It occurred to me how seldom I have seen people actually desperate to be saved. In the Bible there are grave warnings given concerning those who have done wrong. Ezekiel 18:20 bluntly states, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die." The death spoken of here is not merely a physical death, but a spiritual death spent in eternal torment separate from God. I have great concern that this warning is either not being given, people don't really believe it is true or could care less. Most people are more worried about being stuck in traffic, their car breaking down or losing their mobile phone than going to hell. Something is very wrong with that picture.
Are people any less desperate now than they used to be? I don't think so. We are so desensitised to death from TV and movies that when we see it for real we don't know how to respond. There are also more distractions in our lives than ever to keep us from thinking about the things of eternity. For years there was an outcry warning against too much television. Funny, I haven't heard how bad plunking down in front of television is lately - or computer screens, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, iPads, and the like. I've heard statistics about how much time people spend in front of televisions on average per day, but for the life of me I can't remember hearing of a single statistic on how often people on average spend in front of a computer screen. Maybe the people performing the studies are too glued to their electronic devices to crunch the numbers. I would assume computer and mobile phone screen-time have hammered time in front of the television into the dust.
Another challenge people face today on an unprecedented level is the amount of information and misinformation readily available on the web. Blogs and videos which contain genuine, biblical truth are tossed in with the rantings of fanatics and lunatics, like coins that sink obscured in a murky well. Stacks of chaff must be sifted through to find a grain of edible wheat. The truth of God's Word is not malleable clay a man fashions according to personal bias but to be taken literally and applied personally. My opinions about the reality of an afterlife do not matter any more than a six-year-old in Chattanooga, a fisherman off the coast of Japan, or a herdsman in Tibet: what God's Word says matters because it is true. If God says there is a place of eternal torment called hell where people are sent who break a single point of His Law, then there is such a place. Therefore if I have told a single lie, dishonoured my parents by disobedience, or coveted something which was not mine, hell is my eternal destination. That's how horrible sin is. Hell is even more horrible still, a place of unspeakable torture prepared for the devil and his angels where men choose to go because of their rebellion against God.
But God is not willing that man should perish. He made an escape from that fiery pit in outer darkness where the worm dies not and the fire is not quenched. God does not tell men they are headed to hell so He might gloat over our damnation, but so we might heed the warning to repent and be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Should a man resent loud sirens and the shouts of the fireman who wakes him from his sleep to pull him from his house which is burning to the ground? Why should we die when God has freely provided life through the shed blood of Jesus? Many trials in life make a man desperate: disease, loss of a job, going to jail, divorce, or losing financial investments. Yet few men - very few - are ever desperate enough to repent and trust in Jesus Christ. People are willing to spend thousands of dollars and travel internationally to have a "spiritual experience," but they will not bend their knees before the Creator in their bedrooms, say they are sorry for their sins, and commit to follow Jesus in faith. They are unwilling to give the life and existence they say they hate to Jesus to change and transform for good. Tragic.
There is no shortage of people in this world who are miserable, wounded and dying inside. How can it be that even in this condition they are not desperate enough to repent and commit their lives to follow Jesus? He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He came to save people from hell, forgive them of all their sin, guilt, shame, demonic oppression, addictions, hate, bitterness and lust. Jesus has come to set the captives free. Maybe it sounds too good to be true, that Jesus has been the answer all along. Won't you repent and trust Him today? And if you have trusted Him, follow Him faithfully. Are you desperate for love and life? It is only found in Jesus!
29 September 2012
27 September 2012
Feast with the King
The Bible is an utterly awesome book in every respect. I feel humbled and privileged every time I open God's Word and explore the limitless storehouses of wisdom contained therein. It is not just history, poetry, dialogue, and hard-hitting action: it is the primary means of God speaking to us as we are led by the Holy Spirit. Every word of it is pure, powerful, and relevant to the struggles and questions we have today. For a high daily percentage of the last 30 years of my life, I have read the Bible. The lustre of its truth has not dimmed, nor the depth of the riches of wisdom. Through it God is revealed to man, and man is shown his great need for a Saviour and King.
When I was young, I used to report weekly at church to my friend Evan all the juicy tidbits I found. I loved reading the book of Judges most of all. Some of the historical accounts are quite graphic in detail. One of my favorites was when Ehud gutted King Eglon in his private chamber with a sword a cubit long. Because Eglon was a heavy man, the fat closed over the hilt of the blade and Ehud was unable to remove it. I also loved reading the wisdom contained in the Proverbs and the words of Jesus Christ. The more I read, the more I was delighted by the height, length, depth, and breadth of it. These are not mere "stories" for entertainment or pithy sayings of learned men: it is the completely accurate and true Word of God intended to instruct men in the character and will of God which transcends time; to provide insights starting with creation and extends to the end of the world; to convict of sin, righteousness, and judgment through the power of the Holy Spirit; to reveal promises, prophesies, and fulfillments; and to establish Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah of all flesh and the only Way to forgiveness and eternal salvation.
Some view the Bible akin to a collection of ancient fairy tales which may profit certain weak minded individuals. History shows us that certain sects and individuals have used the scriptures unlawfully, claiming to possess special knowledge of the hidden truths of God for selfish and sinful purposes. But this does not mean the Bible in itself is flawed or that it cannot be understood by common people. The key to comprehending and rightly applying God's Word is to be born again through repentance and faith in Christ. Once the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us, our eyes are opened and our hearts are prepared to receive the truth of God's Word. 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 says, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." Some unbelievers might appreciate the Bible on a strictly literary plane, but God intended His Word to speak to and meet our deepest spiritual needs.
The wisdom and humanistic philosophies of this world are in direct opposition to the truth of scripture. The widely accepted views promoting self are like the self-indulgent, idolatrous, and wicked Queen Jezebel. It was nothing for her to kill her own subjects to advance her interests. The wisdom of this age parades around with heavy make-up, surrounded with her impotent eunuchs. When Jehu entered into the city of Jezreel, the grand and illustrious queen presented herself in a window with her royal crown on her head. She scoffed at Jehu for his insurrection against her wicked house. 2 Kings 9:32-33 reads, "And he looked up at the window, and said, "Who is on my side? Who?" So two or three eunuchs looked out at him. 33 Then he said, "Throw her down." So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses; and he trampled her underfoot." When we open the Bible, we are forced to either side with Jesus or the wisdom of this age spawned by Satan. We are either for Jesus or against Him. He says to us, "Who is on my side?" We are to thrown down all worldly wisdom to be trampled underfoot, for all things have been placed under His feet and authority. There is not one stone of these vain theories and philosophies of men which will not be overturned when Christ returns to set up His throne.
The Bible instructs and the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to submit all our beliefs, thoughts, and actions under Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 states, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." The Bible is not comprised of opinions to be considered, but commands to be obeyed. It is absolute truth to be believed and lived out. To do this, we must cast down the world's ways and embrace Christ. When we follow Him we will not even notice we are giving things up because He is our focus: our Redeemer, Deliverer, and Lover of our souls. He stands at the door and knocks, desiring to dine with us. Cast down the wisdom of this world and leave it for the dogs. Open your Bible instead and feast with the King!
When I was young, I used to report weekly at church to my friend Evan all the juicy tidbits I found. I loved reading the book of Judges most of all. Some of the historical accounts are quite graphic in detail. One of my favorites was when Ehud gutted King Eglon in his private chamber with a sword a cubit long. Because Eglon was a heavy man, the fat closed over the hilt of the blade and Ehud was unable to remove it. I also loved reading the wisdom contained in the Proverbs and the words of Jesus Christ. The more I read, the more I was delighted by the height, length, depth, and breadth of it. These are not mere "stories" for entertainment or pithy sayings of learned men: it is the completely accurate and true Word of God intended to instruct men in the character and will of God which transcends time; to provide insights starting with creation and extends to the end of the world; to convict of sin, righteousness, and judgment through the power of the Holy Spirit; to reveal promises, prophesies, and fulfillments; and to establish Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah of all flesh and the only Way to forgiveness and eternal salvation.
Some view the Bible akin to a collection of ancient fairy tales which may profit certain weak minded individuals. History shows us that certain sects and individuals have used the scriptures unlawfully, claiming to possess special knowledge of the hidden truths of God for selfish and sinful purposes. But this does not mean the Bible in itself is flawed or that it cannot be understood by common people. The key to comprehending and rightly applying God's Word is to be born again through repentance and faith in Christ. Once the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us, our eyes are opened and our hearts are prepared to receive the truth of God's Word. 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 says, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." Some unbelievers might appreciate the Bible on a strictly literary plane, but God intended His Word to speak to and meet our deepest spiritual needs.
The wisdom and humanistic philosophies of this world are in direct opposition to the truth of scripture. The widely accepted views promoting self are like the self-indulgent, idolatrous, and wicked Queen Jezebel. It was nothing for her to kill her own subjects to advance her interests. The wisdom of this age parades around with heavy make-up, surrounded with her impotent eunuchs. When Jehu entered into the city of Jezreel, the grand and illustrious queen presented herself in a window with her royal crown on her head. She scoffed at Jehu for his insurrection against her wicked house. 2 Kings 9:32-33 reads, "And he looked up at the window, and said, "Who is on my side? Who?" So two or three eunuchs looked out at him. 33 Then he said, "Throw her down." So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses; and he trampled her underfoot." When we open the Bible, we are forced to either side with Jesus or the wisdom of this age spawned by Satan. We are either for Jesus or against Him. He says to us, "Who is on my side?" We are to thrown down all worldly wisdom to be trampled underfoot, for all things have been placed under His feet and authority. There is not one stone of these vain theories and philosophies of men which will not be overturned when Christ returns to set up His throne.
The Bible instructs and the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to submit all our beliefs, thoughts, and actions under Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 states, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." The Bible is not comprised of opinions to be considered, but commands to be obeyed. It is absolute truth to be believed and lived out. To do this, we must cast down the world's ways and embrace Christ. When we follow Him we will not even notice we are giving things up because He is our focus: our Redeemer, Deliverer, and Lover of our souls. He stands at the door and knocks, desiring to dine with us. Cast down the wisdom of this world and leave it for the dogs. Open your Bible instead and feast with the King!
26 September 2012
Isolation is Unwise
"A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment."
Proverbs 18:1
Because of sin, a man is naturally separated from the holy and righteous God who created him. Adam rebelled from God and chose to go his own way, the way of disobedience and death. Even as sin has passed to all men and death through sin, God has provided the opportunity for eternal life for all through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:13-18 explains, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father."
A man who isolates himself from God is not wise. Even as gravity pulls all objects towards earth, the law of sin and death ultimately drowns every man in perdition. Man is not able to navigate to eternal rest or overcome the hefty weight of sin through his best efforts. Our hearts are deceitful guides, corrupted by sin. Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" This whole world is under the sway of the enemy of our souls, Satan, the one who perverts the straight way of the LORD. Even as nothing is completely pure on this earth, nothing originating in this world is plumb or level. The philosophies and wisdom of the age are all skewed by the kaleidoscope of relativity, selfishness, and pride. An isolated man has an inbred view of things which gives rise to mutated morality and foolish judgments.
Thank God He has given us a perfect standard in His Word and has caused the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, to shine in the darkness! It is the plumb line, the spirit-level, with true weights and measures. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Jesus is the "Word who became flesh" who has dwelt among us. We have beheld His glory, the only begotten of the Father. He died on the cross, rose from the dead, ascended to the Father before many witnesses, and holds the keys to Death and Hell. He has prayed the Father to send the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower all who repent, believe in Him, and are born again by grace through faith in Christ. The wall of sin which blocked our way to heaven has been broken down, and we have access by the Spirit through Christ to the Father. Christ is for us wisdom (1 Cor. 1:30), and He is our righteous Judge. When we love Him as He has loved us, we can receive and share from His stores of divine wisdom.
It is not only the unbeliever who can be isolated. Many Christians - including people who serve in church ministry - can become increasingly isolated because of hurts, struggles, or perceived betrayal. Because of pain they have experienced through negative experiences, some grow determined to prevent such a thing from ever happening again. Perhaps someone betrayed their trust, expectations were unmet, and a root of bitterness begins to grow. Insulation brings isolation and separation. The desire is never to be hurt again, and so a man isolates himself. It is a vicious deception: in becoming isolated from fellowship and accountability, a man becomes spiritually dull and blunted. God made us for fellowship. Proverbs 27:17 reads, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." A sheep isolated from the flock is a helpless target for all manner of temptation and snares. Fellowship with the Good Shepherd and the flock of God is critical for a healthy, growing relationship to maturity in faith.
You have a problem with church? Your problem is with Christ, for He is the Head of it. Should you look for faults in your fellow men, they are easily found. Hypocrites are best at pointing out their own kind. But God's basis for adopting us as His children is because of what Christ has done and our faith in Him - despite all our faults. He has washed us clean, having purchased us with His own blood. Can you imagine how foolish it would be to adopt a child only if he could be proved completely perfect? Yet this is the standard we hold professing believers to and forget the grace and love God has freely lavished on us. Let us be ones who are casting our cares upon the LORD, for He cares for us. Let us trust Him enough to fellowship with other people who have serious flaws - just like you and me! Don't embrace solitary confinement when God has made you free to fulfill His desires, not your own.
24 September 2012
Little Things Are Big!
There's a saying that goes, "Don't sweat the small stuff." It is important that as we journey through this life we align our perspective with God's. What the world sees as insignificant God views with utmost importance. The opposite is also true: the things the world cites as paramount are not crucial in God's eyes. While the world is focused on outer appearances, God looks upon the heart. Many people make riches, earthly security, and physical gratification their aim. Instead Jesus says to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" and He will meet all our needs.
Discipline in seemingly small matters speak volumes concerning our true condition. I am convinced that when it comes to matters of the heart, even seemingly small things have enormous implications. If we do not show ourselves faithful in little things, why should God commit greater responsibility to us? Jesus says in Luke 16:10-12: "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?" If we have exposed ourselves as slipshod stewards of earthly things - the use of our time, oversight of our finances, being responsible at the workplace, maintenance of our homes, vehicles, and bodies - what makes us think God would be so foolish to commit greater spiritual responsibility to us? God is happy to give us the true riches of the kingdom. But most of us disqualify ourselves by not being faithful in the little things.
Those who are faithful in little will be faithful in much. Many would disagree with this. "If God gave me that new role or calling, then I would rise to the challenge." Man, you deceive yourself! If God cannot count on you to open your mouth at His prompting at work, why should He commit greater things to you? If I struggle in the most menial disciplines of Bible reading and daily prayer, should I wonder why God has not entrusted ministries to me? If I refuse to biblically discipline and train my children, should I be amazed that I am confounded by struggles on every side? 1 Timothy 3:5 states that a man in authority in the church ought to already rule his house righteously: "for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?" A man who cannot contend with footmen will be overwhelmed by horses. Man is a curious creature indeed, desiring the kingdom when he has not even shown himself faithful concerning daily dental hygiene!
The little things are truly big. Should you have great aspirations for yourself, I exhort you not to despise the days of small things. It is in the small things that you are being trained for a larger stage. But the size of stage you desire is simply a reflection of the pride festering in your heart! Do not long for a larger stage for yourself, but for the glory, honour, and magnification of Jesus Christ. All that we do, may we do it unto Jesus for His eternal glory. We should not live to please man but to glorify God through obedience, good works, and love. Instead of shrugging off our lack of discipline in small things, let us ask God for strength and wisdom to bring our lives and thoughts unto the obedience in Christ. Those who humble themselves God will exalt in His time.
Discipline in seemingly small matters speak volumes concerning our true condition. I am convinced that when it comes to matters of the heart, even seemingly small things have enormous implications. If we do not show ourselves faithful in little things, why should God commit greater responsibility to us? Jesus says in Luke 16:10-12: "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?" If we have exposed ourselves as slipshod stewards of earthly things - the use of our time, oversight of our finances, being responsible at the workplace, maintenance of our homes, vehicles, and bodies - what makes us think God would be so foolish to commit greater spiritual responsibility to us? God is happy to give us the true riches of the kingdom. But most of us disqualify ourselves by not being faithful in the little things.
Those who are faithful in little will be faithful in much. Many would disagree with this. "If God gave me that new role or calling, then I would rise to the challenge." Man, you deceive yourself! If God cannot count on you to open your mouth at His prompting at work, why should He commit greater things to you? If I struggle in the most menial disciplines of Bible reading and daily prayer, should I wonder why God has not entrusted ministries to me? If I refuse to biblically discipline and train my children, should I be amazed that I am confounded by struggles on every side? 1 Timothy 3:5 states that a man in authority in the church ought to already rule his house righteously: "for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?" A man who cannot contend with footmen will be overwhelmed by horses. Man is a curious creature indeed, desiring the kingdom when he has not even shown himself faithful concerning daily dental hygiene!
The little things are truly big. Should you have great aspirations for yourself, I exhort you not to despise the days of small things. It is in the small things that you are being trained for a larger stage. But the size of stage you desire is simply a reflection of the pride festering in your heart! Do not long for a larger stage for yourself, but for the glory, honour, and magnification of Jesus Christ. All that we do, may we do it unto Jesus for His eternal glory. We should not live to please man but to glorify God through obedience, good works, and love. Instead of shrugging off our lack of discipline in small things, let us ask God for strength and wisdom to bring our lives and thoughts unto the obedience in Christ. Those who humble themselves God will exalt in His time.
23 September 2012
Making Waves
I started thinking about how the actions and decisions of people have a broader and more profound effect than the person making them could ever know. Sometimes a single act can resound for centuries - or even longer. When Jesus in obedience to the Father laid down His life on Calvary, He did something that impacted eternity for every person walking the earth. He made a way to heaven, eternal life, and fellowship with God for all who repent and will trust in Him. In the wake of His sacrifice all can be washed clean and reconciled unto God.
I am convinced that the way we choose to live today makes a difference in our families, in our workplaces, cities, countries, and across the globe. We may never see the effects of deciding to honour God with our lives. But we can know that the effect can be enduring as Christ's crucifixion and resurrection because it is He who now lives through us. My decisions can effect my family for generations for good and God's glory. Or I can live shortsightedly for myself and negatively impact all those around me - and even people I've never even met. A life lived for God is the ultimate good a man can do for his wife, children, boss, country, and King.
I don't know about you, but I want to live a life that matters. I want to live in such a way that my family, friends, and people I've never met will be positively influenced for the glory of God for generations to come. Your life makes a difference. Otherwise why would Jesus die so we could live?
22 September 2012
The Valley of Decision
As I read the Bible before bed last night, I came across Joel 3:14: "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision." How true it is, I mused to myself, that the valley is the place of decision. The place of decision is not the mountain peak or the plain: it is in the valley. When we are at a low point every man must decide what he will do: dig a grave and lie down in it, or decide to follow Jesus to a higher plane. He stands at the right hand of the Father and bids us join Him. Every man is in the valley of decision, and the day of the LORD is near.
When everything is going smoothly in our lives we are happy to just keep plugging away. But when disaster strikes, the fiery trial brings us low, or the depression begins to take hold, we are in that all-too-familiar valley of decision: should we remain in the valley or climb out of it in God's strength? There is only one way to successfully navigate out of that valley. We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the unalterable truth of God's Word, and strength through Jesus Christ to emerge victorious. Sometimes we are led by the Good Shepherd through the valley of death - but it was never intended that we build a house there to dwell in. We must continue on, faithfully following. Jesus has offered us eternal life through repentance and faith in Him and is obtainable only by grace.
Mountain-top experiences are wonderful things in the life of a Christian. When God reveals Himself in love, power, and grace, our eyes are opened to the richness He has freely granted us. We stand on that mountain, drinking in the beauty. But being presently shackled to this earth and housed in these crude bodies, our minds often forget the heavenly vision. Our spiritual sense becomes dull and our resolve fades. We forget. We forget we have already decided to follow Jesus and it's a decision we need to make moment by moment. In the valley of decision we must resolve to trust in the LORD with all our hearts and to lean not on our own understanding. When we acknowledge God in all our ways He shall direct our paths.
The valley is a good place. It provides another opportunity for us to choose Christ. Are you in the valley of decision today? What is your decision? No decision is a "no" decision.
When everything is going smoothly in our lives we are happy to just keep plugging away. But when disaster strikes, the fiery trial brings us low, or the depression begins to take hold, we are in that all-too-familiar valley of decision: should we remain in the valley or climb out of it in God's strength? There is only one way to successfully navigate out of that valley. We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the unalterable truth of God's Word, and strength through Jesus Christ to emerge victorious. Sometimes we are led by the Good Shepherd through the valley of death - but it was never intended that we build a house there to dwell in. We must continue on, faithfully following. Jesus has offered us eternal life through repentance and faith in Him and is obtainable only by grace.
Mountain-top experiences are wonderful things in the life of a Christian. When God reveals Himself in love, power, and grace, our eyes are opened to the richness He has freely granted us. We stand on that mountain, drinking in the beauty. But being presently shackled to this earth and housed in these crude bodies, our minds often forget the heavenly vision. Our spiritual sense becomes dull and our resolve fades. We forget. We forget we have already decided to follow Jesus and it's a decision we need to make moment by moment. In the valley of decision we must resolve to trust in the LORD with all our hearts and to lean not on our own understanding. When we acknowledge God in all our ways He shall direct our paths.
The valley is a good place. It provides another opportunity for us to choose Christ. Are you in the valley of decision today? What is your decision? No decision is a "no" decision.
13 September 2012
Are You Prepared?
Next week I plan to head down with a friend to Jindabyne. It will be our first time ever visiting the snowy mountains. While I am not too interested in the "snowy" bit, I am looking forward to fishing and having a little break from the normal routine. It's amazing how much preparation goes into planning even a short trip to be a success: accommodation must be booked, fishing gear prepared, planning for the weather conditions with clothing and boots, buying food, sorting out activities, and on. It's like a full-time job trying to prepare yourself to not be on the job! Perhaps a little bit of my American self is showing through: planning a getaway is so much work it is a relaxing thought to stay at home, go back to work Monday, and forget the whole thing!
All this preparation has me thinking: with all the prior planning necessary for a short holiday or vacation, how can it be that people think no preparation is necessary for eternity? It is planning of a different kind. Where we are going no one else can come, and we can bring nothing with us. Naked we were born, and naked we return to the dust. There are two potential eternal destinations: heaven or hell. The Bible says that it is appointed for man once to die and after the judgment. We will all stand before the Living God - whether you want to or not - and every thought, word, deed, attitudes, and even sins of omission will be judged according to God's perfect law. There is no one who will be innocent on that Day when judged according to our works. The wages of sin is death.
Thankfully, Romans 6:23 doesn't stop there. Paul continues: "...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD." Jesus is the Way to heaven, and we can prepare ourselves by making a heavenly booking through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. No long distance telephone call is required, and no details must be entered in a top-secret website. We must simply humble ourselves before God, admitting that we have terribly broken His laws and are without excuse. We must affirm we deserve hell for our great sins against Him and others. Then we must repent, meaning that He has changed our mind concerning sin. We decide to agree with God, committing to turn from our sin and follow after Jesus Christ in faith. Our reliance is no longer in ourselves, but upon Jesus Christ our Saviour and Messiah. He is God-Made-Flesh who died for the sins of the whole world so we too might be saved. Romans 10:9 says, "...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." No man knows the day of his death, but everyone knows it is only getting closer.
You prepare for your holidays and vacations: are your prepared for eternity? What arrangements have you made? If you neglect this most important calling of every person born in sin, you are planning for eternal disaster and damnation. God implores all people through His Word in Ezekiel 18:30-32: "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways," says the Lord GOD. "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord GOD. "Therefore turn and live!" Take to heart the words spoken by Christ in John 3:16-17: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
All this preparation has me thinking: with all the prior planning necessary for a short holiday or vacation, how can it be that people think no preparation is necessary for eternity? It is planning of a different kind. Where we are going no one else can come, and we can bring nothing with us. Naked we were born, and naked we return to the dust. There are two potential eternal destinations: heaven or hell. The Bible says that it is appointed for man once to die and after the judgment. We will all stand before the Living God - whether you want to or not - and every thought, word, deed, attitudes, and even sins of omission will be judged according to God's perfect law. There is no one who will be innocent on that Day when judged according to our works. The wages of sin is death.
Thankfully, Romans 6:23 doesn't stop there. Paul continues: "...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our LORD." Jesus is the Way to heaven, and we can prepare ourselves by making a heavenly booking through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. No long distance telephone call is required, and no details must be entered in a top-secret website. We must simply humble ourselves before God, admitting that we have terribly broken His laws and are without excuse. We must affirm we deserve hell for our great sins against Him and others. Then we must repent, meaning that He has changed our mind concerning sin. We decide to agree with God, committing to turn from our sin and follow after Jesus Christ in faith. Our reliance is no longer in ourselves, but upon Jesus Christ our Saviour and Messiah. He is God-Made-Flesh who died for the sins of the whole world so we too might be saved. Romans 10:9 says, "...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." No man knows the day of his death, but everyone knows it is only getting closer.
You prepare for your holidays and vacations: are your prepared for eternity? What arrangements have you made? If you neglect this most important calling of every person born in sin, you are planning for eternal disaster and damnation. God implores all people through His Word in Ezekiel 18:30-32: "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways," says the Lord GOD. "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord GOD. "Therefore turn and live!" Take to heart the words spoken by Christ in John 3:16-17: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
11 September 2012
Safe in the Den
How important it is to place your trust in God! Many people rely upon things that are not God and have no power to save. Even we Christians can be deceived or deluded into trusting in an arm of flesh when only Christ can deliver us. Daniel was a man who trusted in God. Because God was with him, he had been highly promoted in both the Babylonian and Medea-Persian empires. There were high-ranking men in the Medea-Persian empire who were envious of Daniel and sought to kill him. Through treachery, they passed a law that prohibited anyone from praying to anyone but King Darius. Daniel, being a devout and faithful man, was unmoved by the law. He continued to openly pray as he always did three times daily. Thus he was found guilty of breaking the law, and King Darius reluctantly sentenced him to be thrown to the lions. He said to Daniel when they parted in Daniel 6:16, "Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you."
During the night, Daniel was protected by an angel who shut the mouths of the hungry lions. When morning came, Darius hurried to the den and called out in Daniel 6:20: "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?" Daniel answered in the affirmative, for nothing is too hard for the One True God. He was safely pulled from the den and the king greatly rejoiced. Verse 23 says no manner of hurt was found on him because "he believed in his God." For those men who had conspired to kill Daniel, the end of their story came swiftly without mercy. Daniel 6:24 reads, "And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions--them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den."
We see in this passage a picture of Christ and the severe retribution which will come upon all those who oppose Him. Jesus was wrongly condemned to death, yet He trusted fully in God the Father to deliver Him. Though He tasted the bitter cup of death and wrath of God when crucified and was buried in a tomb, God raised Him triumphant and victorious three days later. Though Jesus bore scars, no manner of hurt was found in His glorified body - because no sin was found in Him. Satan and all those who reject Christ, will face eternal damnation in hell which makes the quick end made by lions seem a delightful cakewalk. The accuser and enemy of our souls, who even now is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, Satan, that old serpent, will be utterly overcome and broken to pieces. His head has already been crushed under the foot of Christ and he rages on, knowing his time is short.
Blessed are those who trust in the Almighty God, the great I AM, YHWH, the Creator and Saviour of all who repent and trust in Christ. Like Daniel, we ought to trust and serve Him continually. When we walk in faith, the accusations and even violence of the enemies of God will not sever us from fellowship with Him. In Jesus Christ we find eternal life and pleasures evermore. David wrote a fitting conclusion in Psalm 56:1-4: "Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; fighting all day he oppresses me. 2 My enemies would hound me all day, for there are many who fight against me, O Most High. 3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4 In God (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?"
During the night, Daniel was protected by an angel who shut the mouths of the hungry lions. When morning came, Darius hurried to the den and called out in Daniel 6:20: "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?" Daniel answered in the affirmative, for nothing is too hard for the One True God. He was safely pulled from the den and the king greatly rejoiced. Verse 23 says no manner of hurt was found on him because "he believed in his God." For those men who had conspired to kill Daniel, the end of their story came swiftly without mercy. Daniel 6:24 reads, "And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions--them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den."
We see in this passage a picture of Christ and the severe retribution which will come upon all those who oppose Him. Jesus was wrongly condemned to death, yet He trusted fully in God the Father to deliver Him. Though He tasted the bitter cup of death and wrath of God when crucified and was buried in a tomb, God raised Him triumphant and victorious three days later. Though Jesus bore scars, no manner of hurt was found in His glorified body - because no sin was found in Him. Satan and all those who reject Christ, will face eternal damnation in hell which makes the quick end made by lions seem a delightful cakewalk. The accuser and enemy of our souls, who even now is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, Satan, that old serpent, will be utterly overcome and broken to pieces. His head has already been crushed under the foot of Christ and he rages on, knowing his time is short.
Blessed are those who trust in the Almighty God, the great I AM, YHWH, the Creator and Saviour of all who repent and trust in Christ. Like Daniel, we ought to trust and serve Him continually. When we walk in faith, the accusations and even violence of the enemies of God will not sever us from fellowship with Him. In Jesus Christ we find eternal life and pleasures evermore. David wrote a fitting conclusion in Psalm 56:1-4: "Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; fighting all day he oppresses me. 2 My enemies would hound me all day, for there are many who fight against me, O Most High. 3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4 In God (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?"
10 September 2012
A Life Without Worry
Late this morning I took my wife Laura and my sons Zed and Abel to the Sydney International Airport. For some time now they have been looking forward to this return visit to the United States. It was on 5 January, 2010 when our family moved to Sydney. Since relocating to Australia we have been blessed to host both my in-laws and parents, pastors, a family friend, and even a young man we had never met before! So now Laura and the boys are able to be visitors and spend time with family and friends. We praise God for the prayer and monthly financial support, and this trip was made possible through a special gift for that purpose. We thank God for His provision and faithfulness towards us, and many people have been the conduits of that blessing.
It's a strange feeling, sending the family away with a few bags while I stay home. Almost every other time we head to the airport it has been the other way around - me leaving and the family staying behind. All sorts of crazy thoughts scamper through the mind. My main effort is in making sure they scamper through and I do not encourage them by dwelling upon thoughts not grounded by faith in God. There is no substitute for the pervasive peace and contentment which comes only from God. Perfect love drives out all fear. Because my family has been committed to God, I know they are in His hands. I do not need to load myself down with the burden of worry. By worrying I cannot add a centimeter to my height, nor can I protect my family from overseas. I rejoice in knowing that God is able to do so!
Jesus says in Matthew 6:30-34: "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Christ intends we live a life without worry as we rest all our hopes and desires upon Him to faithfully fulfill His Word. What have we to fear when we have such a Saviour and King?
It's a strange feeling, sending the family away with a few bags while I stay home. Almost every other time we head to the airport it has been the other way around - me leaving and the family staying behind. All sorts of crazy thoughts scamper through the mind. My main effort is in making sure they scamper through and I do not encourage them by dwelling upon thoughts not grounded by faith in God. There is no substitute for the pervasive peace and contentment which comes only from God. Perfect love drives out all fear. Because my family has been committed to God, I know they are in His hands. I do not need to load myself down with the burden of worry. By worrying I cannot add a centimeter to my height, nor can I protect my family from overseas. I rejoice in knowing that God is able to do so!
Jesus says in Matthew 6:30-34: "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Christ intends we live a life without worry as we rest all our hopes and desires upon Him to faithfully fulfill His Word. What have we to fear when we have such a Saviour and King?
09 September 2012
Biscuit Bombers
I am in the middle of reading Kokoda by Paul Ham, a comprehensive overview of the Australian involvement in New Guinea during World War II. Facing obstacles of all kinds, the Japanese, Australians, and native carriers braved unthinkable suffering from the boggy jungle, difficult terrain, disease, and starvation - not to mention fighting a war through it all. One common problem which plagued both sides was the inability to adequately supply the fighting men. The Allies had control over the air and employed transport planes the Aussie troops nicknamed "biscuit bombers" to supply the troops. But there was a huge logistical problem: most of the time parachutes were not used and the contents of the drop were severely damaged or rendered unusable. Sometimes mortars would fuse from the impact and later detonate in the tubes, killing the Aussies who tried to use them.
Ham writes concerning the "biscuit bombers" on page 337: "Radio signals were meant to guide in the planes and, at the appointed time, bags of food would hurtle to earth. The pilots were instructed to aim for burnt patches of ground, or logs arranged as markings. Their maps were as good as useless. Where the planes missed the marked clearings, hundreds of bags came crashing through the canopy and free fell to the jungle floor. Occasionally they struck the men below - biscuit bombs killed or wounded several Australian soldiers. Most airdrops still lacked parachutes, and a large percentage of supplies were lost. Virtually all the bags split open, biscuits were reduced to powder and sugar scattered over the jungle floor." Isn't it ironic the careless method of deploying supply drops to save lives actually caused the death of people they intended to save? How unspeakably awful, and what a gross waste! Had parachutes been used, much of the precious supplies could have been useable. I can almost see the relief and satisfaction on the face of the pilot after completing his drop and banking to return to base for another load - completely unaware that a mere fraction of the load was salvageable. He had done his duty, braving enemy fire, successfully locating the drop zone in the misty jungle, and unwittingly ended up killing his mates by dropping supplies on them. The lack of parachutes was a tragic oversight.
It occurred to me that this is a great object lesson concerning a Christian's presentation of the Gospel. Jesus has committed unto us the words of life. God is not willing that any should perish but that all should repent and be born again. Though the Gospel saves souls for eternity, if it is deployed like a load from a biscuit bomber - without the parachute of love - it is an insult and a disgrace. Harsh, judgmental tones in presenting the Gospel do much more harm than good. Spiteful words mingled with pride from the mouths of Christians have greatly injured the cause of Christ. A discussion without love can degrade into vicious debate. I have witnessed an unbeliever stomp off angrily while the believer laughs and shrugs it off. Happy he has done his duty by quashing the spirit of another sinner, the self-assured Gospel bomber seeks his next victim. Of course the opposite is the fearful pilot who would not risk a drop because of the potential of offense. The bright light of scriptural truth can hurt the eyes and wound the pride of those long in darkness. But when delivered with the love of Christ, it causes sorrow which produces repentance not to be repented of and brings ultimate joy.
We should be faithful to share the Gospel with others, seeking to save the lost. Always be sure to be led by the Holy Spirit and demonstrate the love of Christ through compassion, grace, mercy, and kindness. Unlike those pilots without specific guidance to drop sites or parachutes for their loads, God has given us a most comprehensive map in His Word to help and guide us to abide in Him. He has provided us love we are to demonstrate faithfully so others might be drawn to love God too. People will know we are Christians by our love.
Ham writes concerning the "biscuit bombers" on page 337: "Radio signals were meant to guide in the planes and, at the appointed time, bags of food would hurtle to earth. The pilots were instructed to aim for burnt patches of ground, or logs arranged as markings. Their maps were as good as useless. Where the planes missed the marked clearings, hundreds of bags came crashing through the canopy and free fell to the jungle floor. Occasionally they struck the men below - biscuit bombs killed or wounded several Australian soldiers. Most airdrops still lacked parachutes, and a large percentage of supplies were lost. Virtually all the bags split open, biscuits were reduced to powder and sugar scattered over the jungle floor." Isn't it ironic the careless method of deploying supply drops to save lives actually caused the death of people they intended to save? How unspeakably awful, and what a gross waste! Had parachutes been used, much of the precious supplies could have been useable. I can almost see the relief and satisfaction on the face of the pilot after completing his drop and banking to return to base for another load - completely unaware that a mere fraction of the load was salvageable. He had done his duty, braving enemy fire, successfully locating the drop zone in the misty jungle, and unwittingly ended up killing his mates by dropping supplies on them. The lack of parachutes was a tragic oversight.
It occurred to me that this is a great object lesson concerning a Christian's presentation of the Gospel. Jesus has committed unto us the words of life. God is not willing that any should perish but that all should repent and be born again. Though the Gospel saves souls for eternity, if it is deployed like a load from a biscuit bomber - without the parachute of love - it is an insult and a disgrace. Harsh, judgmental tones in presenting the Gospel do much more harm than good. Spiteful words mingled with pride from the mouths of Christians have greatly injured the cause of Christ. A discussion without love can degrade into vicious debate. I have witnessed an unbeliever stomp off angrily while the believer laughs and shrugs it off. Happy he has done his duty by quashing the spirit of another sinner, the self-assured Gospel bomber seeks his next victim. Of course the opposite is the fearful pilot who would not risk a drop because of the potential of offense. The bright light of scriptural truth can hurt the eyes and wound the pride of those long in darkness. But when delivered with the love of Christ, it causes sorrow which produces repentance not to be repented of and brings ultimate joy.
We should be faithful to share the Gospel with others, seeking to save the lost. Always be sure to be led by the Holy Spirit and demonstrate the love of Christ through compassion, grace, mercy, and kindness. Unlike those pilots without specific guidance to drop sites or parachutes for their loads, God has given us a most comprehensive map in His Word to help and guide us to abide in Him. He has provided us love we are to demonstrate faithfully so others might be drawn to love God too. People will know we are Christians by our love.
07 September 2012
Making Sense of Scripture
Anyone who has read the Bible thoughtfully at times will wonder, "What does that mean?" I must admit, when I was younger I would plow through chapters without even thinking! But times of quality, prayerful reading trumps quantity every time. We should open the word with a humble heart seeking to learn from God. It is good for us to read again and consider even well-trod passages, for within them many priceless gems are hidden. Sometimes our questions generated from a text are clearly answered later in the text if we would only keep reading. Last night was one of those times, when reading a little further clarified with precision what Jesus meant.
As I read John 15, I came to verse 9: "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love." I stopped there and asked my family, "What does Jesus mean that we are to "abide" in His love? How do we do that?" Blank looks from my sons made it evident they had no idea what I was talking about. This should be expected: who uses the word "abide" in common conversation anymore? After I explained that abiding means to remain, continue, or stay, I asked "How can we abide in Christ's love?" Again, no answer was promptly given. I continued in verse 10: "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." We abide in God's love by keeping Christ's commands. When we kept reading we learned the result of obedience and what command Jesus is talking about: John 15:11-12 says, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
Jesus loves us, and Christians ought to abide in His love. We abide in His love by keeping His commandments. His commandment is that we love one another as He has loved us! So we abide in Christ's love when we love one another. Had we stopped reading at verse 9, the abstract language Jesus uses could have kept us in doubt as to what He specifically meant. But when we continued to read, the logical progression makes perfect sense. This was a good illustration to our family that when we are stumped by a scripture, we should pause and pull it apart into bite-sized pieces. No one would think to shove a 72oz. steak into their mouth without first cutting it up into manageable pieces, and it would be presumptuous to think we can understand in one quick read everything contained in a single statement made by Christ. When we read in context, reading many verses on each side of a verse we don't comprehend, often the Bible will explain itself. This is especially true when reading parables told by Jesus. If you're not sure what He means, keep reading!
Reading the Bible is not merely an intellectual or literary exercise. We need the aid of the Holy Spirit to comprehend and properly apply the truths of scripture. Anyone can buy a pallete, oil paints, brushes, and a canvas, but that does not mean he can paint! Owning a Bible does not mean that you can make any sense out of it without divine aid! When Phillip overtook the Ethiopian eunuch who was reading in Isaiah, Phillip asked him if he understood what he read. He wisely replied, "How can I unless someone guides me?" The Holy Spirit has been sent by the Father to guide us into all truth. We need to be born again and ask God to do for us what Jesus did for the disciples who were spiritually blind in Luke 24:45: "And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." Even as Christ opened the eyes of the physically blind, He can open the eyes and ears of our heart to receive His Word in truth if we humbly ask Him. God has given us His Word, not so He might cleverly shroud Himself from plain view, but so we might intimately know Him. As the old song says, "Open our eyes, LORD. We want to see Jesus, to reach out and touch Him, and say that we love Him." This is God's will for all people!
As I read John 15, I came to verse 9: "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love." I stopped there and asked my family, "What does Jesus mean that we are to "abide" in His love? How do we do that?" Blank looks from my sons made it evident they had no idea what I was talking about. This should be expected: who uses the word "abide" in common conversation anymore? After I explained that abiding means to remain, continue, or stay, I asked "How can we abide in Christ's love?" Again, no answer was promptly given. I continued in verse 10: "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." We abide in God's love by keeping Christ's commands. When we kept reading we learned the result of obedience and what command Jesus is talking about: John 15:11-12 says, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
Jesus loves us, and Christians ought to abide in His love. We abide in His love by keeping His commandments. His commandment is that we love one another as He has loved us! So we abide in Christ's love when we love one another. Had we stopped reading at verse 9, the abstract language Jesus uses could have kept us in doubt as to what He specifically meant. But when we continued to read, the logical progression makes perfect sense. This was a good illustration to our family that when we are stumped by a scripture, we should pause and pull it apart into bite-sized pieces. No one would think to shove a 72oz. steak into their mouth without first cutting it up into manageable pieces, and it would be presumptuous to think we can understand in one quick read everything contained in a single statement made by Christ. When we read in context, reading many verses on each side of a verse we don't comprehend, often the Bible will explain itself. This is especially true when reading parables told by Jesus. If you're not sure what He means, keep reading!
Reading the Bible is not merely an intellectual or literary exercise. We need the aid of the Holy Spirit to comprehend and properly apply the truths of scripture. Anyone can buy a pallete, oil paints, brushes, and a canvas, but that does not mean he can paint! Owning a Bible does not mean that you can make any sense out of it without divine aid! When Phillip overtook the Ethiopian eunuch who was reading in Isaiah, Phillip asked him if he understood what he read. He wisely replied, "How can I unless someone guides me?" The Holy Spirit has been sent by the Father to guide us into all truth. We need to be born again and ask God to do for us what Jesus did for the disciples who were spiritually blind in Luke 24:45: "And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures." Even as Christ opened the eyes of the physically blind, He can open the eyes and ears of our heart to receive His Word in truth if we humbly ask Him. God has given us His Word, not so He might cleverly shroud Himself from plain view, but so we might intimately know Him. As the old song says, "Open our eyes, LORD. We want to see Jesus, to reach out and touch Him, and say that we love Him." This is God's will for all people!
06 September 2012
Work of Faith with Power
"Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,
12
that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
If I was asked for a prayer request of late, these verses convey it well. Clear and concise, these words sum up my desire to walk worthy of God for His glory. My heart is also in agreement with verse 10 because I desire for Christ "...to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed." Man loves to be admired, but as a Christian I desire that Christ be admired in me. Any admirable qualities I possess I do only by God's grace, for within my flesh no good thing dwells.
I do pray that God would count me worthy of this calling, that I would fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and this last part strikes me with renewed freshness: that God would display in me "the work of faith with power" so that He would receive the glory and admiration. I was thinking yesterday: are all my words and deeds empowered by faith in God? I can't say that God's power is so revealed in my lifestyle that people can only say, "God is awesome!" An example of this work of faith with power is when Peter and John were heading towards the temple and they walked by a lame man who was begging. The cripple looked at Peter, thinking to receive something from him. Peter said: "Silver and gold I do not have. But what I have I give unto you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." The man was miraculously healed and entered into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God.
This work of faith in power attracted the attention of the people. Acts 3:11-16 relates, "Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."
I will someday leave this body in physical death, but the works of God endure forever. We might not leave a legacy of miraculous physical healing or have thousands of souls for Christ attributed to our testimony. The work of faith with power is not only displayed in dynamic events, but also in mundane routine. It takes many days and weeks to slowly scale the great mountain heights, where rarefied air and freezing cold must be overcome with every upward step. It is God who makes a man strong through faith and reliance upon Him. Faith is no walking stick or crutch for a Christian: it is our lifeblood. In Christ we find life: a life of love, forgiveness, grace, and yes - power. God has granted us freedom to live a life girded by divine power so that Christ might be glorified in us and we in Him. The dynamic power revealed in Christ resurrection is the same power that is infused into every Christian right now. Pretty awesome!
Let us be ever thankful that God has given us all that pertains to life and godliness. In Christ we find life everlasting and mercies that are new every morning, for great is His faithfulness!
05 September 2012
The Pilgrim's Regress
I recently acquired a copy of a C.S. Lewis book I had never heard of: The Pilgrim's Regress. It is an allegorical cousin of Bunyan's classic, and I found it very interesting indeed. As I read it cultivated in me a fresh appreciation of the literary skill and depth of thought of Lewis, and made me in turn wonder if my limited faculties have the capacity me to grasp all that he intended. The book is honest and true. In the preface on page 19 he writes concerning the suggestion of supplying a "key" to the allegory: "It may encourage people to suppose that allegory is a disguise, a way of saying obscurely what could have been said more clearly. But in fact all good allegory exists not to hide but to reveal; to make the inner world more palpable by giving it an (imagined) concrete embodiment." This he does immaculately, and Lewis has few rivals.
I do not think it right to compare The Pilgrim's Progress to this work, and I don't believe C.S. Lewis wrote it for that purpose. But it would be a worthy appendix because it puts in a different light the path of the genuine seeker of God and His eternal kingdom. The pilgrim in Lewis' book, John, may take a path more often traveled than Bunyan's Christian. Instead of a scrip in hand and a road stretching before him, John is without any direction. He is confused with hypocrisy in the church and at a loss to know what he should believe. The idea of God and hell bothers him, and the chance that God does not exist and therefore the lack of accountability is a great delight which quickly erodes into lust, loss, and pain. His wandering leads him into all sorts of error. He is confounded on every side, seeking as a phantom the Island he so desires. Every philosophy and humanistic mode of belief proves empty and unsatisfying. Though very prejudiced against Christianity at first, Wisdom, History, and Reason compel him to submit. His view of everything is changed as he heads for home. As he arrives at end of his journey, he realises he is right back where he started: God was there all along.
It is a great irony that God gave men minds so He might reason with us, yet humans can be most unreasonable. The very thing God provides is what Satan labours to prejudice against Him. Of all creation, what is a more deluded and insensible creature than man? Lewis quotes Bacon at the beginning of book four: "Doth any man doubt, that if there were taken out of men's minds vain opinions, flattering hopes, false valuations, imaginations as one would, and the like: but it would leave the minds of a number of men poor shrunken things: full of melancholy and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves?" The world's philosophies are all from the same corrupt source, while the wisdom which comes from God alone revealed in His Word is eternal and without flaw. Those with a prodigious ability to reason have a great scope of temptation to entertain vain philosophies which oppose scriptural truth and lead to eternal ruin.
Christianity is logical and reasonable. A scientist will carefully cite his sources for his claims, and is not considered foolish for doing so. It is actually proof he has studied. He must exercise faith, trusting the data of previous studies. Philosophers follow the rivers of thought which have been discovered and discussed since the very beginning. Christians are not ignorant for choosing to follow Christ and believe the scripture, even as men sought the wisdom of Plato and Aristotle. Darwin never claimed to be God - but Jesus did. His claim of divinity and resurrection is what sets His claims apart from all other men. The fact that He has confirmed them only adds to His credibility! Christianity to you may appear like Mother Kirk did to John: an old, plain woman. For all of John's searching, he limited his search by his prejudices. He would not consider taking Mother Kirk's hand unless he had no other choice. Have you considered that the old woman may be right? Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.
I do not think it right to compare The Pilgrim's Progress to this work, and I don't believe C.S. Lewis wrote it for that purpose. But it would be a worthy appendix because it puts in a different light the path of the genuine seeker of God and His eternal kingdom. The pilgrim in Lewis' book, John, may take a path more often traveled than Bunyan's Christian. Instead of a scrip in hand and a road stretching before him, John is without any direction. He is confused with hypocrisy in the church and at a loss to know what he should believe. The idea of God and hell bothers him, and the chance that God does not exist and therefore the lack of accountability is a great delight which quickly erodes into lust, loss, and pain. His wandering leads him into all sorts of error. He is confounded on every side, seeking as a phantom the Island he so desires. Every philosophy and humanistic mode of belief proves empty and unsatisfying. Though very prejudiced against Christianity at first, Wisdom, History, and Reason compel him to submit. His view of everything is changed as he heads for home. As he arrives at end of his journey, he realises he is right back where he started: God was there all along.
It is a great irony that God gave men minds so He might reason with us, yet humans can be most unreasonable. The very thing God provides is what Satan labours to prejudice against Him. Of all creation, what is a more deluded and insensible creature than man? Lewis quotes Bacon at the beginning of book four: "Doth any man doubt, that if there were taken out of men's minds vain opinions, flattering hopes, false valuations, imaginations as one would, and the like: but it would leave the minds of a number of men poor shrunken things: full of melancholy and indisposition, and unpleasing to themselves?" The world's philosophies are all from the same corrupt source, while the wisdom which comes from God alone revealed in His Word is eternal and without flaw. Those with a prodigious ability to reason have a great scope of temptation to entertain vain philosophies which oppose scriptural truth and lead to eternal ruin.
Christianity is logical and reasonable. A scientist will carefully cite his sources for his claims, and is not considered foolish for doing so. It is actually proof he has studied. He must exercise faith, trusting the data of previous studies. Philosophers follow the rivers of thought which have been discovered and discussed since the very beginning. Christians are not ignorant for choosing to follow Christ and believe the scripture, even as men sought the wisdom of Plato and Aristotle. Darwin never claimed to be God - but Jesus did. His claim of divinity and resurrection is what sets His claims apart from all other men. The fact that He has confirmed them only adds to His credibility! Christianity to you may appear like Mother Kirk did to John: an old, plain woman. For all of John's searching, he limited his search by his prejudices. He would not consider taking Mother Kirk's hand unless he had no other choice. Have you considered that the old woman may be right? Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.
03 September 2012
When Walking Hurts
Yesterday morning God prompted me to go on an early morning walk. I woke up with expectancy, believing God would teach me something. It was chilly and dark as I set out around 5:30am. Every time I stepped on my right foot, I winced because of sharp pain. The day before I had strained or sprained part of my foot, perhaps while lifting weights. It made walking very difficult without a pronounced hobble. But I gritted my teeth and kept on, thinking the foot simply needed to be stretched out. The pain was still there. It grew to the point of being almost unbearable. "I don't know that I can do this," I said to God. Because walking hurt, I didn't feel like doing it. I could only maintain a decent pace with great effort.
It was in this moment that it dawned on me. Following Jesus isn't easy. In fact, the Christian walk can sometimes be downright painful. In the painful moments we face the temptation to quit. We are not to tempted necessarily to quit believing in Christ, but to abandon tasks which seem to stretch before us for miles. I found that when I focused on the pain, it felt worse and worse. But when I thought about why I was walking - because God told me to - I was able to slowly walk through the pain. When Jesus is our pursuit and passion, even the hurts of this life won't prevent us from pressing on with Him. He won't leave or forsake me, and I've decided never to quit on Him.
My walk didn't last very long, maybe 10 minutes. But in that time I learned something I hope to remember for the rest of my life. The pain people experience takes many forms, and pain can be a big distraction that takes our focus from God and places it on ourselves. Let us be moved with compassion for those who are in pain. In a spiritual or emotional sense they are hobbling on, or perhaps even collapsed by the footpath in tears. In their pursuit of Christ their pain has knocked them off their feet and they are confused and feel forsaken. We do not lose valuable time in our race to lift them up with our hands, lend a shoulder for support, or offer a kind word of encouragement. Let us not pass by those who are struggling for life, looking upon them with disdain as the Pharisee and Levite did in Christ's story of the Good Samaritan. Do not be repulsed by what you perceive as weakness. If we are strong then our weakness remains. God's grace is sufficient for us: when we are weak we are strong (2 Cor. 12:9-10). When we bear one another's burdens we fulfill the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2).
Are you in pain? Keep on following Jesus. Even as a good shepherd will notice when his prize sheep walks with a limp and will investigate for the purpose of treatment and restoration, so Christ does for us. May we do so for one another, following the example of our loving Saviour! Christ makes the blind to see and the lame to walk, leap, and praise Him!
It was in this moment that it dawned on me. Following Jesus isn't easy. In fact, the Christian walk can sometimes be downright painful. In the painful moments we face the temptation to quit. We are not to tempted necessarily to quit believing in Christ, but to abandon tasks which seem to stretch before us for miles. I found that when I focused on the pain, it felt worse and worse. But when I thought about why I was walking - because God told me to - I was able to slowly walk through the pain. When Jesus is our pursuit and passion, even the hurts of this life won't prevent us from pressing on with Him. He won't leave or forsake me, and I've decided never to quit on Him.
My walk didn't last very long, maybe 10 minutes. But in that time I learned something I hope to remember for the rest of my life. The pain people experience takes many forms, and pain can be a big distraction that takes our focus from God and places it on ourselves. Let us be moved with compassion for those who are in pain. In a spiritual or emotional sense they are hobbling on, or perhaps even collapsed by the footpath in tears. In their pursuit of Christ their pain has knocked them off their feet and they are confused and feel forsaken. We do not lose valuable time in our race to lift them up with our hands, lend a shoulder for support, or offer a kind word of encouragement. Let us not pass by those who are struggling for life, looking upon them with disdain as the Pharisee and Levite did in Christ's story of the Good Samaritan. Do not be repulsed by what you perceive as weakness. If we are strong then our weakness remains. God's grace is sufficient for us: when we are weak we are strong (2 Cor. 12:9-10). When we bear one another's burdens we fulfill the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2).
Are you in pain? Keep on following Jesus. Even as a good shepherd will notice when his prize sheep walks with a limp and will investigate for the purpose of treatment and restoration, so Christ does for us. May we do so for one another, following the example of our loving Saviour! Christ makes the blind to see and the lame to walk, leap, and praise Him!
02 September 2012
A Clean Heart
Ever since custodial duties were part of my job, my eyes are drawn to things many don't notice. I would find myself wiping down sinks, mirrors, and toilets without even thinking. Having a background in construction only adds to my unique observations. I suppose even how Jason Bourne in the "Bourne" films was able to instantly observe intricate details of people in the room, places to hide a gun, and exit routes, I walk into a room and I'm quickly looking at carpet, the condition of the wax, the brush marks in the casing paint, and that a few florescent tubes are dead. Instead of thinking about how to kill people or survive, I am constantly thinking about how things can be cleaned, fixed, or improved. It's far safer and a much more wholesome lifestyle than being an assassin!
Cleaning tile or carpet is kind of like a new haircut: only a few people will notice it without prompting. And when they do, it will be two or three weeks after the fact! With the help of a friend I recently stripped and waxed the tile floor at church. Since I had seen the project all the way through, I was well aware of the total transformation which had taken place. Supplies were purchased, stuff moved out of the way, and a machine was secured. Over many hours the floor was stripped and carefully cleaned. After everything was totally dry many coats of wax were applied to the surface, resulting in a beautiful finish. It never ceases to bring a smile to my face when people walk all over the floor without even noticing it. But when the "different" floor is brought to someone's attention, their eyes light up with amazement. The floor is such a static fixture that even a large change in appearance can easily escape notice.
We have two white cars which have been in desperate need for a wash. After Zed's indoor soccer game on Saturday, the boys and I washed our two family cars. Being white in colour, it is amazing how well dirt can be hidden in plain view. It was not until I began washing the car that I realised how dirty the cars really were! We rubbed off the grime, cleaned the rims, rinsed off the car, and dried the water spots. Our labour was richly rewarded with a sparkling result. I wiped down the interior and was pleased with the result. I don't know about you, but it actually feels great driving a clean car. It is almost like sliding into a well-made bed when the crisp and fresh sheets are still taut, without a single wrinkle. I asked Laura after she drove her car, "So, what was it like - driving a clean car?" "I really didn't even notice," she said. I thought to myself, how could you not notice the difference?
I think the cleaning of floors and cars are similar to the cleansing of our hearts in many respects. First, cleaning is often neglected. Even those who are mindful of the condition of their carpets, tiles, and cars are aware that cleaning is often overdue. Another similarity is that we often don't realise how dirty, grimy, and gross they are until we have done a thorough clean. Only after the clean can we with great appreciation step back and say, "Wow! That was so dirty! I'm so glad I took the time to do that!" Because cleaning is a job never done, we can grow weary of doing it over and over again. But there is great reward in faithful maintenance: it is hygienic, prolongs the life of the paint and finish, shows discipline, responsibility, and good stewardship. We Christians live in a polluted, dirty world. Filthy thoughts and ideas, foul language, and the folly of the flesh cakes onto our souls. When we have unnoticed or unconfessed sin in our hearts, it can cut us off from the presence of God. We may not even notice the burden of sin under which we labour until we confess it before the LORD and repent. Once that weight is lifted from our hearts we say, "Wow, it feels good to be clean and free! I had no idea I was even in bondage!"
1 John 1:9 reads, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Let's not neglect the cleaning of our hearts because it's been awhile since we did it last. If we stay on top of cleaning, the job is easier to do. If we keep careful watch over our hearts and minds by putting off the old man, being renewed in the spirit of our minds through God's Word, and putting on the new man, we will experience the victory Jesus has given freely to His disciples by grace through faith. A man can clean up his deeds but cannot cleanse his heart. Only God has the power to wash us in the blood of Christ and the water of the Word. Only then can we be clean! And what a difference!
Cleaning tile or carpet is kind of like a new haircut: only a few people will notice it without prompting. And when they do, it will be two or three weeks after the fact! With the help of a friend I recently stripped and waxed the tile floor at church. Since I had seen the project all the way through, I was well aware of the total transformation which had taken place. Supplies were purchased, stuff moved out of the way, and a machine was secured. Over many hours the floor was stripped and carefully cleaned. After everything was totally dry many coats of wax were applied to the surface, resulting in a beautiful finish. It never ceases to bring a smile to my face when people walk all over the floor without even noticing it. But when the "different" floor is brought to someone's attention, their eyes light up with amazement. The floor is such a static fixture that even a large change in appearance can easily escape notice.
We have two white cars which have been in desperate need for a wash. After Zed's indoor soccer game on Saturday, the boys and I washed our two family cars. Being white in colour, it is amazing how well dirt can be hidden in plain view. It was not until I began washing the car that I realised how dirty the cars really were! We rubbed off the grime, cleaned the rims, rinsed off the car, and dried the water spots. Our labour was richly rewarded with a sparkling result. I wiped down the interior and was pleased with the result. I don't know about you, but it actually feels great driving a clean car. It is almost like sliding into a well-made bed when the crisp and fresh sheets are still taut, without a single wrinkle. I asked Laura after she drove her car, "So, what was it like - driving a clean car?" "I really didn't even notice," she said. I thought to myself, how could you not notice the difference?
I think the cleaning of floors and cars are similar to the cleansing of our hearts in many respects. First, cleaning is often neglected. Even those who are mindful of the condition of their carpets, tiles, and cars are aware that cleaning is often overdue. Another similarity is that we often don't realise how dirty, grimy, and gross they are until we have done a thorough clean. Only after the clean can we with great appreciation step back and say, "Wow! That was so dirty! I'm so glad I took the time to do that!" Because cleaning is a job never done, we can grow weary of doing it over and over again. But there is great reward in faithful maintenance: it is hygienic, prolongs the life of the paint and finish, shows discipline, responsibility, and good stewardship. We Christians live in a polluted, dirty world. Filthy thoughts and ideas, foul language, and the folly of the flesh cakes onto our souls. When we have unnoticed or unconfessed sin in our hearts, it can cut us off from the presence of God. We may not even notice the burden of sin under which we labour until we confess it before the LORD and repent. Once that weight is lifted from our hearts we say, "Wow, it feels good to be clean and free! I had no idea I was even in bondage!"
1 John 1:9 reads, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Let's not neglect the cleaning of our hearts because it's been awhile since we did it last. If we stay on top of cleaning, the job is easier to do. If we keep careful watch over our hearts and minds by putting off the old man, being renewed in the spirit of our minds through God's Word, and putting on the new man, we will experience the victory Jesus has given freely to His disciples by grace through faith. A man can clean up his deeds but cannot cleanse his heart. Only God has the power to wash us in the blood of Christ and the water of the Word. Only then can we be clean! And what a difference!
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