Always Always on a Tuesday
by Jonathan Williams, a friend and Son of Encouragement

Why do I attend the Tuesday Evening Bible Study of the Highlands Study Center? Simple. Where else could a good Presbyterian go on Tuesday night to enjoy the sweet-smelling aroma of burning incense? Just kidding, of course. Actually the sweet-smelling aroma is from the confections provided by some of the kind folks who also attend the Bible study.

Those of us who attend the Bible study represent diverse churches and theological backgrounds. We are united around the faithful teaching of God's Word which "is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). When you come to the Bible study, you may wear your best tuxedo or evening gown, but your favorite "comfy" duds will certainly be suitable. The relaxed atmosphere encourages genuine fellowship. Our questions during the study are both encouraged and appreciated by our very amiable and scholarly teacher, R.C., Jr.

Over the past few years, the topics studied have included worship, the Biblical view of the family, the "Seven Deadly Sins," the nature and attributes of God, the Holy Spirit, Biblical economics, and the Church. Biblical books studied exegetically have included Philippians and the Epistles of St. John. As you can see, we have studied quite a wide range of subjects. The possibilities are seemingly unlimited since Jesus is Lord over all things and we must bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (pretty clever, huh? That's the name of the newsletter).

Until almost a year ago, my wife, Ruth, and I used to take turns attending the Bible study. I would go one week and she would go the next. This arrangement was not due to a fear of being assassinated together in public, but rather to the gift of covenant offspring having a cumulative age of less than ten. Recently, Ruth has not been able to attend the study at all. This is due to the addition of a man-child to our family who has a nursing bias in favor of Ruth. The Bible studies have been a source of stimulating conversations for the two of us. Lately my eldest daughter, Jessa, has been attending the study with me. Even at the tender age of six, she is able to understand and discuss some of the subjects that are taught.

I have benefited greatly from the teaching I have received, and continue to receive, from the Tuesday Evening Bible Study. I have learned that by God's grace I can be a more godly husband and father, that the work I do at home or the office is fulfilling the Dominion Mandate and the Great Commission, and that the Reformation of Christ's beloved Church is a work in progress. I have also learned that fine wine, R.C., Jr.'s home-brew, marital intimacy, children, the chorales of Bach, and the paintings of Rembrandt (not necessarily in that order) are examples of the undeserved gifts of our loving, Heavenly Father.

When you come to the Bible study, you will understand why I and the other attendees would rather take a "beating" than to be absent. R.C., Jr. has a wonderful gift of translating somewhat difficult theological concepts into "horsy-ducky". Perhaps an example would be in order. In the recent study on the doctrine of the Church (ecclesiology), we discussed the phrase from the Nicene Creed, "we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church".

The true Church is defined by three marks: (1) faithful preaching of the Word of God, (2) right administration of the Sacraments, and (3) exercise of discipline. The "oneness" of the Church spoken of by Christ in John 17 is a oneness of all true Christians regardless of church affiliation. This oneness is not to be found however in uniting with the ex-churches of Rome and Constantinople. Those of us who are understandably attracted to the beauty of the great cathedrals of Europe, for example, know that such beauty, which lacks the glorious Gospel of salvation by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone, is merely a facade. Instead we strive for a renewal of architectural, liturgical, and sacramental beauty and truth in our own churches.

I Peter 2:9 refers to the Church as "a holy nation". The Church is "holy" because of her union with Christ. She has been declared legally holy by the power of God through Christ's atonement. She is also holy because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Church has been set apart and sent on a holy mission from God. While on this mission, she is being made even holier. Each Lord's Day she is given a foretaste of the feast she will one day enjoy with her Bridegroom in the New Jerusalem.

When we confess the belief in the "catholic" Church, we are saying that the Church is universal and therefore consists of Christians of all races, ethnic groups, and nations currently living and "whose rest is won." Because it would be an implicit denial of the catholicity of the Church, an American flag (or a German flag, a British flag, or even a Confederate flag) has no place in the Church of the Living God. There is no such thing as an American church, a German church, a Japanese church, etc. The Church may be in America or in China, but the Church is not American or Chinese. The true Church knows no borders. Also, racism is an evil that has no place in the catholic Church. Christians must be "color blind."

That Church is "apostolic" which teaches the faith of the Apostles. While we believe in the "laying on of the hands of the presbytery" and regard tradition with honor and dignity, we reject the non-apostolic notions of Roman and Anglo-Catholicism pertaining to "apostolic succession".

Have I whetted your appetite for the superb teaching that we enjoy at the Tuesday Evening Bible Study? If so, please join us. The instruction, fellowship, conversation, laughter, and occasional snack blend together to assist us in leading simple, separate, and deliberate lives.