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Well friends, today gives us yet another opportunity to again open God's Word and look within to find out what it says to us and our world we live in. However, today I want to approach it a bit differently. Rather than going to the Word and finding out what it says, and how to apply it to our hearts and lives. I want to go the reverse route and look at our hearts and lives and find out what kind of theology, we actually believe. For what we live is really the test of what we believe.
In order to find out what American's believe, we must look at our lives. And, to find out what is the basis of our life and living these days, one must step back into our nation's past and study the life and living of our forefathers, to see what motivates us at our core of beliefs. So today my friends, I'd like to take a measured journey into the past life of early American Christianity, to view those strange and often misunderstood people many disparagingly today call the Puritans -- those early settlers of American life that to this day have shaped much of our lives and theology we hold so dear.
We've heard much about the famous Pilgrims that landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts in 1620. However most messages are centered around the wonderful occasion called Thanksgiving Day. Now this isn't that time, and my message to some might seem out of place, but one thing the American Puritans didn't want or have, is a life out of place or time. Now I've done a bit of study on the American Puritans and Separatists who settled the Americas and founded our nation, and surprisingly many myths that have been believed these days about them are unfounded and false. So sit back enjoy that second cup of morning refreshment, as you listen to my message - DUMME DOGS.
Now that title I chose, came from a text of history. It was a writing that described the emphasis American Puritans placed on the value of education in spiritual and public life. For "within only six years of the [Pilgrims] arrival, while still trying to hue out an existence, the Puritans founded a religious college named Harvard. Puritans wanted highly educated ministers, not 'DUMME DOGS,' as they called less-trained examples." (1) How utterly strange this is to modern American life.
Today Harvard is a school that is essentially dedicated to atheism or at the least, religious liberalism that denies every basic the Puritans believed and taught. In fact, one of the greatest fears our Puritan forefathers suffered was that the faith they lived and died for, might be compromised in generations to come. Sadly, such fear was realized in this founding school they established for the glory of God. However, that phrase "dumme dogs," intrigued me. For it speaks volumes of the importance the early Puritan settlers held towards the need for every citizen to be educated and learned in the things of God and man.
Therefore the first lesson from their lives and living is, that the Puritans believed that all men should be deeply instructed in God's Word as the basis for all that heir lives would accomplish and become. I believe this was the "driving force," that motivated our forefathers to build this great nation which God so royally blessed. Yet this matches what the Bible encourages all who follow its precepts to do. We read in,
Prov 3:5-6 (NIV) "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Josh 1:8-9 (NIV) "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
2 Tim 2:15 (NIV) "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."
2 Tim 3:16 (NIV) "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,"
You see throughout the Bible, we have God's word and promise that if we immerse ourselves in the instructions of Scripture, our lives will be built on a foundation that will not crumble or fail. A foundation God says, that will bring prosperity and success, and train us in the ways of righteousness. Did you know that the early settlers who came to these shores were not ignorant illiterate men? Those "who settled Massachusetts, included more than 100 graduates of Oxford and Cambridge "(2) In addition, Puritan women although non-attenders of the colleges and schools, were not illiterate women., but rather well-read managers of homes and estates. Truly our founding fathers put no premium on spiritual and intellectual ignorance. Education shaped their lives, and such education was based on the Bible and its teachings for life and living. How sad these days, that we've allowed the godless around us to shape and control education. We pride ourselves on having an American school system that is godless, materialistic, and secular. But such an education is an exercise in true ignorance. Not so the Puritans, nor the Separatists who founded our nation.
Another little known fact about Puritan life is what motivated them and gave them joy and happiness. Compared to today they had little to be happy about. The early settlers of Plymouth Colony, endured much suffering, sickness, disease and death. Yet they were strong in their faith and the joy life brought. Although today many think the American Puritans were a bane rather than blessing on this land, history reveals these souls were a happy, joyous people. They found their joy in personally knowing God, in worshipping and intimately communing with Him regularly, and in joyously doing His will from their hearts. If one could step back into their world, they would find the following.
Daily life consisted of primarily regular weekly worship in the house of the Lord. Such places were called "meeting houses." On the Lord's Day, Sunday, they met in the morning and afternoon to study the Word of God, to sing hymns of joy and happiness, and to worship and give thanks for the Lord's great blessings they enjoyed. Truly, they were a happy people, contrary to false teachings about them today. This lines up with what the Bible says we too are to do to enjoy life to the fullest. For we read in the Scriptures,
Psa 92:1-2 (NIV) "… It is good to praise the LORD …, O Most High, 2 to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night,"
Psa 95:2 (NIV) "Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."
Psa 119:1-2 (NIV) "Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart."
Mat 4:4 (NIV) "Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'""
Oh the Scriptures are full of admonition to saturate our lives with worship of God and a knowledge of the Holy One. The early Puritans did this to no detriment of their soul. In fact, historians tell us the Puritans of early America had a zest for life and the joy it brings. Although they were a hard working, and an industrious people, they took time for relaxation, and for family fellowship. In addition ,they were not prudes as liberal thinkers have characterized them. They often exhibited a keen sense of humor, compassion for others, and cheerful outlook for all life! Yes, these faithful followers of the "Lamb of God," Jesus Christ, to show their joy, often wore bright colorful clothing, and painted their houses with bright colors. There was no drab colorless living for them! In addition, the Puritans were not opposed to parties and joyous fellowship times.
Even more, they did not have any sexual hang-ups as has been attributed to them, by the godless crowd. For the husband and wife of the average Puritan home, sex was important, joyous and good within the confines of marriage alone. Along with this, history shows that public promiscuity was virtually absent from societal life (3). Again, this was the result of what they really believed the Bible had to say about joy and happiness in personal and family relationships. You see my friend the Bible says,
Prov 15:13, 15, 22 (NIV) "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, … the cheerful heart has a continual feast….[and] a happy heart is good medicine..."
Eccl 9:9-10 (NIV) "Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this life that God has given you under the sun…. For this is your lot in life; and, in your toilsome labor under the sun 10 whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..."
John 10:10 (NIV) "… I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
Yes, these early settlers were not prudish, dreary people at all! They got all the "gusto" out of life, but did it in ways that pleased God and brought His blessing on them. Then again, their love and compassion was seen in marvelous ways too. The American Puritans placed a premium on common welfare and often put the needs of others above self-interest. They did everything they could to help the helpless, to minister to the sick and needy, and to make sure that capitalism was not taking advantage of the less fortunate. These Pilgrim Christians even at times, set a modest cap on profit-making to ensure that all people were cared for, Indeed, they practiced what they preached and read in God's Word.
Moreover, their spiritual lives were filled with concept that survives to this day in modern fundamental and evangelical circles. For instance, for early puritan spiritual life they worshipped twice on Sunday, and they meet during the mid-week for prayer and devotions from the Word. In addition, they established other weekly meetings times for spiritual family get-togethers and centered their fellowship around sharing their trials, hopes and victories of life.
Moreover, when the worshipped on the Lord's Day, they sang hymns, gave testimonies of their faith, and sat long before the expositional preaching of God's Word. An average sermon lasted 1 ½ to 2 hours, where the preachers often gave four-part outlines that (1) read the text, and explained all the words, ideas and concepts behind it. This was followed by (2) applied doctrine - they applied the Scripture to the truths they believed about God, His Word and their relationship to Him. Third, (3) They did proofed texting of their Scriptures - by establishing the validity of interpretation using other Scripture to validate it. Fourth, (4) the applied the Word - by comparing it to every day examples and happenings that brought out the context of the message. Indeed, this was expositional and deep study of the Word -- something quite lost in many pulpits of the land today. How much preaching today is centered on entertainment and satisfying the flesh nature within us all? Not so the American Puritans, they loved their preachers and ministers. They held them in the highest esteem and were willing to follow them anywhere. In fact, may of their lay people actually came to the America's just following their ministers who were convicted to begin and establish Christianity in a new land.
Then again, when they sat before the ministry of the Word, the Puritans wanted vigorous, dynamic, and practical Gospel preaching. The demanded hard hitting sermons, preached thunderously from their elevated pulpits as the expected course of delivery. No sir, they wanted no wishy washy, sermonettes for Christianettes. A full spiritual meal was the order of their day.
Yes, Puritanism as the foundation of this nation was indeed the basis behind much that survives in the true world of Christianity today. Yet, it is also sad to see much that has not survived. Sunday worship is now almost a thing of the past in many churches. Multitudes long to get the hour over and, God forbid the preacher passes the noon hour in delivery. Then the Sunday night meeting is but dead for most church goers. In addition, living out the faith taught and preached on Sunday is a forgotten reality. Most worshippers in America today have a weekend faith and a weekday faith. You can find the weekday faith in the video stores, movie houses, supper and night clubs, on the beaches, in the sports stadiums, golf courses, and in the broken homes of those who claim to be Christian. What do we really believe? Not what our church doctrinal statements declare, but what we actually live day by day!
Now don't get this message wrong, the Puritan forefathers were not perfect people. There are none save Jesus Christ. The Puritans did many things that stemmed from their flesh, more than the Spirit of the Lord - yet to their credit, to the best of their ability they knew real Christianity was not something of the heart and head only, but of the life. Oh, would to God we would get back to these old paths. Jeremiah said it best,
Jer 6:16 (NKJV) "Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. . .'"
Christian friend, I believe its time all Christians everywhere would take inventory of their soul. We live in modern times, but we also live in the most deplorable times when it comes to living out the Christian faith. If you have been a failure, why not commit to God to get back to the Bible and His Word? Restore in your life - faithful Church attendance, Sunday morning and evening, regular prayer times, weekly devotional and family fellowship around the Word, active witnessing and sharing of your faith with those around you, regular inventory of your daily walk, faithfulness to your home , your mate and children, and most of all -- a spirit of true care for the needs of others through the love of Jesus Christ.
Yes my friends, those Puritans had no place for "dumme dogs," those who were willingly ignorant of what it means to be a true believer in Jesus Christ. For them their faith was their life, and a means to bring it to their children and their children's children for generations to come. God grant us this same spirit, and a heart that strives to honor Jesus Christ, and pass on a faith that will endure for time and eternity.
How well do you know God's Word? Well, enough that it is operating in your life to the fullest extent of your knowledge and God's grace? The American Puritans were concerned that the world in which they lived, was a world that had opportunity to embrace their Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. I would be remiss if I did offer that same salvation full and free to you my listening friend. If you have do not have a heartfelt knowledge that the Lord Jesus Christ as your God and Savior. You need to ask Him into your life right now. We do this by confessing our sins, the great sin of living without God on the throne of our hearts, then trusting Him alone to forgive us and save us from our sins. The Bible tells us how to do this,
Rom 10:9-10 (NIV) "… if you confess with your mouth that, "Jesus is Lord [God]," and believe in your heart that God [Father] raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
Friend may I ask you a direct question? Do you know of any reason why you should not receive Jesus Christ right now, into your heart and life? If not, then just ask the Lord Jesus Christ to come into your life, for the promise of Scripture is, He will! Again, listen to what God the Son and His Word promises,
Rev 3:20 (NIV) "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come and fellowship with him, and he with me."
So, the Christian Puritans have for centuries been falsely characterized, but today I hope we've set the record straight. Now may God set His record book straight by including your name among the brethren. May God grant that to us all for Jesus sake. Amen.
END NOTES:
1. "LITTLE KNOWN FACTS About the American Puritans"
- by Cassandra Niemcyzk, Christian History Magazine 1994
2. LITTLE KNOWN FACTS About the American Puritans" - by Cassandra
Niemcyzk, Christian History Magazine 1994
3. CHRISTIAN HISTORY MAGAZINE, "Interview with Harry
Stout," Copyright 1994
The World, the Word & You! Broadcast is a non-denominational ministry based on the historic fundamental evangelical interpretation of the Scriptures.A copy of our doctrinal statement is available upon request.These weekly radio commentaries can be heard in selected areas around the nation. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker for 16 years, and serves as General Director. These transcripts are available free of charge to all who desire them. Also available are radio cassette tapes and printed booklets of each message. A free listing of all messages is available upon request also.
For further information, reprints, or a listing of all topics, please write to our speaker, Dennis L. Finnan (wwyfin@sparc.isl.net)