William Petruzzo

I’m preparing for an evening of parties and new years celebrations, but also flowing in and out of reading different literature; theology and encouragement, mostly. After writing briefly yesterday on God as the creator (on Soulah Gratia), the gears of my mind have been in a continual churning process, never straying too far from that arena. Some of the thoughts that have taken my mind captive involve what real implications the understanding of God as the creator must have on our lives. I’m most certain that they are there, but perhaps I don’t fully understand them.

Reading today from The Institutes of Christian Religion by John Calvin, I read something so in line with the day’s mind and track that I just had to share it. Mr. Calvin writes in reference to the knowledge of God:

“I am trying to say that we must be convinced not only that he created the world, sustains the world by his boundless power, governs it by his wisdom, keeps it going by his goodness, rules the human race with justice, puts up with it in his love and shields it with his protection, but also that there is not an atom of light, wisdom or justice, power, integrity or truth to be found anywhere but flowing from him and generated by him.”

To my flesh, this is ridiculously burdensome, but to the spirit inside of me, it pulses with adrenaline and excitement. God is not a watch-maker; and I praise him for that. God did not just create, then sit back to enjoy the ensuing show. There is so much more mastery in his work. Like the pure image of an artist at work with the purest tools of his trade; his glory and imagination. He would create, sustain, govern, keep, rule, remain patient with and shield his work, all for his glory, effecting in our enjoyment, magnifying his glory!

What grasped me the most about what Mr. Calvin said follows immediately after:

“Obviously, then, we must learn to expect everything from him and ask him for it, gratefully acknowledging him as the giver of all we receive. This awareness of divine perfection is the best way to learn piety from which true religion springs.”

In Romans 1:28, Paul directly links a failure in piety to a refusal “retain” the knowledge of God. The knowledge of God in all of his perfection and greatness, to know him for who he is, is a great wellspring. I pray that we would all grow in the knowledge of God and that it would lead to great love for, and reliance on God, growing into an awesome act by God to his glory!

Allow me a moment to explain this post. I live in an area that is kind of triangulated by the cities of Washington DC, Annapolis and Baltimore. Because of these cities, almost everyone, it seems, within five or ten years of my age group is hyper-sensitive to the arts; namely media art—music and film. When I was in high school, knowing the strangest bands gave you huge points and watching the most obscure movies could put you on par with the jocks (although, frankly, I’m not even sure my school had those). I mean, the movies didn’t even really have to be good, just obscure. But the inversion of these things, in high school, would be the most important thing to know. If you liked “punk rock” music then Blink 182 had better not be in your CD stack. It was okay to listen to Dashboard Confessional, provided you had a disdain for the tracks with drums in them; but even then, if you didn’t know who Further Seems Forever was, you still had no right. Country music was a complete no-no, and pretty much any kind of pop music was only acceptable if you were replacing various words with “gay” while you sang along. That’s a lot of pressure, you know? And well, perhaps with maturity, or maybe just sheer exhaustion, I eventually gave up. I started listening to what sounded good to me; started watching whatever was entertaining, inspiring or thought provoking.

Still though, there are music groups that I know I probably shouldn’t legitimately like, but the fact of the matter is, I do. These are some of my guilty music pleasures: in no particular order.

The All-American Rejects
Namely the Album Move Along

I’m certain my contemporaries will not agree with me; but scarcely is there a CD that I sing to in my car more unashamedly. The melodies are relentlessly catchy, the guys voice is almost ridiculously appropriate and most importantly, every song transports you to about two minutes and fifty-five seconds of pure fantasy that never asks more from you than to just sing along and pretend your in some stupid music video! YES, actually, I’m going to put that CD on right now.

The Black Eyed Peas
Pump It and Probably some other songs too

I know that the Black Eyed Peas aren’t exactly the epitome of ‘good’ hip-hop. I mean, aside from the song My Humps they really have nothing important to say at all. But gosh, their music makes me feel like I’m in a movie with Jennifer Love-Hewitt, plus the guys have got like, the coolest voices.

Fall Out Boy
Pretty much all of their singles

There are so many haters. But seriously, I contend for how much fun the music is. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and the videos are usually pretty funny. In the world of pop-music, Fall Out Boy fixes all of My Chemical Romance’s problems that keeps me from singing (and dancing) along.

Garth Brooks
All of it

My family took a seven and a half week cross country vacation when I was about twelve on which we only had one tape—Garth Brooks’ greatest hits. I’m not ashamed to say it: I’ve considered a career as a country singer thanks to this brilliant man. Who else can wear that hat and jump around a gigantic stage in front of thousands of people and not look like a total moron? No one! Just Garth.

Good Charlotte
The newer the better

I seriously probably get the most heat for this one. And while I do get kind of tired of hearing them complain about their dad, the melodies and harmonies are so awesomely delicious. They play the part of the clichéd guys your parents don’t want you hanging out with so well, and I must say there’s something cool about some locals making it into an industry that big. Also, with big subwoofers in your car, their music has a fun mix.

Justin Timberlake
waitformaritalsex

Do I really need to explain this one? It’s just awesome.

Two nights ago I went to see Sweeny Todd, the musical in theaters. Now, let me get something out before I move onto other things. I loved this movie. The characters were all deeply and believably insidious. Johnny Depp does an excellent job in pretty much any roll he takes on and in this case played the part of a sinister serial killer very well. The songs, once you got used the style, were really catchy and carried the plot well. The movie ended giving you pretty much all the justice you were hoping for and even some of the sympathy. On the down side, it was whimsically gory (i.e., the blood was such a bright red it was clearly not real) which at times was difficult to watch because, well, I’m just not a huge fan of watching people get their throats slit. All in all, the movie was excellent, I think, if you can stomach the gore, it’s definitely worth watching.

Now, onto the other part of the discussion. I’ve had a few days to mull this film over in my head and I think that I’ve come to some conclusions. Watching Sweeny Todd in all of his vengeance and evil, is much like looking into a mirror of man’s, my heart; we really do think on some level that we’re justified in our violently selfish actions that try to take rise from inside of us. On a natural level, we do look on ourselves with pity, even with blood stained hands. Were it not for the grace of God, there would be no hesitation in us to consume another person to feed our insatiable lusts and, when others join our sins we jump at the opportunity to be justified in committing them.

A running theme throughout the film was that all men ‘deserve’ to die, and so in Sweeny’s mind, he is justified in his murders and eventually is brought to his own justice. How great a God we have though that he would look on us with kindness and mercy and take upon himself the vengeance that was due to us. Yes, even us in our murderous rampages of selfish ambition, adulteries and pride he would look still with mercy and kindness; Sweeny Todds and Mrs. Lovitts, for us there is grace enough.

Along with a community of people from Challies.com, I am reading Of The Mortification of Sin in Believers as found in the collection of classics by John Owen Overcoming Sin and Temptation. It’s not to late to join this adventure. Go here and read this. Then go here and buy this.

Today, I continue reading in chapter seven. In this chapter Mr. Owen lays some premises for some practical teaching on mortification. The one (and only) that he covers in this chapter is the time of mortification. Mr. Owen argues that mortification is the concern of the regenerate man, never the unbeliever. This is because it is not something the unbeliever is able to do. “An unregenerate man may do something like [mortification]; but the work itself, so as it may be acceptable to God, he can never perform.” Even though some unregenerate man may attempt to stop sinning, they “seek it not by faith” (Rom 9:31-32) and so they cannot ever truly succeed.

Mr. Owen elaborates more on an angle that I feel very strongly about. When the men and women came to Jesus to be healed, they always came sick and broken. Our structures often portray things as if people ought to get themselves together before they come. ‘When the Jews upon the conviction of their sin, were cut to the heart and cried out, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37), what does Peter direct them to do? Does he bid them go and mortify their pride, wrath, malice, cruelty, and the like? No; he knew that was not their present work, but he calls them to conversion and faith in Christ in general’. The church sets up all kinds of systems and picket lines to make people stop sinning before that is truly even their duty; truly even their capability.

I feel it necessary to point out that Mr. Owen does make it abundantly clear that sin is evil in every respect and in being so is bad for everyone. Great chaos and torment would ensue if it were not for a merciful God who restrains it, to a degree, in many. “Let, then, the word be preached and the sins of men rebuked, [and] lust will be restrained, and some oppositions will be made against sin; though that be not the effect aimed at.”

We need to remember that when we encounter the unbeliever, his duty is not to mortify his sin, he couldn’t if he wanted to, but rather to repent and believe the Gospel; from his conviction and conscience a desire for the former will flow.

Two days ago I began reading The Forgotten Spurgeon by Ian Murray. The book, as Mr. Murray puts, it is not an adequate biography of Spurgeon’s life; but then again that doesn’t appear to be his intention either. Rather, he exploring the surprisingly balanced theology that Spurgeon held, in hopes that the church today might adopt it.

I would like to, in brief, share something that Mr. Murray states in the second chapter of his book that I believe the church, especially those within leadership roles, ought to consider. Spurgeon experienced vast success in presenting the Gospel and even lived through revival times where many responded to that presentation; on this, Mr. Murray comments:

“It is tempting to turn these statistics to account in interpreting Spurgeon to the present day; to argue, for instance, that if ministers followed his example, or espoused his full theology, there would be like results in this age…”

It seems to me that there is a great push to formulate past successes in ministry into present and future successes in ministry. Perhaps this is not always from an improper motive, but if left to itself will always lead to a crumbled burning ruin of ministerial efforts. To this Mr. Murray further comments: “by the enduement of the Holy Ghost, Spurgeon was fitted to work in the reaping time in English church history.” In other words it was not Spurgeon’s formula, but the prerogative of the Holy Ghost at that time. “God does not merely give opportunities to preachers and leave the rest to them.” Mr. Murray writes.

I think we as a church and ministers at large should consider this as they prepare their messages and oversee their congregations. Consider what choices flow from a fervent faith in the power and movement of God and which flow from a carbon copy quick fix of the last greatest ministry. The latter is truly a lack of faith, which carries grave implications (Romans 14:23).

I have recently finished what, is to date, one of the most influential books I have ever read: The Sinfulness of Sin by Ralph Venning. In his book first published in 1669, then republished in the 1960’s by the Banner of Truth Trust, Mr. Venning sets out to prove from various sources that sin is completely detestable in every way, shape and form.

I must recommend this book to anyone who is willing to try to chew it. It is not always easy to read. By today’s standards it’s a bit tricky being that the book is broken up in somewhat awkward ways (sections, subsections, subsections of subsections). Although, once you get used it, it actually makes it easier to pick it up and only read for however long you have, then put it down. Mr. Venning does a great job of pointing the finger at sin and calling it out for what it is; not only in a defining and general sense, but very, very, very specifically.

God has used this book to impart understanding on me that it is unlikely would have befallen me otherwise. He systematically explores very many of sin’s lies and usual tactics. He regularly is quoting and responding to scripture and is often referring the reader back to the bible, allowing us to build our faith in the Word of God, instead of the Word of Venning. “Read the text,” as he writes it, appears on numerous occasions.

But for me it has not been the intellectual understanding of sin (which I first anticipated) that has made this book so powerful. It has been the book’s highlighting the true condition of mine and everyone else’s heart. It is not merely information he speaks of, it is truth that is affecting to the spirit, the comfort of our spirit and often our bodies, our presence in eternity, and most importantly the suffering of God. It’s probably more than I can actually explain in words. The truth that Mr. Venning highlights from the Word has enabled in me, truly by the grace of God, a hatred and defection from sin. Along side of that it has also illuminated my heart and mind’s inability to actually do anything about it and so has brought new vigor to my reliance on God’s grace through his Spirit in me.

Anyone willing to trek slowly and prayerfully though this book may find that the Lord has much for them in its pages. It is not a quick fix. There is no magic system for “beating” sin, or living in Christ for that matter. It will always come back to faith and trust in a sovereign and loving God. Read this book prayerfully asking the Lord how it is applied, but do not expect to apply it with success yourself or for the book to do it for you; you do not have the will or ability and the book has not the power, but only God and God alone.

            Don’t worry, I won’t bore you with twelve full posts about Christmas; in fact this is probably the last one for another 364-ish days.

            As I shared a few days ago, gift giving is not a huge deal in my family. We select names out of a hat and buy gifts only for the person whose name we drew. When buying for that person there is a fifty dollar limit that cannot be exceeded (at least not without getting a bunch of grief from the family). This year, I selected my mother and my father selected me. Here’s a run down, for all of your anxious to know what I got:

1.) Badly needed camera bag, large enough to hold my gear and comfortable enough to wear on my back for an extended period of time.

2.) Small square table to set next to my chair so that I can read and drink coffee/tea more comfortably.

(What can I say, I really like reading)

3.) Citrus zester; Santa overheard me complaining about using a cheese grater to zest a lemon the other day.

4.) A replacement lens cap for one of my poor lenses who’s UV filter is taking a heck of a beating.

            So this Christmas, I got pretty much everything I needed and asked for and abundantly more than I deserved when I consider the Life that we celebrate on this day.

Christmas Eve and Christmas are two dates out of the year where the Petruzzo family gets together for some serious tradition. Which frankly, is kind of weird. Most other times there’s really not too much tradition involved in my family. But tonight and tomorrow night are among the exceptions.

Tonight, Christmas Eve, we share a simple dinner passed down through my father’s family. It came from the tradition of meat abstinence before Christmas. Originally, my father’s family would have plain olive oil pasta and seven kinds of seafood (I can’t say for certain what they were, although I know eel was in there somewhere). After my oldest sister was born the meal became simpler; only green salad, olive oil and bread crumb pasta, and shrimp. Over the years the simple Christmas Eve meal elaborated itself in other ways. Today we usually share the meal with a small army of people who enjoy a few hours of each other’s company and the free beer.

Tomorrow will be a smaller affair, although no less tradition involved. Joining us will be our family’s closer friends. We’ll eat homemade cheese ravioli with my grandmother’s homemade meat sauce, escarole soup and a salad dressed with my father’s recipe. In our family, it is this meal that is the most coveted. We look foreword to eating the ravioli all year long and when it finally comes we usually stuff ourselves stupid.

Of course, in the end it’s always the conversations and the relationships that are remembered and it’s the tradition we hold that they ride in and out on every year. So, I guess tonight, more than anything, I would simply like to thank God for a season in the year that gives families reasons to gather around each other. Thank you Jesus.

          Well our Agape Dinner hosted at my house last night went excellent. We enjoyed a spiral cut ham, pineapple casserole, green beans, baked potatoes, macaroni and cheese, fresh baked bread, salad (with two types of dressing; dairy and non), then followed all of that by a small army’s worth of desserts; brownies, cookies, chocolate and lemon cake, cinnamon buns. Everything was excellent. We enjoyed excellent conversation and time together.

            Following dinner we spent time in worship together, thanks to the leading of a good friend. In the midst of worship we shared in communion together and finally sang our way out to “Joyful Joyful.” I believe the time was honoring to God and edifying to our spirits. I cannot wait until our next opportunity.

            If you’re local, and would like the chance to be involved next time, please let me know.

            Here I am, in my kitchen, making an iced lemon pound cake for dinner tonight. Tonight is the fourth “Agape Meal” that’s been shared at my house in the past several months. They spawned a while back when a good friend of mine had an urge during worship to share a meal together. About eight of us who were worshipping that night selected an evening that we were all free and we made our plans. That first night had an uncanny closeness to it. We each made different parts of the meal, spent some time in worship and prayer and then when we were finished we shared communion. All of us were encouraged and, at least speaking for myself, strengthened in the Lord. As I’ve been working on stuff for the meal tonight, it reminded me of some things that I’d like to share. Sometime in the future I plan to write more, but for now I will share in brief.

            A few months back, before we started having these meals together I had a conversation with a close friend of mine. I was in a rough patch in my life (and faith) and there were a lot of questions I was asking that perhaps didn’t need answers or shouldn’t be answered; questions primarily concerning the body of Christ and disappointments therein. It was at this time that my friend shared a vision that he had for the church; one in which the church would be encouraging. Where we could even meet a complete stranger, but were they in the Lord you would walk away from the conversation encouraged and inspired to press into God. The sad truth is that this just isn’t really the case on a large scale.

            Since that conversation, the scripture seems to just leap off the page at me; word after word after word telling us to be encouraged and to encourage one another. I believe that our primary responsibility to each other is encouragement; to lift up, edify, strengthen, exhort and admonish when necessary. I long for myself to be encouraging, to strengthen my brothers and sisters and I long to receive those things from God through them as well. That is part of the purpose of the Agape Meal; a specific time where we gather with the intention to encourage each other. I pray that as the body we would begin to ask God where it is our selfishness and pride drains us of our ability to be encouraging and that he would begin to correct that in us.