Renewing Your Mind: Episode Summary – "The Present Emergency"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Renewing Your Mind
• Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
• Description: Renewing Your Mind is the daily podcast of Ligonier Ministries, launched by R.C. Sproul to help Christians deepen their understanding of God through the renewal of their minds according to His Word. Each episode encourages listeners to delve deeper into Scripture and apply its timeless truths to their lives.
• Episode: The Present Emergency
• Release Date: April 7, 2025

Introduction to J. Gresham Machen's Legacy

The episode begins with a poignant quote from J. Gresham Machen, highlighting the conflict between modern culture and the Bible. Machen asserts, “Modern culture is here in conflict with the Bible. The church is in perplexity. She is trying to compromise. She is saying, peace, peace when there is no peace. And rapidly she is losing her power. The time has come when she must choose” (00:00). This sets the stage for exploring Machen's enduring relevance in contemporary Christian thought.

Stephen Nichols, a Ligonier Teaching Fellow and President of Reformation Bible College, introduces himself and underscores the necessity for the church to remain steadfast in proclaiming the gospel and defending the truth across generations.

Overview of Machen's Radio Address "The Present Emergency"

Nathan W. Bingham, the host, provides historical context by discussing J. Gresham Machen’s inaugural radio address delivered on WIP in Philadelphia in 1935. The address, titled "The Present Emergency," identifies the pressing issues of the time, such as the abandonment of the gold standard, unemployment following the Great Depression, the National Recovery Administration (NRA), and FDR’s Brain Trust (01:41).

Machen emphasizes that while these visible crises are significant, the ultimate emergency lies in the spiritual realm: "the ultimate issue is your standing in light of the ultimate emergency... you're standing before God" (02:45). This perspective shifts the focus from temporal problems to eternal truths, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly concerns.

Machen's Perspective on the "Present Emergency"

Machen articulates that the visible pressures of society can obscure deeper spiritual realities. He challenges listeners to consider what constitutes the true emergency in their lives. His message is clear: "You're not going to find it in yourself, you're not going to find it in me. You're only going to find it in an old book" (15:30), referring to the Bible as the ultimate source of truth and salvation.

Machen's approach consistently points believers beyond immediate societal issues to the foundational truths of Christianity. He refuses to compromise the gospel, insisting that the Bible remains paramount despite cultural shifts and challenges.

Modern Relevance of Machen's Work

The discussion transitions to the 100th anniversary of Machen’s seminal work, Christianity and Liberalism. Bingham explains that despite being nearly a century old, Machen’s analysis remains relevant as each generation faces its own "present emergency." Whether in the 1910s, 1930s, or today, the church must contend with cultural and intellectual challenges that threaten to dilute biblical truth.

Machen’s steadfastness in defending the Bible against modernist interpretations offers a model for contemporary Christians. His ability to maintain perspective on eternal truths amidst fluctuating societal norms is highlighted as a key lesson for today’s believers.

The History of Struggle to Maintain Truth in the Church

Stephen Nichols expands on the historical continuity of the church's struggle to uphold truth. He references Machen’s inaugural lecture from 1915, where Machen reiterates the conflict between modern culture and biblical authority (19:45). Machen insists, “there is a mysterious, holy, living God, creator of all, upholder of all, infinitely beyond all. And he has revealed himself to us in his word” (20:10).

Nichols traces this struggle back to the early church, the Reformation, and the Enlightenment, illustrating that the contention for truth is a timeless endeavor. He cites the Apostle Jude’s plea to "contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" as a biblical mandate for this ongoing battle (23:15).

Conclusion and Future Topics

In wrapping up, Stephen Nichols reiterates Machen’s profound observation: “the span of human history is an infinitesimal island in the awful depths of eternity” (24:18). This perspective encourages believers to view their lives within the vastness of eternity, prioritizing eternal truths over temporal challenges.

The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming topics, including a deep dive into Machen’s life and Christianity and Liberalism. Listeners are encouraged to engage with these resources to further solidify their understanding and commitment to maintaining biblical truth in their lives.

Notable Quotes:

• J. Gresham Machen: “Modern culture is here in conflict with the Bible. The church is in perplexity. She is trying to compromise. She is saying, peace, peace when there is no peace. And rapidly she is losing her power. The time has come when she must choose.” (00:00)
• Nathan W. Bingham on Machen’s Address: “The ultimate issue is your standing in light of the ultimate emergency. You're standing before God.” (02:45)
• J. Gresham Machen: “You’re not going to find it in yourself, you’re not going to find it in me. You’re only going to find it in an old book.” (15:30)
• Stephen Nichols: “The span of human history is an infinitesimal island in the awful depths of eternity.” (24:18)

Key Themes:

• Consistency of Truth: The episode emphasizes the unchanging nature of biblical truth amidst evolving cultural landscapes.
• Spiritual vs. Temporal Focus: Machen advocates for prioritizing spiritual realities over immediate societal issues.
• Historical Continuity: The struggle to maintain theological integrity is presented as a continual process throughout church history.
• Enduring Relevance: Machen’s teachings offer timeless guidance for modern Christians facing contemporary challenges.

Final Thoughts:

"The Present Emergency" serves as a compelling call to Christians to remain anchored in biblical truth amidst cultural conflicts. By revisiting J. Gresham Machen's insights, the episode encourages believers to discern the true emergencies of their times and to stand firm in their faith. This foundational understanding sets the stage for future discussions that will delve deeper into Machen's contributions and their application in today's world.