Anger is right when we respond to the right things in the right way. It is the appropriate response to sin and injustice. What provokes Jesus’ outburst in Luke 11 is the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and the way they prevent other people coming to God. The climax of his tirade is: “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering” (Luke 11:52). We begin to enjoy the anger of Jesus by understanding it as the flipside of his love.

Here’s a surprise. In preparation to write about how we relate to Jesus day by day in the here and now, I re-read the Gospels. I was looking out for how he related to people when he was on earth as pointers to how he relates to his people now from heaven. Much of what I found was what I expected. He cares, protects, energizes, touches, and intercedes for his people—then and now. But one thing took me by surprise: Jesus on earth was often angry.
His emotional state may not often be specified, but his words can be surprisingly sharp and his attitude shockingly abrasive. Consider what happens when he goes to the home of a Pharisee in Luke 11:37–54.
Jesus is angry at hypocrisy and injustice (Luke 11:37–54). Imagine the scene with me. Jesus enters a home. Instead of washing his hands, as custom dictated, he goes straight to the table and sits down. This is not a failure of personal hygiene—the Pharisees had extended the ceremonial cleanliness required of temple priests into everyday life. But Jesus deliberately ignores this expectation. Make no mistake: this is a provocative act.
A shocked hush descends, into which Jesus speaks, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.” These are the first words anyone speaks. This is not a discussion that turned into an argument that then got heated. Right from the start, Jesus is confrontational. “Woe to you . . .”, he says three times. It’s as if Jesus is firing off accusations from a verbal machine gun. An expert in the law intervenes. “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.” Big mistake. For Jesus then turns his fire on the experts in the law. They too get three “woes”—just like the Pharisees.
Then Jesus leaves. There’s no record of any food having been eaten! The religious leaders follow him out “to besiege him” with questions. It’s the language of violent assault, as if Jesus is a city under attack. Luke says they “began to oppose him fiercely.” We might say that things have turned ugly, but that would imply a preceding moment of calm!
This is the story told in Luke 11:37–54. But we see this confrontational posture throughout Luke’s Gospel. Here’s just a snapshot.

“Woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort” (6:24–26).
“‘You hypocrites! . . .’ When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated.” (13:10–17).
“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division” (12:51–53).
“When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling.” (19:45–46).

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By meditating on His word, I can, with the Holy Spirit’s help, turn a simple everyday task of holding a baby into a sanctifying time of spiritual strengthening. You might not have time to do a full inductive Bible study every hour of your day. But I am certain if you committed yourself to meditating on Scripture, you could find time throughout your schedule to think over a precious truth or promise or command from God.

Lately, I have spent a large portion of my days and nights holding a baby. The question I have asked myself during these extended periods of holding him is “how can I redeem this time for spiritual good? Is there anything spiritually profitable I can do while holding my baby?”
The past couple weeks, I have found 6 different answers to these questions. While certainly non-exhaustive, these 6 things have helped me focus my mind on the Lord as I have been walking, standing, or sitting with a baby in my arms. What is the goal of all this? Redeeming the time in accordance to what God says:
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV emphasis added
Even if you don’t find yourself holding a baby, no doubt you have free moments throughout the day. These free moments may be short, but they are opportunities to invest in your soul and in your relationship with the Lord. Here are some ways to spend those moments.
1. Pray
Before having a baby, I often asked the Lord to give me more time to pray throughout the day. He certainly answered that request by giving me a son. The first couple sleepless nights in the hospital I sat holding my son in the dark and the silence-alone except for me, my son, and the Lord. I will never forget the sweet times of prayer in the hospital holding a baby I cared so much about and who I wanted to know Christ one day.
This taught me an important lesson:

You don’t have to wait around for an opportunity to pray. You can do it now.

Communion with the Lord is made possible through Christ and that communion is possible at any moment. The key is to take the times of silence God gives you to turn our attention back to Him. Holding a baby is one of those opportunities, but so is a host of other life circumstances. Next time you find yourself having a free moment, keep your phone off. Don’t turn on music or flip on the television. Dedicate those fleeting calm moments to pray to the God who made you, knows you, and loves you.
2. Read
If I am holding my son and he is asleep, I most likely have one hand free. That means I can hold a Christian book or, better yet, the Bible. I normally can get through a chapter or two of Scripture or a couple sections of a book before my son wakes up. I personally don’t care for audio books or e-readers, but I imagine both of these are even more accessible while holding a baby.
A consistent diet of Biblical truth is what you and I need to grow. Like the Psalmist in Psalm 119, you should be longing for God’s word. This longing will manifest itself in picking up the Bible or a book on the Bible any chance you get.
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Written by Leonard W. Pine |
Monday, October 17, 2022
The Gender Identity Study Committee presented a written report to the delegates, The Historical Positions of the Bible Presbyterian Church General Synod on Gender Identity and moved to amend the final sentence of Form of Government 1:7 to read, “The Bible Presbyterian Church believes that marriage is limited to a covenant relationship between one biological man and one biological woman, that gender is biologically determined, and that there are only two human genders: male and female. We deny that gender is a fluid self-expression.” This amendment passed unanimously, and was referred to the presbyteries for approval.

In the midst of pleasant mid-summer weather in the Great Lakes region, delegates to the 85th General Synod of the Bible Presbyterian Church (BPC) convened in Grand Island, New York, on August 4-8, 2022, on the campus of the BPC of Grand Island, pastored by Dr. Kevin Backus. Taking a cue from Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,” the Synod docket reflected messages and fellowship that encouraged a thoughtful look at the past, present, and future of the denomination’s identity and mission. Characteristically enthusiastic worship marked the various services that were interspersed throughout the Synod’s business sessions. As is typical of Bible Presbyterian Synods and presbytery meetings, many of the delegates’ families were also in attendance, adding to the retreat feel the body often enjoys at its gatherings.
The delegates unanimously elected Rev. Jason Hutchinson, pastor of Grace BPC in Sharonville, Ohio, to the office of Moderator. Pastor Hutchinson ably led the Synod through its usual items of business with a warm, dignified approach that kept the docket moving forward on schedule. We were pleased to welcome Mr. Mark Bube from the OPC, who addressed us warmly and made the most of the fellowship during the time that he was present. Of note among the committee reports this year were those of three special study committees that had been appointed by 84th General Synod, namely, the Book of Discipline Study Committee, the Declaratory Statement Study Committee, and the Gender Identity Study Committee.
The Book of Discipline Study Committee’s object is to examine the Book of Discipline and possibly recommend changes related to simplifying procedures and potential deficiencies where the BoD is silent or minimal in some areas of process. The committee reported that the initial work of identifying areas to work on was completed, and assignments had been delegated to various committee members. A report will be given at next year’s Synod, D.V., regarding the progress of this extremely important work.
The Declaratory Statement Study Committee was formed in response to an overture at last year’s Synod to consider removing or editing the Declaratory Statement which has been included in the BPC’s constitutional documents for many years. The committee found that the Declaratory Statement, while it is of historical significance to understand the context and views of the men God used to establish the Bible Presbyterian Church, is not a part of the Westminster Confession of Faith, nor of the other parts which they adopted as the Constitution. The historic circumstances in which it was written and which it was intended to address have changed significantly. The committee recommended, therefore, for the sake of clarity, that the Declaratory Statement not be printed in future publications of the Constitution of Bible Presbyterian Church, be it in print or any other media, including the denominational website. The Synod adopted the recommendation. Provision was made in a subsequent vote to archive it among resolutions of the first General Synod.
Finally, the Gender Identity Study Committee presented a written report to the delegates, The Historical Positions of the Bible Presbyterian Church General Synod on Gender Identity and moved to amend the final sentence of Form of Government 1:7 to read, “The Bible Presbyterian Church believes that marriage is limited to a covenant relationship between one biological man and one biological woman, that gender is biologically determined, and that there are only two human genders: male and female. We deny that gender is a fluid self-expression.” This amendment passed unanimously, and was referred to the presbyteries for approval.
Resolutions are features of BP Synods that are somewhat unique in the Reformed world. These statements reflect the position of each individual Synod and are not binding on subsequent Synods, yet they serve a good purpose in providing a vehicle for addressing issues of the day. Among the resolutions passed this year were two of particular note. The first expresses praise and gratitude for the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and an encouragement to the states to continue the movement toward ridding our country of the scourge of abortion. A second, related, resolution gives pastoral counsel and encouragement to those in the Church who have had abortions in the past, affirming the forgiveness of Christ for them as they come in repentance and a warm welcome to them among the larger Body of Christ.
We rejoice in the joyful fellowship and oneness of mind that was evident throughout this Synod, and pray for the magnifying of the work accomplished among our churches and beyond. The General Synod will reconvene, God willing, in Greeneville, Tennessee, at Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church, pastored by Rev. Carel Van Der Merwe, on August 3-7, 2023. More information regarding the Bible Presbyterian Church can be found at www.bpc.org. All glory be to God.
Leonard W. Pine is Pastor of Providence Bible Presbyterian Church in Bonners Ferry, Idaho
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