CrossPoint Community News – December 17, 2021

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

       Thank you to all who have been praying for my family as we went through the COVID protocol for isolation and quarantine. Praise God, we are all healthy and back into the normal swing of things. I hope to see you tonight in person at our Friday Night Bible Study!

       This week, I want to introduce you to a Christian named Samuel Rutherford. (Note: The following information was collected from 50 People Every Christian Should Know, by Warren Wiersbe). Samuel Rutherford lived, preached, wrote, and died in Scotland in the 1600’s. Why should you care to learn about a Christian in Scotland who lived over 400 years ago? It’s because he loved Jesus and worked to make him known, even in the face of controversy.
       Rutherford was born in 1600 and after a life apart from Christ throughout his childhood, he became a Christian sometime during his teen years or early 20s, because he was licensed to preach in 1627, following theological studies. He ministered in a small church in Anwoth for about 9 years. During this time, he published a book called “An Apology [Argument] for Divine Grace” which opposed weak theology in his day. He was censured, forbidden to preach in 1636. He was sent to Aberdeen where he wrote letters back to his church (much like Paul in Rome to the Philippians). These letters have been collected and organized by one of his former students, and are available for reading today. But they are more mystical with a lot of analogies referring to the church as the bride of Christ, the vineyard of the Lord, and the ship. These letters, I have heard, provide content for reflection and exalt Jesus Christ.
      When, after 2 years, he was cleared, he went back to his church. A year later he was commissioned to take the chair of divinity at St. Mary’s College in Ediburgh, Scotland. He wasn’t one to seek position and fame, but sought to serve where the Lord led him. He went as a representative from the Scottish churches to the Westminster Assembly. In the Assembly, he helped to craft the Westminster Confession of Faith (It’s pretty long.) which was intended to help reform the theology and practice of the Church of England. He is also credited with drafting the Westminster Shorter Catechism (which the New City Catechism my family uses is partially based on).
       He also wrote a book called Lex Rex (Latin for “The Law and the Prince”). In it, he called for democracy and civil rights in a time of the British Monarchy. He was summoned to the gallows for this book, but he was on his deathbed and answered the summons: “I behoove [It is necessary] to answer my first summons [to be with Christ], and ere your day come, I will be where few kings and great folk come.”
       If you want more information on Samuel Rutherford, I can suggest a number of works about him or by him.

       Also, please join us on New Years Eve for a special night of community building and prayer. The plan is to begin activities a little earlier than normal, but start prayer at 7:30 pm so that families can get home at a reasonable hour and others can still attend New Year’s Eve parties.
       Additionally, this is the last month of 2021 when you can give financially to support the ministry of CrossPoint Community and CBCGL. Please make sure that if you have moved, you update your address with the treasurer so that he can send you your donation receipt. Please give generously so that we have the resources to serve the community and share the good news of the generosity and abundance of our God!