? p.13. When was the last time you had fallen into that bog?

Q8. What was on the back of Mr. Christian and how did he get it? p.15, 9

Q9. What was the advice of Mr. Worldly-Wiseman to get rid of his burden? p. 15, 14

Q10. What was wrong with the advice of Mr. Worldly-Wiseman? p. 17. Why should not we heed to the saying of the wise men of the world?

Q11. What would you reply if Jesus asks you, “Why should I let you into My Kingdom?” p. 19, 97, 77

Q12. What is the difference between the law and the gospel? p.21

Q13. Who are the Shining Ones? How did they greet Mr. Christian? p.24

Q14. Who climbed over the wall by not going through the Wicket-Gate, and what did they lack in doing so? p.25. How must we live? [Similar to Q4.]

Q15. Where did Mr. Christian fall asleep? What made him sleepy and what had he lost because of falling asleep? p.26, 27. Where was right for him to sleep? p.27

Q16. What was wrong with Mr. Shame, according to Mr. Faithful? p.34-35. Why should we not give in to self-pity?

Q17. Mr. Faithful, Lady Christina and the children, and others went through the Valley of the Shadow of Death in daylight, why did Christian go through the night? p.35, 103, 106, 32

Q18. What is the difference between Mr. Talkative’s theology of sin and Mr. Faithful’s theology of sin? p. 39. Refer p.64-65 too.

Q19. What are the characteristics of Saving Grace according to Mr. Faithful in response to Mr. Talkative? p.40

Q20. After the death of Mr. Faithful who went with Mr. Christian? p.48

Q21. What was Mr. By-ends philosophy of life? p.49

Q22. Do you agree with John Bunyan that Esau, Ananias, and Sapphira are in Hell? [p.58 ]Also do you agree with his view on dreams? p.95. Refer p.135 too.

Q23. Analyze the character of Mr. Ignorance (p.58, 62-64, 69) and Mr. Talkative (p.35-41)

Q24. What was that river at the end? p.67. How and What happened to Mr. Ignorance? p.69

PART II: Christina and the Kids’ Journey

Q1. What should a sinner do as Ms. Mercy did? p.76, 79, 80

Q2. What has happened to the Slough of Despond? p.77. What is the nature of Christianity nowadays?

Q3. What’s your thought on chicks and hens? p.85-86

Q4. How did the young James know to reply to a Trinitarian answer? p.95-96, 98

Q5. What did Ms. Mercy want in her man? p.98-99. How did John Bunyan view of works?

Q6. How does the fear of God differ from the fear of hell? p.106

Q7. Analyze the character of Mr. Fearing (p.105-106) and Mr. Feeble- (p.110-111, 112, 122)

Q8. What were the rest of the pilgrims not crossing the river? p.125

Critical Comment: Of course, Pilgrim’s Progress is not a perfect book, it doesn’t even come close, for that matter. I do not agree with some of his (John Bunyan) allegorical interpretations and allusions. Particularly in this edition, there is a lack of clarity on some issues like the fate of Ananias and Sapphira (p.58) and the issue of dreams (p.95). Also, in this edition, in one of the scenes of the Delectable Mountains (Part II, page 117), there is an omission of a character Godly-man which was replaced by neuter gender “it,” which unfortunately is misleading. However, the illustration on p116 shows that “it” was a person, not a mountain. I could say a little more on the choice of illustrations as well, that some of them are inaccurate (p. 68, 36), and some are somewhat confusing (p44, who’s who?). However, the picture of a man with a muck-rake ignoring the crown (p84) is so captivating that even if the rest of the illustrative pictures fail, I shall not murmur.

Why re-read Pilgrim’s Progress again and again?

           

            Apart from the Bible, Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan is the only book which I have read several times and planning to read at least once in every year to come. Charles Spurgeon, the prince of preachers had read it a hundred times. It has been one of the best and most-read and purchased Christian literature along with the Bible over the centuries. I love Pilgrim’s Progress for at least three reasons: 1. Because of the clarity of scriptural doctrines, especially the justification, sanctification, perseverance, and eternal life. 2. Because the characters therein are easily recognized, relatable, and remembered. 3. Because its message is true for all sorts of people because all the conversations can be traced back to the pages of the Bible.

I understand some people were critical of Bunyan’s style of writing, and there may be more now, but I am satisfied with Bunyan’s 236 rhyming lines reply to those critics, especially this section:

The prophets used much by metaphors
To set forth truth; yea, who so considers
Christ, his apostles too, shall plainly see,
That truths to this day in such mantles be.
Am I afraid to say, that holy writ,
Which for its style and phrase puts down all wit,
Is everywhere so full of all these things--
Dark figures, allegories? Yet there springs
From that same book that lustre, and those rays
Of light, that turn our darkest nights to days.
Come, let my carper to his life now look,
And find there darker lines than in my book
He findeth any; yea, and let him know,
That in his best things there are worse lines too.

John Bunyan was not a well-educated man from Oxford or Cambridge, but he was a genius. His Pilgrim’s Progress is a masterpiece. It is simple enough for a child to comprehend and also profound enough for adults to ponder upon. Some literary critics may have their opinions on Bunyan style of fiction novel, but I agree with H.R. Williamson’s assessment, “whether this quality in Bunyan will appeal generally to an age which applauds purposeless and patternless psychological meanderings as masterpieces of fiction, I do not know. I can only admit that I found it exhilarating” (emphasis added). Why should you read Pilgrim’s Progress? Read what John Bunyan has to say:

This book it chalketh out before thine eyes
The man that seeks the everlasting prize;
It shews you whence he comes, whither he goes;
What he leaves undone, also what he does;
It also shows you how he runs and runs,
Till he unto the gate of glory comes.
It shows, too, who set out for life amain,
As if the lasting crown they would obtain;
Here also you may see the reason why
They lose their labour, and like fools do die.
This book will make a traveller of thee,
If by its counsel thou wilt ruled be;
It will direct thee to the Holy Land,
If thou wilt its directions understand:
Yea, it will make the slothful active be;
The blind also delightful things to see.

This book is writ in such a dialect
As may the minds of listless men affect:
It seems a novelty, and yet contains
Nothing but sound and honest gospel strains.

Why should you re-read Pilgrim’s Progress again and again? Well, because each time you read you will find yourself journeying in one of those places where Christian and Christina had encountered a major incident, and it will encourage you to have a faithful pilgrim life on earth. Remember, we all are pilgrims longing and journeying towards that celestial city (cf. Hebrews 11:16; Philippians 3:20; 1Peter 2:11).

In the next post, I'm going to review one particular edition of Pilgrim's Progress and propose some useful study questions. Remembers, Pilgrim’s Progress has been published by different publishers in the last 400 years, we need to own and read that suits us, nah?

2021 Top 3 Dream Books

Only 9 books with over 6,300 pages. Only 30,000 rupees if you want to buy. It will require you only around 350 hours to read. If you do the math, you have to spend 85 rupees an hour just to read these books. The irony is many will not read even if they are offered 85 rupees an hour for reading them. Sure, not all books in book shops are good. We must read books selectively. According to Steve Lawson, we should not buy good books, not even better books, we must buy only the best books. Maybe we should read only the best books too! While these books (above in the pictures) might not be appealing to some of us (and rightly so), I would eagerly spend 30,000 rupees to buy them if I have a budget. Hopeful to own and read all of them within the next few years. Btw, these are just My Top 3 List right now. 

Book Application: Christ-Centered Preaching – Redeeming The Expository Sermon

We can do a lot with a book after we have read it.  We can talk about it, we can write about it, we can promote it, or we can even lament for having wasted our time. While I was in a Seminary, we were assigned to read a lot of books in a very limited time with a requirement to write a book review for some, a book summary for some, and a book application for some. I enjoyed writing Book Application because whenever I was writing, I thought through what to apply it in my life and ministry. Actually, reading a book application is always edifying. A Book Review often contains both commendation and criticism. A Book Summary summarizes the contents of the book. A Book Application reveals the effects of the books on a reader. I am of the opinion that many should read and write a Book Application, not just a review or a summary. Here is the Book Application I wrote for this book of Bryan Chapell when I first read it 5 years ago. I am sure, I would write a different one when I reread again, now, especially after listening to the lectures of Dr. Abner Chou critiquing the Christo-centric hermeneutics applied in this book.

TOP 10 THINGS I LEARN FROM BRYAN CHAPELL’S BOOK

“CHRIST-CENTERED PREACHING – REDEEMING THE EXPOSITORY SERMON”

2^nd February 2015, Sancoale, Goa, India

1.      “When preachers perceive the power that the Word holds, confidence in their calling grows even as pride in their performance withers.” (p. 18). “Neglect of prayer signals serious deficiencies in a ministry even if other signs of success have not diminished.” (p. 21)

Ø  These two lines show me to focus on the study of the word of God and prayer. When these are strong, nothing shall discourage me. On the other hand, negligence of these will cost the ministry dear sooner or later, how effective the moment may seem.

2.      “Statements of truth, even biblical truth, do not automatically make a message for the pulpit. Well-constructed sermons require unity, purpose, and application.” (p. 30)

Ø  This statement is really practical for the ministry of preaching. It challenges me to go beyond understanding the text for myself and to present it to everyone.

3.      “The Fallen Condition Focus (FCF) is the mutual human condition that contemporary believers share with those to or about whom the text was written that requires the grace of the passage for God’s people to glorify and enjoy him.” (p. 35)

Ø  I realize that finding FCF will be one of the most effective methods to prepare for a sermon. Moreover, that would be like a bait to the ears of the hearers when emphasized in the introduction.

4.      “Mere lectures are pre-sermons because they dispense information about a text without relevant application from the text that helps listeners understand their obligations to Christ and his ministry to them.” (p. 39). “Preachers who cannot answer ‘so what?’ will preach to a ‘who cares?’” (p. 40)

Ø  The difference between a teacher and a pastor, both in terms of preparation and shepherding.

5.       “The application of the sermon is not merely an appendage to the discussion or a subordinate part of it, but is the main thing to be done.” (P. 62). “However, these traditional categories can damage expository preaching if preachers do not see that explanation, illustration, and application are all essential components of opening and unfolding the meaning of a text. Explanation answers the question, What does this text say? Illustration responds to, Show me what the text says. Application answers, What does the text mean to me? Ordinarily, each component has a vital role in establishing listeners’ full understanding of a text.” (p. 66). “Preachers once posted this reduction of the preaching task in their studies: Preach Reach Each.” (p. 69)

Ø  The component of Exposition is well-written in these 3 statements. Nothing to be taken lightly. Moreover, the “PREach” is quite informative and beneficial for sermon preparation.

6.      1. State the truth. 2. Place the truth. 3. Prove the truth (p. 93)

Ø  Perhaps, one of the most logical way to make a point in an outline. However, it may take me time to catch up very well.

7.      “The bottom line for structure simply requires that all expository sermons have F-O-R-M. Every outline should be: Faithful to the text. Obvious from the text. Related to a Fallen Condition Focus. Moving toward a climax.” (p.129)

Ø  Another insight for preparing a sermon. Easy to remember, yet broad in its understanding.

8.      “Thus, John Broadus, the father of modern expository preaching, declares, “Application is the main thing to be done.” (p. 167). “The application of an expository sermon, however, is not complete until the pastor has disclosed the grace in the text that rightly motivates obedience.” (p. 174)

Ø  Applications to be very effective for each one, which is doable. And there should be motivation for it, in the grace of God

9.      “Maybe there are those who enjoy developing the universal sermon, the one that can be preached everywhere and anywhere, that has a quality of being timeless. But as far as I am concerned, everywhere and anywhere really means nowhere; and those who strive to be timeless, are usually, simply not very timely.… The particular is higher than the universal.” (p. 178). “In application, preachers pour out their hearts. Without application, preachers have difficulty preaching with fervor.” (p. 184)

Ø  The whole chapter of “Application” convicts me that a preacher should take seriously of applications in a sermon. It’s true that a sermon with applications shows the integrity of the preacher, and the shepherding spirit he has for the flock.

10. “A message that merely advocates morality and compassion remains sub-Christian even if the preacher can prove that the Bible demands such behaviors.” (p. 215). “However well intended, these sermons present a faith indistinguishable from that of morally conscientious Muslims, Unitarians, Buddhists, or Hindus.” (p. 231)

Ø  The difference between the world and the church. The difference between true transformation and superficial behavior modification. Yes, almost every religion is moralistic. The exclusivity of the Christian Gospel makes Christianity differs from other religions. And that must be preached all the time, for us to be worthy to bear the name of Christian.

Book Application: A Glorious Institution: The Church in History

A Glorious Institution: The Church in History

-         Stanford E. Murrell

This book is published by Chapel Library, Florida, USA. I find it to be not only factual but also theological because it is about the church of Christ. The author helps readers to see Jesus Christ building His church amidst all heresies, corruptions, and persecutions. Here are the Ten Applications I deduce implicitly or explicitly after reading this book:

1. Do not REACT against heresy; rather CONTEND the Faith.

Arius was reacting against the teaching of Sabellianism too much that he became heretic. It is wrong to react against anything. The Bible tells us to contend for the faith. It is to defend the gospel in such a way that we protect the sheep from the influence of false teachers. Furthermore, the Bible tells us to be as harmless as doves and as wise as serpents (Matt10:16). There are lots of factions and divisions among Christians. Denominations are popping up here and there condemning one another. If we are not reactive but try to sort out things according to the teaching of the Bible, this thing would not happen so.

In the church, we have even seen bloodshed and tortures because of reacting against one another. Any reaction is always accompanied by waves of anger that produce sins. Christians must be well equipped with Scripture to refute false teaching and to protect the sheep. If we are not well equipped, we would run short of knowledge and would compel us to react against them.

The other thing to overcome reaction is to be depending on God. We should not rely on our strength to fight against the schemes of Satan (heresy). We have to be prayerful for wisdom to answer them. Our goal also includes bringing them to the light of the truth- that the Holy Spirit will open their eyes and grant them repentance (Acts 8:18-24)

2. Do not be OVERWHELMED with the rise of the world, Christ is building His church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Bishops, ecumenical council)

The early century churches were not only persecuted by the world but were also influenced by the culture of the world. There were godly men who had the zeal for the spread of the gospel for the fame of Christ. However, their methods were not always right.  The formation of the ecclesiastical hierarchy was neither scriptural nor justifiable. Rather, it brought an abuse of power and corruption of the church as a whole. The corrupt leaders extinguished the light of the truth. One of the reasons for the formation of the hierarchy is to protect and shepherd the church from false teaching. The Bible requires that a pastor is the shepherd of the local church - not needed to be accountable to bishops or popes. He is the under-shepherd of Jesus the Great Shepherd.

When crisis comes, Christ is big enough to solve it in His ways - not through ecumenical means. Christ is present in His church. He is building it, nothing can demolish His building even if it is attacked. Christian must not be overwhelmed to be looking for one man on earth to make a decree, Christ should be the one. Nor necessarily be forming a council to prevent it. Christ is actively alive!

3. Do not think Church History as just factual; it is theological studies. (Sovereignty of God)

In the Old Testament, history, we see not only factual events, but also the hand of God in preserving the remnants, and His finger in judging the wicked. That is exactly true as we see the Church History. He raised up nations, empires, kingdoms that sometimes favored and sometimes persecuted the church. God is totally sovereign over it.

When there were influential heresies, God raised up an equally potential man of God to counter it. We see Athanasius for Arius, Augustine for Pelagius, Luther for Erasmus and the Church of Rome. God did not leave His church as an orphan to be attacked and be devoured by savage wolves. As we see the pages of history, we see the character of God. We see God’s providence, His grace, His judgment. It’s a theological study.

Christians must be very well aware of Church History for this reason. It does not only protect us from heresy. It does not only equip us for the battle, but it also gives us comfort and confidence and trust to stand true for Christ because God is sovereign. He is preserving His people.

4. Do not go after influential men; look for faithful men!

In Church History, we see the false teachers were all influential people. They were not only influential, but they also occupied some of the greatest influential positions of the church hierarchy. Often the great heresy came from within the church. For this reason, when we appoint for church leadership we should be careful of their doctrines. We should not look for their eloquence, nor should we look for their intellectual prowess. We can’t look for their social position or economic status too. We should be looking for faithful men.

Even from the Scripture, we see the Judaizers were influential men coming from Jerusalem, who had the reputation of being the men of James. They swayed away even Christians. A church that has influential people will command the congregation for good or bad. If he is a leader how much would be the impact? Scripture tells us to look out for faithful men (2 Timothy 2:2).

In the later part of the Church History, before the reformation, the church leadership positions were bought by people with wealth. The people who elected the pope were of the noble Italians in Rome. In Christianity, leadership is judged by faithfulness. When we are faithful, Christ rewards us that we would be influential like the light on a hill - shining brightly for all to see and come to Christ.

5. Be careful/discerning of children who profess to have “spiritual” knowledge.

In the days of the crusade (1212 AD), a German youth claimed that God had entrusted him for the crusade. 30,000 young people joined him. Many died of hunger, some were devoured by wolves. In the same year, another guy Stephen claimed to be of God and marched out with 20,000. They got shipwrecked and died. Those who survived were sold as slaves. What an insane to pay attention or yield to the claim of a mere child! Christian must be very careful of children no matter how talented or prodigious they may be. The church of Christ is reasonably sound and spiritually sound, adequate time must be given to show the fruit of their conversion.

For that matter, children should not be given a pulpit ministry as seen in lots of charismatic churches. Moreover, even for the enrollment of membership in the church or in baptism, children should be evaluated carefully.

6. A plurality of elder is a must.

The church had faced lots of corruption at the leadership level, which in turn had blinded the whole members of the church. The hierarchy of leaders was established, which felicitated the abuse of power by the leaders. They had become lovers of money, glory, and even sensuality. Of course, there were remnants who were faithful. However, they too were the product of their times found difficult to discern it or were not aware of some important matters.

These problems would have been reduced if they had a plurality of elders, instead of leadership hierarchy. The Biblical model of church leadership is plurality as is seen with Paul instructing the churches to appoint elders. In such a model, there would be checks and balances in everything. They would be accountable to each other. The church would be healthy. The church would be free from corruption, and it would yield much fruit.

In one instance the church has 3 popes (1033-1050). The popes excommunicated one another.  The author commented that “the depth of human depravity became manifested” (Chapter 11). Such incident rings out loud that the plurality of leadership which is the model of the New Testament church is the best and only form of church leadership.

7. Do not let any philosophy be equal with the Bible.

Church theologians and philosophers like Thomas Aquinas tried to synthesize Aristotelian philosophy and biblical theology which has been highly criticized by Protestants. Most of the time, philosophies developed or discovered by the wise people of the world are contradictory to the teaching of the Bible. Paul warned the philosophy of the world in Colossians 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”

 Moreover, we need to realize that Scripture is given because no man can be saved by studying the natural revelation. For that matter, the “natural theology” should not be studied as equal to studying the Bible. Bible stands above all. It is the only source that teaches man the way of Salvation and of Christ.

By the way, the heresy of Arianism and Sabellianism are deeply rooted in worldly philosophy. They were influenced by pagan philosophy. They did not originate from the Scriptures. They tried to accommodate the teaching of the Bible in the philosophy prevailing in their times.

Moreover, it is also true that there is a mystery in the Trinity. No human ideas can comprehend the depth of it. Attempting to understand it or deduce it by mere human philosophy is impossible. In fact, if we can do it, God will not be God. Human beings are not only depraved beings but also are finite creatures with finite knowledge. So God gives revelation (Scriptures), that we may know what is needed, which we would never discover by our philosophy. Every Philosophy should be scrutinized under the lens of Scripture.

8. Reform the church; don’t break the church.

When Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses it was not to break the church but to reform it. John Wycliffe and John Huss were not having any intention to break with the church. They were not trying to make their name or to become popular. They wanted to bring out the true teaching of the Bible. With great pain, they had to accept the consequence of what happened when they started proclaiming the truth.

In our days, the church us splitting every now and then. Rebellion against authority is rampant. Floating new organizations (in the form of para-churches) and new churches that are not under any form of accountability have become normal. Nobody seems to love the unity of the church; everyone seems to love building their own empire under the name of truth. So, there are confusions among young Christians. The testimony of unity is greatly affected. Moreover, the churches and the organizations though claimed to have been formed for purity and truth. They have become more immature and easily attacked by false teachings.

We do need to learn from the past reformers. They were first learned man who had a deeply religious life who lived for the fame of God. They were the people who loved people. They were the preachers. They were the shepherds. They knew and were concerned about the people of their times. It was because of these affections, they could reform the church to bring truth and deliverance for their people from the corrupt leaders of the church.

Our times are totally different. Leaders who break away from the churches seem to be very careless of the spiritual condition of the people and are concerned about their emotional condition. We do need reformation all the time, especially when our practices omit or exceed the teaching of the Bible. But our concern must be to bring back to Scripture, not to break away from a church, on this lies the spiritual maturity.

9. Reject the traditions when they conflict with the teaching of the Bible.

From the early century, the church had lost itself to traditions. These traditions were good at their time, but not necessarily good for our times. In fact, as culture changes, preference also changes, and some of the traditions of the past are not only meaningless but disturbing. Traditions are things not found in the Bible but are handed down to the church from across the Church History.

Some of these traditions are heresy like ‘Mass,’ ‘Veneration of Mary.’ Some are just problematic like the position of church leadership: Bishops and Popes. We must reject them. We do not need bishops. Elders in the church are sufficient for the individual believers for spiritual guidance, in fact, he has the Holy Spirit as the true teacher. Christ is the builder and nourisher of the church. One must yield to His leadership and not to the imaginary leadership in the form of man (Pope and bishops).

 Furthermore, all kinds of traditions concerning dresses and celebration of days must not be legalized. Even the established traditions concerning such as baptism must be in accordance with the scripture.

10. Be equipped to counter heresy; it never dies.

Heresy existed right from the times of the Apostles. The Judaizers of the New Testament church had reappeared in the form of Roman Catholicism. Recently it appeared in the form of a New Perspective on Paul (NPP). The Gnosticism of the Bible appears in the form of Jehovah's Witnesses and others. The heresy of Pelagianism in the form of Arminianism. Heresy never dies. It just comes in new clothing.

We must be well equipped. Paul, Peter, and Jude warn us to do that. We are not to give up the fight but must contend for the faith. This equipping is not only for protecting ourselves but also for the congregation who are under the care of shepherds. Pastors are accountable to God for the sheep under his care.

In the olden times, people condemned heresy by forming a church council. In our days, church councils are formed to not condemn heresy, but to get along with it. We are living in a difficult time where heresy is acceptable and even endorsed. People are pleasing the sinners to come to church, rather than to please the One who called them to holiness. We must be well equipped not only to detect heresy but also to rescue the people who are held captive by it.