COMPETITION

When I was a lad there was only one winner in any competition, from soccer matches to spelling bees, or from playing marbles on the playground to school dux. Nowadays it seems that everyone is a winner. Where have all the losers gone? But what happens to competition if all are winners regardless?

Unlike Western society today, there will always be a clear winner in a competition between a spider and a fly, an anteater and an ant, a cat and a mouse, and God the Creator and man the creature. Charles Darwin’s observation was that only competitive creatures would survive – competition primarily being about food, habitat, and reproduction. By exchanging the magnifying glass for the electron microscope contemporary Darwinism now views all competition through the clouded lens of gene transference. Thus the propagation of the species is now all about the survival of genetic material from one generation to the next. Therefore to the neo-Darwinist every creature is a winner because every creature belongs to the collective gene pool that has, against the odds, survived. Hooray! Let’s pass out prizes to any piece of DNA or RNA willing to accept them – especially those that make mistakes and get it wrong!

The Christian sees things differently to the above albeit simplistic synopsis of the drift of a branch of contemporary Western thought. For the Christian the role of the passing on of codified genetic information from one generation to another is all very interesting. But the chief purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever – whether competing in soccer, spelling bees, playground marbles, or becoming school dux. From science to singing, at work, rest, and play the Christian glorifies God and will continue to enjoy Him forever. For Scripture says, ‘Therefore, whether you eat or drink, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.’ 1 Corinthians 10:31.

The 1981 movie ‘Chariots of Fire’ depicts the true story of Eric Liddell, the ‘Flying Scotsman.’ Specialising in the 100 metres Liddell sought to compete in the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris – to the glory of God. To the consternation of many he refused to dishonour God by racing in the event he had trained for because it was scheduled to take place on the Christian Sabbath. In turn God honoured Liddell. Liddell, who was not expected to win, enjoyed taking out the gold prize from the Men’s 400 metres – a non-Sunday event. An American had slipped a piece of paper into Liddell’s hand while Liddell was in the starting blocks – a quote from 1 Samuel 2:30, ‘…them that honour Me I will honour…’ As sparks fly down the starter’s gun barrel so Liddell blazed toward the finish line as the whole Olympic Stadium exploded to the glory of God!

Every Christian is a winner. Not because of any mysterious Evolutionary ‘Survival of the Fittest’ gene pool, nor because we are stronger. We are winners because our Champion has run the good race representing us. He has won it – for us! He has tied up our main competition, our adversary, even the strongman!

‘Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ Hebrews 12:1-2.

The American theologian RC Sproul witnessed a major event in his life as a seventeen-year old, ‘I will never forget the last words my father spoke to me. We were seated together on the living room sofa. His body had been ravaged by three strokes. One side of his face was distorted by paralysis. His left eye and left lip drooped uncontrollably. He spoke to me with a heavy slur. His words were difficult to understand, but their meaning was crystal clear. He uttered these words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” These were the last words he ever spoke to me. Hours later he suffered his fourth and final cerebral hemorrhage… My father finished the race. I was not even in the starting blocks. He ran the race for which God had called him. He ran until his legs crumbled. But somehow he kept going…’

Dear Christian, Jesus says, ‘Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.’ Revelation 3:11b.

The Virgin Mary In the Light of The Word of God

The Virgin Mary

In the Light of The Word of God

by Dr. Labib Mikhail with Translation and Contributions by Dr. Nasser S. Farag

Nordskog Publishing, Inc., 2011. 160 pages.

Review by Neil Cullan McKinlay

Introduction

Dr. Labib Mikhail leads us safely through the musty catacombs of human tradition. With lamp in hand he illuminates Mary. His The Virgin Mary In the Light of The Word of God is a guided tour with a running Bible commentary that exposes many fallacies about Mary. As Dr. Labib Mikhail says, “Let the Virgin Mary be in her rightly honoured place, where the Bible has put her…” (p. 122).

Now living in America the author is originally from Egypt where, while growing up, he attended what he refers to as a “traditional” church in which devotion to and adoration of the Virgin Mary was practised. Dr. Labib (as he is affectionately known) accepted unquestionably the aberration of Mariolatry.

However, in the providence of God when the author was sixteen he met a Christian man by the name of Salib Farag. Salib helped Dr. Labib begin his journey to a full understanding of Jesus Christ as the only Saviour and Mediator. Dr. Labib says, “This book is an outgrowth of my determined effort to know what the Scriptures reveal about Jesus and His blessed mother, the Virgin Mary.” (p. vii).

Dr. Nasser S. Farag, (Salib Farag’s son and Dr. Labib’s “adopted spiritual son in the Lord”), asked Dr. Labib if he could translate The Virgin Mary In the Light of The Word of God, (which was originally in Arabic), into Spanish and now into English.

Dr. Nasser S. Farag has included his own, as he says, “additions and adaptations that address the situation of pertinent Catholic beliefs about the blessed Virgin as I experienced them in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa south of the Sahara.” Dr. Farag’s “additions and adaptations” are so well integrated that they complement Dr. Labib’s commentary with the result that this body of work is as a seamless garment.

Premise & Content

The title: The Virgin Mary In the Light of The Word of God is a terse summary of the book’s contents, which consists of a Dedication; a Word of Tribute; a Foreword; an Introduction; Twelve chapters followed by a Conclusion. At the back of the book there is a useful and informative Lexicon of Leading Ideas compiled by Ronald W. Kirk; a Bibliography; a beautiful poem called “Mary, Did You Know?”; a word about the author and also about Dr. Nasser S. Farag (the translator and contributor to the Spanish and English editions). The book is completed by a Word from the publisher, Gerald Christian Nordskog.

The Virgin Mary In the Light of The Word of God is well written in a fast flowing but easy-to-read English. Abstract and abstruse theological terminology has been avoided, yet deep Biblical concepts are handled with clarity and anticipatory thought. Most questions that may arise in the reader’s mind at the outset of perusal are subsequently dealt with.

One can clearly hear the swishing of the sword of the Spirit as Dr. Labib, (emulating his Master undergoing His temptation by the devil in the wilderness), deftly answers the false teachings about Mary with surgical precision. He handles the Word of God as a workman unashamed. Dr. Labib seeks not to kill, but rather desires to remove the cancer of false teaching. If toxic doctrine anywhere poisons the Christian system it can only be flushed out by large doses of the truth. If Dr. Labib wounds the reader he is quick to pour in the healing balm of the Gospel! The book is far more about building up than tearing down.

As to the book’s premise, Dr. Labib says, “[M]y reason for writing this book is to give the reader who is searching for the truth the clear picture that the Holy Scriptures give about the Virgin Mary.” (p. 2). Thus the content of the book is Dr. Labib’s refutation from Scripture of all the extra-Biblical and demonstrably false teaching about Mary the mother of Jesus. Notice toward whom Dr. Labib is aiming his well-directed shafts of Biblical light, i.e., “the reader who is searching for the truth”. Thus Dr. Labib’s intended audience is identified.

Dr. Labib goes on to say, “An old saying goes, ‘Try to convince a man against his will and he will stick to his position without retreat.’ This applies to the natural man, but the true Christian who has received God’s salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit accepts whatever God’s Word says and refuses any traditions of men that contradict it.’” (p. 33). Here one is reminded of the Bereans (as alluded to in Dr. Labib’s Introduction to the book) who “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” Acts 17:11.

“The Tradition of Men”

In many ways Dr. Labib’s book is a countering of the “the tradition of men” that one finds in “traditional churches”. Though many traditions in churches are built with the bricks and mortar of good intention, their lack of solid foundation easily leads to collapse and injury. In Dr. Labib’s own words, “While some unbiblical teachings may have originated from good motives, over time they become strongholds that bind the minds of their followers with dark chains preventing the eyes from seeing the true light.” (p. 55).

Dr. Labib wants to stop the blight from growing on truth before it causes a great famine, “The teachings glorifying the Virgin Mary that entered the traditional churches spread throughout the world, causing many Christians to deviate from the Biblical truth. This has caused serious consequences both inside and outside the church.” (p. 54).

Thus Dr. Labib has taken to heart Christ’s pointed rebuke of the Scribes and Pharisees for “making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down” Mark 7:13. In his native Egypt Dr. Labib has seen firsthand the long-term consequences of letting tradition spread unchecked. As a Christian believing in the living and true God who is Triune, i.e., the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, it is Dr. Labib’s view that “the tradition of men” regarding Mary has resulted in much confusion about Christianity and the Triune God – especially among Islam.

We in the West would be wise to give due attention to Dr. Labib’s The Virgin Mary In the Light of The Word of God. For example Dr. Labib says therein, “You can understand the over-reaction from Mohammed and Islam (in the sixth and seventh centuries A.D.) which we read in the Quran, chapter 5:116, that Allah was unhappy that they (Christians) took Isa (Jesus) and his mother as two gods. Therefore, the popularity and spread of Islam had to do, among other things, with a reaction to the church’s unbiblical teaching that put Mary almost on the same level with God. The false teachings glorifying the Virgin Mary have had a long-term effect on 1.5 billion Moslems alive today, as well as those who lived in the past.” (p. 55).

If we remember that this book was originally written in Arabic with Islam firmly to the forefront of Dr. Labib’s mind we will see the relevance for such a book to be translated into English, since Islam has been making so many inroads into Western society today.

Dr. Nasser S. Farag, (i.e., the book’s translator from Arabic into Spanish and English), says in the Foreword, “Moslems generalize that all Christians believed that God had a physical sexual relationship with Mary, who along with their resultant son, made up their three gods. The insinuation was that since they believe that both Mary (whom they call Maryam) and Jesus (whom they call Isa) were 100 percent human, Christians were therefore insulting the One and Only True God by adding them alongside Him. The traditional churches have always asserted that this is a distortion of their teachings. Nevertheless, their doctrine of elevating and praying to the Virgin Mary as the “Mother of God,” and as an interceder and mediator is confusing. It unintentionally feeds into a generalization that Christianity is an apostate religion believing in three gods. In the Quran, the Moslem holy book, we find this verse: ‘And when Allah will say: O Isa son of Maryam! Did you say to men, Take me and my mother for two gods besides Allah, he will say: “Glory be to Thee, it did not befit me that I should say what I had no right to (say).”’” (Surah 5:116, The Quran Translation by M. H. Shakir). (pp. xi-xii)

As he continues in the Foreword Dr. Nasser S. Farag demonstrates the tenor of the book regarding the “traditional churches”. He says, “Instead of labelling these people and churches as pagans and idol worshipers (as many evangelical ministers in Latin America do), we must do what Dr. Labib is doing, which is to teach the Word of God that is the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). We need to reach out in love to our brothers and sisters from the traditional churches.” (p. xv).

Dr. Labib has handled well issues such as the various titles some of the traditional churches have given to Mary, for example, “The Mother of God”; “Queen of Heaven”; “Jacob’s ladder”; “The Bride”; “The Beautiful Dove”; “The Door”; “The Holy of Holies”. He also deals with Jesus’ relationship with Mary”; Jesus’ “true Father”; Jesus’ “brothers and sisters” as well as the supposed appearances and miracles of Mary.

Dr Labib also tackles that view of Mary as “Mediator”, saying, “Some traditional churches believe that Mary can mediate and intercede on our behalf to God.” (p. 43). After listing the qualifications of the Scriptural mediator he then goes on the show from Scripture how Mary cannot be the Mediator and how this title properly applies only to Christ. Indeed!

Conclusion

The Virgin Mary In the Light of The Word of God is a good and interesting read. It is well written, clear and concise. It covers many if not all of the unbiblical teachings regarding Mary, aberrations that have crept into branches of the Christian Church and are now defended by them.

Dr. Labib does not enter into an argument with the reader, rather he simply reasons from Scripture. He gives Mary her due honour without worshipping her. The book concludes with an urge for the reader to repent of false beliefs and believe in the Gospel.

Who needs to read this book? I believe that all who love truth will benefit greatly from reading this book. In the English speaking world Roman Catholics and High Anglicans who emphasise Mary will be rewarded if they simply test Dr. Labib’s teachings against Scripture; indeed, as will all Christians. Those of us who wish to understand and engage Moslems with the truth about Jesus and Mary – the Gospel – will also be blessed greatly, since the book originally was written in Arabic with the followers of Islam the book’s intended audience. And last of all, this book is educational for any who can read English, believer and unbeliever. It was a delight to review this book!

Says Dr. Nasser S. Farag of Dr. Labib, “I am deeply grateful to Dr. Labib Mikhail for allowing me to translate his Arabic book into English and Spanish, and for allowing me to make additions and adaptations that address the situation of pertinent Catholic beliefs about the blessed Virgin as I experienced them in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa south of the Sahara. Thus this message virtually becomes relevant to Christians worldwide, including concerned evangelicals.” (pp. xv-xvi).

Says Dr. Labib of Dr. Nasser S. Farag, “Nasser, who has served as a career missionary for forty years in Africa and Latin America and as a professor of missions in the U.S., contacted me after reading this book in Arabic. He shared that the book’s message was urgently needed in Africa and Latin America where nominal Christianity is at times only a thin veneer overlying deeply embedded native pagan beliefs and practices. He asked if he might translate it into English and Spanish and adapt it for use where needed throughout the world.” (p. viii). It is my opinion that this book IS needed throughout the world!

 We finish this review with a wise final word from Dr. Labib, “The only base and reference by which we draw closer to God is the Holy Bible. The secret behind the decline of true faith that has taken place in the nominal Christian church is a result of neglecting and putting aside the Word of God, and following, instead, the traditions of men.” (p. 101).

Order book from: http://www.nordskogpublishing.com/book-virgin-mary-in-light-of-gospel.shtml

OUT WALKING WITH THE LORD

With a happy spring in my step I bob along a riverbank in heavy rain, as full of the Spirit of Christ as a balloon with air. Breaking the water’s surface tension are pearls innumerable rattling down from heaven. Lord, do You hear what I hear? Do You see what I see? Indeed You do! For, ‘The hearing ear and the seeing eye the LORD has made them both.’ Proverbs 20:12. Yes Lord, but are You able to hear through my ears and see through my eyes? Do You feel the cool sharp tingle of a raindrop as it hits the back of my exposed neck? Do You smell the earthy fragrances of the freshly baptised earth as its aromas rise to meet with my nostrils? Do You hear the gurgling rushing river as it rolls over boulders in its rush to gush over falls? Do You see the rugged beauty of it all – through my eyes? Lord, are You really in me?

If You, Lord, are with me, how with me are You? I know, ‘The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.’ Romans 8:16. And, I know that I am one of Your adopted children, for, praise Your holy name, I have been redeemed by the life, death and resurrection of my elder Brother, Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. I trust Him alone to save me from Your coming judgment at the Last Day. Therefore, I don’t trust in my own feeble attempts at being good. But Lord, do You know the very thoughts and intents of my heart? Indeed You do! For, ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.’ Jeremiah 17:9&10. Then I thank You, Lord, for giving me a new heart, just as You promise in Your Word. Yes, thank You Father and Son for giving me Your Spirit who now leads me in the ways revealed in Your written Word. I used to suppress Your truth in unrighteousness, but now like a bubbling spring, praise for You gushes up from within me at worship, rest, and play! Yes, the clouds are Your chariot and You do walk on the wings of the wind!

Each Lord’s Day, in fellowship with others, I hear a portion of Your Word read, explained and applied to me. Your Word washes over me. I am a little pebble whose sharp edges are being made smooth as I roll down the river of life. As a mountain stream after rain I want to gush forth Your praises! Yes, ‘Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills be joyful before the LORD, for He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, and the peoples with equity.’ Psalm 98:8&9. Father, I say with David, the sweet Psalmist of Israel, ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.’ Psalm 139:23&24.

‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.’ Psalm 46:1-4. Lord, plant me next to Your river that my leaf might not wither, that I might bring forth fruit in its season.

Now that the Word has become flesh and has tabernacled with us, may the Holy Spirit be pleased to tabernacle with me. For You, Lord, have opened my tent-flaps and have let Yourself in. Forgive the mess I have made of the perfect abode You had given me in the beginning along with Adam. Since Adam our representative rebelled against You in the Garden, our tabernacles have been in tatters, letting in rain and night creepers. I have feared darkness. I have feared death, but now fear these no longer forever. For, ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.’ Psalm 23:4. In the gushing words of St Patrick, ‘Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.’

You have permitted me a glimpse through Your eyes as Your Father had You nailed to a tree to pay the penalty I owe for my sins. Lord, You said, ‘I am poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax, it has melted within Me.… For dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones.’ Psalm 22:14&16. ‘For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.’ Hebrews 2:10.

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.