We often look back and think that the grass was greener in other centuries.  However, when you read Luther, Ryle, Spurgeon, Lloyd-Jones and men from other centuries you quickly find out that even though circumstances may differ our sin nature often act out the same.  We are prone to being predominately concerned with the things of this earth and do not seek first the kingdom of God.  Over at Church Matters Michael Mckinley had this to say:

I was reading Richard Sibbes the other day (because, you know, that’s what the cool kids do) and I came across a complaint of his. It seems that he was frustrated by Christians who made life decisions (like, for instance, where they should live) based on superficial criteria rather than the most important thing: the ability to hear God’s Word preached.

Sibbes writes:

In our buildings and dwellings we look for good air, good soil, good neighbours, but where is the main? Who inquireth what minister have we? What means of salvation? Tush! this enters not into their thoughts; and thus do they invert God’s order.

Two things stand out to me:

1. He said “Tush!” in a sermon.

2. He’s got a good point. If hearing the Word of God is the “one thing necessary” (Luke 10:42), then choosing a good church should be our first priority when considering a move. No?

Edgewood Baptist Church welcomes Jerry Bridges, renowned author and worldwide speaker, to its pulpit Sunday, November 9, 2008. He will be teaching during the Sunday School hour at 9:30 AM, our morning worship at 10:30 AM and a special 1:00 PM service (there will be a pitch-in lunch between).  We invite you to join us!

Edgewood is now streaming its services live.  We hope this ministry will be helpful for shut-ins, those down sick or with sick children, our firefighters, and a variety of others.  There is also an on demand feature that allows you to play the other Sunday services anytime you want.

I woke up this morning and the first thing I notice was the sun came up, just like yesterday.  It was not brighter, nor was it dimmer.  It did not go into hiding or start to revolve in an entirely new way.  It did exactly what it was created to do, rise and shine.  While last night’s election certainly brought change, a newly elected president, Indiana being won by a democrat for the first time in my lifetime, the first African-American to be president, and new moral positions (his view on abortion is as liberal and anti-biblical as we have ever been under), my purpose and function today is the same.  In fact for Christians, just as God is the same yesterday, today and forever, our purpose and function should be the same yesterday, today, and forever:  To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  While a new administration may offer new and different avenues to do this, my existence and outlook is not shaken or changed.  I, like the sun, am to do what I was created to do, rise and shine.  I am to get up, go about the tasks that God has called me to do and shine for his glory and enjoy Him.

Christians, do not be overcome and discouraged today.  Christ sure victory over sin and death is as secure today as it was yesterday or in the 1950’s or in the 1800’s.  If anything let your zeal be inspired and increased.   First, we are reassured there are many who need Christ.  Second, God’s plans have not been thwarted, His kingdom will endure, He is at discouraged or stressed today for He knows what is to come so neither should we His children be discouraged or stressed today.  Go out and do His work, for it will be victorious!  As sure as the sun is rose, the Son reigns.

A few other observations:

• A record number of voters showed up to voice their opinions yesterday.  This election may be the best barometer during my lifetime of where my neighbors and fellow country men stand, of what is important to them and what is not.  Let this motivate us as Christians to realize how greatly our neighbors and country need to hear about and see the radical transforming power of Christ.
• The economy, by in large, drove this election.  Even among professing evangelicals this vote had to do primarily with their pocketbook and treasures here on earth (even for many who did not vote for President Elect Obama).  Abortion and morality were little talked about and of little concern to the majority.  This again shows the need of Christ, because money is ahead of morality.  It also ought to be a gut check for all of us:  are we laying up treasures here on earth or in heaven?

Why do we vote on Tuesdays? Why not Monday, Saturday and/or Sunday? Yahoo gives us the answer.  First, there is a reason we vote in November:

The short answer: We used to be a nation of farmers.

The long answer: Congress chose November because the harvest was over and the weather wouldn’t be bad enough to prevent people from traveling.

Second, there is a good reason why we vote on Tuesday. It has everything to do with Church and the Lord’s Day:

As for Tuesday, people used to have to travel overnight to their polling location. (In 1845, horse was the preferred method of transport.) In an effort to avoid religious days of rest, Congress chose Tuesday, leaving Monday and Wednesday as travel days. Tuesday was voting (and horse-resting) day.

It seems we have moved a long way from where we started, as a society and as the western evangelical church. Not only did the church used have great respect for the Christian Sabbath 150 years ago, but so did the government!