Brews with Andrewes

Episode 13: Andrewes' Sermon on Matthew 3:8 Fruit Meet for Repentance

Episode 13: Fruits Meet for Repentance Matthew 3:8

 

August 26, 2025

 

Andrewes discusses how repentance is like a tree that must bear fruit – not mere leaves or appearances, but real, worthy fruits that demonstrate inner transformation.

 

SERMONS OF REPENTANCE AND FASTING

PREACHED ON ASH-WEDNESDAY

 

Prepared to be preached on Wednesday, February 10, 1624

 

Copies can be found in Lancelot Andrewes Works, Sermons, Volume One, or on The Project Canterbury Website.

 

Summary:

      Andrewes presses home John the Baptist’s command, “Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance” to escape the wrath to come (Matt.3:8,7) showing that repentance is not passive, or private, but must be embodied in acts of devotion, discipline, and mercy, offered sincerely to God, and pursued earnestly now, lest the “wrath to come” overtake us.

 

Outline:

1. The Tree of Repentance
   1. Innocence was the original tree, but fruit from that tree is no longer available after we chose the fruit of the forbidden
   2. God has mercifully grafted Repentance into the tree so that we can still bear fruit in our lives: “That if we cannot present God with the fruit of innocence at the seat of His justice, yet with the fruit of repentance we may at the throne of His grace.”
2. The Nature and Requirements of the Tree
   1. I must be Living – a living tree, not a dead log.
      1. The affections are the sap that animate repentance and bring forth fruit
      2. If affections are for things above (demonstrated by sorrow, fear, and especially anger at sin) there will be fruit, but if affections are for things below their will be no bold vitality.
   2. It must be Bearing not barren – for true repentance must show itself outwardly otherwise we are just mentally and intentionally pretending to repent.
      1. “Bosom Repentance” done between man and his conscience is not enough.
      2. True repentance is more than intentions and words.
   3. It must be Fruit-Bearing not just branch and leaf bearing – God planted it for fruit and not just for looks.
   4. It must have Worthy Fruit, not swine fodder – what is offered must be meet for God.
3. The Fruit of the Tree of Repentance
   1. It’s not simply about repentance, but the “Fruit of Repentance”
      1. Just as there is “root sin” and “fruit sin,” so a root of righteousness will bring forth the fruit of righteousness.
      2. Just as forbidden thoughts bring forth forbidden actions (cf.Jms.1:15); so repentant thoughts bring forth repentant fruit.
      3. Sin springs from spirit, flesh, and world and each is cured by its contrary.
   2. The fruit are works (where Paul says, “works worthy of repentance” John says “fruit”)
   3. The Three principal categories of fruit match the “three heads of sin”:
      1. Prayer – Correcting sins of the spirit/thought and offering the soul to God
         1. Example: Simon Magus thought the Spirit could be acquired by/for money, so Simon Peter prescribed prayer for him to be forgiven
         2. As a Fruit: ) Penitential Psalm 32:1-6 says it’s the first work of repentance; 2.)Prayer was the Penitent Publican’s first move toward God (cf.Lk.18:9-14); and 3.) it marks the repentance of countless others, for both personal sin and sins of the land.
      2. Fasting – Correcting sins of the flesh and offering the body to God
         1. Example: The King of Nineveh and his people were guilty of fleshly fornications, therefore their proper fruit was fasting.
         2. As a Fruit: 1) After his sin with Bathsheba, David fasted (2 Sam.12:16–23); 2) Ahab, King of Israel, fasted after Elijah prophesied doom because of his wickedness (1 Kings 21:27–29); and 3) The King of Ninevah fasted as a sign of repentance (3:6–7).
      3. Almsgiving – Correcting sins of the world and offering our goods to God
         1. Example: The King of Babylon was a mighty oppressor of the people, therefore the fruit he was prescribed was to “break off thine iniquity with mercy to the poor” (4:27).
         2. As a Fruit: 1) It is expressly called a fruit in Rom.15:28; 2) Solomon says “By mercy shewed, sins are forgiven” (16:6); 3) Isaiah prescribed “giving bread to the hungry” as a sign of true repentance (58:7)
   4. On Practicing the Fruits of Alms, Fasting, and Prayer
      1. They are fruit to be offered to God like the sin-offering of old.
         1. The Great Commandment is to love the God with our hearts/lev, selves/nephesh, and stuff/me’od.
         2. So, we present to God fruit from the spirit of soul, the body, and worldly goods.
      2. They are fruit with medicinal properties for us.
         1. While penal to the flesh, they deliver health to the soul and body
            • Correctives for the Past
            • Preventative for the Future
      3. Repentance without such fruit is not the Biblical Faith
         1. Paul disciplined his body (1Cor.9:27); John the Baptist was known for not eating and drinking (cf.Matt.11:18; Lk.7:33); Peter wept bitterly for sinning (cf.Matt.26:75; Lk.22:62); James encouraged weeping, morning, and despairing in order to draw near to God (cf.Jms.4:9).
         2. Many need to “repent” of their form, or idea, of “repentance” and return to the Biblical faith.
4. Is the Fruit Worthy and Lasting in Quantity and Quality
   1. Not all fruit are acceptable; they must be worthy fruit.
      1. John and Paul wouldn’t call people to do it if such things weren’t possible: “If none such be, they did ill to clog the bill with any such word [ἄξιος, axios]. But they knew well what they said; therefore such there be sure, get them where we can.”
      2. “Axios” originally described what was equivalent in weight on a scale and then extended metaphorically to describe moral, social, or spiritual worth/merit.
   2. “Worthy” does not mean equal to the offense against God (no human act can weigh against divine wrath). Compared to that our fruit would be but sour grapes (Isa.5:2) and rotten figs (cf.Jer.24:2).
   3. Nor are they “worthy” in comparison to heroics of saints (they’re examples, not standards)
   4. Rather, fruit must be:
      1. Proportionate to the sin

         1. Deadly Sin	Countering Fruit	Worthy Virtue
            Pride Greed Lust Envy Gluttony Wrath Sloth	Prayer Almsgiving Fasting Almsgiving Fasting Prayer All Three	Humility Generosity Chasity Charity Temperance Patience Diligence

      2. Serious, costly, and Persevering (not windfalls, worm-eaten, or rotten fruit)
      3. Ecclesiastically Guided/ Spiritually Directed by a Director
         1. In OT, the Priest determined appropriate sin-offering
         2. In our Gospel Reading, people asked John, “What shall we do” and received satisfactory counsel (3:10-14)
         3. In NT, Paul tells the Corinthians what is “sufficient” to restore the penitent (2:6-7), like Church canons do today.
   5. God ultimately is the One whom makes our fruit worthy – “He counts worthy those He deigns to make worthy” (1:5,11)
      1. This is not a license of slackness
      2. But consolation for sincere, diligent strivers: To the truly penitent Jesus says, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2Cor.12:9). And in that we must rest.
5. The Time Required for Repentance – Trees make fruit, not weeds, and Trees take time.
   1. Fruit do not come in a flash (like Jonah’s gourd, 4:6) but in a cultivated season.
   2. Apostolic Counsel for such a season:
      1. Intentionally “Make room” (2Cor.7:2) - “χωρέω, chōreō” – “withdraw, go aside, retire and be private, sequester ourselves” for repentance.
      2. Intentionally “Make time.” (1Cor.7:5) - “σχολάζω, scholazō” – “make a vacant, time of leisure” for fasting and prayer
   3. Make the most of every Spring’s Lenten Season as it is naturally the time when the sap starts flowing from the roots back up the branches to produce fruit.

 

Music & Sound Attributions:

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions “Lost Shoe” (www.sessions.blue). Sounds used are as follows: “Beer Can Opening” recorded by Mike Koening found at (http://soundbible.com/216-Beer-Can-Opening.html) and “Pouring Drink” recorded by Mike Koenig found at (http://soundbible.com/2115-Pouring-Drink.html).

 

Private Reserve: Adult Confirmation Class on The Decalogue, The Summary of the Law, and The Three Core Disciplines

The conversation starts with a detailed recitation and explanation of the Ten Commandments, emphasizing the importance of memorizing and understanding them. The speaker outlines each commandment, highlighting the bolded portions that must be memorized and the standard text that should be understood. The commandments are explained in both their original context for the Hebrews and their relevance to Christians. For example, the first commandment means Jews could not worship other gods, while Christians must love God above all else. The second commandment prohibits making and worshiping idols for both Jews and Christians. The speaker also discusses the significance of the Sabbath, honoring parents, not murdering, adultery, theft, false witness, and coveting.

Then the discussion shifts to the Summary of the Law emphasizing the importance of loving God and one's neighbor as oneself. It highlights that loving God transcends feelings and is a fundamental commandment, as stated by Jesus. The conversation also outlines practical ways to obey these commandments, such as prayer, which involves both talking and listening to God, and fasting, which is described as a form of self-discipline and a way to draw closer to God. Additionally, giving alms to the poor is recommended as a way to show God's love and care for others. The speaker also mentions five types of personal prayer: praise and thanksgiving, intercession, petition, penitential, and meditation.

Private Reserve: Adult Confirmation Class on The Church, Church Building, and Church Year

The Church

The discussion on "The Church" outlines the concept of the church as the embodiment of Christ and His followers, emphasizing its presence wherever Christ is. The church is described in three states: militant (earthly believers fighting temptations), expectant (deceased believers awaiting heaven), and triumphant (heavenly believers in paradise). The church's purposes include liturgical worship, missionary outreach, teaching, and pastoral care. It is characterized by unity, holiness, universality, and apostolic succession, linking it to the apostles through the Holy Spirit. The laity plays a crucial role in these duties.

Outline

The Church and Its Three States

• Speaker 1 explains that the church is the name for Christ and His people, and wherever Jesus Christ is, the church is there as well.
• The church lives in three different ways: the church militant, the church expectant, and the church triumphant.
• The church militant includes all members of the Church on earth, who struggle against temptations and evils to be good followers of Christ.
• The church expectant consists of members who have died and await heaven and God's kingdom, resting with Christ and growing to be more like Him.

The Church Triumphant and Its Purposes

• The church triumphant includes members who are with Jesus in heaven, awaiting the glory of heaven.
• The church has four purposes: liturgical, missionary, teaching, and pastoral.
• The liturgical purpose involves leading the whole creation in worshiping God, as described in the Book of Revelation.
• The missionary purpose is to preach the gospel, as commanded in Matthew 28:19.

Teaching and Pastoral Purposes of the Church

• The teaching purpose is to instruct people in what to believe and what to do, referencing Matthew 16:19 and 18:18.
• The pastoral purpose includes providing sacraments, preaching, Bible study, prayer, and fellowship.
• The laity, or the people of God, have a duty to work and pray alongside the clergy.
• The church has four qualities, often called marks or notes, which describe what the church is like.

The Four Notes of the Church

• The church is one, meaning that all Christians, regardless of denomination, are members of the church.
• The church is holy, meaning it is set apart from the world because the Holy Spirit lives within it.
• The church is catholic, meaning it is universal and contains all necessary elements for salvation.
• The church is apostolic, meaning it is connected to the apostles and continues their work of worship and spreading the gospel.

The Apostolic Succession and Holy Spirit Connection

• The apostolic nature of the church means it does what the apostles did and is connected to them through the Holy Spirit.
• The Holy Spirit connects the church to the apostles through the laying on of hands by bishops.
• Every bishop within the apostolic succession and every confirmed Christian is a living link to Christ.
• The Holy Spirit is given through the laying on of hands by bishops, connecting the church to its apostolic roots.

The Church Building and Year

The discussion on the church building and year provides an in-depth exploration of church architecture and its symbolism. The church is described as God's house, with key features like the narthex, nave, transept, chancel, and sanctuary. The sanctuary, facing east, is where holy events occur, with the altar at its center. The church year is divided into seasons—Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Trinity—each with specific colors and moods reflecting different aspects of Jesus' life and teachings. Vestments worn by clergy during services are also detailed, emphasizing their historical and symbolic significance.

Outline

Church Building: An Overview

• Speaker 1 introduces the topic of the church building, emphasizing its significance and the reasons behind its design.
• The church is described as God's house, where people worship, and it is compared to a family home owned by God.
• Key architectural elements are explained: the narthex (entrance hall), nave (long portion where services are held), and transept (divider).
• The chancel, where the clergy and choir sit, is described, along with the sanctuary and altar, which symbolize holy events and places.

Key Architectural Features

• The altar is explained in detail, including its steps representing the Trinity and the hill of Calvary.
• The communion rail, originally to keep dogs off the altar, is now used for receiving Communion.
• The church's eastward orientation is explained, linking it to the rising sun and the resurrection of Jesus.
• The gospel and epistle sides are described, with the gospel read from the north side and the epistle from the south.

Sacred Elements and Their Significance

• The pulpit, where the preacher stands, is mentioned, along with the sacrament lamp, which indicates the presence of the blessed sacrament.
• The tabernacle, a locked box behind the altar, is used to store the sacrament and is explained in detail.
• The Stations of the Cross, small pictures depicting Jesus' suffering, are described as a spiritual pilgrimage.
• The church year is introduced, with a focus on how the building is decorated to reflect different events in Jesus' life.

The Church Year: Seasons and Colors

• Advent is described as a time of preparation, with the color purple and no flowers.
• Christmas celebrates Jesus' birth, with the color white or gold and a joyful mood.
• Epiphany focuses on Jesus' glory, with the color green and a mood of thanksgiving.
• Lent is a period of penitence, starting with Ash Wednesday and ending with Good Friday, with the color purple and no flowers.

Easter and Post-Easter Seasons

• Easter celebrates Jesus' resurrection, with the color white and a joyful mood.
• Pentecost or Whitsun Tide thanks the Holy Spirit, with the color red and a mood of awe.
• Trinity Tide, the rest of the year, focuses on Jesus' life and work, with the color green and a mood of hope.
• Saints' days are special occasions to honor holy people, with decorations reflecting their significance.

Vestments and Their Symbolism

• Vestments, such as amus, alba, and singers, are explained, along with their historical and symbolic significance.
• The stole, worn by ordained clergy, symbolizes their role and is described in detail.
• Other vestments, including the chasuble, cassock, surplice, tippet, and kata, are explained, highlighting their use during church services.
• The typical arrangement of a 20th-century parish church building is briefly mentioned, concluding the discussion.

Private Reserve: Adult Confirmation on The Trinity

The Trinity

The discussion delves into the concept of the Trinity, explaining that God is revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that God is love and that His nature is beyond human comprehension. The Trinity is described as three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who are one in essence, with each person being co-eternal and co-equal. The Nicene Creed is referenced to illustrate the church's belief in the Trinity, highlighting the Father's almightiness, the Son's eternal existence, and the Holy Spirit's role as the love between the Father and the Son.

Outline

Understanding the Trinity

• The speaker explains that Jesus Christ reveals God, and John in his Gospel states that no one has seen God, but some Christians did see God made man, Jesus Christ.
• God is described as love, and His name is Father, Son, and Holy Ghost or Spirit. Speaker 1 emphasizes the danger of inventing new names for God.
• God is not like anything else; He is love, and we are not happy until we please Him. God is everywhere at once because He has no body and no parts.
• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet one, known as the Holy Trinity. The Nicene Creed summarizes the church's understanding of God.

The Nature of God

• The speaker states that God is almighty, meaning He has power over everything and made everything out of nothing.
• The Son, Jesus Christ, was always with God and was always God, begotten not made, and of one substance with the Father.
• The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, and is equal to them, eternal, and never absent.
• St. John's Gospel describes the Son as the Word of God, God's own reason, thinking, and love.

The Holy Trinity and the Nicene Creed

• The Nicene Creed is used to give an oath to God in church, summarizing what God has done for us.
• The Father is almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
• The Son, Jesus Christ, is the Only Begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, and is one substance with the Father.
• The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, is worshiped and glorified, and is equal to the Father and the Son.

The Relationship Between the Persons of the Trinity

• The Father and the Son have always loved each other, and their love is perfect and alive.
• The Holy Spirit is the name for the love between the Father and the Son.
• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct enough to say "I love you," but close enough to be one thing, called the Holy Trinity.
• The Nicene Creed helps us understand the Trinity through its three paragraphs.

The Unity and Distinctness of the Trinity

• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet one, known as the Holy Trinity.
• The Nicene Creed summarizes the church's understanding of God, and when said together in church, it gives an oath to God.
• The Father is almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
• The Son, Jesus Christ, is the Only Begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, and is one substance with the Father.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, and is equal to them, eternal, and never absent.
• The Holy Spirit is called Lord, and He is the giver of life.
• The Holy Spirit is not made out of anything else, and the Father did not have to lose part of Himself to have the Holy Spirit.
• The Holy Spirit is equal to the Father and the Son, and there was never a time when there was not a Holy Spirit.

The Essence of God

• God is love, and we are not happy until we please Him.
• God's name is Father, Son, and Holy Ghost or Spirit, and it tells us that God is in three persons.
• God is everywhere at once because He has no body and no parts.
• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet one, known as the Holy Trinity.

The Perfect Love of God

• The Father and the Son have always loved each other, and their love is perfect and alive.
• The Holy Spirit is the name for the love between the Father and the Son.
• God is never lonely; He is the one who loves, is loved, and is Himself the love between the two.
• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct enough to say "I love you," but close enough to be one thing, called the Holy Trinity.

The Nicene Creed and the Trinity

• The Nicene Creed summarizes the church's understanding of God and what God has done for us.
• The Creed is used to give an oath to God in church, and it helps us understand the Trinity.
• The Father is almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
• The Son, Jesus Christ, is the Only Begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, and is one substance with the Father.

The Unity of the Trinity

• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct yet one, known as the Holy Trinity.
• The Nicene Creed helps us understand the Trinity through its three paragraphs.
• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are equal and eternal, and there was never a time when they were not.
• The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, and is worshiped and glorified with them.

Private Reserve: Adult Confirmation Class on Church History

Church History

The discussion covers the history of the Christian church, emphasizing its origins, early persecutions, and the role of key figures like Jesus, his disciples, and the apostles. It details the spread of Christianity, the establishment of the Nicene Creed, and the impact of figures like Constantine and Martin Luther. The conversation also touches on the development of the Anglican Church, its use of Latin, and the challenges faced during the Reformation. The narrative concludes with the establishment of the Anglican Province of America and its ongoing efforts to maintain traditional teachings and practices.

Outline

Church History and Early Christians

• Speaker 1 introduces the concept of church history, emphasizing the Christian church as the oldest and most widely scattered family.
• The first Christians faced persecution, including losing friends and families, but are considered heroes for standing up for Jesus.
• The history of the church is crucial to understanding why the world still persecutes Christians despite Jesus' sacrifice.
• Christ's birth is marked as the beginning of the Christian era, with AD standing for Anno Domini, meaning the year of our Lord.

Jesus' Life and Ministry

• Jesus was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth, and was trained as a carpenter by his stepfather, Joseph.
• At 30, Jesus began preaching a message of love and forgiveness, attracting many followers who became known as disciples.
• Jesus performed miracles, healed the sick, and taught his disciples, despite their initial struggles to understand and follow him.
• By the age of 33, Jesus had a significant following, and 12 of his disciples were chosen as apostles to spread his message.

Jesus' Final Days and Resurrection

• Jesus traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, where he was arrested by Judas and taken before Roman Governor Pontius Pilate.
• Despite finding no crime, Pilate ordered Jesus' crucifixion due to public demand, and Jesus was nailed to a cross and died.
• On the third day, Jesus' body was found empty in the tomb, and his disciples were told he had risen from the dead.
• Jesus appeared to 500 followers before ascending into heaven, where he continues to pray for the church.

The Early Church and Apostolic Succession

• The apostles continued Jesus' mission, traveling and preaching, and performing baptisms and communion.
• The church grew through the efforts of apostles like St. Paul, who spread the gospel to India and other regions.
• The practice of apostolic succession was established, with bishops being appointed to continue the apostles' authority.
• The Roman Empire initially persecuted Christians, but many martyrs died for their faith, becoming examples of loyalty and faithfulness.

Constantine and the Spread of Christianity

• Emperor Constantine had a vision of a cross before a battle, leading him to adopt the cross as a symbol and change laws to protect Christians.
• The first Ecumenical Council was held in Nicea, where bishops agreed on prayer and preaching methods, and the Nicene Creed was established.
• The Holy Spirit guided subsequent councils in spreading the gospel and addressing false teachings.
• The church faced challenges from barbarian invasions and internal conflicts, but remained strong and spread throughout Europe.

The Role of Latin in the Church

• Latin became the common language for church services, despite the decline of the Roman Empire.
• The Celts in Britannia remained loyal to Christianity, and missionaries like St. Augustine spread the faith among the Germans.
• The church faced challenges in managing its growth and ensuring the quality of its missionaries and priests.
• The use of Latin in services created a barrier for many people, but it helped maintain unity and continuity.

The Reformation and Its Impact

• Martin Luther's complaints about the church led to the Reformation, with many Christians protesting against Latin services and Roman rules.
• Luther and others formed new societies, leading to conflicts and wars in Europe.
• In England, King Henry VIII and his son Edward VI introduced reforms, including translating the Bible and worship services into English.
• The Book of Common Prayer was created, providing a standardized prayer book for English Christians.

The English Church and the Puritans

• The English Church underwent significant changes, with Puritans advocating for a simpler and more purified form of worship.
• The Civil War in the 1640s led to the outlawing of the church, but it was eventually restored in 1661.
• Some Puritans emigrated to America, where they established the Episcopal Church.
• Samuel Seabury was elected as the first bishop in America, and the church continued to grow and adapt to new challenges.

The Episcopal Church in America

• The Episcopal Church in America faced challenges in maintaining its identity and continuity without government support.
• Missionaries from the church played significant roles in abolishing slavery and promoting civil rights for African Americans.
• The church faced internal conflicts in the 20th century, with some members advocating for changes in the prayer book and ordaining women as priests.
• Concerned Episcopalians formed small churches and received Holy Orders from bishops to maintain traditional teachings and practices.

The Anglican Province of America

• The Diocese of the Eastern United States is one of the oldest continuing bodies in the Anglican Church.
• The bishop, Walter H. Gruendorff, has been a bishop longer than any other active continuing bishop in the world.
• The church emphasizes the importance of maintaining traditional teachings and practices, and providing for its members.
• The Anglican Province of America continues to grow and adapt to new challenges, ensuring the continuity of the Christian faith.

Episode 12: The Four Marks of a Biblical Faith Acts 2:42

Episode 12: Four Marks of Biblical Faith in Acts 2:42

 

Andrewes discusses the various imaginations which have led men and women to stray from the positive, outward forms of worship approved by God.

June 11, 2024

Sermon II of Lancelot Andrewes Preached at Sundry Times upon Several Occasions

Preached in the Parish of St. Giles, Cripplegate on January 9, 1592.

 

Copies can be found in Lancelot Andrewes Works,

Sermons, Volume Five, or on The Project Canterbury Website.

 

Summary:

      Andrewes highlights a variety of ways we can be tempted to stray to the right or to the left (cf.Deut.17:11) of the biblical, historical model of Faith as handed down by the Apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread and the prayers, opting rather for more attractive models produced by man’s fancy and imagination.

 

 

1. Introduction: The Biblical Model and The Origins of Contrary Imaginations
   1. Biblical Worship in Acts 2:42 involved:
      1. The Apostles’ Doctrine
         1. Salvation is neither a system of legalism or licentiousness
         2. Faith is best practiced when aligned with the first centuries
      2. The Apostles' Society, or Fellowship
         1. The Apostles’ Doctrine is meant to bring us into the Apostles’ Fellowship
         2. Jesus intended the Fellowship to be Governed by His Apostolic authorities
      3. Breaking of Bread
         1. It’s the primary mark of the Apostles’ Fellowship to be practiced regularly
         2. Instituted by Christ as both a Sacrament and Sacrifice
      4. The Prayers
         1. Invocation is the primary habit of those in the Apostles’ Fellowship
         2. A meaningful prayer life utilizes both written and extemporaneous forms
   2. Origins of Contrary Imaginations
      1. Inspiration comes from the Devil to stray outside the bounds of revelation. St. Augustine, “The devil, seeing the temples of the demons deserted, and the human race running to the name of the liberating Mediator, has moved the heretics under the Christian name to resist the Christian doctrine” (City of God, Ch.51).
      2. Yester-year’s heresies (as were delt with by Solomon, Ecc.7:29 & Paul, Eph.4:14) dressed anew
      3. Doctrines of crafty men (Matt.15:9)
         1. Pharisees & Sadducees (16:12)
         2. Nicolaintes (2:6,14-15) – taught some degree of participation in the idolatrous culture of Ephesus was permissible. MORE on his followers below (IV.a.i).
2. Contrary Imaginations from Gentile Philosophy, which twists Biblical worship (the philosopher’s gloss)
   1. Simon Magus (a converted heathen philosopher),
      1. The first heretic
      2. Strayed into New Age sorcery/magic (cf.Act.8:9-24)
   2. Valentinus (Not St. Valentine) & Basilides strayed into Gnosticism
      1. Dualism of Spirit and Matter: Only inner Spirit matters, bodily sins do not
      2. Reliance upon subjective Spiritual knowledge/feelings
   3. Manichee
      1. Dualism of Good/Light/God and Evil/Dark/Satan
      2. All things are ordained so how you live doesn’t really matter
   4. Pelagian
      1. Man’s will is completely free and able to keep God’s Law
      2. Man doesn’t necessarily need the grace of Christ
3. Contrary Imaginations from Judaism, which add to Biblical Worship (The Pharisee’s addition)
   1. Ebion (Acts 15)
      1. 2^nd heretic behind Simon Magus for “adoptionism” (Jesus is Son of God by adoption)
      2. Heir of the New Testament’s Judaizers (deposed by Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Tertullian)
   2. The Ascetic, Angel Worshippers (2:18)
4. Contrary Imaginations from Christianity, which corrupt Biblical Worship (Christian perversion)
   1. Perversions of the Apostles’ Doctrine (both its matter/substance, and its manner/ceremony)
      1. Nicolas (Rev.2:6) & Carpocrates – attacked foundation
         1. “Carnal-Gospellers” who say there is no need for “repentance” or faithfulness as long as a person believed the Gospel.
         2. “Faith is all that matters” repentance and how one lives has no effect
         3. Salvation is by “right knowledge” (if you know the creeds, you are saved)
      2. Latinus & the Encratites – attacked foundation
         1. “Strict livers”/“civil Christians” who say “faith” is not mandatory
         2. Just live a moral, upright and just life
         3. Salvation by “right behavior” (who needs creeds if you’re doing the deeds)
      3. Cathari, (original Puritans) & Donatists – attacked the building upon
         1. Cathari imagined that biblical worship involved being pure to the discipline and exact pattern of the Apostles
            1. Keeping for example, love-feasts after the Sacrament, and
            2. Celebrating the Sacrament after supper (Strict keepers of Didache).
         2. Donatist emphasized the clergy had to be faultless to Apostolic teaching for their prayers and sacraments to be valid.
      4. Other attacks upon the ceremony of the Apostle’s doctrine
         1. Some say no ceremony while others say every ceremony
            1. Women covering heads (11:5)
            2. Everything thing done decently and in order (14:40)
            3. Eating of food sacrificed to idols (8)
         2. May there be diversity in diverse places, but all hold the unity of faith
      5. Other attacks on the delivery of the Apostles’ doctrine (imaginings of new ways to deliver the faith/imaginations of novelty)
         1. Dumbed Down – no Latin or Greek, or need to think
         2. Truncated – no Apocrypha or Pseudepigrapha
         3. A-historical – no Jewish context or comparisons
         4. Incestual – no outside voices or authorities
   2. Perversions of the Apostles’ Fellowship Imagining Different Governmental Leadership – (“Many Christians walk as enemies of the Cross,” Phil.3:18)
      1. Jesus instituted its Government to be of two Degrees (Andrewes expounds on this more in his A Summary View of The Government Both of The Old and New Testament: whereby The Episcopal Government of Christ’s Church is Vindicated):
         1. The 12 (Apostles, now succeeded by bishops), and
         2. The 70 (Ministers, now succeeded by presbyters/priests)
      2. Modern imaginations say it should be three: lay-elders, Pastors, Doctors
         1. They use 1Corinthians 12:28 (apostles, prophets, and teachers)
         2. They use Ephesians 4:11 (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers)
         3. They use Romans 12:6-8 (other spiritual giftings)
      3. Even though these imaginations were unheard of until the Reformation:
         1. While St. Chrysostom maintained that some Priest/Elders/ Presbyters should only baptize while others taught, yet neither he, nor those before him, ever mention lay-elders as pastors and elders. He says, “For preaching the Gospel is a work perhaps for one or two; but baptizing, for everyone endowed with the priesthood… we commit this matter to the simpler sort of presbyters, but the word of doctrine unto the wiser… Wherefore [Paul] says himself (5:17), ‘Let the Elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and in teaching.’” (St. Chrysostom on 1Corinthians 1:17)
         2. St. Jerome also taught that “pastors and teachers” were not separate offices but were both one.
         3. St. Augustine likewise when asked whether “pastors and teachers” ought to be distinguished replied that they were the same, like a compound name.
         4. Justin Martyr said Deacons distribute Communion.
         5. Tertullian, Cyprian, and others say Deacons do Baptism.
   3. Perverted Imaginations touching the “Breaking of Bread”
      1. Imaginations of the Church of Rome
         1. In his day, some in the Church of Rome would omit the “fracture” contrary to 1Corinthians 10:16-18 where the Eucharist is essentially equated with the “peace-offering.”
         2. No Bread to break as transubstantiation supposedly occurs at consecration and therefore the fracture is a breaking of Christ’s Body.
      2. Imaginations which “fancy only a Sacrament,” a memorial
         1. Although Scripture says it is for covenant renewal (23:20)
         2. Although Scripture calls it a sacrifice (16-18, and the table an altar Heb.13:10)
      3. Imaginations which separate the Breaking of Bread from the moral obligations they necessitate like caring for our pour brethren (the bread of the needy, Isa.58:7)
         1. Jesus’ command to the rich, you ruler: “Give to the poor” (10:21)
         2. Offertory for poor replaces the agape love feasts which served as a ministry to feed the poorer members (11:20-34)
      4. Imaginations to not break the bread regularly
         1. Some imagine it ought only to be done annually, whereas the Primitive Church did it 1 to 3 times a week.
         2. Some imagine they are not worthy of it, yet by this reasoning they are unfit for prayer as well.
   4. Perverted Imaginations concerning Prayer
      1. Some imagine no need to use the “Our Father” although Jesus commanded it (Matt.6:9-13), and even St. Augustine said that the universal Church had always used it to begin and end her prayers.
      2. Imaginations in one direction by the Church of Rome
         1. No need to pray with the mind (14:14-15) but simply say the Latin prayers, or unmindfully recite rosaries and pray who psalters.
      3. Imaginations in the other direction by the Protestants
         1. Finding fault with any liturgy, they opt for extemporaneous prayers, which still can be as unfruitful as Latin prayers
         2. Finding fault with rosaries, they ramble on with Pharisaical, long prayers thinking it a sign of holiness.
         3. St. Cyprian said “to express prayers with unprepared speeches” has always been regarded as absurd. He says, “not to throw abroad our prayers indiscriminately, with unprepared voices, nor to cast to God with tumultuous wordiness a petition that ought to be commended to God by modesty” (Treatise 4, on The Lord’s Prayer).
5. Concluding thoughts: the City of God vs the City of Babylon
   1. We will spend eternity with the one whose imaginations we follow: either God’s or rebel-man
      1. Zion is ordered by God, and man there abides by His wishes.
      2. In Babylon there is no order, and man can do as He wishes.
   2. May we be careful to continue in what God has imagined and staying true to the Apostles’ Doctrine, Government, Sacraments, and Prayers.

 

Music & Sound Attributions:

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions “Lost Shoe” (www.sessions.blue). Sounds used are as follows: “Beer Can Opening” recorded by Mike Koening found at (http://soundbible.com/216-Beer-Can-Opening.html) and “Pouring Drink” recorded by Mike Koenig found at (http://soundbible.com/2115-Pouring-Drink.html).

Episode 11: Who is this that cometh from Edom in Isaiah 63

Who is this that cometh from Edom in Isaiah 63:1-3

Andrewes on the victorious return of Jesus, the blood-stained warrior, from His conquest against demons, death, and Hell on Resurrection Sunday.

July 19, 2022

 

Sermon XVII of Lancelot Andrewes’ Sermons on The Resurrection Preached upon Easter-Day before King James at Whitehall on April 13, 1623.

 

Copies can be found in Lancelot Andrewes Works, Sermons, Volume Three, or on The Project Canterbury Website.

 

Summary:

      Andrewes uses the imagery of winepresses in Isaiah 63:1-3 to, first, speak about Christ’s victory over the kingdom of demons and death (Edom), along with its capital city, Hell (Bozrah), by His Passion and Resurrection, and, then, to emphasize the benefits that Christ offers to His people who accept the great exchange He won – namely that of “God becoming man so man can be able to become god,” or in theological terms: man’s deification (qewsiV, theosis) by grace.

 

1. Introductory Remarks about Isaiah 63:1-3
   1. Philip could have just as easily used this passage to teach the Ethiopian Eunuch about Christ
      1. Isaiah 53:7-8 teaches about Jesus’ Passion (cf.Act.8:26-40)
      2. Isaiah 63:1-3 teaches about Jesus’ Resurrection
   2. This passage is about Christ for two reasons
      1. Immediately before it, in Isa.62:11, we are told “Behold, here comes your savior,” and our passage says, “Who is this who comes?”
      2. The one coming says that He has accomplished this saving work alone.
   3. This passage was fulfilled by Christ by his Resurrection from death and hell
      1. He was not left in hell (Ps.16:10) – in Bozrah
      2. He was brought back from the deep of the earth (Ps.71:20) – from Edom
   4. This passage is therefore a conversation between the prophet Isaiah and the Christ.
      1. The Prophet asks, “Who is this?” And Christ answers:
         1. The one who “speaks righteousness”
         2. The one “Mighty to save”
      2. The Prophet asks, “Why are you covered in red?”
         1. The winepress of redemption: “I have trodden alone”
         2. The winepress of vengeance: “I will tread them down”
      3. The prophet asks these questions because of the stranger’s appearance (his habit) and the way he is walking (his gait)
         1. The person responds that He had a conquest in Edom and a victory in Bozrah
         2. This was good news for Isaiah since Edom was one of the worst enemies of God’s people.
2. A Spiritual Edom and Bozrah
   1. As Jesus was never in Bozrah physically, we must look to the spiritual meaning and fulfilment (compare spiritual Sodom and Egypt where Jesus was crucified, Rev.11:8)
   2. Edom symbolizes the kingdom of darkness and death because of their wickedness, envy, rancor, and insulting over men in misery.
      1. Historically, it was known for its notoriously wicked people who the LORD always had anger toward (cf.Mal.1:4)
      2. The Edomits were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s older brother, and were the nearest of kin to the Jews. Yet out of their envy of Israel, they turned into rancorous enemies of God’s people.
      3. They gloated in Israel’s misfortunes and desired to see God’s people suffer.
      4. Historical Edomites of note were Doeg, antagonist to David (1Sam.21-22), and Herod the Great, antagonist to Christ.
   3. Bozrah symbolizes hell itself, the seat of the Prince of Darkness
      1. As the strongest hold and city of the Kingdom of Edom
      2. As a great walled-in seat of power
   4. Edom and Bozrah Conquered
      1. Geographically David conquered historical Edom and Bozrah
      2. Symbolically David’s Son conquered spiritual Edom/death and Bozrah/hell
         1. He did this in His Crucifixion, Death, and Resurrection
         2. It was a shocking victory and no one recognized Him at first when He came walking back (for example: Mary at the grave and the disciples on the Road to Emmaus)
3. Two Titles to answer “Who is this?”
   1. Both titles are fulfilled by Christ as the one who subdues and treads down death, hell, and all the powers of Satan.
   2. The One “speaking righteousness”
      1. His Word is truth
      2. He is known by His Word
      3. He is the Word who was “in the beginning” (Jhn.1:1)
      4. He is a Priest forever whose lips preserve knowledge (Mal.2:7-9)
      5. He offers righteousness through His preaching
      6. By His speaking we receive knowledge of His truth, against error
   3. The One “mighty to save”
      1. His work is salvation
      2. He is known by his deed
      3. As “Jesus” He saves His people from their sins (Matt.1:21)
      4. He is King, as the messiah and prince of Daniel (Dan.9:25-26)
      5. He offers salvation through His suffering (Is.53:5)
      6. By His saving we receive the power of grace against sin and saved from sin’s sequel (spiritual Edom and Bozrah) “Sin is hell begun, as religion is heaven anticipated” – J. Lathrop
   4. As the One “mighty to save” (able to both destroy threats and extend mercy), He does so to those He “speaks righteousness” to and they hear Him and don’t return to folly.
4. The winepresses answer “Why are you covered in red?”
   1. The Radical Image of Yahweh drench in blood
      1. If He is so mighty why are his garments red? Covered in blood.
      2. NOTE: the word translated “marching” (צעה) is usually translated “bowed down, stooping, or sprawled” (cf. Isa.51:14; Jer.48:12; 2:20-inclinded like a whore).
         1. “The poetry portrays Yahweh not as a triumphant gloating warrior, swaggering back from battle, unmoved by the enormity of what he has had to do, but as tiered and bloodstained, barely recognizable, as someone who knows what it is to suffer” (John Sawyer, “Radical Images of Yahweh in Isaiah 63,” JSOT supplement series 144, JSOT Press, 1993, p.80)
         2. Andrewes seems to account for this poetry in the first winepress below.
   2. The Two Winepresses: 1^st when He was pressed & 2^nd when He did the pressing
      1. The First Press when the True Vine was pressed on our behalf to remove the cup of death and to offer us the Cup of the New Testament in His Blood.
         1. At Gethsemane sweating blood
         2. In the Judgment Hall’s blood from scourging
         3. At Golgotha and His pierced side
      2. The Second Press when He crushed His enemies going to the kingdom of death (Edom) where we were to be led captives, and all the way to hell (Bozrah) to smash its gates
      3. With two presses come two sources of blood
         1. Blood from the lamb slain
         2. Blood from the dragon defeated
      4. Jesus is both the lamb and the lion
         1. The lamb slain wearing His own blood
         2. The lion of Judah wearing the blood of His enemy
   3. Christ accomplished this ALONE
      1. He was forsaken even by his disciples and left alone
      2. He was alone when resurrected victoriously
   4. Christ did this on our behalf so that we will not be abandoned but resurrected
      1. The Great Exchange: He that is most naturally associated with white, became red in order that we might become white.
      2. Scarlett is fitting for both Titles
         1. Speaker of Righteousness: the color for doctors and priests
         2. Mighty to Save: the color of valiant men in Nahum 2:3
      3. Winepresses correspond to both Titles
         1. Only the Mighty to Save could tread down the enemies
         2. Yet by being pressed Himself, those who drink His blood can share in the Righteousness He Speaks
5. Conclusion: A Final Winepress is coming at the Last Harvest
   1. The Two presses of Christ (the one for us and the other for the enemies) have happened, but the Third Winepress of the Day of the Lord is still to come.
   2. Those who rest in the first Two need not fear the Third.
      1. Those who hear the voice of the One Speaking Righteousness
      2. Those who accept His Cup of Blessing while it is extended to them

 

A Word about the word “hell”

      Typically, when preachers or evangelist today speak about “hell,” they describe something far more closely related to the “lake of fire” mentioned in the Book of Revelation (see Rev.21:14-15), instead of anything the Bible calls “hell.” So, consequently, when we hear that Jesus descended into “hell” our imaginations often visualize Him entering a place much different than what the Bible describes. So, often times, when discussing Jesus’ descent, debellation, and harrowing of “hell,” it can be helpful to look up the actual Biblical words, which we use the English word “hell” to translate. They are:

• “Gehenna” (the “place of burning” where children were sacrificed by passing through the fire, and a later-day garbage heap, in the Valley of Hinnom) – see 2Kng.23:10; Jer.7:32; Mrk.9:42-48; Matt.10:28
• “Sheol/Hades” (the place of the dead w/gates) – see Lk.16:19-31; Matt.16:18; Job7:9-10; Is.38:10
• “Tartarus” (the deepest part of the underworld where the rebel angels of Genesis 6:1-4 are chained) – see 2Pet.2:4; [1Pet.3:18-19]

And while the Bible does not refer to it as “hell,” but since we have already mentioned it:

• “The Lake of Fire” (experienced at the second death and is the place which was originally prepared for the Devil and all his angels) – see Matt.25:41; and again Rev.21:14-15

For when we do this, we can see how the Bible clearly, or at least poetically, describes roughly four different places, yet in our imagination, we often hear only one location, which we call “hell.” Furthermore, this is complicated by the fact that we then attach our definition of “hell” (i.e., “the place of final retribution for the unrepentant”) to each of these Biblical references.

      Now, if we come to the Bible and hear it on its terms, we see that when Jesus was put to death (the First Winepress) he was made alive in the spirit (for the Second Winepress) whereupon He descended into Sheol/Hades(cf.1Pet.3:18; Ps.16:10; Act.2:27-31). Once there, 1^st His Presence made Sheol/Hades into Paradise for St. Dismas, the penitent thief (cf.Lk.23:43), and all others who have, or will, die loving the Lord (cf.2Cor.5:6-8; Phil.1:21-23; Ps.139:8). 2^nd In line with that, He thus brought His people out of the experience of Sheol/Hades – those in Abraham’s bosom, if you will – into His Paradise completing the perfection begun in the spirits of the Old Testament faithful (cf.Heb.12:23), all of which we now refer to as the “Harrowing of Hell.” Then, finally, 3^rd He went into the deepest part of the underworld, Tartarus, and made proclamation of His victory over all the plots and ploys of the fallen angels who tried to destroy His creation with forbidden wisdom and demonic offspring (cf.1Pet.3:19). With that work completed, He then rose again from the dead by a bodily resurrection.

      “But,” you might still be asking, “what about those who die now, on this side of Jesus’ death, burial, descent, and resurrection?” Well, it all boils down to whether or not a person believes the Gospel of the Kingdom and discovers that God is as good as Jesus demonstrated Him to be. If they do, this naturally changes the directory of their lives as God increasingly becomes their greatest treasure and they long to be in His unfiltered presence. Upon death, they will be usured into the paradise of God’s presence in heaven where they will be preserved, perfected, and made to participate in the continued establishment of the coming kingdom, which upon completion they will be bodily resurrected to work and keep the new earth under the new heavens. As for those who do not come to believe the Gospel and therefore never develop a love and desire for God, He will allow them to exist in the place furthest from His presence where they will continue in their anger and sadness (“weeping and gnashing their teeth”) toward Him. However, when God’s kingdom is fully established on earth, they too will experience the resurrection, but only into the second death – The Lake of Fire.

 

 

 

Music & Sound Attributions:

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions “Lost Shoe” (www.sessions.blue). Sounds used are as follows: “Beer Can Opening” recorded by Mike Koening found at (http://soundbible.com/216-Beer-Can-Opening.html) and “Pouring Drink” recorded by Mike Koenig found at (http://soundbible.com/2115-Pouring-Drink.html).

Episode Ten: Remember Lot’s Wife

Episode Ten: Remembering Lot’s Wife in Luke 17:32

 

Andrewes on the requisite intentions for spiritual growth

and the lifelong perseverance that marks

the lives of true believers.

 

May 30, 2022

 

Sermon IV of Lancelot Andrewes’ Sermons Preached in Lent

Preached before Queen Elizabeth on March 6, 1594.

 

Copies can be found in Lancelot Andrewes Works,

Sermons, Volume Two, or on The Project Canterbury Website.

 

Summary:

      Andrewes teaches on the sobering example of Lot’s wife, which Jesus commanded His followers to remember in Luke 17:32.

 

1. Introductory Remarks
   1. This verse is short so there is no excuse for not memorizing and learning its lesson.
   2. The context of this verse is applied to future events, so it still applies to us
2. Two Moments of God’s Judgment
   1. The lake of Sodom – a punishment for resolute sin
      1. For sins of commission – a judgment against those in a state of sin
      2. We ought to learn the dangers of living in open sin
   2. Lot’s wife’s pillar – punishment for faint virtue [Christ’s emphasis is on this one]
      1. For sins of omission – a judgement against those in a state of grace
      2. We ought to learn the dangers of not continuing to grow/progress in faith – “We sprinkle ourselves with the salt of her pillar that we turn not again to follow, or fall away from our steadfastness.
      3. If we stop growing, then we stop going.
3. Two Necessary Reminders
   1. In regards to religion
      1. Her story is for old-timers, not new converts
      2. She motivates us take serious progression in religious life
   2. In regards to nature
      1. As breasts complete the work of the womb, or a healthy regiment completes the work of the physician, so remembering her story completes our first faith
      2. She motivates us to take serious the proneness-to-wander-astray of our nature
         1. Like Israelites wanting to go back to Egypt
         2. Like the Romans turning their backs on Paul
         3. Like the declining morality of our time: “The wavering and amaze of others that stand in the plain with Lot’s wife, looking about, and cannot tell whether to go forward to little Zoar or back again to the ease of Sodom, show plainly that Lot’s wife is forgotten.”
4. Point One: Christ uses such stories and calls us to remember these stories of the past
   1. By the office of preaching reminding us of the fragility of life and dark days to come
   2. By the preservation of the Scriptures for us to remember the days of old
      1. We are to hold our actions up in comparison to the actions seen in these stories
      2. We are to read stories past so that we do not become the stories of the future
5. Point Two: What to remember about Lot’s wife particularly
   1. Two kinds of “remembering”
      1. Remembering examples to follow
      2. Remembering examples to flee from
   2. Two things to be remembered: “what they did” and “what their outcome was”
      1. What Lot’s wife did – “she drew back, or looked back
         1. She did not head the angel’s warning (Gen.19:17) as if there was no peril
         2. She did all that she was forbidden and despised the counsel of God
      2. What was her outcome – she was turned into a salt stone
   3. The Degrees of Her Disobedience
      1. A wavering Mind with the Sin of Unbelief – She did not keep the Angel’s charge but believed her sons-in-law knew better.
      2. This sin produced a weariness and slow steps – She lost the intent to follow drawing back
      3. For the love of Sodom remained in her heart causing the convulsion of her neck – She cast her eyes for where she longed.
      4. She did not want to give up Sodom’s ease – She had been moving all her life, Sodom gave her a sense of stability and security; she did not want to enter an uncertain future.
   4. The Doubly-heinous nature of her sin
      1. She fell away and looked back after 30 long years of hard faithfulness
      2. She was punished the instant she looked back out of willful defection from God’s mercies
         1. Judged for forgetting all of God’s past mercies to her
         2. After God so warmly remembered her all the times past, she coldly forgot Him here
         3. She chose bodily pleasures of Sodom instead of safety of her soul in Zoar
         4. She was judged for “looking back” not “going back” (sins of the heart)
   5. The punishment of her sin – a fearful death – which we ought to flee from
      1. A Sudden Death – “back she looked, and never looked forward again”
      2. A Death in the Act of Sin – she died with her face toward Sodom
      3. A Strange Death – not death by old age, but one full of terror
      4. A Death without Burial – to remain a spectacle above the ground of God’s wrath
6. Point Three: How to apply the lessons of Lot’s wife’s story “that the salt of this pillar may be the season of our lives.”
   1. This evil is turned to good if we learn by its example
      1. God makes use of both Good and Bad examples
      2. God could erase the memory of evil, but instead preserves its memory so that good can be pursued next time (Memory can be is used to find wisdom).
   2. Lessons to be learned from Lot’s Wife
      1. Perseverance – the Queen and preserver of virtue
      2. Due Care – To intentionally look forward, no looking to old pleasures or securities
      3. Fear – false senses of security
   3. Four Considerations
      1. Just because one is being led does not mean that one is safe
      2. The inconsistency of one hour can make void a whole life’s work
      3. The same end is shared by both unrepentant sinners and non-persevering believers
      4. There are 11^th hour disqualifications as much as conversions
   4. Final remembrances:
      1. Remember so that we do not think this can’t happen to us
      2. Remember so that we do not grow weary of what God wants in using us (“Do not grow weary in doing good,” Gal.6:9)
      3. Remember so that we do not stand still in progressing toward God’s calling (“Press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus,” Phil.3:14).
      4. Remember so that we do not look back after putting the hand to the plow (“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God,” Lk.9:62)
      5. Remember so that we do not leave the old ways in our hearts (“The last state of that person is worse than the first” Lk.11:24-26)
      6. Remember so that we do not squander/waste a lifetime of God’ mercies (“We appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain,” 2Cor. 6:1)
      7. Remember so that we end our lives in the Spirit and not in the folly of flesh (“Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” Gal.3:3)
      8. Remember so that our lives leave testimonies of grace not disgrace
      9. Remember so that we do not create a scandal by falling as she did (“If I had, I would have betrayed the generation of your children,” Ps.73:15)
      10. Remember so that we do not leave behind a memory of infamy
      11. Remember so that we do not long for lesser things and others take our place
      12. Remember so that we stay in step with the Spirit leaving no vacancy for other spirits
      13. Remember so that we do not justify Sodom by the way we live; to not go the way of virtue is to go the way of vice
      14. Remember now while we have time to learn from her mistake
      15. Remember Christ is the one who gave us this story; conform to Him not Lot’s wife
      16. Remember so that we persevere and will be remembered by the Lord in the Book of life
   5. The blessing of living under a Queen who remembered Lot’s wife

Beverages of Choice:

Guinness Draught Stout by Guinness Ltd.

Sweet Baby Jesus Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter by DuClaw Brewing

SeaQuench Ale Session Sour by Dogfish Head Brewing 

Cayman Jack Margarita 

 

Music & Sound Attributions:

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions “Lost Shoe” (www.sessions.blue). Sounds used are as follows: “Beer Can Opening” recorded by Mike Koening found at (http://soundbible.com/216-Beer-Can-Opening.html) and “Pouring Drink” recorded by Mike Koenig found at (http://soundbible.com/2115-Pouring-Drink.html).

Episode Nine: On the Lord's Prayer, Pt. 4

Episode Nine: The Lord’s Prayer, Pt.4

Andrewes on seeking God’s grace to do no evil

nor befall it and giving God the glory as the

only One Who can give such grace.

January 23, 2021

 

Sermons 16 - 19 of Lancelot Andrewes’

Nineteen Sermons upon Prayer in General,

and The Lord’s Prayer in Particular.

 

Copies can be found in Lancelot Andrewes Works,

Sermons, Volume Five,

or on The Project Canterbury Website.

Summary:

      With the 10^th, 11^th, 12^th and 13^th sermons of this 13-sermon collection on the Lord’s Prayer, Andrewes teaches on the often over-looked, or unconsidered, realties contained in the intentional wording of the Lord’s Prayer’s “Lead Us Not into Temptation” “But Deliver Us from Evil,” “For Thine is the Kingdom, Power, and Glory, for Ever and Ever” and finally “Amen.”

1. Introductory Summary and Overview of the Lord’s Prayer
   1. Jesus opens up to us a relationship with the Divine Creator as
      1. Our good, merciful and willing Father
      2. Our powerful and able King
   2. Where we can discover how our lives were always meant to be
      1. Keeping God as number One in our lives
      2. Making sure our lives (careers, possessions, families, etc.) are part of God’s rule on earth
      3. Making sure our wills and wants are in line with God’s
      4. Learning to participate and progress in being made fit for heaven
   3. Where we can find everything necessary for such a life
      1. The necessities for both our physical bodies and spiritual souls
      2. Removal of everything that creates a barrier between us and God
      3. Removal of everything that creates a barrier between us and neighbors
   4. Where we can actually come to live this kind of life on earth
      1. Increasingly learning to no longer commit evil (acts contrary to God’s ways)
      2. Trusting God to protect us from any evil befalling us
      3. Giving God the glory always
      4. Living in the Amen.
2. “Lead Us Not Into Temptation” (That We May Not Commit Any Evil)
   1. Forgiveness is in vain without repentance
      1. Parts of Repentance
         1. Sorrow for past sins
         2. Care to avoid sin to come
      2. This Petition demonstrates our allegiance against Satan
   2. The Nature of Temptation
      1. God’s Trials
         1. They are for our ultimate good
         2. God allows them to try/prove/purge/strengthen our faith
      2. Satan’s Trials
         1. Not for our ultimate good (only temporal, immediate good)
         2. For quenching our faith and dashing our patience
      3. Inner, Human Temptations
         1. Proceed from within us
         2. Come from the flesh/mortality
      4. Outer Temptations
         1. Proceed from the world outside us
         2. Proceed from the works of the Devil
      5. God Delivers from Temptation
         1. From Inner Temptations
            1. Delivers us to know true pleasure
            2. Delivers us to know what should truly be feared
         2. From Outer Temptations
            1. Grants confidence that God can indeed deliver
            2. Since He has overcome, He can deliver us
            3. By keeping Satan chained/bound limiting his influence
   3. The Nature of Being Led
      1. God knows and will protect our weaknesses
         1. We can’t truly love another without knowing their weakness
         2. He became our weakness so to love us in our weakness and to protect it from Satan
      2. In taking the lead, God prevents us from...
         1. Becoming a son of perdition by being led by a “lying Spirit” (1Kngs.22:19-23; similar to the testing Job faced in Job1:6; 2:1)
         2. Becoming a participant in Satan’s temptation willingly, wittingly, or even delightingly
      3. If God allows us to be led into the wilderness for tempting, then we can count Him to lead us out
   4. Our Duty concerning this petition
      1. We must not set ourselves up for temptation
         1. We must remove known stumbling blocks
         2. We must restrain our eyes and mouths from evil
      2. We must let God lead us; He will not God force Himself upon us
      3. We must pray specifically for key areas of temptation
3. “But Deliver Us from Evil” (That We May Not Suffer Any Evil)
   1. Praying for the removal of things laborious and troublesome
   2. Things to be aware of concerning this petition
      1. Temptation & Evil are two different things
      2. Unlike the heathen, we have one God to give us what is good and to deliver us from evil
      3. If the Devil can’t get us by temptation, he will try to brake us by torment
      4. We are promised aid in both temptation and evil
         1. We pray that temptation/evil will not come our way or we to it
         2. Even if we do fall into temptation/evil, we can be delivered
   3. The Nature of the Evil from which we desire to be delivered
      1. The Church Fathers’ Help in describing it
         1. Chrysostom said the Devil was the greatest evil
         2. Augustine added us to the list
         3. Cyprian added all manner of calamity and trouble
      2. Deliverance from Satan
         1. From his jaws in the Second Death
         2. From his claws in the First Death
      3. Deliverance from both poverty and plenty
         1. From loss of goods which would prevent our service to God
         2. From plenty of good which would cause us to forget our service to God
   4. What we are asking for in being delivered
      1. We acknowledge our inability to deliver ourselves
      2. We desire to be freed from the Devil’s bondage and captivity
      3. We desire the freedom which only Christ can offer
         1. By receiving the Wisdom of God
         2. By receiving the Power of God
      4. We are to understand that “all” evil will not be removed from our lives (such as everyday persecutions)
      5. We are not only talking about deliverance from future evil, but also from past ones
         1. We can ask God to take it away completely
         2. We can ask God to lighten the burden of it
         3. We can ask God to grant us patience and strength to endure our affliction
         4. We can ask God to show us the good, which will result from the evil we face
            1. We can rejoice in it because being chastened by evil means is often part of God’s means for discipling His children
            2. We can rejoice because for the believer a cross in this life leads to a crown in the next
            3. God does not waste our pain
         5. We must trust God to deliver us in the way He sees is best
            1. If God wills that we suffer a cross we pray to be enabled to do it like Jesus
            2. If God wills that we suffer a cross we pray to be able to use it to show repentance and remorse like the good thief.
      6. Why we can trust God to Deliver us
         1. We are His servants; thus, He will free us from servitude to Satan
         2. We are His children, whom He has taught to call Him Father; thus, He will not abandon us to be children of the Devil (cf.Jhn.8:44)
         3. We are His workmanship; He will not despise the work of His hands (Ps.138:8)
         4. We are His image
         5. We have been bought by the Son’s blood
         6. We are vessels that bear His Name; to abandon us would give Him a bad name
         7. We are parts of the Body of Jesus, the Head in heaven; He will not abandon the Son
         8. We have a mutual enemy: the Evil One
      7. We have a duty to pray for the others of “us” to be delivered because we will all need deliverance unto the last enemy – Death – is destroyed.
4. “For Thine Is The Kingdom, Power, and Glory, For Ever and Ever”
   1. An “Orderly” Conclusion to the Prayer
      1. We do not just make a list of petitions and then abruptly end our prayers
      2. We are to conclude our prayers by given God the glory after our confessions of need
         1. We confess our weakness, wanting, needs, and inability to do anything that pleases God apart from His intervention
         2. Thus, we end by glorifying Him for the riches, power, and goodness with which He intervenes as our willing Father and able King
            1. God’s Triune Power: the Father’s as King of Kings; the Son’s as Conqueror of death; and the Spirit’s as the Inscriber of hearts.
            2. Those who are in the process of glorification ought to learn to glorify God like the fully glorified angels.
         3. After “taking” by petition; we “give” back by glorifying
         4. It is our duty to humble ourselves before and to ascribe glory to God
            1. Prayers are answered for the glory and honor of God’s Name
            2. We acknowledge that He alone has what is necessary to amend our condition
   2. Lessons we Learn from the Prayer
      1. If we do not humble ourselves by the petitions of this prayer, we should not expect grace to be given
      2. We are to seek God’s glory and pleasure more than our own comfort and wants thus the prayer ends with praise
      3. They prayer teaches us to live from our true selves (poor & needy) before the true God (willing and able)
         1. To the Father we are His workmanship for His glory
         2. To the Son we are His purchased kingdom; and
         3. To the Spirit we are His vessels to fill with power
      4. God’s Kingdom is one of both Power (to protect) and Glory (to bless)
         1. The Duties of the King are to protect His subjects from injury and wrong and provide for their wellbeing and fruitfulness
         2. The Duties of the Subjects are to
            1. Yield service to the King
            2. Respect and honor His office bearers
            3. Be faithful stewards of the power and strength the King give to them
            4. Acknowledge all glory and credit is owed to the King; their labors are for His glory
      5. While God’s Kingdom is similar to earthly kingdoms in regard to power and glory, His is the only one that lasts “for ever and ever.” His Kingdom is Eternal.
      6. Moreover, God’s Kingdom is “The Kingdom”
         1. In Generality it contains all the Earth
         2. In Superiority it contains all Kings and Nations
5. “Amen”
   1. The word “Amen” as a seal to or prayers
      1. Jerome says it’s a “seal of faith” showing our the desire of our will for what we have asked and petitioned for
      2. Cyprian says it’s a “seal of love” showing the desire of our heart in both wanting the lessons of this prayer to happen in our lives and petitions to be obtained.
   2. Commands to use, and benefits of keeping, the word “Amen”
      1. In the Old Testament (1Chron.16:36; Ps.106:48)
      2. In the New Testament (1Cor.14:16)
      3. Use in both assists in maintaining One mystical body of Christ where people of all ages, races, and languages can share the same seal of faith and heart.
   3. The Lord’s Prayer brings all ages and races into line with what the Jewish side of the Body had already been taught to pray:
      1. Ps. 57 taught them “Hallowing God’s Name
      2. Ps. 106:5 taught them to seek “Thy Kingdom Come”
      3. Ps. 143:10 (Hymn Version) taught them to seek God’s “Will Be Done”
      4. Ps. 145:15-21 taught Who provided “Daily Bread”
      5. Ps. 65:3 taught them to seek the “Forgiveness of Sins”
      6. Ps. 7 taught that their prayer would be heard based upon the treatment of others
      7. Ps. 119:37 and 141:3 taught them to pray for God to lead them toward righteousness
      8. Ps. 25:22 taught them to pray for God to deliver them from Evil
   4. Uses of the word “Amen” before and after statements
      1. Before a statement expresses the truth of what is about to be spoken
      2. After a statement reinforces the desire and consent to what has just be spoken
   5. Reasons for the “Amen” at the end of the Lord’s Prayer
      1. Our faith, trust, and confidence in God’s truth
      2. Our faith, trust, and confidence in God’s faithfulness
   6. How to be able to say the “Amen” rightly
      1. It must be prayed from the heart with earnest desire
      2. It must be prayed in Spirit (sincerity/feelings) and Truth (intelligence/understanding)
      3. It must be prayed with an intention to see it become a reality
      4. It must be prayed with confidence in God to answer our petitions
         1. Limitations to God’s answering our petitions
            1. God will answer only if it is expedient (the right timing) for us
            2. God will give us the better reality we were not aware of when praying
      5. It must be prayed indivisibly in that we desire each petition to be answered
         1. Daily Bread comes with doing God’s Will/Commands
         2. Deliverance from evil requires the fleeing of temptation
         3. Personal forgiveness isn’t granted without forgiveness of others
         4. Hallowing God name in this life is required for the glorious kingdom come in the next
      6. It must be prayed according to the purpose for which Jesus gave the prayer
         1. To have thanksgiving and praise toward God for his provisions and deliverances
         2. Our Hallelujah must be as loud as our Hosanna

 

 

Music & Sound Attributions:

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions “Lost Shoe” (www.sessions.blue). Sounds used are as follows: “Beer Can Opening” recorded by Mike Koening found at (http://soundbible.com/216-Beer-Can-Opening.html) and “Pouring Drink” recorded by Mike Koenig found at (http://soundbible.com/2115-Pouring-Drink.html).

 

Episode Eight: On the Lord's Prayer, Pt. 3

Episode Eight: The Lord’s Prayer, Pt.3

Andrewes on Asking for Our Daily Bread and

Seeking the Forgiveness of Our Debts as We

Forgive Our Debtors

Dec.12, 2020

 

Sermons 13 - 15 of Lancelot Andrewes’

Nineteen Sermons upon Prayer in General,

and The Lord’s Prayer in Particular.

Copies can be found in Lancelot Andrewes Works,

Sermons, Volume Five, or on The Project Canterbury Website.

 

Summary:

      With the 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th sermons of this 13-sermon collection on the Lord’s Prayer, Andrewes teaches on the often over-looked, or unconsidered, realties contained in the intentional wording of “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” “Forgive Us Our Debts,” and “As We Forgive Them That Trespass Against Us.”

 

Outline:

1. “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread”
   1. Introduction
      1. We now move from the eternal petition for glory and the spiritual petition for grace, to the natural, temporal petition for necessities to live and to be able to serve God.
      2. Only after first seeking the Kingdom, then for the fulfilling of God’s will, and finally the righteousness God requires, are we to seek the things we stand in need of.
   2. The Petition Itself for God’s Giving
      1. The benefits of our asking God to give
         1. We confess that we are in want (maintaining our dependence upon God)
         2. We are protected from becoming workaholics (maintaining our reliance upon God)
         3. We look for His blessing of our work allowing us contentment (protecting us from idolatry and maintain our relationship with God)
      2. What God Gives
         1. He gives bread to believers and unbelievers by blessing the earth w/fruitfulness
         2. He gives bread to believers and unbelievers by giving them the ability to work
         3. He gives bread to believers and unbelievers by blessing the food to nourish and strengthen their bodies.
         4. He uniquely gives sanctified-bread to believers for them to serve Him with both body and soul.
   3. The “Bread”
      1. “Bread” is symbolic of many things
         1. The physical necessities needed for bodily health, peace/comfort, and contentment
         2. The spiritual necessities needed for the soul
            1. The nourishing force of God’s Word (“bring us out of our dry spell”)
            2. The spiritual food offered by the Savior (Jhn.6:36)
   4. The “Our” Bread
      1. When we ask for “Our” Bread we mean that which rightfully belongs to us as God’s Children
         1. To receive the necessities that are ours by right for faithfully laboring for them
         2. To receive the necessities that are blessed by God
            1. Not the bread of violence, deceit, or demons, but of God
            2. Not the bread only good for this life, but that conveys holiness for both
   5. The “Daily”
      1. We are asking for our daily care
      2. We are asking for that which is appropriate for our substance
         1. Natural sustenance for our natural body
         2. Supernatural sustenance for our spiritual soul (“epiousios” super-substantial)
      3. We are asking for what satisfies hunger, not cravings, as not to become gluttons
         1. Necessity, not wantonness
         2. Needs, not wants
   6. The “Give Us”
      1. The Reason God gives to us
         1. God cares for all His creatures
         2. God cares especially for man
         3. God cares even more especially for redeemed man
      2. The Limitation for God’s Giving
         1. God gives to us for the purpose of blessing others
         2. We are not only to seek the removal of our burdens but to be able to alleviate the burdens of others by what we have received.
   7. The “This Day”
      1. We are seeking our present need, not our future needs
      2. This does not mean we can be careless about our future
      3. Answering Objection: If we have enough today, our desire is, that as we have enough now, so we may be preserved in this state, and that God would not change plenty into poverty.
2. “And Forgive Us Our Debts”
   1. Intro: the dual nature and purpose of prayer/grace: to receive good and to remove evil
      1. Glory for Kingdom to Come – Removal of Sin
      2. Grace for God’s Will to be Done – Removal of Temptation
      3. Provision of Daily Necessities – Removal of Daily Evil
   2. The Necessity of this Petition
      1. “Debts” = “Sin”
      2. Sin creates a partition between us and God and prevents the three earlier petitions
         1. It prevents entrance into the Kingdom/Heaven
         2. It prevents us from doing any good things
   3. The Goodness of God to Give Us this Petition
      1. God desires to pardon the sins of man
      2. God has not provided a way to pardon the sins of angels
   4. The Sins that cause Man to be a Debtor to God
      1. Sins of Commission (Committing the wrong actions)
      2. Sins of Squandering God’s Blessing (Not blessing others with what was given)
      3. Sins of Omission (Not doing the right actions)
   5. The significance of “Our” Debts/Sins
      1. Our duty to desire the forgiveness of others as much as ourselves
      2. Characterized by compassion for others to be forgiven more than be condemned
   6. A Note about Debts
      1. Even the Apostles were Debtors
      2. We are not only sinners, but daily sinners (daily forgiveness as much as daily bread)
      3. Our debts require God’s mercy, not patience
         1. Like the indebted widow, the prophet provided her debt and livelihood (2Kng.4)
      4. These realities ought to humble us:
         1. Leading us to confess, not justify
         2. Not only confessing, but feeling sorrowful over them
   7. Comforts Given by this Petition
      1. We learn our sins are forgivable
      2. We might lose our affection as sons, but God will never lose His Fatherly heart
      3. We learn that God is ready to forgive on a daily basis
      4. Christ has satisfied the debt we never could have worked off
   8. Duties in Relation to this Petition
      1. We are to apply Christ’s satisfaction to ourselves by this prayer confessing sin
      2. We are to strive to be among the number of those who can say “Our”
3. “As We Forgive Them That Trespass Us”
   1. The two “as”s of our Lord’s Prayer
      1. Duty we owe pertaining to God: “As in Heaven”
      2. Duty we owe pertaining to our neighbor: “As we forgive them”
   2. Note about Forgiveness
      1. If we desire to be forgiven, we mustn’t only not hate our brother, but must forgive
      2. We have a pledge of our own forgiveness, if we have forgiven others
      3. When we have forgiven our brethren and purged our hearts of hate, then we are made fit for service
      4. By saying this petition, we bind ourselves to this condition
      5. It is out of the goodness of God that he agrees to the bond of this petition
   3. An added note concerning our “indebtedness”
      1. “Every man is a debtor [to God], having a debtor [also who owes them]”
      2. We are debtors to others when we do not give them the charity and justice due them
   4. Difference between God’s Forgiving and Our Forgiving
      1. We forgive the debts of those to whom we might one day owe a debt; God forgives the debts of those whom He will never be indebted.
      2. We are indebted to God by the “thousands” while others only owe use “hundreds.”
   5. Imitating God by This Practice
      1. God gives us the power to forgive even as He forgives, whereby a person can be to another even in God’s place
      2. Christ calls us to find true honor in being like, and imitating, God Who is slow to anger and long suffering.
         1. The greatest honor for us to aspire to is to more and more resemble the Father.
         2. The greatest shame for us is to be like the weakest things that desire revenge.
   6. The Benefit of Practicing This Part of the Prayer
      1. Outwardly, we have a covenant with God in which we can press for forgiveness
      2. Inwardly, we have a convincing reassurance of our stance with God.
   7. The Duty we have In Regards to this Part of the Prayer
      1. We are to both forgive our brethren and forget their offence, thus we must strive to master all corrupt desires for revenge in either word, deed, or sight
      2. As Prayer is the means to apply Christ’s satisfaction to our souls, so forgiving charity and mercy are the ways to apply God’s forgiveness to our souls
         1. Forgiveness is something all men have to give
         2. To forgive and then offer kindness is proof of supernatural work
         3. Nothing is more fitting to receive God’s mercy, than for us to show mercy to others
      3. Christ actually repeats this teaching after the prayer in order to make sure we were paying attention to the significance of practicing forgiveness.

 

Music & Sound Attributions:

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions “Lost Shoe” (www.sessions.blue). Sounds used are as follows: “Beer Can Opening” recorded by Mike Koening found at (http://soundbible.com/216-Beer-Can-Opening.html) and “Pouring Drink” recorded by Mike Koenig found at (http://soundbible.com/2115-Pouring-Drink.html).